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Biomedical subjects

T Sakata

Publications and source records attributed to T Sakata.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Distorted control of feeding behavior induced by abnormally regulated peripheral energy metabolism].

To regulate feeding behavior and energy metabolism, a variety of neuronal and hormonal messages are integrated by glucose sensing system located in peripheral organ and central nervous system. Among them, a hepatoportal glucose sensor plays a major role in perception of peripheral humoral information such as brain-gut peptides and cytokines. These signals are transmitted to the hypothalamus through the hepatic afferent vagus nerve and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Recent molecular approaches using knock out or transgenic mice have indicated important effects of peripheral energy metabolism on feeding control. Particularly, fatty acid metabolism in the liver and functions of uncoupling protein family in the brown adipose tissue and the muscle play an essential role as detector for energy storage, and in turn may be contributable to regulation of feeding behavior.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

[Genetic abnormality and the mechanism of ingestive disorder in obese animal model].

The objective of this review article is to present the genetic abnormalities in obese animal models up to present times and to suggest the mechanism of ingestive disorder. Leptin is an anorectic ob gene product and activates the anorexigenic POMC and CART neurons in the ARC and suppresses orexigenic NPY and AGRP neurons. TUB gene product also activates the anorexigenic POMC neurons. These anorexigenic neurons project to the second-order hypothalamic neuron, CRH, TRH and so on in the PVN and suppression of orexigenic neurons project to the orexin in the LHA.

Animals↗

Case study: how to apply data mining techniques in a healthcare data warehouse.

Healthcare provider organizations are faced with a rising number of financial pressures. Both administrators and physicians need help analyzing large numbers of clinical and financial data when making decisions. To assist them, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center and Hitachi America, Ltd. (HAL), Inc., have partnered to build an enterprise data warehouse and perform a series of case study analyses. This article focuses on one analysis, which was performed by a team of physicians and computer science researchers, using a commercially available on-line analytical processing (OLAP) tool in conjunction with proprietary data mining techniques developed by HAL researchers. The initial objective of the analysis was to discover how to use data mining techniques to make business decisions that can influence cost, revenue, and operational efficiency while maintaining a high level of care. Another objective was to understand how to apply these techniques appropriately and to find a repeatable method for analyzing data and finding business insights. The process used to identify opportunities and effect changes is described.

Chicago↗

[CD7(+) acute myeloid leukemia (M0) associated with a mediastinal bulky mass lesion].

A 41-year-old man visited his doctor in May 2000 because of a sore throat and high fever. His symptoms did not improve, despite administration of antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Since a chest X-ray examination revealed an anterior mediastinal bulky tumor, he was referred and admitted to our hospital on June 21, 2000. The peripheral white blood cell count was 44,540/microliter with 74% myeloblasts. Bone marrow aspiration revealed a hypercellular marrow with 82% myeloblasts, which were negative for peroxidase and alpha-naphthyl butylate esterase staining. Blast cells were positive for CD7, CD13, CD33, CD34, and HLA-DR, and negative for CD56. A needle biopsy specimen of the mediastinal tumor consisted of myeloblasts. We diagnosed the patient as having CD7 (+) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (M0) with a bulky mediastinal mass based on the surface marker analysis, although the clinical features resembled myeloid/NK precursor acute leukemia. The patient achieved a complete remission after two courses of induction therapy. We are planning an allogeneic stem cell transplantation during his first remission because of the high risk of relapse.

Adult↗

Flow cytometric method for enumeration and classification of reactive immature granulocyte populations.

We developed a flow cytometric method for the enumeration and classification of nonmalignant immature granulocytes (IG). In this study, IG are defined as most immature (IG stage 1: promyelocytes and myelocytes) and as more mature (IG stage 2: metamyelocytes). Blood specimens from 46 patients with documented infectious or inflammatory disease and known presence of IG (by routine manual microscopy) were analyzed. For a reference manual differential count, we used a 400 white blood cell (WBC) differential and separated granulocytes into promyelocytes and myelocytes combined, metamyelocytes, and included band cells in the mature, segmented neutrophil population. The flow cytometric method is based on three-color staining of whole, anticoagulated blood with CD45-PerCP, CD16-FITC, and CD11b-PE-labeled monoclonal antibodies and a three-step gating procedure. The flow cytometric results were confirmed by cell sorting and microscopic evaluation of the sorted cells. A total of 10,000 events, excluding debris, were recorded per specimen and IG stage 1 (CD16-/CD11b-), IG stage 2 (CD16-/CD11b+), and mature neutrophils (CD16+/CD11b+) were categorized. Regression and correlation between flow cytometric IG and the manual differential showed y = 1.34x + 0.95, r(2) = 0.86 for IG stages 1 and 2 combined versus promyelocytes, myelocytes, and metamyelocytes. For IG stage 1 versus microscopic counts of promyelocytes and myelocytes, the results were y = 1.53x + 1.24, r(2) = 0.76; for IG stage 2 versus manual metamyelocyte count, y = 0.77x + 0.21, r(2) = 0.58. Reproducibility of the flow cytometric method showed a coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.8% for all IG combined compared with a CV of 50.2% for manual differential IG count (based on a routine 100 WBC count). Samples were found stable at least 12 h at 25 degrees C and at least 48 h at 4 degrees C for flow cytometry. After staining and lysing, the sample was stable for at least 120 min at room temperature. We analyzed samples from patients with myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disease separately. We found that CD16- mature neutrophils falsely elevated the flow cytometric IG count. Similar results were obtained in blood from patients treated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Although this restricts the use of the method somewhat, we believe that this flow cytometric method is useful for enumerating reactive IG, as well as for evaluating automated methods for IG identification by hematology analyzers.

Flow Cytometry↗

Visualization of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor and its receptor activity-modifying proteins during internalization and recycling.

Expression of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and its receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) can produce calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors (CRLR/RAMP1) and adrenomedullin (AM) receptors (CRLR/RAMP2 or -3). A chimera of the CRLR and green fluorescent protein (CRLR-GFP) was used to study receptor localization and trafficking in stably transduced HEK 293 cells, with or without co-transfection of RAMPs. CRLR-GFP failed to generate responses to CGRP or AM without RAMPs. Furthermore, CRLR-GFP was not found in the plasma membrane and its localization was unchanged after agonist exposure. When stably coexpressed with RAMPs, CRLR-GFP appeared on the cell surface and was fully active in intracellular cAMP production and calcium mobilization. Agonist-mediated internalization of CRLR-GFP was observed in RAMP1/CGRP or AM, RAMP2/AM, and RAMP3/AM, which occurred with similar kinetics, indicating the existence of ligand-specific regulation of CRLR internalization by RAMPs. This internalization was strongly inhibited by hypertonic medium (0.45 m sucrose) and paralleled localization of rhodamine-labeled transferrin, suggesting that CRLR endocytosis occurred predominantly through a clathrin-dependent pathway. A significant proportion of CRLR was targeted to lysosomes upon binding of the ligands, and recycling of the internalized CRLR was not efficient. In HEK 293 cells stably expressing CRLR-GFP and Myc-RAMPs, these rhodamine-labeled RAMPs were co-localized with CRLR-GFP in the presence and absence of the ligands. Thus, the CRLR is endocytosed together with RAMPs via clathrin-coated vesicles, and both the internalized molecules are targeted to the degradative pathway.

Calcitonin Receptor-Like Protein↗

Molecular cloning of rat brain mitochondrial carrier protein-1 cDNA and its up-regulation during postnatal development.

Brain mitochondrial carrier protein-1 (BMCP1), a new member of the mitochondrial uncoupling carrier, has been shown to be expressed predominantly in the brain of the mice and humans. We cloned rat BMCP1 cDNA and investigated its mRNA level during postnatal development and under various metabolic conditions. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA revealed that rat BMCP1 protein was composed of 322 amino acid residues, and was 99 and 96% identical to the mouse and human proteins and 29, 33 and 35% identical to rat uncoupling protein (UCP) 1, UCP2 and UCP3, respectively. The molecular weight was predicted to be 36017 Da and the protein of this size was detectable when the cDNA was expressed in vitro. Using Northern blot analysis, the corresponding mRNA, approximately 1.8-kb in size, was found expressed predominantly in the cerebrum, cerebellum and hypothalamus. A unique developmental pattern was identified in the brain, where BMCP1 expression was low in their fetal life, but significantly elevated in the first postnatal week. Thereafter BMCP1 mRNA was maintained to be gradually increased. In 48-h fasted or insulin-induced hypoglycemic rats, BMCP1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus slightly, but significantly, decreased compared with that in their appropriate controls. The present results indicate that BMCP1 may be involved in pathogenesis of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons induced by aging or neurodegenerative disorders, and perhaps in energy balance in the brain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Common C677T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis in patients with predisposition of thrombophilia.

The alanine/valine (A/V) gene polymorphism of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), one of the key enzymes catalyzing remethylation of homocysteine, has been reported and the VV genotype is associated with increased plasma homocysteine levels as a result of the reduced activity and increased thermolability of this enzyme. Although previous studies have suggested that the VV genotype is a risk factor for arterial occlusive disease, whether the VV genotype is a risk factor for venous thrombosis is still controversial. Here we screened 72 Japanese patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and 85 controls for this mutation, and we measured plasma levels of homocysteine to determine whether the thermolabile variant with the VV genotype is a risk factor for DVT in a Japanese population. Of the 72 patients with DVT, 10 (13.9%) were found to be homozygous for the VV genotype, and in 6 (7.0%) of 85, control individuals and the difference was not significant (odds ratio=2.12, 95% CI=0.73-6.16, p=0.19). When we divided the DVT patients into subgroups, with and without predisposition of thrombophilia, including deficiencies of proteins C and S, plasminogen, and lupus anticoagulant, the prevalence of the VV genotype in DVT patients with predisposition was significantly higher than that of the normal controls (odds ratio=5.99, 95% CI=1. 56-22.96, p=0.01). However, the prevalence of the VV genotype in DVT patients without predisposition was not significantly different from that of the normal controls (odds ratio=1.20, 95% CI=0.32-4.47, p=0. 75). The plasma homocysteine levels in patients with DVT (11.6+/-5.2 nmol/ml) was not significantly different from that of the control subjects (11.6+/-3.7 nmol/ml). Individuals with the VV genotype showed higher plasma homocysteine levels (15.4+/-6.9 nmol/ml) than did individuals with the AV genotype (11.2+/-3.7 nmol/ml, p=0.009) or in individuals with the AA genotype (11.1+/-4.2 nmol/ml, p=0.004). Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were not correlated with the plasma homocysteine levels. In conclusion, even though homozygosity for the VV genotype of the MTHFR gene was associated with higher plasma homocysteine levels, we found no association between plasma levels of homocysteine and DVT or between the genotype of the MTHFR gene and the DVT incidence. However, we found that the VV genotype of the MTHFR gene is a risk factor for DVT only when combined with the predisposition of thrombophilia.

Adult↗

Combined assessment of T-wave alternans and late potentials used to predict arrhythmic events after myocardial infarction. A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the combination of two markers that reflect depolarization and repolarization abnormalities can predict future arrhythmic events after acute myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND: Although various noninvasive markers have been used to predict arrhythmic events after MI, the positive predictive value of the markers remains low. METHODS: We prospectively assessed T-wave alternans (TWA) and late potentials (LP) by signal-averaged electrocardiogram (ECG) and ejection fraction (EF) in 102 patients with successful determination results after acute MI. The TWA was analyzed using the power-spectral method during supine bicycle exercise testing. No antiarrhythmic drugs were used during the follow-up period. The study end point was the documentation of ventricular arrhythmias. RESULTS: The TWA was present in 50 patients (49%), LP present in 21 patients (21%), and an EF <40% in 28 patients (27%). During a follow-up period of 13 +/- 6 months, symptomatic, sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation occurred in 15 patients (15%). The event rates were significantly higher in patients with TWA, LP, or an abnormal EF. The sensitivity and the negative predictive value of TWA in predicting arrhythmic events were very high (93% and 98%, respectively), whereas its positive predictive value (28%) was lower than those for LP and EF. The highest positive predictive value (50%) was obtained when TWA and LP were combined. CONCLUSIONS: The combined assessment of TWA and LP was associated with a high positive predictive value for an arrhythmic event after acute MI. Therefore, it could be a useful index to identify patients at high risk of arrhythmic events.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Differential regulation of melanin-concentrating hormone and orexin genes in the agouti-related protein/melanocortin-4 receptor system.

Agouti protein and agouti-related protein (AGRP) antagonize alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that binds to and activates the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R) in the hypothalamus, thereby stimulating food intake. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin are orexigenic peptides that specifically are synthesized in the lateral hypothalamus. MCH gene expression was augmented in A(y)/a (agouti) mice which overexpress agouti protein, but orexin mRNA was not. AGRP administered intracerebroventricularly into wild-type rats augmented MCH but not orexin gene expression. Also, SHU9119, a peptidergic antagonist of MC4-R, increased only MCH mRNA. These findings indicate that interruption of signaling at MC4-R activates the MCH but not the orexin gene. The biosyntheses of MCH and orexin are regulated through different pathways.

Agouti Signaling Protein↗

Highly efficient electro-gene therapy of solid tumor by using an expression plasmid for the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene.

We report successful electro-gene therapy (EGT) by using plasmid DNA for tumor-bearing mice. Subcutaneously inoculated CT26 tumor was subjected to EGT, which consists of intratumoral injection of a naked plasmid encoding a marker gene or a therapeutic gene, followed by in vivo electroporation (EP). When this treatment modality is carried out with the plasmid DNA for the green fluorescent protein gene, followed by in vivo EP with the optimized pulse parameters, numerous intensely bright green fluorescent signals appeared within the tumor. EGT, by using the "A" fragment of the diphtheria toxin gene significantly inhibited the growth of tumors, by about 30%, on the flank of mice. With the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene, followed by systemic injection of ganciclovir, EGT was far more effective in retarding tumor growth, varying between 50% and 90%, compared with the other controls. Based on these results, it appears that EGT can be used successfully for treating murine solid tumors.

Animals↗

Bradykinin regulates captopril-induced upregulation of beta-adrenergic receptor in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of bradykinin in mediating captopril-induced upregulation of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR). The density of beta-AR on the surface of cardiac myocytes was measured by binding assay using [(3)H]CGP-12177. Treatment of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with captopril resulted in a time-dependent elevation of bradykinin concentration in the culture medium. The increased bradykinin concentration was significant at 2, 3 and 6 h, but not at 12 h after exposure to captopril. This time-dependent effect of captopril on enhancement of bradykinin levels paralleled that of beta-AR upregulation. Exogenously applied bradykinin increased beta-AR density by 22, 30 and 35% at 0.01, 0.1 and 1 microm concentrations, respectively. Myocytes treated with 1 microm bradykinin responded to isoproterenol (ISP) in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by acceleration of spontaneous beating frequency. These beating acceleration effects of bradykinin were abolished by Hoe 140. Stimulation of bradykinin B2 receptor by exogenously added bradykinin for 6 h was sufficient to produce beta-AR up-regulation to a level similar to that seen after 24 h. Our results indicate that bradykinin potentiation by ACE inhibitors regulates, at least in part, captopril-induced beta-AR up-regulation.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Diminished expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and ryanodine sensitive Ca(2+)Channel mRNA in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat heart.

The diabetic heart has an abnormal intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) metabolism. However, the responsible molecular mechanisms are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate mRNAs expressed in the proteins which regulate heart [Ca(2+)]i metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-adenosine triphosphatase (SR Ca(2+)-ATPase) mRNA was significantly less in the heart 3 weeks after STZ injection than that in the age-matched controls. Together with the down-regulation of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, expression of ryanodine sensitive Ca(2+)channel (RYR) mRNA was also decreased 12 weeks after STZ injection. Insulin supplementation fully restored the decreased mRNAs expression of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and RYR. The diminished expression and restoration with insulin supplementation of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase was further confirmed at the protein level. In contrast, expression of mRNAs coding the L-type Ca(2+)channel, Na(+)-Ca(2+)exchanger, or phospholamban were not affected 3 or 12 weeks after STZ injection. These results can be taken to indicate that the down-regulation of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and RYR mRNAs is a possible underlying cause of cardiac dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Animals↗

Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on the temporal coordination of duodenal contractions and pancreatic exocrine secretion in sheep.

The present study evaluated the role of nitric oxide in the regulation of duodenal motility and pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious sheep. Intravenous infusions of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine, induced clusters of duodenal contractions like phase III of migrating motor complexes and simultaneously inhibited flow rate, bicarbonate ion and enzyme outputs of pancreatic juice. The effects of L-NAME were inhibited by simultaneous infusion of L-arginine, but not altered by adrenergic blockade using a combined infusion of phentolamine and propranolol. Inhibition of the pancreatic secretion occurred in coincidence with initiation of the duodenal contractions, while the pancreatic secretion was not inhibited when the premature duodenal contractions were abolished by the L-arginine infusion. The initiation of the cluster of duodenal contractions by L-NAME was not abolished by background infusion of atropine, whereas the amplitude of contractions was significantly inhibited by atropine. These results suggest that intrinsic nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the regulation of duodenal tone and maintenance of continuous secretion by the exocrine pancreas in sheep. These results also implied that inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor is presumably mediated in part through the contractile effect on the duodenum.

Animals↗