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Biomedical subjects

S Sato

Publications and source records attributed to S Sato.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The Eating Disorder Inventory-2 in Japanese clinical and non-clinical samples: psychometric properties and cross-cultural implications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of and cross-cultural differences in the Japanese version of the eating disorder inventory-2 (EDI-2). METHOD: A Japanese version of the EDI-2 was administered to a consecutive series (1995-2001) of 91 Japanese eating disordered inpatients and 119 matched non-clinical controls. Scores were compared with each other and with those of Canadian data previously reported. Internal consistencies were also examined. RESULTS: All subscales (except Ascetism) reached sufficient internal consistencies. The patients' mean scores were significantly higher than controls on most subscales. Restricting anorexics (AN-R) scored higher than controls on body dissatisfaction (BD) and Social Insecurity (SI) subscales. Purging bulimics (BN-P) scored higher than controls on most subscales, except for maturity fears (MF) and SI subscales. Scores of binge-eating/purging type anorexics (AN-B/P) were higher than controls on all subscales. AN-B/P and BN-P scored higher than AN-R on bulimia (B) subscale. Comparison with Canadian subjects showed that Japanese control subjects scored significantly higher on the MF, ineffectiveness (I), impulse regulation (IR), SI subscales, and lower on the perfectionism (P) subscale. DISCUSSION: The EDI-2 is useful and reliable in understanding Japanese clinical and non-clinical samples. High MF and low P subscales in our samples confirm previous findings in Chinese samples suggesting meaningful cultural differences in the emphasis placed on family bonds and individual accomplishments. In addition, high I, IR, and SI scores in Japanese non-clinical samples may reflect recent problems in Japanese culture.

Adult↗

Immuno-localization of COX-1 and COX-2 in the rat molar periodontal tissue after topical application of lipopolysaccharide.

Up-regulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in the periodontal tissue is considered to be important for periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the dynamic changes of immuno-localization of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in rat periodontal tissue after topical application of lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 5 mg/ml in physiological saline) from Escherichia coli into the rat molar gingival sulcus. In the normal periodontal tissue, small numbers of junctional epithelium (JE) cells and numerous osteocytes embedded in alveolar bone constitutively expressed COX-1. The COX-1 expression was not effected by LPS application. JE cells, especially in the coronal portion of JE also expressed COX-2. LPS application induced the JE cells with consequent transient expression of COX-2 with a peak at day 1. These findings suggest that JE cells may play a critical role in first defense line against LPS challenge and PGE2 from JE cells may be responsible for the initiation of periodontal inflammation. In the deep periodontal tissue, cementoblasts and osteoblasts showed constitutive expression of COX-2, which may be induced by continuous cyclic tension force due to occlusal pressure. LPS application caused a transient up-regulation of COX-2 expression in periodontal ligament fibroblasts, cementoblasts and osteoblasts. It is suggested that the inducible production of PGE2 via COX-2 by these cells may be associated with connective tissue destruction and alveolar bone resorption.

Administration, Topical↗

Molecular identification and immunohistochemical localization of atrial natriuretic peptide in the heart of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide (ANP and BNP) are cardiac hormones synthesized and secreted by the myoendocrine cells of the heart. They exert potent actions on body fluid balance. Since various body organs including the heart are under high physiological stress during water and food deprivation in the desert nomads, we intended to perform molecular biological and histological studies of ANP in the heart of the dromedary camel Camelus dromedarius. Initially, we isolated cDNAs encoding ANP from the atrium and BNP from the atrium and ventricle of the dromedary camel. Putative mature ANP, deduced from the cDNA sequence, was identical to that of human and pig ANP, but the putative mature BNP was more diverse and was most similar to pig BNP (94% identity). Thus, we used antisera raised against human ANP that did not cross-react with pig BNP in the subsequent immunohistochemical studies. The ANP-expressing myoendocrine cells are most concentrated in the right atrium, to a lesser extent in the left atrium, and almost absent in the left ventricle. The immuno-positive cells are scattered uniformly in each region and are characterized by the presence of immunoreactive granular deposits around the nucleus. The left atrium comprises some ramifications of conductive cells (Purkinje fibers), some of which also contained ANP-immunoreactive granules. At the electron microscopic level, myoendocrine cells possessed secretory granules primarily in the perinuclear zone and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The present study is the first comprehensive report dealing with the molecular cloning and immunohistochemical localization of ANP in the heart of a desert dwelling mammal.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epitope analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid IgG in HTLV-I associated myelopathy patients using phage display method.

We, for the first time, analyzed the binding motifs of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients with a phage library displaying 12-mer random peptides. As a result, the sequences highly homologous to HTLV-I gp46 192-199, 237-243 and 255-261 were the common linear epitopes of high affinity- IgG exclusively detected in both CSF and sera of the patients. These IgG responses were confirmed with corresponding HTLV-I peptides and serum antibody titers significantly correlated with disease severity or duration. Gp46 237-243 has not been detected in previous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies using bound longer peptides, suggesting the usefulness of the phage display method.

Adult↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: report of 100 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is not yet widespread in Japan. After our first hand-assisted laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (HALapNx) in 2001, we report our 100 cases and examine the possibility of making this technique widely available in Japan. METHODS: HALapNx was performed in 100 cases (44 males and 56 females) from February 2001 through July 2003. The operative procedure for HALapNx was briefly described here. First, 2 12-mm ports were placed in the midaxillary line at the superior and inferior level of the umbilicus. Next, a 5-cm incision was made in the midline periumbilicus and the hand port system was fitted through the abdominal incision. After 10 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, HALapNx begins with mobilization of the left colon. RESULTS: HALapNx was completed successfully in all cases and no patients required conversion to laparotomy. The estimated blood loss was 33.5 +/- 40.3 g and no patient required blood transfusion. The mean operative time was 168.8 +/- 47.6 minutes, and there was no major complication in a donor. CONCLUSIONS: HALapNx is technically feasible and may offer several advantages over open donor nephrectomy in terms of less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and minimal cosmetic disfigurement. In Japan, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is not yet widespread, possibly due to the need for surgical laparoscopic skills. We believe that the best way to make laparoscopic donor naphrectomy widely available is through hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

Adult↗

Efficacy of basiliximab induction therapy in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation: a rapid steroid withdrawal protocol.

INTRODUCTION: We have performed ABO-incompatible (ABO-i) kidney transplantation (KT) to alleviate the severe organ shortage in our country. Induction therapy with basiliximab, a monoclonal anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody, is known to be effective in reducing the incidence of acute rejection (AR) after ABO-compatible KT. However, the efficacy of basiliximab in ABO-i KT is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of basiliximab to decrease overall maintenance immunosuppression (a steroid withdrawal protocol) and to improve the outcome of ABO-i KT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2002 and May 2003, 14 adult patients underwent ABO-i KT from living donors with cyclosporine (CsA)-based immunosuppression. There were seven men and seven women of mean age 48 +/- 10 years. Three of the 12 cases were second KT. Three sessions of plasmapheresis were performed to remove anti-AB antibodies before KT. Splenectomy was performed in all patients. Immunosuppression consisted of methylprednisolone (MP), CsA, and mycophenolate mofetil, in addition to antibody induction with basiliximab. MP was completely withdrawn on postoperative day 14. RESULTS: In 3 of 14 recipients, MP was restarted because of AR or a suspicion of AR. Both patient and graft survivals were 100%. The incidence of biopsy-proven AR was 14% (2/14). There was no adverse effect related to the antibody therapy. CONCLUSION: The use of basiliximab induction therapy may eliminate the need for steroid maintenance therapy without increasing AR risk, even among ABO-i KT recipients. We conclude that basiliximab provides safe and effective induction immunosuppression in ABO-i KT recipients.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Living related liver transplantation for biliary atresia with portopulmonary hypertension: case report.

Portopulmonary hypertension is a complication of end-stage liver disease that adversely affects the outcome of liver transplantation (LT). We report a case of living related LT who developed severe pulmonary hypertension during and after LT. This 16-year-old girl suffered from biliary atresia, having undergone a portoenterostomy at 60 days of age, at the time of discovery of liver cirrhosis. She had been admitted to a local hospital several times for episodes of esophageal variceal bleeding. Neither dyspnea nor cyanosis was discerned until LT. Although pulmonary hypertension (PH) was disclosed by echocardiogram upon preoperative evaluation, we did not consider this a contraindication for LT, because the PH was mild. She underwent living LT from her father (graft volume/recipient body weight ratio: 0.99%). After induction of anesthesia for LT, a pulmonary flotation catheterization showed severe PH (>40 mm Hg). The pulmonary artery pressure continued to be elevated during surgery, although it was possible that her severe scoliosis affected the data. Hyperbilirubinemia was observed after LT, despite good liver function tests. On postoperative day 12, a portal vein thrombosis was detected requiring emergency thrombectomy and splenectomy. Her general condition worsened after the second surgery. She died due to cardiopulmonary failure. Autopsy showed marked hypertrophy of the right ventricle with intimal thickening in the pulmonary artery. In this case, the underestimated PH might have resulted in the unfortunate outcome. Before LT, PH should be carefully evaluated by measures including invasive assessment.

Adolescent↗

Results of kidney transplantation in patients receiving MMF- or MMF and basiliximab-containing immunosuppression.

UNLABELLED: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a more potent immunosuppressive drug than azathioprine or mizoribine in combination with cyclosporine (CsA) and steroids. Recently, basiliximab (BA), an interleukin-2 receptor antagonist, has become available in Japan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an extremely low CsA dose immunosuppressive protocol with MMF versus MMF plus BA after renal transplantation (RTx). PATIENTS: Between September 2001 and March 2003, we performed 79 RTx with CsA-based immunosuppression, including nine from cadavers and 70 from living donors with 15 ABO-incompatible RTx. Immunosuppression consisted of methylprednisolone (MP), CsA and MMF (group 1; n = 24) versus added BA during the induction phase (group 2; n = 55). In group 2, MP was withdrawn on postoperative day 14. Supplementary MP, muromonab-CD3, or gusperimus was administered if rejection was suspected clinically or diagnosed by biopsy. RESULTS: The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (AR) was significantly higher among group 1 than group 2 patients (P < .05). CsA C2 levels in group 1 were significantly higher than group 2 at each time (P < .01). The incidence of infection was comparable. Patient and graft survival rates in group 1 were 100% and 100%; in group 2, they were 98% and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The short-term results of RTx were favorable in both the MMF, and the MMF plus BA immunosuppression. In addition, BA significantly reduced the number of AR episodes. Early steroid withdrawal in recipients receiving BA induction was not associated with an increased risk of AR.

Adult↗

An intraoperative fluorescent imaging system in organ transplantation.

UNLABELLED: An intraoperative fluorescent imaging system (SPY system; Novadaq Technologies, Inc, Concord, Ontario, Canada) that enables vascular surgeons to confirm the location and states of the reconstructed vessels during surgery, has been developed in the field of open heart surgery. In this paper, we evaluated the usefulness of the SPY system in kidney and liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SPY system visualizes arteries and grafts intraoperatively, using indocyanine green (ICG) with a portable imaging device. The modality was evaluated in 15 patients undergoing kidney (n = 13) or liver (n = 2) transplantation with respect to safety, feasibility of use, and image quality. Images were generated and acquired with a portable laser diode/infrared camera device after injection of 10 mL of ICG (2.5 mg/mL) intravenously. RESULT: There was no complication associated with ICG injection or the imaging device. The SPY system was easily used during transplant surgery and adequately demonstrated reconstructed arteries and patency in all patients. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative imaging system enables the surgeon to view, record, and replay real-time images of the reconstructed arteries during surgery. The system may provide useful information during surgery such as solid organ transplantation that requires vascular reconstruction.

Fluorescein Angiography↗

Longitudinal changes in health status using the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire and pulmonary function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Long-term changes in health status have been less evaluated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in comparison to the changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Accordingly, we examined the clinical course of health status as well as pulmonary function in COPD patients, and investigated the relationship between the change in health status and the change in pulmonary function in a 3-year longitudinal study involving 224 patients with COPD. Health status using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) and pulmonary function were measured at baseline and every six months over three years. We used the random effects model for the slopes to estimate the longitudinal changes. A total of 147 patients completed the 3-year study. The dyspnoea, fatigue, and emotional function domains of the CRQ declined slowly but significantly over 3 years (p = 0.001, 0.003, and 0.004, respectively) with a mean decline rate of 0.08/year. This means that it would take about 6 years to reach the minimal important change of 0.5 on the CRQ. The mean decline in post-bronchodilator FEV1 was 60 ml/year. None of the changes in any of the domains of the CRQ were significantly correlated with the changes in pulmonary function. We have found that, in comparison to the decline in pulmonary function, health status evaluated by the CRQ declined significantly but very slowly in three of four domains over three years in patients with COPD. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that there was no significant relationship between the change in health status and the change in pulmonary function.

Aged↗

Identification of a novel allele HLA-A*1113 in a Japanese donor.

Anew HLA-A*11 allele, A*1113, was identified in a healthy Japanese female. She was typed as HLA-A11?, A2, B46, B67, Cw1, Cw7 (Bw6) with unusual serological reactivity of A11, suggesting possible presence of a new A*11 allele. The novel A*1113 allele was identified by haplotypic group-specific allele amplification using A*11 allele-specific primer pairs and sequence-based typing. The A*1113 allele differs from A*11011 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3 at position 503 (A --> G) which causes an amino acid change in the alfa2 domain at residue 144 (lysine : K --> arginine : R), thus resulting in the unusual serological reactivity.

Alleles↗

Antinucleosome antibody is a major autoantibody in localized scleroderma.

BACKGROUND: Localized scleroderma (LSc) exhibits autoimmunity, and antihistone antibody is frequently detected. The major antigens recognized by antihistone antibody are histones H1, H2A and H2B, which are located on the outer side of the nucleosome and are relatively more accessible for antibody binding. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that antihistone antibody is induced by nucleosome or native chromatin as immunogens in LSc. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether antinucleosome antibody is present in patients with LSc. METHODS: Antinucleosome antibody, antihistone antibody and antidouble-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results IgG or IgM antinucleosome antibody was detected more frequently in patients with LSc than was antihistone antibody: in 40 of 49 (82%) vs. 26 of 49 (53%), respectively. No patients had anti-dsDNA antibody. The prevalence of antinucleosome antibody positivity was comparable in the three subgroups of LSc (generalized morphoea, 89%; linear scleroderma, 71%; morphoea, 90%). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exhibited a similar frequency of antinucleosome antibody positivity (13 of 15, 87%), but their IgG levels of this autoantibody were much higher than those found in patients with LSc. By contrast, IgM antinucleosome antibody levels were normal in patients with SLE, while they were significantly increased in patients with LSc compared with normal controls. Antinucleosome antibody was also detected at lower frequency in patients with systemic sclerosis (five of 20, 25%) or dermatomyositis (five of 15, 33%). Nucleosome-restricted antibodies, i.e. antibodies that react with the whole nucleosome particle but not with its individual components (histones and dsDNA) were also present in 35% of patients with LSc. CONCLUSIONS: Although antinucleosome antibody was not specific to LSc, its high prevalence in LSc indicates that antinucleosome antibody is a major autoantibody in this disease.

Adult↗

Autoantibody against matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by multi-organ fibrosis with an autoimmune background. Although autoantibodies are detected frequently in SSc patients, the role of autoantibody in the development of fibrosis remains unknown. Connective tissue homeostasis is a balance between the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM); ECM degradation is regulated mainly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Anti-MMP-1 antibody is suggested to inhibit MMP-1 and be involved in the development of the fibrosis in SSc. However, the accumulation of various ECM components in the tissue of SSc cannot be explained by the anti-MMP-1 antibody alone. In this study, we examined the presence or levels of antibody to MMP-3, a protein which degrades various ECM components relevant to SSc fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using human recombinant MMP-3 revealed that IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody levels were elevated significantly in the sera from SSc patients, but not in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis. IgG and IgM anti-MMP-3 antibody levels were significantly higher in diffuse cutaneous SSc, a severe form, than those in limited cutaneous SSc. Consistently, IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody levels correlated significantly with fibrosis of the skin, lung and renal blood vessels. The presence of IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody in sera from SSc patients was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. Remarkably, MMP-3 activity was inhibited by IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody. These results suggest that anti-MMP-3 antibody is a serological marker that reflects the severity of SSc and also suggest that it may contribute to the development of fibrosis by inhibiting MMP-3 activity and reducing the ECM turnover.

Autoantibodies↗

Autoantibodies to a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, heat-shock protein 47, in systemic sclerosis.

Heat-shock proteins are highly conserved and immunogenic proteins, which may be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases. Heat-shock protein 47 (HSP47) is expressed by collagen-secreting cells such as fibroblasts and serves as a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that plays a crucial role in collagen metabolism. Abnormal collagen accumulation and autoimmunity are characteristics of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We determined the presence and prevalence of autoantibodies to HSP47 in patients with SSc and also in tight-skin (TSK/+) mice, an animal model for SSc. Anti-HSP47 autoantibodies were present in SSc patients with a frequency of 26%, while patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, those with dermatomyositis, those with keloid and healthy subjects did not have anti-HSP47 antibodies. IgG1 and IgG2 were the major Ig isotypes of the autoantibodies. Patients positive for anti-HSP47 had a significantly shorter duration of disease than those who were negative. Anti-HSP47 autoantibodies were also positive in 79% of TSK/+ mice. Thus, autoantibodies to HSP47 were present in the sera from SSc patients as well as those from TSK mice, and may be associated with the pathogenesis of SSc.

Adolescent↗

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression and relationship to tumour progression in human renal cell carcinoma.

AIMS: Cyclooxygenase (COX), which catalyses the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, has two isoforms; COX-1 and COX-2. There is ample evidence to suggest an important role for COX-2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of COX-2 expression and its localization in the development and progression of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression and localization of COX-2 were evaluated in human RCC tissues from 75 patients by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive COX-2 protein was observed in all cases of RCC, and the levels of COX-2 expression were correlated with tumour grade and pathological stage. Expression of COX-2 was higher in the granular cell subtype than in the clear cell subtype of RCC. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that COX-2 was expressed in the nuclear membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and mitochondrial membrane of RCC cells. CONCLUSION: COX-2 overexpression within these intracellular organelles in RCC may be associated with renal cell carcinogenesis and COX-2 may be a useful biomarker in RCC.

Adult↗

Flavopiridol as a radio-sensitizer for esophageal cancer cell lines.

Flavopiridol is a synthetic flavone that has shown an antitumor effect against several cancers. Here, we investigated the in vitro effect of flavopiridol alone and the combined effect of low-dose flavopiridol plus radiation on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (TE8, TE9 and KE4) were exposed to flavopiridol (0.05-400 nmol/L) for 48 h. Growth inhibition was evaluated by MTT assay, cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry, and cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Rb protein expression was detected by Western blotting. The effect of 0.05 nmol/L flavopiridol as a radio-sensitizer was determined by clonogenic assay. The IC50 was approximately 110-250 nmol/L. Exposure to 0.05 nmol/L flavopiridol for 48 h increased the G2/M population, while 300 nmol/L increased the G1 population. At a concentration of 300 nmol/L, nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation were observed in all three cell lines. Exposure to 300 nmol/L flavopiridol decreased the levels of cyclin D1 and Rb protein in all three cell lines and Bcl-2 protein was also decreased in TE8 and KE4 cells. Moreover, exposure to 0.05 nmol/L flavopiridol slightly decreased the levels of cyclin D1, Rb and Bcl-2 protein in KE4 cells. Flavopiridol treatment (0.05 nmol/L) enhanced the radio-sensitivity in all three cell lines. Low-dose flavopiridol augmented the response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines to radiation. Administration of a low dose of flavopiridol could be a potent new therapeutic approach for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy against esophageal cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Serum concentrations of soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 are increased in patients with systemic sclerosis: association with lower frequency of pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum concentrations of soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (sPSGL-1) and its clinical associations in patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: Serum sPSGL-1 concentrations from 65 patients with systemic sclerosis were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In a retrospective longitudinal study, 177 sera from 35 patients with systemic sclerosis were analysed (follow up 0.3 to 6.3 years) RESULTS: Serum sPSGL-1 was raised in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lSSc) (n = 34) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dSSc) (n = 31) compared with healthy controls (n = 22) and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 20) or dermatomyositis (n = 20). Patients with systemic sclerosis who had raised sPSGL-1 concentrations less often had pulmonary fibrosis and decreased vital capacity (%VC) than those with normal sPSGL-1 levels. sPSGL-1 concentrations were positively correlated with %VC in patients with systemic sclerosis. In the longitudinal study, patients with systemic sclerosis but without pulmonary fibrosis had consistently increased sPSGL-1 concentrations in the early phase, while those with pulmonary fibrosis had decreased sPSGL-1 throughout the follow up period. CONCLUSIONS: A raised serum sPSGL-1 is associated with a lower frequency and severity of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. sPSGL-1 could be a protective factor against the development of pulmonary fibrosis in this disease and as such would be a possible therapeutic target.

Adolescent↗