Water immersion stress induces heat shock protein expression and protects against pancreatitis.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T Otani.
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MR imaging of the knee is a highly accurate examination in terms of the detection of meniscal tears and cruciate ligament ruptures among internal derangement of the knee. The overall accuracy in more than 2000 published cases reached nearly as high as 90% in meniscal tears, and 94% in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and 99% in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ruptures. Furthermore, the negative predictive value of the knee MR imaging, the number of true negative examination results divided by the numbers of true negative plus false-negative examination results, reaches almost 100% because of its very low false-negative rate. Therefore, from the orthopedic surgeon's point of view, even though the medical cost becomes a great concern, MR imaging has prime importance in the diagnosis of the internal derangement of the knee.
BACKGROUND: Apoptosis plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis in various tumours. This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in endometrial tumours of corpus uteri. METHODS: Endometrial tissues were obtained from 20 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 16 patients with endometrial hyperplasia, and 4 patients with myoma uteri (which were used as controls). The occurrence of apoptosis was examined by using molecular biochemical techniques. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins was also investigated using immunohistochemical staining with appropriate antibodies. RESULTS: The labelling of DNA in situ indicated that apoptotic cells were sporadically seen in postmenopausal endometrium (5.2 +/- 2.1, n = 4) and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (2.6 +/- 0.5, n = 9). In contrast, labelled cells were detected in atypical endometrial hyperplasia (15.9 +/- 2.2, n = 7), and their numbers increased intensely in adenocarcinoma (29.3 +/- 3.7, n = 20). Autoradiographic analysis revealed DNA laddering in many cases of carcinoma. Bcl-2 was highly immunopositive in hyperplasia without atypia (36.2 +/- 6.5%, n = 9), but was decreased in the atypical endometrial hyperplasia (16.3 +/- 4.8%, n = 7). Large fractions of the carcinoma (6.3 +/- 1.8%, n = 20) and normal endometrium (2.8 +/- 1.4%, n = 4) were immunonegative or slightly immunopositive to Bcl-2. In contrast, Bax immunoreactivity was more frequent and stronger in adenocarcinoma (43.6 +/- 4.1%, n = 20) than that in normal endometrium (17.6 +/- 6.7%, n = 4) and hyperplasia (7.2 +/- 2.2%, n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cells in hyperplasia expressing Bcl-2 might have prolonged survival ability. Neoplastic cells in adenocarcinoma might show apoptosis in association with a decreased expression of Bcl-2 and an increased expression of Bax. Therefore, the frequency of apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax might be correlated with carcinogenesis in the uterine endometrium of humans.
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This study established a rat model of foreign body-associated urinary tract infection. A spiral polyethylene tube (PT) was placed transurethrally into the bladder without surgical manipulation, followed by transurethral inoculation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The persistence of P. aeruginosa in the kidneys and bladder was significantly enhanced by placement of the PT, whereas the bacteria were eliminated rapidly from the urinary tract in the animals without the PT. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a thick biofilm on the surface of the PT from the early stage of infection. Histopathologically, acute pyelonephritis was followed by chronic renal inflammation as well as continuous and sporadic polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation and hemorrhage in the pelvis and adjacent tissues, suggesting continuous ascending introduction of the bacteria from the biofilm adhering to the PT. We believe our model simulates the pathophysiology of foreign body-associated urinary tract infection characterized by biofilm formation on the surface of a foreign body.
Pancreatic cancer shows an aggressive growth behavior which results in an extremely poor prognosis. It is presently the 4th to 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Western countries with an incidence of 8-10 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Since current conservative oncological therapies fail to influence the long-term outcome, curative resection remains the only possibility with a potential for cure. During the past decades, a considerable decrease in postoperative mortality after pancreatic resection and a significant increase in the resection rate have been achieved. Although several types of pancreatic resection have evolved, standard procedures are the classical Whipple resection for cancers of the pancreatic head and left resection for cancers of pancreatic body and tail. Since the pylorus-preserving Whipple resection and extended Whipple resection are still debated as better alternatives to the classical Whipple procedure, large, controlled clinical trials in patients need to be conducted to reach reliable conclusions. However, there is mounting evidence that the pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure offers a better postoperative outcome than the classical Whipple operation without compromising radicality and thereby the long-term prognosis. Despite the progress in surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer, the overall prognosis following resection remains unsatisfactory to date. It is hoped that progress in multimodality treatment and modern therapies, resulting from both clinical and advanced basic research, can improve the prognosis of this malignancy in the near future.
Adrenomedullin is a multifunctional peptide expressed in a variety of tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the expression of adrenomedullin and its mRNA by human trophoblasts and the possible existence of adrenomedullin receptor in those cells. Human placentas in all three trimesters were obtained from patients undergoing therapeutic abortions and deliveries. Total RNA was extracted from placental trophoblastic tissues and JAr choriocarcinoma cells, and the expression of adrenomedullin mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed by the avidin/biotin immunoperoxidase method using a specific antibody to adrenomedullin. The secretion of adrenomedullin by JAr cells cultured in medium containing [35S]cysteine-[35S]methionine was determined by immunoprecipitation followed by PAGE. The presence of adrenomedullin receptor in JAr cells was examined using a binding assay with [125I]rat adrenomedullin. Adrenomedullin mRNA was expressed by human placental trophoblastic tissues in all three trimesters and by JAr cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that adrenomedullin is expressed by cytotrophoblasts in placentas in all three trimesters, but not by syncytiotrophoblasts. The expression of adrenomedullin in the cytotrophoblast was most abundant in first trimester placenta and became less abundant during the course of pregnancy. JAr cells synthesized and secreted immunoreactive adrenomedullin. Binding assay with [125I]rat adrenomedullin demonstrated specific binding of adrenomedullin to JAr cells, indicating the existence of a specific receptor for adrenomedullin in trophoblastic cells. Adrenomedullin is transcribed and secreted by cytotrophoblastic cells that possess adrenomedullin receptor. Adrenomedullin may play a potential role as an autocrine/paracrine factor in the growth of cytotrophoblasts, especially in early gestation.
Evidence is increasing for small vessel remodeling and disturbance of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in diabetic patients. Insulin increases vascular wall thickening and produces endothelial dysfunction. Troglitazone, a new insulin-sensitizer antidiabetic agent, is considered to reduce plasma insulin level and the present study assessed its effect on the coronary circulation of the patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Analysis of the myocardial washout rate with adenosine triphosphate-stress thallium-201 scintigraphy was used to estimate coronary circulation, and for estimation of insulin sensitivity, the homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-R) was calculated. Patients were treated with monotherapy of either troglitazone (200 mg bid, n=12) or glibenclamide (2.5 mg daily, n=12) for 3 months. Age-, sex- and risk factors-matched subjects without NIDDM were employed as a control. Fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c were similarly decreased by troglitazone or glibenclamide. Plasma insulin level (pmol/L) decreased from 66.6+/-10.8 to 39.0+/-7.2 with troglitazone, but was unchanged by glibenclamide (58.8+/-7.2 to 66.0+/-10.8). The diabetic groups had a significantly lower washout rate than controls, which was improved by troglitazone, but not by glibenclamide. In addition, the increase in washout rate correlated significantly with the decrease in HOMA-R in the troglitazone group. In conclusion, troglitazone can restore coronary circulation by improving insulin resistance in patients with NIDDM.
We have reported the favorable therapeutic results of non-ischemic complete enucleation using a microwave tissue coagulator as a method of nephron-sparing surgery for small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We experienced two elective cases that underwent translumbar nephrectomy subsequent to the tumor enucleation. The first case showed another RCC in a cyst, concomitant with the enucleated RCC. The second case was a pT3a spindle cell carcinoma with high-grade malignancy. We decided to nephrectomize these enucleated kidney after obtaining well-informed consent. Here we report these controversial cases and discuss about the indication and outcomes of complete tumor enucleation for small RCC.
A 16-year-old boy with a painful tumor in the left scrotum was referred to our department. CT scans showed a low density area in the left testis, so we diagnosed a left testicular tumor and performed left inguinal orchiectomy. Histological examination revealed polyarteritis nodosa (PN) of the testis and epididymis. Systemic examination revealed no other evidence of PN. Although induration developed in the right epididymis after the operation, it resolved with steroid therapy. The patient is currently asymptomatic and is being followed at our clinic. The pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.
OBJECTIVES: Cholesterol levels of remnant-like lipoprotein (RLP-cholesterol: RLP-C), which reflect remnant lipoproteins, are associated with coronary arterial endothelial functions and cardiovascular events. The influence of RLP-C on peripheral vascular endothelial functions in patients with hyperlipidemia and normolipidemia was evaluated based on the reactivity of the antecubital artery to acetylcholine (Ach) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) using a Doppler guidewire. METHODS: Protocol 1: Five patients were selected, and the dose-response of the antecubital artery was evaluated by administering Ach (0.5, 5, and 50 micrograms/30 sec) or ISDN (0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 mg/30 sec). An index of vascular reactivity (brachial artery response: BR) was determined by dividing the maximal blood flow velocity after the administration of Ach or ISDN by resting blood flow velocity. Protocol 2: BR was evaluated in 48 patients after administering Ach 50 micrograms or ISDN 2.5 mg. Subsequently, these patients were divided into the following three groups based on early morning RLP-C levels: Group L (n = 11), RLP-C < 2.0 mg/dl (minimal detectable level); Group M (n = 21), 2.0 mg/dl < or = RLP-C < 5.0 mg/dl; and Group H (n = 16), 5.0 mg/dl < or = RLP-C. The factors that regulate BR-Ach 50 micrograms were also evaluated in 34 normolipidemic patients. RESULTS: Protocol 1: BR dose-dependently increased after the administration of Ach and ISDN. Protocol 2: BR-Ach 50 micrograms was significantly less in Group H (3.1 +/- 0.8) than in Groups M (3.8 +/- 0.9, p < 0.03) and L (4.2 +/- 0.9, p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in BR-ISDN 2.5 mg between the three groups. Univariate analysis in normolipidemic patients revealed that BR-Ach 50 micrograms was correlated with age (r = -0.355, p < 0.05), RLP-C (r = -0.488, p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.382, p < 0.03), systolic blood pressure (r = -0.354, p < 0.05), and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.406, p < 0.02). Multivariate analysis using these five factors as independent variables revealed that age, RLP-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol regulated BR-Ach 50 micrograms. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction may occur in patients with high levels of RLP-C. RLP-C is an independent lipid factor that regulates peripheral vascular endothelial functions even in normolipidemic patients.
To determine whether the colonic epithelial proliferation rate is useful as a marker for colorectal cancer, we measured the Ki-67 labeling index (LI) in normal-appearing mucosa from the sigmoid and ascending colon in patients with two or more tumors (early cancers, which are defined as tumors the depth of invasion of which is limited to mucosal layer or submucosal layer, adenomas, or both). The association of baseline LI with the risk of development of colon tumors 2 years after endoscopic removal was assessed by cohort analysis. The presence of two or more tumors was defined as occurrence. One hundred and six specimens from the sigmoid colon and 130 from the ascending colon from 246 subjects (203 males and 43 females) were used for analysis. The patients with higher upper-third LI in the normal-appearing mucosa in the sigmoid colon, but not in the ascending colon, had significantly more tumors at follow-up colonoscopy 2 years later (risk ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-10.6). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that it was an independent factor. We concluded that the higher upper-third Ki-67 LI of normal-appearing mucosa in the sigmoid colon indicates a high risk for colorectal cancer.
IL-18 is a new type of inflammatory cytokine similar to but distinct from IL-12 and IL-1beta. One intriguing property of IL-18 is synergism with IL-12 in many respects. In this study we examined the in vivo synergistic effects of IL-18/IL-12 in mice and found lethal toxicity accompanying an elevated IFN-gamma level in the serum. Since treatment with IL-18 alone did not have any apparent toxicity, and treatment with IL-12 alone showed only limited toxicity in our system, the synergy between the two cytokines was all the more remarkable. The major symptoms of the toxicity were weight loss, diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, splenomegaly, fatty liver, and atrophic thymus, most of which are similarly found in endotoxin-induced septic shock. However, in contrast to septic shock, TNF-alpha was not induced. The involvement of IFN-gamma in the toxicity was further studied in detail. Treatment of athymic nude mice with anti-asialo-GM1 did not reduce the toxicity, whereas anti-IFN-gamma treatment of wild-type mice alleviated it. When IFN-gamma-deficient mice were treated with IL-18/IL-12, the majority of them showed mortality and toxicity with severe pulmonary edema. These results indicate that IL-18/IL-12 treatment induces severe adverse effects through not only IFN-gamma-dependent mechanisms but also IFN-gamma-independent processes.
This study sought to clarify major complications associated with acetylcholine testing. Serious major complications, such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, shock, and cardiac tamponade were determined in 4 of 715 patients (0.56%), but no cases of death or irreversible complications occurred. The spasm provocation test using acetylcholine should be performed carefully, although it is considered a safe and reliable method.
The first dipalladium µ-PPh(3) complex (1) was obtained by the facile loss of two CH(3)CN ligands from [Pd(2)(PPh(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)](PF(6))(2) in CH(2)Cl(2). Coupling of p-tolylacetylene (p-TolC identical withCH) with 1 or its precusor afforded the µ-butenediylidene complex 2, treatment of which with CH(3)CN resulted in PPh(3) migration to give 3.
We developed hard biscuit containing 30% wheat bran (WB biscuit) and administered it to 12 volunteers at 7.5 g/day (7.5 g group) or 15 g/day (15 g group) as wheat bran for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the dietary fiber intake from foods other than wheat bran decreased slightly in the both groups, in the 15 g group was the decrease notable especially, after the beginning of WB biscuit administration. We suggest that a closest attention to changes in dietary habit associated with intervention is needed in intervention studies using patients leading a normal life.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal structure before and after vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema and to assess the correlation between thickness of neurosensory retina and best-corrected visual acuity. METHODS: Tomographic features of 13 eyes (nine patients) with diabetic macular edema were prospectively evaluated with optical coherence tomography before and after vitrectomy. The foveal thickness (the distance between the inner retinal surface and the retinal pigment epithelium) and the retinal thickness (thickness of neurosensory retina) were measured by optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively. The correlation of the best-corrected visual acuity with foveal and retinal thickness was determined. RESULTS: All 13 eyes had retinal swelling with low intraretinal reflectivity. In addition to retinal swelling, there were cystoid spaces in five (38%) of 13 eyes, a serous retinal detachment in three (23%), and both cystoid spaces and serous detachment in three (23%). Six months postoperatively, the mean foveal thickness significantly decreased from 630 +/- 170 to 350 +/- 120 microm (P <.01, paired t test) and the mean thickness of neurosensory retina decreased from 540 +/- 160 to 320 +/- 140 microm (P <.01, paired t test). A serous retinal detachment occurred transiently in 3 eyes. Compared with the preoperative level, the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity level improved by more than 2 lines in five of the 13 eyes (38%), remained the same in seven eyes (54%), and decreased in one eye (8%). The postoperative thickness of neurosensory retina at the fovea and best-corrected visual acuity level at the sixth postoperative month had a strong negative correlation (correlation coefficient, -0.76; P <.01, Spearmans rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy was generally effective in treatment of diabetic macular edema. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated the intraretinal changes of macular edema and the process of edema absorption. During the process of macular edema absorption, intraretinal fluid appeared to move into the subretinal space in some cases. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement was greater in eyes with less preoperative increase in thickness of neurosensory retina.