Biomedical subjects

T Saito

Publications and source records attributed to T Saito.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Homozygosity and linkage disequilibrium mapping of autosomal recessive distal myopathy (Nonaka distal myopathy).

Autosomal recessive distal myopathy or Nonaka distal myopathy (NM) is characterized by its unique distribution of muscular weakness and wasting. The patients present with spared quadriceps muscles even in a late stage of the disease. The hamstring and tibialis anterior muscles are affected severely in early adulthood. We have localized the NM gene to the region between markers D9S319 and D9S276 on chromosome 9 by linkage analysis. To further refine the localization of the NM gene, we conducted homozygosity and linkage disequilibrium analysis for 14 patients from 11 NM families using 18 polymorphic markers. All of the patients from consanguineous NM families were found to be homozygous for six markers located within the region between markers D9S2178 and D9S1859. We also provided evidence for significant allelic associations between the NM region and five marker loci. Examination of the haplotype analysis identified a predominant ancestral haplotype comprising the associated alleles 199-160-154-109 (marker order: D9S2179-D9S2180-D9S2181-D9S1804), present in 60% of NM chromosomes and in 0% of parent chromosomes. On the basis of the data obtained in this study, the majority of NM chromosomes were derived from a single ancestral founder, and the NM gene is probably located within the 1.5-Mb region between markers D9S2178 and D9S1791.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

E-cadherin gene mutations frequently occur in synovial sarcoma as a determinant of histological features.

Synovial sarcoma is a mesenchymal tumor that has an epithelial character and two major histological subtypes, the biphasic type and the monophasic fibrous type. However, the mechanisms involved in its epithelial differentiation are unknown, and furthermore, the determinants for histological subtype in synovial sarcoma remain unclear. In this study, we immunohistochemically examined E-cadherin expression and screened for genetic alterations in the E-cadherin gene from exon 4 to exon 9 in 49 cases of synovial sarcoma. In addition, we also examined the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and Snail, a direct repressor of E-cadherin gene expression, by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in 20 samples of frozen material. Immunohistochemical E-cadherin membranous expression was observed in 12 cases (24.5%), and was predominant in biphasic tumors. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by DNA direct sequencing revealed 15 missense E-cadherin mutations in 12 cases (24.5%: monophasic, 11 of 42; biphasic, 1 of 6; poorly, 0 of 1) and 7 silent mutations (14.3%) in 7 cases. Ten of the 12 cases with E-cadherin missense mutations did not show E-cadherin membranous expression. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated E-cadherin and Snail mRNA expressions in 14 cases (70%) and in all cases, respectively. E-cadherin gene expression was inactivated by missense mutations in three of the eight cases (37.5%) of monophasic fibrous tumors that showed E-cadherin mRNA expressions. The E-cadherin gene was potentially inactivated in a significant number of synovial sarcomas. E-cadherin dysfunction because of its mutation in the central region of the molecule was associated with its decreased immunohistochemical expression and histological fibroblastic and spindle-shaped features of monophasic tumors. Thus, E-cadherin gene mutation may be one of the determinants of histological subtype in synovial sarcoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Nitric oxide system in needle-induced transmyocardial revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) promotes endothelial proliferation and migration, essential for angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular expression of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and eNOS) in an ischemic cardiomyopathy animal model of needle-induced transmyocardial revascularization (TMR). METHODS: Myocardial infarction was created in rats by ligating the left coronary artery, and animals were divided into two groups: no-TMR group (served as control) and TMR group (underwent concomitant TMR by the creation of six transmural channels with a 25-gauge needle in the ischemic area). Rats were sacrificed at intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry using specific antisera was performed for iNOS, eNOS, and endothelial cell marker factor VIII. Vascular density and positive staining area with either iNOS or eNOS were assessed in the infarcted myocardium. RESULTS: Vascular density in the infarcted myocardium was significantly increased in the TMR group (p < 0.001). The positive staining area for iNOS and the intensity of iNOS immunoreactivity in cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelium, and macrophages were significantly greater in the TMR group (p < 0.05). However, these differences were seen only in the first 2 weeks after TMR. There was no significant difference in the expression of eNOS between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A mechanical injury using needle puncture in an ischemic myocardium increased vascular density and is associated with increased expression of myocardial iNOS. Increased production of NO derived from iNOS may contribute to the angiogenic response of TMR.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Thiazolidinediones, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists, regulate endothelial cell growth and secretion of vasoactive peptides.

Insulin resistance has been highlighted as a common causal factor for glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia, all of which are cardiovascular risk factors. A new class of antidiabetic agents, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), has been developed and demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity. TZDs are high affinity ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), the crucial transcription factor for adipocytes. Recent studies showed that PPARgamma is also expressed in monocytes/macrophages and is suggested to be involved in atherosclerosis. We could detect PPARgamma gene transcript in several cultured endothelial cells (human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs), human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and bovine carotid artery endothelial cells (BAECs)) as well as human coronary arteries we examined. Since endothelial dysfunction is critical for atherosclerosis, we investigated the effects of TZDs, troglitazone (TRO) and pioglitazone (PIO), on endothelial cell growth and secretion of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which we demonstrated as a novel endothelium-derived relaxing peptide, and endothelin (ET), a potent vasoconstrictor, using HAoECs, HCAECs, HUVECs and BAECs. When all these cultured endothelial cells were daily treated with TRO and PIO for 5 days, both TRO and PIO (10(-8)M) significantly stimulated (3)H-thymidine incorporation of all these endothelial cells. In contrast, higher dose of TRO and PIO (10(-5)M) significantly suppressed DNA synthesis. TRO and PIO also exerted the compatible effect on the increase of cell numbers. TRO and PIO significantly enhanced CNP secretion from BAECs. In contrast, ET secretion from BAECs was suppressed by both TRO and PIO in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the present study suggest that TZDs modulate endothelial functions, including regulation of endothelial cell growth and secretion of endothelium-derived vasoactive substances, which affect vascular tone and remodeling in the process of atherosclerosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

New bone formation around porous hydroxyapatite wedge implanted in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy in patients with osteoarthritis.

A porous hydroxyapatite (highly purified synthetic Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) wedge was inserted into the tibia in 10 knees of 7 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent high tibial osteotomy. The interface of this HA wedge with bone was histologically examined in undecalcified specimens obtained at the time of hardware removal in all 10 knees, and total incorporation of the HA into bone was observed, with no inflammatory reaction. The proportion of pores that were filled with regenerated bone within 300 microm from the interface was 71.8 +/- 10.1% (mean +/- S.D.), and it was positively correlated with the time from implantation to biopsy. Radiodensity of the HA wedge was measured during the follow-up period, and it did not change significantly within 36 months after osteotomy. Our study concluded that bone ingrowth into the HA block slowly progressed and was correlated with the passage of time.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Effects of collagen gel mixed with hydroxyapatite powder on interface between newly formed bone and grafted achilles tendon in rabbit femoral bone tunnel.

The Achilles tendon was implanted into a bone tunnel made in the femoral condyle of 20 rabbits. In the left femur, collagen gel mixed with hydroxyapatite powder (C-HAp) was injected between the graft and the bone tunnel. On the other hand, as a control, simple saline was injected in the right femur. Five rabbits were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery. Histological findings showed that in the C-HAp group, the grafted tendon came in direct contact with new bone, and Sharpey-like collagen fibers arising from the grafted tendon were observed to penetrate new bone by 4 weeks after surgery. In the control group, however, fibrous tissue was observed between new bone and the grafted tendon, but no penetrating fibers from the grafted tendon into the new bone were observed until 16 weeks. The area of new bone in the C-HAp group was significantly greater than that in the control group 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0007, p < 0.0013, respectively).

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed2001

Granular lymphocytic leukemia derived from gamma delta T-cell expressing cytotoxic molecules.

We here present an extremely rare case of granular lymphocytic leukemia derived from gamma delta T-cell (gamma delta T-GLL). The blood picture at diagnosis was as follows; white cell count 25.7 x 10(9)/l containing 94% atypical lymphocytes with cytoplasmic granules, hemoglobin 11.8 g/dl and platelet count 124 x 10(9)/l. The atypical lymphocytes were positive for CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7, CD56 and TCR gamma delta, but negative for CD4, CD8, CD57, TCR alpha beta and B-cell antigens. The cytotoxic molecules, T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) and granzyme B, were positive by immunocytochemical analysis. Southern blot analysis showed rearrangement of T-cell receptor J gamma and C beta genes but germline configuration of the JH gene. Neither serum antibody against human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) nor the integration of HTLV-I proviral DNA was detected. CT scan showed splenomegaly but no lymph node enlargement. A diagnosis of gamma delta T-GLL was made, and she has been followed up without any therapies for more than 4 years.

Female↗

PubMed2001

Formation of bioorganic compounds in simulated planetary atmospheres by high energy particles or photons.

Various types of organic compounds have been detected in Jupiter, Titan, and cometary coma. It is probable that organic compounds were formed in primitive Earth and Mars atmospheres. Cosmic rays and solar UV are believed to be two major energy sources for organic formation in space. We examined energetics of organic formation in simulated planetary atmospheres. Gas mixtures including a C-source (carbon monoxide or methane) and a N-source (nitrogen or ammonia) was irradiated with the followings: High energy protons or electrons from accelerators, gamma-rays from 60Co, UV light from a deuterium lamp, and soft X-rays or UV light from an electron synchrotron. Amino acids were detected in the products of particles, gamma-rays and soft X-rays irradiation from each gas mixture examined. UV light gave, however, no amino acid precursors in the gas mixture of carbon monoxide, nitrogen and nitrogen. It gave only a trace of them in the gas mixture of carbon monoxide, ammonia and water or that of methane, nitrogen and water. Yield of amino acid precursors by photons greatly depended on their wavelength. These results suggest that nitrogen-containing organic compounds like amino acid precursors were formed chiefly with high energy particles, not UV photons, in Titan or primitive Earth/Mars atmospheres where ammonia is not available as a predominant N-source.

Alanine↗

PubMed2001

Ground performance of air conditioning and water recycle system for a Space Plant Box.

Researchers from 5 Japanese universities have developed a plant growth facility (Space Plant Box) for seed to seed experiments under microgravity. The breadboard model of the Space Plant Box was fabricated by assembling subsystems developed for microgravity. The subsystems include air conditioning and water recycle system, air circulation system, water and nutrient delivery system, lighting system and plant monitoring system. The air conditioning and water recycle system is simply composed of a single heat exchanger, two fans and hydrophilic fibrous strings. The strings allow water movement from the cooler fin in the Cooling Box to root supporting materials in the Plant Growth Chamber driven by water potential deficit. Relative humidity in the Plant Growth Chamber can be changed over a wide range by controlling the ratio of latent heat exchange to sensible heat exchange on the cooling fin of the heat exchanger. The transpiration rate was successfully measured by circulating air inside the Plant Growth Chamber only. Most water was recycled and a small amount of water needed to be added from the outside. The simple, air conditioning and water recycle system for the Space Plant Box showed good performance through a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth experiment.

Air Conditioning↗

PubMed2001

The effect of gravity on surface temperature and net photosynthetic rate of plant leaves.

To clarify the effects of gravity on heat/gas exchange between plant leaves and the ambient air, the leaf temperatures and net photosynthetic rates of plant leaves were evaluated at 0.01, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 G of 20 seconds each during a parabolic airplane flight. Thermal images of leaves were captured using infrared thermography at an air temperature of 26 degrees C, a relative humidity of 15% and an irradiance of 260 W m-2. The net photosynthetic rates were determined by using a chamber method with an infrared gas analyzer at an air temperature of 20 degrees C, a relative humidity of 50% and a photosynthetic photon flux of 0.5 mmol m-2 s-1. The mean leaf temperature increased by 1 degree C and the net photosynthetic rate decreased by 13% with decreasing gravity levels from 1.0 to 0.01 G. The leaf temperature decreased by 0.5 degree C and the net photosynthetic rate increased by 7% with increasing gravity levels from 1.0 to 2.0 G. Heat/gas exchanges between leaves and the ambient air were more retarded at lower gravity levels. A restricted free air convection under microgravity conditions in space would limit plant growth by retarding heat and gas exchanges between leaves and the ambient air.

Gravitation↗

PubMed2001

Undernutrition during the first half of gestation increases the predominance of fetal tissue in late-gestation ovine placentomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, in sheep, the effects of maternal undernutrition during the first half of pregnancy on placental growth and development and fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: Six ewes (R) were subjected to a 15% reduction in nutrient intake for the first 70 days of gestation and thereafter received the recommended daily intake. Another group of six ewes (C) received the recommended daily intake throughout pregnancy. At 130 days gestation the ewes were killed and morphological and morphometrical measurements were carried out on the placenta and fetus. RESULTS: Undernutrition resulted in a significant alteration in placental morphology, which was seen as increased growth of the fetal side of the placenta in R animals. However, fetal size in late gestation was not affected by the undernutrition, suggesting that placental adaptation was successful in maintaining fetal growth. CONCLUSION: Placental adaptations, including changes in gross morphology, may preserve fetal growth if maternal undernutrition is not severe. The mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Successful application of nonmyeloablative transplantation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

OBJECTIVE: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder that manifests as hemolytic anemia, venous thrombosis, and deficient hematopoiesis. Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered the only curative therapeutic measure, transplant-related mortality is not negligible. Several studies supported the use of nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST) for patients of advanced age or with organ dysfunction. Hence, we used NST in a PNH patient who suffered from acute renal failure due to repeated episodes of hemolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed NST using a conditioning regimen consisting of cladribine 0.11 mg/kg x 6, busulfan 4 mg/kg x 2, and rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin 2.5 mg/kg x 2. He received peripheral blood stem cells from his human leukocyte antigen-matched brother. Prophylaxis against graft-vs-host disease was performed with cyclosporine A alone. Chimerism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated serially using short tandem repeat analysis and flow cytometry. RESULTS: No meaningful regimen-related toxicities were documented. Donor chimerism of 90 to 100% was achieved on day 14 and thereafter. The patient is doing well, without any recurrence of hemolysis 6 months after transplant. Follow-up chimerism studies confirmed stable and functioning donor-type hematopoiesis. CONCLUSIONS: NST may become a safe and curative approach in patients with PNH. Further studies are needed to establish the role of NST for treatment of PNH.

Antilymphocyte Serum↗

PubMed2001

Multiple endothelial injury in epicardial coronary artery induces downstream microvascular spasm as well as remodeling partly via thromboxane A2.

OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to develop a coronary microvascular spasm model in pigs by repeated epicardial coronary artery endothelial injury. BACKGROUND: The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for coronary microvascular spasm remain unclear, in large part because a suitable animal model has yet to be found. METHODS: Balloon endothelial denudation was done just distal to the site of an implanted Doppler flowmeter in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) every two weeks for a total of four times. Changes in LAD blood flow by intracoronary administration of vasoactive agents were assessed before each denudation. RESULTS: In the epicardial LAD endothelial denudation pigs, decreases in LAD blood flow caused by acetylcholine were augmented. Before denudation, it was - 15 +/- 4%, and at week 8 (i.e., two weeks after the fourth denudation) it was -100% (i.e., zero flow [p < 0.01]). The LAD flow changes in response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) changed from an increase to a decrease, accompanied by medial thickening of microvessels in the LAD perfusion area. These flow responses were observed without significant changes in LAD diameter. In contrast, the LAD blood flow responses to acetylcholine and 5-HT did not change throughout the experiment in pigs given aspirin and a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibitor orally. CONCLUSIONS: This microvascular spasm model indicates that hypersensitivity to vasoactive substances in the microvascular beds as well as microvascular remodeling are brought about partly through TXA2. This model should be useful for examining the pathophysiology and treatment of microvascular angina.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Attenuation of angiotensin II-mediated coronary vasoconstriction and vasodilatory action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in pacing-induced heart failure in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the changes in coronary vascular resistance caused by angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and angiotensin II type 1 or 2 receptor (AT(1)R and AT(2)R, respectively) antagonists in chronic heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II is an intense vasoconstrictor, and increased angiotensin II in CHF might exert significant vasoconstriction. METHODS: Eleven dogs were studied. Before and after three and five weeks of rapid pacing, coronary flow dynamics were evaluated by the coronary pressure-flow relationship (PFR) in long diastole, before and after intracoronary injection of angiotensin II, the ACE inhibitor enalaprilat, the AT(1)R antagonist L158,809 or the AT(2)R antagonist PD123319. RESULTS: Before rapid pacing, angiotensin II reduced the slope of PFR (1.16 +/- 0.08 to 0.81 +/- 0.07 ml/min/100 g left ventricular mass per mm Hg; p < 0.01) and increased the perfusion pressure at which coronary flow ceased (zero-flow pressure [P(f) = 0]), whereas enalaprilat did not change either of them. After rapid pacing, angiotensin II did not change the slope or P(f) = 0. In contrast, enalaprilat increased the slope (three weeks: 1.20 +/- 0.05 to 1.50 +/- 0.03; five weeks: 1.25 +/- 0.19 to 1.37 +/- 0.08; both p < 0.05) and decreased P(f) = 0 after three weeks of pacing, but not after five weeks. Pretreatment with the bradykinin antagonist HOE-140 attenuated the enalaprilat-induced increase in coronary blood flow. L158,809 and PD123319 had no effect both before and after rapid pacing. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that the coronary vasoconstrictive effect of angiotensin II would disappear and the vasodilatory effect of the ACE inhibitor, partly through bradykinin, would be enhanced in the early stage of CHF.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2001

Epidemiological studies of tobacco smoking and dependence in Japan.

In this study, we attempted to determine the prevalence of tobacco or nicotine dependence in current smokers in Japan and to assess the relationship between alcoholism and tobacco or nicotine dependence. The subjects consisted of 246 alcohol-dependent and 1,111 non-alcohol-dependent individuals. We used a questionnaire, consisting of items obtained from the World Health Organization's The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines (ICD-10) and the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria for tobacco or nicotine dependence. The prevalence of tobacco dependence diagnosed according to the ICD-10 criteria was 23.9% among all subjects. The prevalence of tobacco dependence diagnosed according to the ICD-10 criteria was higher in alcohol-dependent individuals (58.1%) than in nondrinkers or social drinkers (12.8%). Alcohol-dependent subjects consumed significantly more nicotine per day than did nondrinkers or social drinkers. The prevalence of nicotine physical dependence diagnosed by using DSM-IV criteria for nicotine withdrawal was 2.4% in alcohol-dependent individuals, whereas only 0.3% of nondrinkers or social drinkers exhibited nicotine physical dependence. These results indicate to us that the potential for nicotine physical dependence is not much stronger than that reported among current smokers.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Pod-1/Capsulin shows a sex- and stage-dependent expression pattern in the mouse gonad development and represses expression of Ad4BP/SF-1.

Mammalian sex-determination and differentiation are controlled by several genes, such as Sry, Sox-9, Dax-1 and Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), but their upstream and downstream genes are largely unknown. Ad4BP/SF-1, encoding a zinc finger transcription factor, plays important roles in gonadogenesis. Disruption of this gene caused disappearance of the urogenital system including the gonad. Ad4BP/SF-1, however, is also involved in the sex differentiation of the gonad at later stages, such as the regulation of steroid hormones and MIS. Pod-1/Capsulin, a member of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, is expressed in a pattern closely related but mostly complimentary to that of the Ad4BP/SF-1 expression in the developing gonad. In the co-transfection experiment using cultured cells, overexpression of Pod-1/Capsulin repressed expression of a reporter gene that carried the upstream regulatory region of the Ad4BP/SF-1 gene. Furthermore, forced expression of Pod-1/Capsulin repressed expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 in the Leydig cell-derived I-10 cells. These results suggest that Pod-1/Capsulin may play important roles in the development and sex differentiation of the mammalian gonad via transcriptional regulation of Ad4BP/SF-1.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Chemical characterisation of the oligosaccharides in hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) and Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) milk.

Carbohydrates were extracted from hooded seal milk, Crystophora cristata (family Phocidae). Free oligosaccharides were separated by gel filtration and then purified by ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and preparative thin layer or paper chromatography and their structures determined by 1H-NMR. The hooded seal milk was found to contain inositol and at least nine oligosaccharides, most of which had lacto-N-neotetraose or lacto-N-neohexaose as core units, similar to those in milk of other species of Carnivora such as bears (Ursidae). Their structures were as follows: Gal(beta1-4)Glc (lactose); Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (2'-fucosyllactose); Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (lacto-N-neotetraose); Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (lacto-N-fucopentaose IV); Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-6)]Gal(1-4)Glc (lacto-N-neohexaose); Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-6)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc (monofucosyl lacto-N-neohexaose a); Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-6)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc (monofucosyl lacto-N-neohexaose b); Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-6)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc (difucosyl lacto-N-neohexaose); Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (para lacto-N-neohexaose); Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (monofucosyl para lacto-N-neohexaose). Milk of the Australian fur seal, Arctophalus pusillus doriferus (family Otariidae) contained inositol but no lactose or free oligosaccharides. These results, therefore, support the hypothesis that the milk of otariids, unlike that of phocids, contains no free reducing saccharides.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Plasma triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants as a risk factor of 'Pokkuri disease'.

In our recent report, it remained unclear whether or not triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants (RLP) were associated with the risk of sudden coronary death in younger cases without coronary atherosclerosis that were detected in about 10% of all sudden coronary death cases in Japan. These cases were categorized as 'origin unknown, but suspected to be due to coronary spasm', the so called 'pokkuri disease' in Japan. The present study population consisted of 108 sudden death cases without coronary atherosclerosis [(pokkuri disease n=57) and non-cardiac sudden death (control n=51)] aged 20-69 years from Kanagawa prefecture in Japan. All individuals had died suddenly and unexpectedly, most had no significant history of medical conditions including cardiac symptoms and had not taken medications prior to death according to their medical records. All the autopsies were performed within 12 h after death. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids, RLP-C and RLP-TG, VLDL-C, LDL-C, HDL-C, apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III, E, Lp (a) and homocysteine were measured in postmortem plasma samples. The TG-rich lipoprotein remnants measured as RLP-C and RLP-TG were significantly higher in pokkuri disease compared with controls both in fasting and postprandial states (P<0.05 and P<0.001), indicating that RLP-C and RLP-TG were the most significant risk factor in pokkuri disease among the parameters tested in this study. In conclusion the TG level in RLP (RLP-TG) appeared to be strongly associated with the risk of sudden death in the absence of coronary atherosclerosis (pokkuri disease).

Journal Article↗