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Biomedical subjects

T Majima

Publications and source records attributed to T Majima.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Increased telomerase activity in hyperplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas induced by a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet in rats.

Activation of telomerase has been reported in several human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). We investigated telomerase activity during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet in rats. Male F344 rats were given a CDAA diet or a choline-supplemented L-amino acid-defined (CSAA) diet from 6 weeks of age for 75 weeks, and subgroups were killed 10 weeks, 50 weeks and 75 weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Hyperplastic nodules and HCCs were noted in rats fed a CDAA diet for 50 weeks and 75 weeks, respectively. Normal control liver specimens were obtained from 6-week-old rats. Telomerase activity was assessed by using a telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). Normal liver and background parenchyma of rats fed either of the diets for 10 weeks or 50 weeks showed weak telomerase activity. In contrast, markedly increased levels were demonstrated in hyperplastic nodules and HCCs. These results suggest that increased telomerase activity may be a biological feature of preneoplastic lesions that evolve to HCCs in rat liver.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1995

Polysaccharide (ANK-102) from Polianthes tuberosa cells deteriorates the resistance of mice to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Modulatory effect on the murine self defense system by a newly discovered acidic polysaccharide (ANK-102) produced by P. tuberosa cells in liquid culture was examined. Pretreatment with ANK-102 deteriorated the murine survival against lethal infection of Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular gram-positive bacterium eliminated mainly by macrophages through T-cell mediated immune response. Pretreatment with ANK-102 resulted in the accumulation of Mac 1 and Mac 2 positive cells in the peritoneal cavity of the infected animals and the reduction of Thy1.2 expression on the surface of the thymocytes. A new type of immunosuppressive polysaccharide ANK-102 was introduced.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effect of ageing on ultrastructure of slow and fast skeletal muscle tendon in rabbit Achilles tendons.

This reports presents the changing morphological characteristics of collagen and fibroblasts in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle tendon of female Japanese white rabbits with ageing. The fibroblasts decreased in number per 37 microns 2 with ageing in each group, and their morphology became longer and more slender through ageing. The mean fibril area and diameter of the collagen fibrils of soleus muscle tendon (SMT) and lateral gastrocnemius muscle tendon (GMT) in 8- to 10-month old rabbits were significantly higher than those of 3-wk-old rabbits during growth (P < 0.01). The mean area and diameter of collagen fibrils of SMT and GMT decreased during senescence: the values for 4- to 5-yr-old rabbits were lower than those for 8- to 10-month-old rabbits, but the difference was not significant. Statistically significant differences in fibril area and diameter between the SMT and GMT were not found during ageing. The number of thick fibrils increased during growth, but decreased in senescence. There were more thin fibrils (30-60 nm) in the 3-wk-old rabbits than in the 8- to 10-month old and 4 to 5-yr-old groups, and the large-diameter collagen (300-360 nm) was more abundant in the 8- to 10-month-old group than in the 3-wk-old and 4- to 5-yr-old groups. Differences in fibril size between slow and fast muscle tendons were not observed during ageing.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1994

[A study of factors of anxiety and nursing intervention among cardiac surgical patients].

The purposes of this study were to Investigate factors that related preoperative anxiety and postoperative recovery and to define the nursing intervention among the cardiac surgical patient. The sample was from 22 cardiac patients (over 40 years old) who underwent a surgical operation. The data was obtained through 1) the participant observation, 2) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and 3) the individual interview. After the data was analyzed, results were indicated as follows. 1) Factors that related to preoperative anxiety were: 1: Stressful life events before hospitalization, 2: Difficulties of understanding the preoperative information, 3: Denial of the various information. 4: Negative evaluation in comparison with the others' situation, 5: Fear of growing worse, 6: Optimistical evaluation of ones' disease, 7: Calm of the preoperative condition, 8: An emergency operation. 2) Factors that related to postoperative recovery were: 1: Passive behavior. 2: Negative evaluation of ones' disease. 3: Concern about return to the life in society. 4: Calm of postoperative condition. The results concluded that as follows, 1) The cardiac surgical patients' anxiety level was not higher than chronic disease patients' anxiety level, 2) Postoperative stressors were concerned to the postoperative anxiety and psychological recovery and 3) Postoperative nursing intervention needed to asses for factors as related to preoperative anxiety and postoperative recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Function and modulation of the cloned glycine receptor channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Complementary DNAs encoding glycine receptor subunits alpha 1 and alpha 2 were isolated from rat cDNA libraries. The alpha 2 protein had 71% homology to the alpha 1 protein. The alpha 1 mRNA is abundant in the spinal cord and brain stem of mature rats whereas the alpha 2 mRNA was expressed in the tissues during the restricted period from late embryonic (E18) to early postnatal stage (P10). Homomeric glycine receptor channels consisting of alpha 1 or alpha 2 subunit expressed in Xenopus oocytes had an ability to generate Cl- currents, and the currents were suppressed by strychnine, a selective antagonist. Single channel kinetics between the homomeric channels differed considerably (alpha 1 << alpha 2). The currents generated through homomeric alpha 1 receptor channels were augmented in the presence of Zn2+ (100 nM to 10 microM), and depressed by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 nM), an activator of protein kinase C.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Effect of combination therapy with disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and Ozagrel on non-atopic asthmatics].

Ozagrel (OKY-046), a selective inhibitor of thromboxane biosynthesis has been reported to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics. DSCG has been widely used for atopic, but not for non-atopic asthmatics. We evaluated the additive effect of combination therapy with DSCG and Ozagrel on nonatopic asthmatics. Fourteen asthmatics were divided into two groups. The patients in the O-D group were initially treated with Ozagrel (400 mg/day) for 4 weeks, and then DSCG (8 mg/day) was added for another 4 weeks. The patients in D-O group were initially treated with DSCG (8 mg/day), and then Ozagrel (400 mg/day) was added for 4 more weeks. TXB2, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in sputum and 11-dehydro TXB2 in urine were measured before and after 4th and 8th weeks of therapy. Ozagrel decreased the metabolites of thromboxane and PGF2 alpha in sputum and urine. PGE2 in sputum tended to be increased by Ozagrel. DSCG did not affect mediators in sputum. Combination therapy with Ozagrel and DSCG showed the additive effect to single use on attack score and PF in non-atopic asthmatics.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[DNA ploidy and proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity rate as predictive indication of effectiveness of preoperative radiation].

We compared histological effects following radiotherapy in relation to the DNA ploidy pattern and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positivity rate in 37 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative radiation therapy. Twelve of 23 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate before irradiation was more than 25% showed the effectiveness of radiotherapy (52.2%), against 2 of 6 cases with a rate of less than 25%. Cases in which the rate was more than 25% tended to show more effectiveness. Seventeen of 23 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate was more than 25% showed a decrease in PCNA positivity rate (73.9%). The rate in 6 cases showed no change, and no cases had an increase. In particular, in 12 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate was more than 55%, half showed effectiveness, and the PCNA rate decreased 20% on average. The PCNA positivity rate tended to decrease as a result of irradiation, and especially in diploid cases there were significant differences in the rate before and after irradiation. We suggest that cases in which the PCNA positivity rate is more than 55% with diploid DNA pattern would show most effect. The effects of irradiation could be predicted with biopsy materials and by measuring the DNA ploidy pattern and the PCNA positivity rate.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

Defective mononuclear cell antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency emphasizing on different CD11/CD18 requirement of Fc gamma RI versus Fc gamma RII in ADCC.

The defective antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of mononuclear cells (MNC) from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD), beta 2 integrins (CD11a-c/CD18) deficiency was shown. LAD patients completely failed to generate MNC-ADCC against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) sensitized with murine (m) IgG2b, but had diminished but significant cytolysis against mIgG2a-SRBC, suggesting that the CD11/CD18 requirement of Fc gamma RI is different from that of Fc gamma RII in MNC-ADCC. Blocking experiments with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against individual subunits of CD11/CD18 revealed that anti-CD18 mAb almost completely inhibited mIgG2b-mediated ADCC by normal monocytes, but only partially inhibited mIgG2a-mediated ADCC. These data may confirm the evidence that Fc gamma RII-mediated ADCC absolutely requires CD11/CD18 but Fc gamma RI-mediated ADCC does not. Among subunits of CD11/CD18, appeared to be most involved in lysis of sensitized SRBC.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗
PubMed1993

Peripheral granulocytes of patients with Crohn's disease express increased numbers of functional IgG Fc receptor I.

Activated phagocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). To clarify the activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from CD patients in relationship with the clinical status, we investigated not only the expression of Fc receptor for IgG (huFc gamma R) but also the ability of the PMN to produce free oxygen radicals on stimulation of these receptors by using chemiluminescent techniques. The PMN obtained from the patients with active disease showed an enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) in response to huFc gamma RI stimulation, and an increased expression of huFc gamma RI. Moreover, PMN with huFc gamma RI were recognized in the colonic inflammatory lesions. After a successful treatment, however, we could hardly detect both the CL production and the expression of huFc gamma RI. Thus, it is suggested that the measurement of CL production through huFc gamma RI and the evaluation of the expression of huFc gamma RI are useful to evaluate the clinical status of the CD patients in a more accurate manner. The involvement of huFc gamma RI positive PMN in tissue destruction has been discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Effects of high doses of beclomethasone dipropionate in bronchial asthma].

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of high dose inhaled steroids, we examined the effects of standard doses (400 micrograms/day) and high doses (800 micrograms/day) of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP, Becotide Inhaler), and the dose for regular use (800 micrograms/day) of salbutamol (Salb. Asmidon Air) on pulmonary function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and asthma attack score. The subjects were 17 out-patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma who were not receiving any anti-allergics or steroids. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups i.e., Group I: BDP 400 micrograms/day, Group II: BDP 800 micrograms/day and Group III: Salb. 800 micrograms/day. The administration period was 8 weeks. Pulmonary function test were performed and bronchial hyperresponsiveness was examined before and after the 8 weeks of treatment and attack scores were recorded during this period. It was found that inhalations of 400 micrograms/day and 800 micrograms/day BDP improved FEV1.0% value, peak flow, F-V curve, Dmin. and SGrs/Grs cont. Particularly, inhalation of 800 micrograms/day of BDP significantly improved these values and reduced attack scores in the early stages of the 8 week treatment. In contrast, there was a trend for inhalation of Salbutamol to enhance bronchial hyperresponsiveness and not to improve pulmonary function and asthma attack score. In conclusion, 800 micrograms/day of inhaled BDP is considered to be useful in the treatment of mild or moderate bronchial asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Enhanced generation of leukotriene B4 by neutrophils stimulated by calcium ionophore A23187 after adding prostaglandins].

To investigate the interaction of arachidonic acid metabolites, we examined the production of LTB4 in neutrophils after stimulation with PGE2, PGF2 alpha and TXB2. The subjects were 23 asthmatic patients (atopic: 11, non-atopic: 12), 7 non-asthmatic atopic patients and 5 healthy controls. The production of LTB4 in neutrophils induced by calcium ionophore A23187 significantly increased in the asthmatic and non-asthmatic atopic patients. Healthy controls showed no significant increase in production of LTB4. The optimal levels of TXB2, PGF2 alpha, and PGE2 for LTB4 production were 10 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml and 0.1 ng/ml, respectively. When no TXB2, PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were added, LTB4 production tended to be greater in the asthmatics and non-asthmatic atopic patients than in the controls. By the addition of 10 ng/ml of TXB2, 10 ng/ml of PGF2 alpha, or 0.1 ng/ml PGE2, production of LTB4 by calcium ionophore A23187 stimulation was significantly increased in the asthmatics, and there was no such trend in the non-asthmatic group. These results suggest that LTB4 production from neutrophils may be enhanced by TXB2, PGF2 alpha and PGE2.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

A novel tumor-associated protein: clinical significance of serum levels in various clinical conditions with special reference to gynecological malignant diseases.

A novel tumor-associated protein (TAP), that was originally detected immunologically through the use of a monospecific antiserum against a placental antigen, was quantified by means of the rocket technique of Laurell. Four hundred and fifty-seven serum samples were obtained from healthy female subjects (55), and patients with leiomyomas (162), benign ovarian tumors (78), pelvic endometriosis (45), cervical cancer (73), endometrial cancer (18) and ovarian cancer (26), respectively. Statistical analysis showed that TAP exhibited the closest relationship in ovarian cancer patients in whom the appearance of TAP and its high level were most prominent. The present preliminary study suggests the clinical usefulness of this protein as a clinical adjunct for the management of ovarian cancer.

Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte↗
PubMed1992

Antitumor effect of a Coliolus preparation, PSK: induction of macrophage chemotactic factor (MCF) in spleens of tumor bearing mice.

The effect of administration of PSK (Polysaccharide Kureha), a Coliolus preparation, in Meth-A solid tumors was analyzed in BALB/c mice. Spleen cells prepared from normal, non-treated Meth-A bearing, PSK-treated normal and PSK-treated tumor bearing mice were examined for induction of macrophage chemotatic factor (MCF). Only spleen cells from the latter mice produced MCF after 48 hrs of cultivation in the presence of Meth-A cells or concanavalin A (Con A). MCF-producing cells were indicated to be Lyt-1 positive, L3T4 positive and Lyt-2 negative cells in the negative elimination assay. There were no differences in the production of other cytokines including interleukin-2, interferon and tumor necrosing factor, spleen cells obtained other different groups of mice. The antitumor effect of either crude or purified MCF (molecular weight 100,000) was examined by daily consecutive intratumoral injections into Meth-A tumor tissues, and a significant inhibitory effect was detected.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[A case of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with no history of bronchial asthma].

A 53-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow in the left upper lung. Bronchofiberscopy revealed edematous mucosa and pus at the orifice of the left upper lobe bronchus. Pathological examination revealed bronchial inflammatory change with infiltration of eosinophils and also the existence of aspergillus in the pus. Mild eosinophilia and elevation of serum IgE level were observed in the peripheral blood, and serum precipitin against Aspergillus fumigatus was positive. Bronchogram showed central bronchiectasis, and the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was made. In cases of ABPA, bronchial asthma is usually present prior to presentation, but this patient had no history of asthma even though airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was confirmed.

Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary↗