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Biomedical subjects

Shigehiro Katayama

Publications and source records attributed to Shigehiro Katayama.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Regulation of PPAR gamma transcriptional activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

PPAR gamma is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and functions as a transcriptional regulator of genes linked to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. The regulation of PPAR gamma activity by insulin signaling molecules in adipocytes has yet to be clarified. Therefore, it is important to measure endogenous PPAR gamma transcriptional activities in response to various stimuli in adipocytes. Herein, with a transcription reporter assay using recombinant adenovirus vectors expressing PPRE (PPAR responsive elements)-reporter genes, we established a novel system for measuring endogenous PPAR gamma transcriptional activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. By means of this system, a marked increase (8.5-fold) in PPAR gamma transcriptional activity was detected after treatment with 10(-6)M pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione (TZD), indicating that this system can measure PPAR gamma activity accurately. Furthermore, MAPK activation, achieved by overexpressing constitutively activated MEK1, inhibited PPAR gamma transcriptional activity. In contrast, treatment with PKA stimulators markedly increased PPAR gamma activity. Interestingly, PI 3-kinase overexpression resulted in a marked decrease in PPAR gamma activity. These observations have important implications for understanding the regulation of PPAR gamma transcriptional activity.

3T3 Cells↗

VEGF is a modifier of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in mice and humans and protects motoneurons against ischemic death.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable degenerative disorder of motoneurons. We recently reported that reduced expression of Vegfa causes ALS-like motoneuron degeneration in Vegfa(delta/delta) mice. In a meta-analysis of over 900 individuals from Sweden and over 1,000 individuals from Belgium and England, we now report that subjects homozygous with respect to the haplotypes -2,578A/-1,154A/-634G or -2,578A/-1,154G/-634G in the VEGF promoter/leader sequence had a 1.8 times greater risk of ALS (P = 0.00004). These 'at-risk' haplotypes lowered circulating VEGF levels in vivo and reduced VEGF gene transcription, IRES-mediated VEGF expression and translation of a novel large-VEGF isoform (L-VEGF) in vivo. Moreover, SOD1(G93A) mice crossbred with Vegfa(delta/delta) mice died earlier due to more severe motoneuron degeneration. Vegfa(delta/delta) mice were unusually susceptible to persistent paralysis after spinal cord ischemia, and treatment with Vegfa protected mice against ischemic motoneuron death. These findings indicate that VEGF is a modifier of motoneuron degeneration in human ALS and unveil a therapeutic potential of Vegfa for stressed motoneurons in mice.

Aged↗

Glycated high-density lipoprotein regulates reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in endothelial cells.

Nonenzymatic glycosylation of plasma proteins may contribute to the excess risk of developing atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Although it is believed that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is glycosylated at an increased level in diabetic individuals, little is known about a possible linkage between glycated HDL and endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. To clarify whether glucose-modified HDL affects the function of endothelial cells, we first examined herein the level of H(2)O(2) generation from cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) exposed to a glycated oxidized HDL (gly-ox-HDL) prepared in vitro. Incubation for 48 hours with 100 microg/mL of gly-ox-HDL induced significant release of H(2)O(2) from cells and gly-ox-HDL-induced H(2)O(2) formation was inhibited in the presence of diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. In addition, stimulation of HAECs with gly-ox-HDL for 48 hours elicited a marked downregulation of catalase and Cu(2+), Zn(2+)-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), suggesting H(2)O(2) formation by gly-ox-HDL to be due to a disturbance involving oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in the cells. Treatment of HAECs with gly-ox-HDL attenuated the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but not inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and this was followed by decreased production of nitric oxide (NO) by the cells. Furthermore, in vitro experiments with glycated HDL (gly-HDL) in the presence of 2 mmol/L EDTA and Cu(2+)-oxidized HDL suggested the effect of gly-HDL on endothelial function to be possibly potentiated by additional oxidative modification. Taking all of the above findings together, gly-ox-HDL may lead to the deterioration of vascular function through altered production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in endothelial cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 in monocytes suppresses angiotensin II-elicited chemotactic activity through inhibition of CCR2: role of bilirubin and carbon monoxide generated by the enzyme.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and the receptor for MCP-1, CCR2, play a pivotal role in the recruitment of monocytes to the subendothelium, which is the initial event in atherosclerosis. Heme oxygenase (HO) is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of heme into biliverdin, which is subsequently reduced to bilirubin, free iron, and carbon monoxide, and induction of HO-1 is potentially associated with cellular protection, especially against oxidative insults. The present study was designed to examine the role of HO-1 in monocytes in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced chemotactic response. Ang II significantly stimulated superoxide formation in monocytes, as measured by nitro blue tetrazolium reduction assay, as well as the chemotactic response to MCP-1 with the increased expression of CCR2 determined by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis. Hemin-treated monocytes displayed an enhanced HO activity with the increased accumulation of bilirubin determined by immunostaining, when compared with control monocytes. The induction of HO-1 in monocytes suppresses not only Ang II-stimulated superoxide formation, but also Ang II-enhanced chemotactic activity. Exogenously applied bilirubin and carbon monoxide mimicked the inhibitory effect of HO-1 on the chemotactic response. These findings suggest that monocytic HO-1 might be a new therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Angiotensin II↗

Effect of p53 deficiency on external vascular cuff-induced neointima formation.

The p53 tumor suppressor gene may act as an inhibitor of vascular neointima formation in response to injury and in the present study the effects of p53 deficiency on external vascular cuff-induced neointima formation were evaluated. Vascular neointima formation was induced by an external vascular cuff; a polyethylene tube placed around a 2 mm segment of the left femoral artery ensheathed the adventitia, but avoided direct intraluminal injury. Two weeks after cuff placement, the cuff-sheathed and contralateral control arteries without cuff from wild-type (n=10) and p53 deficient (n=8) mice were harvested and analyzed by quantitative morphometry. The areas of the lumen, intima, and media were measured in 10 cross-sections from one edge to the other of the cuffed portion, and in the corresponding 2-mm segment of the contralateral control artery. The volume ratio of the intima to media (I/M) was calculated. The contralateral control arteries without a cuff did not have intima in either wild-type or p53 deficient mice. In the cuff-sheathed arteries, neointima formation of p53 deficient mice with an I/M of 93% was significantly greater than that of wild-type mice with an I/M of 50% (P=0.001). The absence of p53 is associated with increased neointima formation in response to cuff injury.

Animals↗

Effect of cilnidipine on insulin sensitivity in patients with essential hypertension.

To clarify the effect of cilnidipine, a long-acting dihydropyridine Ca-antagonist that blocks both L- and N-type Ca(2+)-channels, on insulin sensitivity, cilnidipine at 5 to 10 mg/day was administered to ten patients with essential hypertension for 12 weeks. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 57.7 +/- 5.0 (SEM) years old and 27.1 +/- 1.5, respectively. Blood pressure, serum levels of catecholamines, glucose and lipid were determined before and after the treatment. Insulin sensitivity was also measured by a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp method using an artificial pancreas (STG-22; Nikiso, Tokyo, Japan) before and after the treatment. Cilnidipine administration significantly lowered blood pressure from 154/96 to 137/84 mmHg (p<0.05). The glucose infusion rate was significantly increased by 20.8%, from 3.27 +/- 0.36 to 3.95 +/- 0.55 mg/kg/min (p<0.05). HbA1C and serum lipid levels such as total cholesterol and triglyceride were not altered. In addition, cilnidipine treatment did not significantly increase serum norepinephrine levels (278 +/- 25.2 vs. 332 +/- 33.6 pg/ml). Our results suggest that cilnidipine improves insulin sensitivity, possibly due to its exerting a vasodilatory action without stimulating sympathetic nervous activity.

Blood Glucose↗

Apoptosis of endothelial cells may be mediated by genes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 1 (PPARgamma 1) and PPARalpha genes.

Apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was prevented by transfection with the gene for the human full-length peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), or acyl-coenzyme A synthetase (AcylCS) into HUVECs. In contrast, ligands/activators of PPARgamma 1 induced apoptosis by a cytochrome c-dependent mechanism in HUVECs transfected with human full-length PPARgamma 1, but not in hepatocytes. Co-transfection of PPARgamma 1 and PPARalpha protected the HUVEC apoptosis. The results suggest that the apoptosis of endothelial cells may be mediated by genes of PPARgamma1 and PPARalpha.

Apoptosis↗

[Guidelines for the treatment of hypertension in diabetics].

Patients with diabetes mellitus are often associated with hypertension. Hypertension increases the incidence of cardiovascular disease and accelerates the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Japanese Society of Hypertension made own guidelines for the management of hypertension(JSH2000) in 2000. Diabetics are stratified into the high risk group irrespective of their blood pressure levels. Target blood pressure is less than 130/85 mmHg. Hypotensive agents will be initiated at more than 140/90 mmHg along with glycemic control and lifestyle modification. When their blood pressure is within the high normal(130-139/85-89 mmHg), lifestyle modification as well as glycemic control will be initiated. If their blood pressure is not lowered to less than 130/85 mmHg during the next 3-6 months, hypotensive agents will be started. ACEIs, Ca-antagonists and alpha-blockers will be the first line hypotensive agents, since these hypotensive agents improve organ damages and insulin sensitivity and do not worsen lipid metabolisms. Recent guideline made by Japan Diabetes Society in 2003 lowered the target blood pressure furthermore to less than 130/80 mmHg and added angiotensin receptor blockers as one of the firstline hypotensive agents.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

Carbon monoxide regulates blood pressure cooperatively with nitric oxide in hypertensive rats.

Both carbon monoxide (CO), the product of heme oxygenase (HO), and nitric oxide (NO) elevate cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels in smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation of the vessels. We examined the hypothesis that the effect of CO in regulating blood pressure could be augmented in hypertension where the function and/or production of NO is impaired. We used two hypertensive models, a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and a Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY) which was given the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(omega)-nitro- L-arginine (L-NNA). In these hypertensive rats, we examined HO gene expression with Northern blot analysis, guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of each organ, and the response of blood pressure to treatment with an HO substrate (hemin, 23 micromol/kg body weight, i.p.) or HO inhibitor (zinc or tin protoporphyrin-IX; ZnPP or SnPP, 50 micromol/kg body weight i.p. or s.c.), for 4 or 8 consecutive days with plethysmography. Northern blot analysis showed that HO-1 and -2 mRNA levels in the left ventricle, aorta, kidney, and soleus muscle in the hypertensive rats were 2-5 times higher than those in control normotensive WKYrats. In contrast, both HO mRNA levels in the gastrocnemius muscle in the hypertensive rats were similar to those in control WKYrats. As to whether the HO/CO system contributes to the regulation of blood pressure, ZnPP or SnPP increased and hemin decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), respectively, in the hypertensive rats (P < 0.01), but not in WKYrats, accompanied with changes in cGMP in each organ of the hypertensive rats. The effect of CO in the regulation of blood pressure is augmented, resulting in increased expression of HO gene when the function and/or production of NO is impaired.

Animals↗

Effect of captopril or imidapril on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in Japanese with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled study (JAPAN-IDDM).

OBJECTIVE: to clarify and confirm the renoprotective effects of ACEIs in Japanese type 1 diabetics. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: a double-blind randomized study using two ACEIs, imidapril (a prodrug of imdaprilat without an SH-residue) and captopril as well as placebo was performed. Seventy-nine eligible cases were randomized to receive captopril 37.5 mg (n=26), imidapril 5 mg (n=26) or their placebos (n=27) daily in a double-blind manner. RESULTS: urinary albumin excretion (UAE), determined every half year, was significantly decreased by the ACEIs (placebo vs. ACEIs F=11.316, P=0.001, placebo vs. captopril F=4.260, P=0.043, placebo vs. imidapril F=14.341, P<0.001) during the study period (the mean; 1.48 years). Although the HbA(1C) levels and systolic blood pressure (BP) between the three groups were not different, glycemic and BP control significantly affected UAE. Systolic BP in the placebo group tended to be higher by 7-10 mmHg throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: these results suggest that the ACE inhibitors, imidapril and captopril, prevent the increase in UAE in micro and macroalbuminuric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and that the target BP might be less than 130/80 mmHg.

Adult↗

Detection of low titre TBII in patients with Graves' disease using recombinant human TSH receptor.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated thyrotropin-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII) in sera from patients with Graves' disease (GD) by using the new human recombinant TSH receptor (TSH-R) assay to determine if it is useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of GD. PATIENTS: Serum samples from 25 patients with untreated GD, 24 with relapsing GD, 15 with GD in remission and 197 treated GD patients were examined. TBII was also measured in sera from healthy individuals (n = 69). DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: TBII was retrospectively measured by using the conventional porcine TBII assay (pTBII) and the human recombinant TBII assay (hTBII). Specificity was adjusted at 97.5% for both assays by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plot analysis, resulting in cut-offs at 10.5% inhibition (hTBII) and 9.9% (pTBII). Sensitivity was 87% for hTBII compared to 52% for pTBII (P < 0.0001). RESULTS: Even in pTBII-positive patients, hTBII values (57.6 +/- 26.1%) were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than pTBII values (34.2 +/- 27.6%). When 139 pTBII-negative serum samples from patients with treated GD were examined, 97 samples (69.8%) were positive for hTBII. hTBII values (23.9 +/- 17.0%) were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than pTBII values (4.1 +/- 3.3%). hTBII was positive in 13 of 13 patients who were taking antithyroid drugs but had normal serum TSH levels. When 19 serum samples from pTBII-negative untreated patients with GD were examined, 15 out of 19 (79%) were positive for hTBII. We also examined 24 patients with relapsing GD. hTBII was positive in 16 (64%) patients, whereas seven (16%) were positive for pTBII (P < 0.01). Positivity of hTBII in these untreated or relapsing GD patients was significantly higher than that of thyroid stimulating antibodies. We then examined TBII levels in 15 patients with GD in remission who had normal serum TSH values. hTBII was positive in seven patients at the time of blood withdrawal, and GD subsequently relapsed in three hTBII-positive patients in 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Low TBII titres can now be followed more accurately during the course of treatment, which will also allow better longitudinal studies on the importance of TBII for the diagnosis as well as the prognosis of GD with respect to remission or relapse.

Animals↗

A case of primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thyroid: molecular evidence of its origin.

Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the thyroid is very rare, and its origin has not been fully determined. We report a case of MEC, the origin of which was demonstrated by thyroid specific genes expressed in a metastatic lymph node. A 52-year-old male presented with chest pain, weight loss and diffuse goitre. Ultrasonography showed the thyroid to be diffusely enlarged with numerous small calcifications. The tumour was found to be infiltrating the thyroid, lung, lymph nodes and first thoracic vertebra. A variant type of papillary thyroid carcinoma was suspected by fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid. An open biopsy specimen from an axillary lymph node revealed the tumour to be composed of three distinct cell types: mucin-producing cells, intermediate cells and a small amount of epidermoid cells with scattered psammoma bodies. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumour cells to be negative for thyroglobulin and calcitonin, but positive for CEA. To examine the primary origin of the tumour, the expression of thyroid specific genes in the lymph node specimen was examined by RT-PCR. TTF-1, TTF-2, Pax-8, Na-I symporter and thyroid peroxidase mRNA were detected. The presence of these thyroid-specific mRNAs indicates that this MEC originated from thyroid follicular epithelium. This is the first molecular evidence of dedifferentiation from thyroid follicular cells to MEC.

Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid↗

Preclinical Cushing's syndrome due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia with excessive secretion of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and corticosterone.

A 64-year-old woman developed hypertension and hypokalemia, due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (AIMAH) with excessive secretion of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and corticosterone. Plasma cortisol did not show a diurnal rhythm, and was not suppressed by dexamethasone (8 mg). Plasma cortisol responded to ACTH and was increased by hypoglycemia without modifying ACTH levels. Radiological studies demonstrated that adrenal glands were enlarged with macronodules. Although the patient exhibited a low plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels, hypokalemia and hypertension were observed. Hormonal findings would support the hypothesis that the tumor of AIMAH originated from cells of the upper zona fasciculata.

18-Hydroxydesoxycorticosterone↗

A common polymorphism in the 5'-untranslated region of the VEGF gene is associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of vascular permeability and angiogenesis, may play a pivotal role in mediating the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. In the present study, we examined the genetic variations of the VEGF gene to assess its possible relation to diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Among seven common polymorphisms in the promoter region, 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and 3'UTR of the VEGF gene, genotype distribution of the C(-634)G polymorphism differed significantly (P = 0.011) between patients with (n = 150) and without (n = 118) retinopathy, and the C allele was significantly increased in patients with retinopathy compared with those without retinopathy (P = 0.0037). The odds ratio (OR) for the CC genotype of C(-634)G to the GG genotype was 3.20 (95% CI 1.45-7.05, P = 0.0046). The -634C allele was significantly increased in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (non-PDR) (P = 0.0026) and was insignificantly increased in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (P = 0.081) compared with patients without retinopathy, although frequencies of the allele did not differ significantly between the non-PDR and PDR groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the C(-634)G polymorphism was strongly associated with an increased risk of retinopathy (P = 0.0018). Furthermore, VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in healthy subjects with the CC genotype of the C(-634)G polymorphism than in those with the other genotypes. These data suggest that the C(-634)G polymorphism in the 5'UTR of the VEGF gene is a novel genetic risk factor for diabetic retinopathy.

5' Untranslated Regions↗