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Biomedical subjects

T Harada

Publications and source records attributed to T Harada.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Cytokine levels in a patient with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome before and after the ultrafiltration and reinfusion of ascitic fluid.

PURPOSE: To report serum concentrations of several cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor) before and after the reinfusion of ultrafiltrated ascitic fluid. METHODS: A case report of a woman hospitalized for the treatment of severe OHSS at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University Hospital. The serum concentrations of cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: Cytokine concentrations declined in parallel with the improvement of clinical conditions and resolution of OHSS. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum cytokine concentrations may be useful in evaluating the severity of OHSS.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

p53, bcl-2 and bax abnormalities in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the head and neck.

In the present study, mutations or protein expression of p53, bcl-2 and bax are reported in 13 non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas of the head and neck. Nine of 13 cases (69.2%) expressed p53 protein and 7 (53.8%) showed gene mutations. On comparing the results of immunostaining and SSCP analysis, there were two cases showing discrepancies between the p53 protein expression and gene mutations. Bcl-2 protein expression was observed in only two cases of follicular lymphoma. On the other hand, bax protein was detected in all 13 cases. One case with mutated bax gene showed a lower expression with a reduced frequency of bax-positive cells than the other 12. These results suggest that inactivation of p53 may be closely related to development and/or progression of these NHLs, and that bcl-2 and bax protein may not have a role.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Interaction of merosin (laminin 2) with very late activation antigen-6 is necessary for the survival of CD4+ CD8+ immature thymocytes.

The laminin alpha2-chain is a component of merosin, a member of the laminin family molecules, which is mainly expressed in the basement membranes of striated muscle. It is known that laminin alpha2 gene (lama2) null mutant mice (dy3k/dy3k) exhibit congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). Because the laminin alpha2-chain is also expressed in the thymus, the role of merosin in the thymus was examined. In association with the onset of muscular dystrophy, CD4+ CD8+ double-positive (DP) thymocytes disappear by apoptotic cell death, while CD4+ CD8- or CD4- CD8+ thymocytes remain. In order to study the mechanisms leading to the selective death of DP cells in the absence of merosin, the role of the interaction between very late activation antigen-6 (VLA-6), a candidate merosin ligand in the thymus, and merosin was examined. The in vitro survival of thymocytes from normal mice was maintained by the addition of either anti-VLA-6 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or merosin. Furthermore, when the normal thymocytes were cultured on thymic epithelial cell lines, viable DP cell recoveries on wild-type epithelial cells were better than on cells from null mutant mice. The results suggest that DP cells are more sensitive to an uncharacterized apoptotic death signal, and that survival is supported by the interaction between VLA-6 and merosin.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Masticatory movement in two cases with unusual alignment of the maxillary canine.

Masticatory function was analysed before and after orthodontic treatment in two cases where tooth alignment remained unusual after treatment. The Sirognathograph Analyzing System was used to analyse the masticatory function. In both cases, the right maxillary first premolar was located where the maxillary canine is normally positioned. The results of orthodontic treatment were satisfactory both morphologically and aesthetically, and masticatory function was greatly improved. However, some problems remained in the mandibular movement due to the abnormal contact between the mandibular teeth and the maxillary first premolar. These findings support the need for examination of masticatory function when treating patients with an unusual tooth alignment even if the results of orthodontic treatment are both morphologically and aesthetically successful.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Expression of heat shock proteins 47 and 70 in the peritoneum of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal sclerosis, characterized by collagen accumulation, is a serious complication in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy. Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-specific molecular chaperon and is closely associated with collagen synthesis. METHODS: We determined the expression of HSP47 and HSP70 (nonspecific for collagen synthesis) by immunohistochemistry in peritoneal tissues of patients on CAPD. The tissue for collagen III, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and CD68 (a marker for macrophages) were also stained. Thirty-two peritoneal samples were divided into three groups (group A1, 11 patients who had no ultrafiltration loss; group A2, 9 patients who had ultrafiltration loss; and group B, 12 specimens who had end-stage renal disease prior to induction of CAPD. RESULTS: In group B, staining for HSP47, HSP70, and collagen III in peritoneal tissues was faint, and only a few cells were positive for alpha-SMA and CD68. In contrast, HSP47, HSP70, and collagen III were expressed in areas of thickened connective tissues in fibrotic peritoneal specimens of CAPD patients. The expression level of HSP47, HSP70, collagen III, and alpha-SMA and the number of CD68-positive cells in group A2 were significantly higher than those in groups A1 and B. HSP47/HSP70-positive cells were mesothelial cells, adipocytes, and alpha-SMA-positive myofibroblasts. Furthermore, the expression level of HSP47 was significantly higher in peritoneal specimens from patients with refractory peritonitis than without it and was significantly higher in patients with more than 60 months of CAPD therapy than that in patients with less than 60 months of CAPD. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that CAPD therapy may induce HSPs in the peritoneal tissue, and that peritonitis in CAPD patients may be associated with the progression of peritoneal sclerosis at least through HSP47 expression and chronic macrophage infiltration. Our data also suggest that the progression of peritoneal sclerosis in such patients is associated with deterioration of peritoneal ultrafiltration function.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Combined effects of inhaled nitric oxide and positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

We studied the combined effects of inhaled nitric oxide (INO) and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Eleven patients received 0 and 4 parts per million of INO in random order for 30 min at PEEP levels of 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O. Respiratory and cardiovascular parameters were measured. The addition of INO and PEEP significantly improved arterial oxygenation (p < 0.005 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The combined effect of INO and PEEP on arterial oxygenation was remarkable during 10 cm H2O PEEP. There was synergistic effect on arterial oxygenation by combining INO and 10 cm H2O PEEP. The present study showed that the combination of INO and 10 cm H2O PEEP enhanced arterial oxygenation in patients with ARDS.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2000

Production and release of endothelin-1 from the gut and spleen in portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.

This study was aimed to evaluate the source of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in cirrhotic patients. ET-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. However, the mechanism and source for increased plasma ET-1 in cirrhotic patients are still obscure. Plasma ET-1 levels in systemic (SV), superior mesenteric (SMV), and splenic venous (SPV) blood were measured in 23 patients with cirrhosis and 8 controls with normal liver. Fourteen removed spleens were immunohistochemically studied for ET-1, CD34, CD68, and CD20. In situ hybridization was done to localize ET-1 messenger RNA (mRNA). In cirrhosis, ET-1 levels in both SMV and SPV were higher than in SV. ET-1 in SV and SPV were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than in control patients. Three groups of cells in the spleen expressed both protein and mRNA of ET-1: endothelial cells in the sinus, which were also stained for CD34; cells in the germinal center; and cells in the marginal zone of lymphoid sheaths and follicles, which were also stained for CD20 but not for CD34 and CD68. The ET-1 concentration released from the spleen was in parallel with the grade of ET-1 expression in the spleen. The spleen is one of the major sites of ET-1 release in cirrhotic patients. Endothelial cells of the splenic sinus and possibly B lymphocytes in the germinal center and marginal zone of lymphoid sheaths and follicles seem to be the sites of ET-1 production in the spleen.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

K-ras gene mutations and loss of heterozygosity at the p53 gene locus relative to histological characteristics of mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas.

Mucin-producing tumors (MPTs) of the pancreas accompanied by carcinomas usually include various grades of dysplasia in the ductal epithelium, and invasive areas are histologically similar to those of common invasive ductal carcinomas, suggesting that MPTs provide a good tool to investigate early stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Thus, to clarify genetic alterations in the early stage of pancreatic carcinogenesis, we analyzed K-ras gene mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the p53 gene locus using 37 cases of MPTs harboring dysplastic epithelium. Further, we conducted an extended, multifocal microdissection analysis focusing on the histological features of ductal epithelium and the distribution of genetic alterations for 3 cases of MPT positive for LOH of the p53 gene to determine the relation to tumor progression. K-ras gene mutations were detected with high frequency in 50% or more cases of the adenomas (14 of 19), borderline tumors (4 of 7), and carcinomas (8 of 11), whereas LOH of the p53 gene was limited to carcinomas (3 of 5 informative cases, 60%) and always accompanied by K-ras gene mutation. Investigation of a total of 126 microdissection sites from 3 cases showed the presence of K-ras gene mutations in mild dysplasia and all (100%) regions of moderate or more marked dysplasia, whereas LOH of the p53 gene showed more gradual tendency to increase with grade from moderate dysplasia. In addition, the multifocal genetic analysis showed K-ras gene mutations to be widely distributed throughout tumors, whereas LOH of the p53 gene was localized to 1 or a few areas. Further, topographically delimited areas with the same histology in the same tumor did not always show the same genetic alteration. In conclusion, we could confirm that both the K-ras and p53 gene alterations occur in the intraductal stage of MPT, and the latter is superimposed on the former during the course of tumor progression. However, the pattern of association of histological features with genetic alteration differs from tumor to tumor.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The relationship between photosensitive temporal lobe epilepsy and eye closure activity.

We describe a 16-year-old female patient affected by photo-induced temporal lobe epilepsy. During intermittent photic stimulation she showed a photoparoxysmal response in the EEG. This case was diagnosed from clinical symptoms, single photon emission computer tomography, and EEG data. The clinical symptoms were relieved by the administration of carbamazepine. As these photoparoxysmal responses were observed not only during photic stimulation, but also when patient was closing her eyes during an eye-opening test in complete darkness, we propose the existence of an alternative pathway such as from the extraocular muscles or orbicularis oculi, or activation of cortical activity due to the change of consciousness by closing eyes in inducing photosensitive epilepsy. We describe an additional case and discuss a novel aspect of photo-induced temporal lobe epilepsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Keratinocyte growth factor in the promotion of human chorionic gonadotropin production in human choriocarcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVE: Several growth factors and cytokines appear to participate in the proliferation or differentiation of trophoblast cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which keratinocyte growth factor participates in the development of human embryonic and trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface. STUDY DESIGN: The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method was used to determine the gene expression of keratinocyte growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor receptor in human choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo), human teratocarcinoma cells (PA-1), and human endometrial stromal cells. We also examined the effects of keratinocyte growth factor on cell proliferation and production of human chorionic gonadotropin in BeWo and PA-1 cells. RESULTS: Keratinocyte growth factor gene was expressed in all cell types. The expression was pronounced in stromal cells of the endometrium collected during the secretory phase and early pregnancy. The keratinocyte growth factor expression was also enhanced in the differentiated BeWo cells. The expression of keratinocyte growth factor receptor gene was observed only in the BeWo cells. The addition of keratinocyte growth factor to the medium did not affect cell proliferation of the BeWo and PA-1 cells. On the other hand, keratinocyte growth factor (100 ng/mL) significantly enhanced human chorionic gonadotropin production in the BeWo cells. Stimulatory action of keratinocyte growth factor on human chorionic gonadotropin production in the BeWo cells was markedly enhanced after forskolin-induced differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that keratinocyte growth factor may play an important role in promotion of human chorionic gonadotropin production in the trophoblast cells.

Cell Division↗
PubMed2000

Suppression of interferon-induced antiviral activity in cells expressing hepatitis C virus proteins.

To elucidate the mechanism of the persistent nature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we examined whether the expression of HCV proteins affect the antiviral activity of interferon (IFN). Antiviral activity of IFN in HepG2 cells expressing all HCV (type 1b) proteins was much lower than vector control (VC) HepG2 cells when encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) was used as a challenge virus. Lesser sensitivity to IFN was also observed in cells expressing NS3, NS4, and NS5 and in cells expressing only NS5A. In contrast, HepG2 cells expressing core, E1, E2, NS2, and NS3 proteins were equally sensitive to IFN as VC cells. We then tested the antiviral activity by IFN in two human amnion-derived FL cell lines expressing NS5A from two different clones, one with an intact sequence of IFN sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) and the other with a mutated ISDR sequence. They were almost equally insensitive to IFN treatment when EMCV was challenged. HCV thus has functional protein(s), possibly NS5A, to suppress IFN-induced antiviral activity and plays an important role in virus-cell interaction and regulation of viral replication.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2000

Interstitial expression of heat shock protein 47 and alpha-smooth muscle actin in renal allograft failure.

BACKGROUND: Tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis are the main pathological features of chronic renal allograft rejection, which is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix protein. Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), known as a collagen-specific stress protein, is thought to be a molecular chaperone during the processing and/or secretion of procollagen. HSP47 is thought to be involved in the progression of fibrosis, but its expression in chronic renal allograft rejection is still unknown. METHODS: We examined the expression of HSP47 together with that of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), a marker of myofibroblasts, and CD68, a marker of macrophages, by immunohistochemistry in allograft kidney tissues. Uninvolved portions of surgically removed kidneys with tumours served as control tissue. RESULTS: Expression of HSP47 was detected in the interstitium of fibrotic regions of allograft kidneys. Cells positive for HSP47 were also stained for alpha-SMA and type I collagen, and the expression of HSP47 correlated with the degree of interstitial fibrosis. Furthermore, the expression of HSP47 correlated with the number of infiltrating macrophages. In contrast, HSP47 and alpha-SMA were not expressed in the control tissues, sections of 1 h post-transplantation biopsy specimens and acute allograft rejection without fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HSP47 may contribute to the progression of interstitial fibrosis in allograft renal tissues.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

Streptococcal M protein enhances TGF-beta production and increases surface IgA-positive B cells in vitro in IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: High serum levels and enhanced in vitro production of IgA are observed in more than half of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN); and transforming forming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is certain IgA class switching factor. On the other hand, macroscopic haematuria appears frequently with upper respiratory infection as tonsillitis in IgAN. METHODS: We compared the lymphocytic response to in-vitro stimulation by group A streptococcal M proteins of apparent virulence factor between IgAN, non-proliferative glomerulonephritis (NPGN), and normal subjects. M proteins were extracted from group A streptococcal strain type 5 and type 12 determined serologically. RESULTS: M protein-induced proliferation of lymphocytes from IgAN was higher than in NPGN but not in healthy control subjects. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that stimulation by M protein extracts derived from type 5 streptococci (M5) increased surface IgA-positive B cells in IgAN, but did not activate the production of soluble IgA. We also showed that M5 induced significant increases in TGF-beta, in culture supernatants of lymphocytes from patients with IgAN. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Streptococcal infection may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IgAN by stimulating IgA production through TGF-beta synthesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma: a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The authors encountered a case of elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma originating from the minor salivary gland, causing frequent upper airway obstruction. A 75-year-old woman had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome brought about by the swallowing impact of the pendulous tumor into the hypopharyngeal and supralaryngeal spaces. Although there are some case reports about tumors originating from the uvula, this is the first reported to cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed2000

Primary bone tumors of the femur presenting with spinal symptoms: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two case reports of femoral bone lesions simulating lumbar spinal disease are presented. Physical examination and case history were strongly suggestive of lumbar spinal pathology. In case 1, surgical resection of a venous hemangioma in the lumbar epidural space was performed but did not relieve pain. In case 2, conservative treatments for a protruded disk were performed for 3 months before an accurate diagnosis was made. After correct diagnoses were made, excision of the femoral tumors brought rapid relief of all abnormal findings in both cases. Compared with other causes of sciatica, femoral bone tumors are rare. However, careful attention should be paid to rule out these lesions if the diagnosis of a lumbar spinal disease is uncertain. Bone scintigraphy seems to be a sensitive diagnostic method to detect extraspinal osseous lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Calcium concentration and artificial precipitates in human pancreatic juice.

We studied the role of the increase in the calcium concentration in pure pancreatic juice of alcoholic noncalcified chronic pancreatitis. Pure pancreatic juice was obtained endoscopically. The pancreatic juice from patients with chronic pancreatitis was adjusted to pH 7.5; then the calcium concentration was adjusted to 0.4, 2.9, 5.4, or 10.4 mmol/L. Artificial precipitates were produced by incubation of the samples at 37 degrees C for 6 hours. Proteins in the artificial precipitates were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the protein patterns were compared with the patterns of natural protein plugs from patients with chronic pancreatitis. The amount of the precipitate increased as the added calcium increased. The protein patterns of SDS-PAGE of the artificial precipitates were similar to those of protein plugs. Albumin, a-amylase, lipase, trypsinogen, and chymotrypsinogen were identified by immunoblotting both in the precipitate and in the protein plug. The increased calcium concentrations in pancreatic juice induced the formation of precipitates whose protein composition was similar to that of protein plugs. An increased calcium concentration in human pancreatic juice may play an important role in the pathogenesis of protein plugs.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The specific expression of three novel splice variant forms of human metalloprotease-like disintegrin-like cysteine-rich protein 2 gene inBrain tissues and gliomas.

We have previously identified 67 exons on a yeast artificial chromosome contig spanning 1.5 Mb around the multidrug resistance 1 gene region of human chromosome 7q21.1. In this study, we identified three novel cytoplasmic variants (MDC2-gamma, MDC2-delta, and MDC2-epsilon) of the human metalloprotease-like disintegrin-like cysteine-rich protein 2 (MDC2) among these exons by screening a human brain cDNA library and also by using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Genomic sequence analysis strongly supported the idea that the variations in the cytoplasmic domain were generated by alternative splicing. The expression of MDC2 variant forms in human brain tissue and gliomas was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and RNase protection assay. MDC2-epsilon was expressed only in the cortical and hippocampal regions in human brain, but not in gliomas. In contrast, MDC2-gamma was a major form expressed in human gliomas. Specific expression of these cytoplasmic variants of MDC2 in human brain and its malignancies is discussed.

ADAM Proteins↗