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Biomedical subjects

S Sawaguchi

Publications and source records attributed to S Sawaguchi.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Effects of chondroitin sulfate on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

We investigated the effects of chondroitin sulfate on growth, morphology and ultrastructure of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture. When added to the medium, chondroitin sulfate reduced cell density in RPE cultures in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the controls, the treated cells appeared to be larger and more granular. Electron microscopic examinations revealed accumulations of membrane-bound whorls. In addition, phagocytic activity in the treated cells was notably increased and the level of acid lipase was elevated. These data suggest that increased levels of chondroitin sulfate can induce alterations in both metabolism and activities of RPE cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil.

The effect of subconjunctival injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after trabeculectomy was studied retrospectively in 205 eyes of 168 patients. A life table analysis of the surgical outcome was based on the type of glaucoma and age related differences, and a comparison was made with patients who had trabeculectomy without subconjunctival 5-FU. The success rate at 30 months after trabeculectomy with 5-FU therapy was considerably higher in primary open-angle glaucoma at 93.6% (72.7%), secondary glaucoma at 88.9% (72.4%), and refractory glaucoma at 72.2% (32.5%) with (or without) the use of ocular hypotensive drops when compared with historical control groups treated without 5-FU (60.0% (41.7%), 35.5% (24.0%), and 18.0% (8.0%), respectively). In patients aged over 70 years, no statistically significant improvement could be demonstrated with the use of 5-FU after trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma. Our study may provide data on the appropriate dosage and indications for the use of this drug after glaucoma surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[Relationship of self-rated health to mortality among the community elderly].

The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship of self-rated health to mortality. Subjects consisted of 1096 elderly (471 men, 625 women) aged 65 years and over in 1983, living in the town of Yuwa in Akita Prefecture. They were followed to determine survivorship status and relocation for 7 years after the baseline survey in 1983. The relationship of self-rated health to mortality was tested using a logistic model. The results obtained were as follows: (1) Poor self-rated health was significantly related to higher mortality in a graded fashion by univariate analyses. (2) The significant relationship of self-rated health to mortality was still observed after controlling for sex, age, education, drinking, smoking, physician visits, history of stroke, and activities of daily living. (3) The contribution of self-rated health to mortality differed by sex, age group (65-74, 75-), and period of follow-up (early, late). The contribution was greater in men, aged 75 and over, and during the latter part of the follow up.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[The distribution and characterization of sulfated-proteoglycans in the normal human lamina cribrosa].

The distribution and morphological characterization of the sulfated-proteoglycans in the normal human lamina cribrosa under the electron microscope after staining with cationic-dye (Cuprolinic-Blue) in critical electrolyte condition were studied. Three types of Cuprolinic-Blue positive filaments were identified associated with collagen in the lamina cribrosa according to their size, electro-density and their relation to the collagen fibrils. The thin and short Cuprolinic-Blue positive filaments (referred to as CB-1 filament in this communication) distributed over the collagen fibers in relatively regular fashion. The intermediate-sized Cuprolinic-Blue positive filaments (CB-2) were seen randomly associated with collagen fibers. The clusters of large CB-3 filaments were seen unevenly associated with loosely packed collagen fibers. The higher electron density of CB-2 and CB-3 filaments than those of CB-1 filaments were also demonstrated. Cuprolinic-Blue positive dots and blots as well as various sizes of filaments could be identified in the basal lamina surrounding the collagen beams and in the basement membrane of the blood vessels.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Proteoglycan molecules in keratoconus corneas.

Proteoglycan molecules in keratoconus corneas were studied by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic histochemical methods. Compared with normal human control subjects, the staining intensity with monoclonal antibody 9-A-2 was enhanced in the stroma of scarred keratoconus corneas, whereas the intensity with antibody J-19 was reduced. The 9-A-2 experiment showed an increased immunoreactivity of dermatan sulfate proteoglycan epitopes, and the J-19 experiment indicated a decreased immunoreactivity of sulfated keratan sulfate epitopes. Uronic acid analyses were consistent with the 9-A-2 data. Electron microscopy performed after cuprolinic blue staining showed apparent accumulation of abnormally thick, chondroitinase ABC-sensitive, dermatan sulfate proteoglycan filaments in keratoconus corneas. Such filaments were especially prominent in scarred areas. In addition, Keratan sulfate proteoglycan filaments appeared to be less abundant than those found in normal control corneas. Similar alterations of both types of proteoglycan molecules were also seen and reported in scarred corneas. The similarity suggests that the proteoglycan abnormalities found in keratoconus corneas may be secondary, at least in part, to scarring.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of advanced neuroblastoma with emphasis on intensive induction chemotherapy. A report from the Study Group of Japan.

One hundred nine newly treated patients with advanced neuroblastoma were entered in this study between January 1985 and May 1989. The eligible patients included infants younger than 12 months of age with Stage IVA disease (bone cortex, distant lymph node, and/or remote organ metastases) and patients aged 12 months or older with Stage III or IV disease (IVA plus IVB with tumor crossing the mid-line and with metastases confined to bone marrow, liver, and skin). The patients first received six cyclic course of intensive chemotherapy (regimen A1), consisting of cyclophosphamide (1200 mg/m2), vincristine (1.5 mg/m2), tetrahydropyranyl adriamycin (pyrarubicin; 40 mg/m2), and cisplatin (90 mg/m2). Original tumors and the regional lymph node metastases were removed some time during these first six cycles of chemotherapy. The patients were further divided into three groups. Patients in course 1 received alternating treatment by regimen B (cyclophosphamide and ACNU) and intensified regimen A1, and those in course 2 were treated with alternating administration of regimen C (cyclophosphamide and DTIC) and intensified A1. Patients in course 3 were treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) preceded by high-dose preconditioning chemotherapy. Survival rates were 77% in Stage III and 54% in Stage IV at 2 years, and 70% in Stage III and 45% in Stage IV at 3 years. The major toxicities encountered were bone marrow suppression with leukocyte counts down to 100/mm3, mild cystitis, and hearing impairment. The 2-year survival rate was 78% in 21 patients who underwent BMT when complete remission was achieved. We concluded that our intensive induction chemotherapy is of significant value in increasing the rate of complete response, and in widening the indications for and achieving improved results of treatment with BMT.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1990

Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor levels in keratoconus.

The levels of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-antitrypsin) in keratoconus, normal human, and other diseased corneas were examined. Using an immunoperoxidase technique, the presence of this inhibitor was demonstrated in the epithelium, stroma and endothelium of all corneal sections. Compared with normal human controls, the staining intensity in the epithelium and stromal lamellae of keratoconus corneas was markedly reduced. Such a reduction was not seen in either scarred or other diseased corneas. Extracts of keratoconus and normal human corneas were subsequently analyzed for alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor by a dot blot assay using a monoclonal antibody against the inhibitor and a 125I-labelled secondary antibody. In agreement with the immunohistochemical findings, the alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor level found in the epithelium of keratoconus corneas was approximately one-fourth of that found in normal human controls. In addition, the stromal extracts of keratoconus corneas contained about one-sixth the inhibitor level of that in normal human extracts. These results lend further support to the hypothesis that degradation processes may be aberrant in keratoconus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

A new technique for the excision of the first branchial cleft fistula--turn-inside-out method of the fistula.

Conventional surgery of the first branchial cleft fistula has been highly complicated. Especially the management of the facial nerve and the complete removal of the fistula in the ear canal side were very difficult. According to the anatomical and embryological studies, we designed a new operative technique. We applied this method successfully in two cases, and we consider it to be very safe, easy and effective.

Branchioma↗
PubMed1990

Glutathione synthesis and glutathione redox pathways in naphthalene cataract of the rat.

This investigation examined many parameters during the course of early development of naphthalene-induced cataract in a time span of 0 to 79 days of treatment. Feeding naphthalene daily to Black-Hooded rats resulted in gradual progressive development of cataract. The first faint opacities were detectable after 7 days. Free soluble total glutathione (oxidized and reduced) of these lenses was shown to gradually decrease to a maximum loss of about 20%, a value reached by day 30 of treatment. No activity loss of either enzyme required for glutathione synthesis (gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase or glutathione synthetase) was observed in homogenates of naphthalene versus control lenses. There was also neither impairment of [35S]-L-cystine uptake nor of [35S]-glutathione synthetic capacity in lenses cultured from rats after 12, 24 or 36 days of naphthalene feeding when compared to control lenses. Hence, glutathione loss cannot be explained by a damaged glutathione synthesis system. Progressive activity loss of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase was observed. The loss of glutathione peroxidase activity was especially remarkable. Thus, the defense system against oxidative damage is impaired and may be a significant factor in naphthalene-induced cataract of the rat.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

An immunopathologic study of retinoblastoma protein.

We investigated the immunoreactivity of the retinoblastoma protein in eight retinoblastoma tumors of different stages of differentiation. All undifferentiated tumor cells failed to show immunoreactivity. In one patient, who had a family history of retinoblastoma and had been treated by radiation, the tumor had a large area of undifferentiated cells and small independent retinocytomas. The tumor cells in the retinocytoma and the cone cells in the adjacent retina, but not the undifferentiated tumor cells, showed positive staining with two anti-Rb antibodies. The immunoreactivity may be related to radiation or differentiation of retinoblastoma and cone cells.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1989

[A preliminary treatment report of the Study Group of Japan for Advanced Neuroblastoma].

We present preliminary treatment results of a nation-wide cooperative clinical study for advanced neuroblastoma supported by a grant-in-aid for cancer research from the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. This study involves 28 major pediatric oncology institutions in Japan and started in May, 1985. Until 1987 we treated 84 patients with stage III and IV neuroblastoma whose prognosis was considered to be extremely poor. Every patient who entered this study received 6 cycles of A1 protocol consisted of high dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, cis-platinum and THP-adriamycin, a newly introduced low-cardiotoxic anthracycline derivative. Having received 6 cycles of A1 protocol, patients were divided into 3 groups, i.e., ACNU course, DTIC course and bone marrow transplantation course preconditioned by high dose melphalan. Of 77 patients who received more than 3 cycles of A1 protocol, tumor extirpation was performed in 69 patients. Total or subtotal resection of the original tumor and the regional lymph-nodes was possible in 57 cases. The high resectability of the tumor indicates marked effectiveness of this protocol. Of the 57 patients who followed this treatment protocol from the beginning (virgin case), 31 (54.4%) showed complete response and 26 still remains in complete remission. 93.0% of response rate (CR + PR) was obtained by the treatment protocols, which was considerably high as compared with the results of other treatment protocol reported. This protocol also worked well in the patients who had failed with other treatment protocol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1989

Lysosomal enzyme abnormalities in keratoconus.

We studied the lysosomal enzyme activities in corneas obtained from 12 patients with keratoconus. Three acid hydrolases--acid phosphatase, acid esterase, and acid lipase--were demonstrated by histochemical staining methods in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium of corneas with keratoconus and normal human corneas. Analyses by an image-processing system indicated that the epithelium, especially the basal epithelium, of corneas with keratoconus had significantly higher levels of acid phosphatase, acid esterase, and acid lipase than those in normal human controls. Such an abnormality was not seen in either scarred corneas or corneas obtained from patients with Fuchs' corneal dystrophy. Our finding is consistent with the hypothesis that tissue degradation processes may be abnormal in keratoconus. In addition, our data suggest that the corneal epithelium, as previously speculated, may also be involved in this corneal disease.

Acetylesterase↗
PubMed1989

Computerized analysis of anorectal manometry.

A computer system was designed and applied to anorectal manometry that allows pressure data to be analysed in various ways. Two kinds of applications were presented. Image analysis enabled anorectal movements to be visualized as a three-dimensional image. This technique was shown to be useful in studying the pathophysiology of chronic constipation in children. Radial variation analysis demonstrated that there was no significant radial difference in the anal-canal pressure.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1989

Clinical experience with a sucking sump catheter in the treatment of esophageal atresia.

This is an introduction to the sucking sump catheter as a method of continuous salivary suction from the oral cavity for the treatment of esophageal atresia and other diseases. Upper pouch suction on many occasions is not easy. The double lumen catheter was devised by Replogle to achieve better suction efficiency, but this is not always satisfactory. Therefore, we devised an oral suction catheter that is a sucking sump catheter. A no. 8 French Argyle Salem sump catheter was transformed; we added five to six holes, and the tip was bent into a double or triple circle. This is sucked on, as a nipple would be, by the infant. From 6 years of experience, we have determined that this works very well for continuous salivary aspiration from the oral cavity, that it causes no complications; this device can also contribute to early oral feeding after esophageal anastomosis.

Catheterization↗
PubMed1989

Immunohistochemical studies of Peters' anomaly.

Peters' anomaly is a congenital abnormality that affects mainly the posterior cornea. The pathogenesis is unclear. By immunohistochemical methods, the authors determined the presence of extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin, laminin, and collagen types I, III, IV, V, and VI, in seven corneal buttons from five patients with Peters' anomaly. Type III collagen was the only protein absent in either the pathologic or normal human corneas. Compared with normal controls, the stromal lamellae in Peters' anomaly corneas were more irregular and more closely packed. In addition, the fibronectin staining was markedly enhanced in all seven Peters' anomaly corneas. Staining with collagen type VI was also mildly increased. These results suggest that extracellular matrix elements such as fibronectin may be important factors in this developmental disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Coamplification of the L-myc and N-myc oncogenes in a neuroblastoma cell line.

The L-myc, N-myc and c-myc genes are members of the myc oncogene family. In particular, L-myc is novel, and amplification of L-myc is still unknown except in small cell lung carcinoma. We examined L-myc amplification in 30 human neuroblastomas using Southern blot hybridization, and found that the L-myc gene was amplified approximately 5-fold in GOTO, a human neuroblastoma cell line. The N-myc gene was also amplified approximately 60-fold and furthermore, over-expression of L-myc and N-myc genes was observed in this cell line. In this report, we describe the coamplification of the myc gene family in the GOTO neuroblastoma cell line.

Blotting, Southern↗