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Biomedical subjects

T Funato

Publications and source records attributed to T Funato.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Evaluation of hyperlipidemia in high school student--Part 1].

Recently the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) is increasing in young generations. Thus, we evaluated the degree of hyperlipidemia in the students of high school in Miyagi prefecture. At first, we examined the plasma level of total cholesterol in all students as screening. About 10% of all the students showed high level of total cholesterol over 200mg/dl. For second screening, we examined further indexes for hyperlipidemia including lipids, glucose and blood pressure at fasting state and got information about family history, diet and exercise. There was positive correlation between total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), but no relation was found among others. Lipoprotein (a) which was an independent factor of IHD showed a broad distribution as described before, and had no relation with other lipid levels. Early education and a familial consultation for protecting from IHD should be followed after the screening of lipids levels.

Adolescent↗

[The detection of Helicobacter pylori by PCR in gastric diseases].

There are several methods for detecting Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection, but all of them have both advantage and disadvantage. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of PCR as a routine screening method for H.pylori infection. We used PCR by identification of bacterial specific 16SrRNA gene. This test was performed on gastric biopsy specimens and gastric aspirate and stomatic mucus from 23 patients in gastric disease, and compared the sensitivity with other methods such as urease and culture test. We could detect H.pylori above 10(3)/ml of bacterial volume by PCR and H.pylori were positive in 96% of all gastric biopsy specimens. PCR was most sensitive and specific method for detecting H.pylori. Thus, PCR was considered to have a possibility of becoming an accurate routine screening method of H.pylori infection.

Adult↗

[Detection of drug resistant-gene in cisplatin-resistant colon carcinoma cells by RT-PCR assay. I].

Expression of the TS and DNA polymerase beta genes as a drug resistant-gene were compared with the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT8S and a subline that was 4.5 fold resistant to cisplatin. Resistant cells (HCT8DDP) exhibited 3.4 fold and 2.5 fold increase in mRNA for both TS and DNA polymerase beta gene when compared with the parent cells by Northern blotting analysis, respectively. The RT (reverse transcription)-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method has been modified to quantify a sequence of a drug resistance gene. This method exhibited greater sensitivity than conventional methods (Northern blotting analysis), requiring less than 1 fetogram of mRNA from cell lines. The RT-PCR assay could be an effective device in the early detection of resistance to chemotherapy.

Base Sequence↗

[Detection of drug resistant-genes in cisplatin-resistant colon carcinoma cells by RT-PCR assay. II].

The c-fos, c-Ha-ras and c-myc oncogenes have been proposed to play an important role in DNA synthesis. Expression of c-fos, c-Ha-ras and c-myc genes were compared with the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT8S cells and a subline that was 4.5 resistant to cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (cisplatin). Resistant cells (HCT8DDP) exhibited a 4.0, 2.8 and 1.1 fold in mRNA for these genes when compared with the parent cells by Northern blotting analysis, respectively. The reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method has been demonstrated to quantify a sequence of these oncogenes. This method allowed the detection of gene expression from minimal cells. Thus RT-PCR assay could be an effective device in th early detection of oncogenes to cisplatin-resistance.

Base Sequence↗

The utility of an anti-fos ribozyme in reversing cisplatin resistance in human carcinomas.

The results presented here demonstrate that expression of a fos ribozyme limits Fos protein synthesis and enhances sensitivity of A2780DDP cells to antineoplastic agents, including cisplatin. Moreover, the reversal of this resistance is associated with down-regulation of dTMP synthase, DNA polymerase beta, topoisomerase I and hMTII-A, genes previously linked to DNA synthesis and repair. Thus these studies further implicate the role of the c-fos gene in DNA synthesis through modulation of expression of dTMP syntase, DNA polymerase beta and topoisomerase I. Finally, the use of ribozymes to circumvent drug resistance suggests their potential utility as agents to inhibit tumor cell growth.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Reversal of the malignant phenotype by an anti-ras ribozyme.

In this study a ribozyme (catalytic RNA) was designed to site specifically cleave the mRNA of the activated H-ras gene expressed in human bladder carcinoma EJ cells. The optimal conditions for catalytic cleavage by the ribozyme were demonstrated in vitro. A synthetic DNA encoding the ribozyme was cloned into a mammalian expression vector (pH beta APr-1) and transfected into EJ cells. The expressed ribozyme significantly altered the morphology and suppressed the growth of EJ cells in vitro. These cell lines were examined for their malignant potential in athymic (nude) mice by an orthotopic (transurethral) implantation model, which recapitulates the invasive potential of various bladder carcinomas. EJ tumors expressing the H-ras ribozyme were characterized by a marked reduction in tumor take and invasion compared to those formed by control EJ cells. These differences resulted in almost a twofold increase in survival of mice implanted with ribozyme-containing EJ cells. These results further elucidate the role of ras genes in tumorigenicity and invasion, as well as introduce ribozymes as a new class of anticancer agents.

Animals↗

Ribozyme-mediated cleavage of c-fos mRNA reduces gene expression of DNA synthesis enzymes and metallothionein.

The c-fos gene product Fos has been implicated in many cellular processes, including signal transduction, DNA synthesis, and resistance to antineoplastic agents. A fos ribozyme (catalytic RNA) was designed to evaluate the effects of suppressing Fos protein synthesis on expression of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair, and drug resistance. DNA encoding the fos ribozyme (fosRb) was cloned into the pMAMneo expression plasmid, and the resultant vector was transfected into A2780DDP cells resistant to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. The parental drug-sensitive A2780S cells were transfected with the pMMV vector containing the c-fos gene. Morphological alterations were accompanied by significant changes in pharmacological sensitivity in both c-fos- and fosRb-transfected cells. pMAMneo fosRb transfectants revealed decreased c-fos gene expression, concomitant with reduced thymidylate (dTMP) synthase, DNA polymerase beta, topoisomerase I, and metallothionein IIA mRNAs. In contrast, c-myc expression was elevated after fos ribozyme action. Insertion of a mutant ribozyme, mainly capable of antisense activity, into A2780DDP cells resulted in smaller reductions in c-fos gene expression and in cisplatin resistance than the active ribozyme. These studies establish a role for c-fos in drug resistance and in mediating DNA synthesis and repair processes by modulating expression of genes such as dTMP synthase, DNA polymerase beta, and topoisomerase I. These studies also suggest the utility of ribozymes in the analysis of cellular gene expression.

Base Sequence↗

In situ expression of messenger RNA of interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 in psoriasis: interleukin-6 involved in formation of psoriatic lesions.

Psoriasis is a disease of abnormal proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells. Several cytokines released by keratinocytes are implicated as factors responsible for this pathological condition of the epidermis. In order to elucidate the role of these cytokines in psoriasis, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 in psoriatic epidermis was investigated using biotin-labelled complementary DNA (cDNA) of the cytokines. Messenger RNA of IL-1 alpha was weakly detected in some normal healthy epidermis specimens and more strongly in all the perilesional uninvolved psoriatic epidermis specimens. It was also expressed in the transitional zone between uninvolved and fully developed psoriatic skin, but was not expressed in lesional skin. In contrast, IL-6 mRNA was rarely expressed in normal healthy epidermis, but was expressed in perilesional uninvolved psoriatic epidermis, in the transitional zone and in the fully developed lesional epidermis, with the maximum intensity in the transitional zone. Expression of mRNA of IL-6 receptor showed a similar tendency to that of IL-6. It was expressed in psoriatic epidermis, most strongly in the transitional zone, but not in normal healthy epidermis. IL-6 was demonstrated immunohistochemically in psoriatic epidermis, but IL-6 receptor was demonstrated only in the transitional zone. Thus IL-6 and its receptor expression correlated well with the formation of psoriatic lesions where IL-1 may initiate their expression. IL-6 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Adult↗

Cisplatin resistance in human cancers.

Cancer chemotherapeutic agents primarily act by damaging cellular DNA directly or indirectly. Tumor cells, in contrast to normal cells, respond to cisplatin with transient gene expression to protect and/or repair their chromosomes. Repeated cisplatin treatments results in a stable resistant cell line with enhanced gene expression but lacking gene amplification for the proteins that will limit cisplatin cytotoxicity. Recently, several new human cell lines have been characterized for cisplatin resistance. These cell lines have led to a better understanding of the molecular and biochemical basis of cisplatin resistance. The c-fos proto-oncogene, a master switch for turning on other genes in response to a wide range of stimuli, has been shown to play an important role in cisplatin resistance both in vitro and in patients. Based on these studies, new strategies have been developed to circumvent and/or exploit clinical cisplatin resistance.

Animals↗

Gastric collision tumor (carcinoid and adenocarcinoma) with gastritis cystica profunda.

We report a rare case of gastric collision tumor (carcinoid and adenocarcinoma) with gastritis cystica profunda that developed in a 49-year-old Japanese man. Early gastric cancer (moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma) was present at the edge of an ulcer in the posterior wall of the upper gastric body. In addition, a carcinoid tumor was found adjacent to adenocarcinoma. This tumor displayed ribbonlike or trabecular patterns, and numerous constituent cells were positive for the argyrophil reaction with Grimelius' stain and serotonin. Electron microscopic features of this tumor confirmed typical carcinoid. There was no merged appearance between both tumors, suggesting collision-type tumor.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[A case of corrosive esophagitis with stenosis].

A 41-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of pharyngeal pain and vomiting after intentionally swallowing sodium hydroxide. Gradually esophageal stenosis took place. After 9 months from the taking poison the patient was operated. We tried blunt dissection of esophagus. But the procedure failed in because the wire of stripper was cut. So performed total esophageal resection under the right thoracotomy. The right side colon was used to re-construction through antero-sternal space that was anastmosed to cervical esophagus and stomach. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Adult↗

Production of interleukin 1 alpha by a trichilemmoma cell line.

In order to obtain a good source of human epidermal cell derived thymocyte activating factor (ETAF) for biological study, several cell lines of epidermal origin were cultured. One of the trichilemmoma cell lines, KTL-1, was found to produce ETAF satisfactorily in its culture supernatant. The culture supernatant was collected and analyzed to determine the nature of the ETAF activity. The ETAF activity was completely inhibited by anti-IL 1 alpha antibody, but not by anti-IL 1 beta antibody. Messenger RNA expression by KTL-1 cells was analyzed by using cDNA of IL 1 alpha as a probe. Messenger RNA was not detected in KTL-1 cells by either dot blot analysis or northern blot analysis. However, it was expressed weakly in the cytoplasm by in situ hybridization technique. Messenger RNA expression was easily detected in KTL-1 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Messenger RNA expression reached a peak at 3 hours after stimulation of LPS. A trichilemmoma cell line, KTL-1, can be a good source of human ETAF for biological study.

Blotting, Northern↗

Potentiation of azidothymidine cytotoxicity in cisplatin-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells.

The combination of cisplatin and AZT was synergistic in a subline (A2780DDP) of human ovarian carcinoma cells resistant to cisplatin, in contrast to the parental carcinoma cell line, A2780S. A2780DDP cells have elevated levels of enzymes necessary for DNA synthesis and repair. If A2780DDP cells respond to cisplatin with an increase in thymidine kinase activity, then AZT may chain terminate newly synthesized DNA. To test this hypothesis, a dual label [( 14C]-thymidine/[3H]-AZT) experiment was designed. A2780 cells were first incubated with [14C]-thymidine to label DNA and measure DNA degradation in response to cisplatin. These [14C]-thymidine labeled A2780 cells were then incubated for short intervals with [3H]-AZT to measure chain termination after cisplatin addition. A2780S cells responded to cisplatin with a modest increase in thymidine turnover and an increase in AZT incorporation. In contrast, A2780DDP cells initially responded to cisplatin treatment with a significant increase in thymidine turnover and a corresponding increase in [3H]-AZT incorporation. This was concomitantly associated with an increase in thymidine kinase mRNA within 2 hr after cisplatin treatment. Thus, the A2780DDP cells had the ability to rapidly turnover DNA, a property effectively exploited by the deoxythymidine analogue, AZT, utilizing the enhanced enzymes of the DNA synthesis and repair complex in A2780DDP cells.

Cell Line↗

Measurement of small quantities of alpha 2-macroglobulin in cell cultures by enzyme labelled immunoassay.

We established an enzyme labelled immunoassay (EIA) for the determination of alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M). The sensitivity was high enough to measure trace amount of alpha 2M secreted into the medium of cell culture. The assay range in medium was from 2 to 140 ng/ml and the within-assay coefficients of variation (CV) were 10.1% and 6.7% at 31.2 ng/ml and 62.5 ng/ml, respectively. Between-day CV ranged from 9.3% to 15.9%. Using this method, alpha 2M was detected in the medium of a cultured human melanoma cell line. In addition, the immunoreactive alpha 2M in the medium was identified with serum alpha 2M by the method of SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Our results indicate that the EIA method could be a useful tool for the determination of alpha 2M in cell cultured medium.

Blotting, Western↗

[Umbilical blood-gas status at cesarean section for breech presentation: a comparison with vertex presentation].

Umbilical blood-gas status at elective cesarean section with oxygen inhalation for breech presentation (25 cases) was compared with that for vertex presentation (25 cases), so as to confirm the security of full-term breech fetuses delivered by cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Umbilical arterial oxygen levels were significantly lower in the breech group (Mean PO2:18.9 mmHg; SO2:37.3%; Oxygen content:7.6 ml/dl). The number of hypoxemic fetuses was significantly higher in the breech group (the breech: 7; the vertex; 0). The other umbilical blood-gas values revealed no significant differences between the breech and vertex groups, and were within normal limits in both groups. Oxygen extraction in the breech (Mean: 49.0%) was higher than that in the vertex (32.9%). Therefore decreased umbilical blood flow in the breech was suggested. The incidence of depression at 1 minute after delivery in the breech infants (24%) was significantly higher than that in the vertex infants (0%). It became obvious in the breech that as the interval between the uterine incision and delivery increased, umbilical arterial blood tended to acidosis and the 1 minute Apgar score decreased. Cesarean section for breech presentation requires sufficient and optimal incisions of the abdominal wall and uterus as well as a skillful manual delivery technique, because the fetus or neonate should be protected against asphyxia resulting from umbilical compression and prolonged delivery interval.

Adult↗