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T Fukuda

Publications and source records attributed to T Fukuda.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Suppressive effect of tranilast on interleukin-5 prolonged eosinophils survival via apoptosis.

Tranilast has long been used clinically to treat allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. To further clarify the antiinflammatory machanism, we examined the ability of tranilast to counteract the prolongation of eosinophil survival induced by interleukin (IL)-5. Tranilast reduced the IL-5 prolonged survival of eosinophils at the concentration range of 30 microg/ml to 100 microg/ml. The DNA extracted from eosinophils cultured with tranilast showed signs of fragmentation that was comparable with apoptosis. Electron-microscopic analysis of activated eosinophils cultured with 100 microg/ml of tranilast also revealed morphologic features of apoptosis. These data suggest that tranilast may act in vivo on activated eosinophils to reduce inflammation in allergic diseases.

Anti-Allergic Agents↗
PubMed2001

Viability of escherichia coli cells under long-term cultivation in a rich nutrient medium.

We investigated the viability of Escherichia coli cells during long-term cultivation in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium and observed that the number of viable cells increased, then decreased, and increased again, in this medium, and finally the cells died out within about 10 days. This cell death may result from an increase in the pH of the medium. After repeated cultivation in BHI, bacterial cells that did not die out even under conditions of further cultivation were obtainable from cultures showing a stabilized viable count. We propose that long-term cultivation in BHI medium is a good system for studying growth phase-specific events in E. coli cells, because the total life-cycle of a population of E. coli, including exponential growth, stationary phase, and extinction, can be seen during a period of only about 10 days. Also, this system clearly allows detection of a phenotype that may not be detectable in other commonly used media. Moreover, in this report, we show that mutants displaying the GASP (growth advantage in stationary phase) phenotype appear at high frequency under long-term cultivation conditions.

Culture Media↗
PubMed2001

Dehydroascorbic acid reduction in several tissues and cultured hepatocytes of the chicken.

Dehydroascorbic acid, the oxidized form of ascorbic acid, is rapidly reduced to ascorbate in living organs (ascorbate recycling). We examined the GSH-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase activity in several tissues of the chicken. The activity was highest in the liver, and second highest in the brain. The activity was localized in the cytosol fraction of the liver. We subsequently examined the dehydroascorbate reduction in separated chicken hepatocytes. The cellular ascorbate concentration was elevated in dehydroascorbate-treated cells. It is thought that hepatocytes incorporated external dehydroascorbate and converted it into ascorbate. These findings suggest that the liver plays an important role in ascorbate recycling by the chicken.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Storage-dependent degradation of 57-kDa protein in royal jelly: a possible marker for freshness.

In order to find a marker for freshness of royal jelly (RJ), the composition change of RJ during storage was investigated. The contents of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, a bioactive component of RJ, and several vitamins did not change during storage at 40 degrees C for 7 days. However, a specific protein, designated royal jelly protein-1 (RJP-1), was gradually degraded during storage under various conditions (from 4 degrees C to 50 degrees C for up to 7 days). The specific degradation of RJP-1 was proportional to storage temperature and storage period. RJP-1 was purified to homogeneity and characterized as a monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 57 kDa. These results suggest that 57-kDa protein in RJ can be used as a marker for freshness of RJ, reflecting the conditions under which RJ has been stored.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

The effect of antimicrobial periodontal treatment on circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha and glycated hemoglobin level in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may play an important role in insulin resistance. In this study, we hypothesized that TNF-alpha produced due to periodontal inflammation synergistically affects insulin resistance as well as TNF-alpha produced from adipose tissues in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, to understand the effects of antimicrobial periodontal therapy on serum TNF-alpha concentration and subsequent metabolic control of diabetes, we examined the periodontal and diabetic status on 13 type-2 diabetes patients. METHODS: These patients were treated with local minocycline administration in every periodontal pocket around all existing teeth once a week for a month. Before and after treatment, the number of total bacteria in the periodontal pockets and circulating TNF-alpha concentration were measured and the HbA1c value was assessed. RESULTS: Antimicrobial therapy significantly reduced the number of microorganisms in periodontal pockets (P <0.01). After treatment, the circulating TNF-alpha level was significantly reduced (P <0.015). The HbA1c value was also reduced significantly (P <0.007). In addition, the 6 patients who were not receiving insulin therapy demonstrated decreased fasting insulin levels (P <0.03), and HOMA-R (P <0.03) indices. The average reductions in circulating TNF-alpha concentration and HbA1c value were 0.49 pg/ml and 0.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that anti-infectious treatment is effective in improving metabolic control in diabetics, possibly through reduced serum TNF-alpha and improved insulin resistance.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Unenhanced CT findings of vascular compromise in association with intussusceptions in adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate unenhanced CT findings for predicting the degree of vascular compromise in intussusception observed at surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging studies, clinical records, and surgical and pathologic findings in 25 patients with intussusception were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated six CT findings based on the abnormalities of each component of intussusception. Presence or absence of these findings was compared with the degree of vascular compromise as observed on pathologic examination, such as edema, ischemia, or necrosis. RESULTS: The hypodense layer was observed in 16 of 18 intussusceptions with various degrees of vascular compromise. A fluid collection surrounded by the returning wall, which was revealed to correspond to trapped peritoneal fluid, was observed in eight of nine intussusceptions with ischemia or necrosis. A gas collection surrounded by the returning wall was observed in two of four intussusceptions with necrosis. Free peritoneal fluid coexisted with a fluid collection surrounded by the returning wall in all the intussusceptions except one. Bowel obstruction was observed in six of nine intussusceptions with ischemia or necrosis. The maximum wall thickness was not related to the degree of vascular compromise. CONCLUSION: The CT findings of a hypodense layer in the returning wall, fluid collection in the space surrounded by the returning wall, and gas collection in the space surrounded by the returning wall can be useful in predicting the degree of vascular compromise in intussusception.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

An experimental consideration of fixation properties.

While varying the size and complexity of a stimulus object, we measured eye movements during fixation. Although subjects' eyes are fixated at the center of the object, the experimental results indicate that "fluctuation during fixation (FDF)" which is larger movements than "miniature eye movements" occurred. In addition, FDF varies according to the peripherals of fixation points characterized by the size and complexity of the stimulus object.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Age-related changes in the testes of horses.

Atrophy of seminiferous tubules and interstitial fibrosis are frequently observed in aged horses. Samples from 8 male Thoroughbreds, age 4-24 years, were subjected to histological, electron microscopical and immunohistochemical examination and statistical analysis. There were statistically significant increases in collagen fibres in the lamina propria of seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitium in 3 horses age 23 and 24 years compared with 5 horses age 4-20 years (P<0.001). Lamina propria surrounding atrophic tubules was thickened by an increase in collagen type IV and elastic fibres and by proliferation of bizarre myoid cells. Basal lamina was also thickened but had decreased reactivity for collagen type IV. Some myoid cells changed morphologically to a swollen and irregular shape and contained abundant cytoplasmic organelles. Laser scanning microscopy revealed that cytoplasmic actin filaments were decreased; the remaining filaments were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 was secreted. These myoid cells transformed into myofibroblasts. The changes are interpreted as evidence of injured structure and function of the lamina propria and basal lamina and may explain the functional decline of the blood-testis barrier. Myoid cells may play an important role in the progression of testicular fibrosis.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

Antifatigue effect of fresh royal jelly in mice.

We investigated the antifatigue effect of royal jelly (RJ), which had been stored at -20 degrees C from immediately after collection, in male Std ddY mice. The mice were accustomed to swimming in an adjustable-current swimming pool, then subjected to forced swimming five times during 2 wk, and the total swimming period until exhaustion was measured. They were separated into three groups with equal swimming capacity, which were administered RJ, RJ stored at 40 degrees C for 7 d (40-7d RJ), or the control solution including casein, cornstarch, and soybean oil before swimming. All mice were forced to swim for 15 min once; then the maximum swimming time to fatigue was measured after a rest period. The swimming endurance of the RJ group significantly increased compared with those of the other groups. The mice in the RJ group showed significantly decreased accumulation of serum lactate and serum ammonia and decreased depletion of muscle glycogen after swimming compared with the other groups, whereas there was no significant difference between the 40-7d RJ group and the control group in these parameters after swimming. A quantitative analysis of constituents in RJ showed that 5 7-kDa protein, which we previously identified as a possible freshness marker of RJ, was specifically degraded in RJ stored at 40 degrees C for 7 d, whereas the contents of various vitamins, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, and other fatty acids in RJ were unchanged. These findings suggest that RJ can ameliorate the physical fatigue after exercise, and this antifatigue effect of RJ in mice seems to be associated with the freshness of RJ, possibly with the content of 5 7-kDa protein.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[One-week application of terbinafine cream compared with four-week application in treatment of Tinea pedis].

The possibility of one-week application of terbinafine cream for tinea pedis was studied in a double-blind test at four institutes, comparing four-week application as a control. Of a total of forty-three patients studied, nineteen were randomized into a four-week application group, Group I, and twenty into a one-week application group, Group II. Group I was evaluated as moderate to extremely useful in twelve (63.2%) of the nineteen patients and Group II in twelve (60.0%) of the twenty patients. No statistical differences were observed between two groups. These findings appeared to indicate that the short term, one-week application of terbinafine cream had results equivalent to the four-week application. This short-term treatment which aids in improving patient compliance and reducing the total amount of drug applied, thus lowering drug cost, is viewed as a useful way of treating tinea pedis.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2001

Transapical aortic cannulation for acute aortic dissection to prevent malperfusion and cerebral complications.

We describe a technique for transapical cannulation in cases of acute aortic dissection. This method entails aortic cannulation via the apex of the left ventricle and the aortic valve. When this technique is used, retrograde perfusion prevents such fatal complications as malperfusion or cerebral embolism that can occur with femoral cannulation. Having found no disadvantage in this method, we recommend transapical cannulation as the best cannulation technique for acute aortic dissection.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Inhibitory effect of sofalcone on tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta production in human monocytes stimulated by Helicobacter pylori water extract.

We investigated the effect of sofalcone, a synthetic flavonoid derivative of sophoradin, on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta production in human monocytes stimulated by Helicobacter pylori water extract. H. pylori water extract significantly stimulated TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta production by monocytes while incubation with sofalcone (10 micrograms/ml and 50 micrograms/ml) significantly inhibited this increase in TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta production. These results suggest that sofalcone could be used to improve H. pylori-associated gastric mucosal inflammation through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗
PubMed2001

[Influential factors in the elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase for the patients with Kanemi Yusho--freeze fracture study of rat muscle plasma membrane].

We studied the factors of the elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) using the data from the routine medical checkup of Kanemi Yusho patients during 1995 and 1999. We also studied rat muscle plasma membrane by the freeze fracture method, which were given the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and controls. The patients with elevation of serum CK showed significant elevation of PCB in their blood but not in polychlorinated quanterphenyls (PCQ). The rat muscle plasma membrane showed a slight increase of orthognal array density but it was not statistically significant. The densities of caveolae and particles were not changed. Accordingly, PCB were thought to be a factor in the elevation of CK in the serum.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical evaluation of treatment with fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in children with autistic disorder].

The serotonin system has been implicated in the pathoetiology of autistic disorder. To examine the clinical effects of fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in children with autistic disorder, eighteen patients underwent a cross-over, double-blind trial of fluvoxamine treatment after a written informed consent was obtained from patients' parents. Fluvoxamine treatment resulted in significant improvements in some clinical findings such as eye contact and language use, as tested by behavioral assessment scores consisting of twenty items (p < 0.05). The improvement in language use was also confirmed by parental assessments. Clinical Global Impression Scale was improved in approximately half of the patients. No severe adverse effect was observed during the trial. Thus SSRI treatment in autistic children may be of value.

Autistic Disorder↗
PubMed2001

[Isoproterenol stress test for the evaluation of the residual stenosis of the right ventricular outflow tract].

Hemodynamic changes of the right side of the heart during isoproterenol stress test were assessed and analyzed in 36 patients who underwent definitive repair of tetralogy of Fallot or double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis. Patients having atresia of the pulmonary artery were excluded from the study. 24 of the patients had previously undergone reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with preserving the pulmonary valvar annulus (group N), whilst the remaining 12 patients had undergone transannular enlargement of RVOT with a patch (group T). Preservation of the pulmonary valvar annulus was determined when the intra-operative measurement of diameter of the pulmonary valvar annulus showed values greater than 90% of normal. In both groups, the isoproterenol infusion increased the right to left ventricular peak pressure (RVP/LVP) ratio, pressure gradient between the right ventricle and main pulmonary artery (RV-mPAP), and pressure gradient between the main pulmonary artery and peripheral pulmonary artery (m-pPAP). These values were significantly higher than those measured at rest. When comparisons were made between groups, RV-mPAP of group N was significantly higher than that of group T, both at rest and during stress test. By contrast, m-pPAP of group T was significantly higher than that of group N, both at rest and during stress test. Although no significant difference was found between the groups in RVP/LVP at rest and during stress test, RVP/LVP of both groups increased to the level of more than 0.6 after the isoproterenol infusion. These results led us to conclude that preservation of the pulmonary valvar annulus was better to be applied only to the patients who fulfilled our criterions. Additionally, in the setting of patch reconstruction of the pulmonary artery, every effort should be made so as not to leave the residual stenosis of the peripheral pulmonary artery.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗