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Biomedical subjects

T Taguchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Taguchi.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

A phase I trial of docetaxel and 5-day continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced or recurrent breast cancer.

To determine the maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs), the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the recommended doses for further trials of docetaxel in combination with a 5-day continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in advanced or recurrent breast cancer patients who had been treated previously with at least one chemotherapeutic regimen, patients were treated with docetaxel as a 1-h infusion on day 1 followed by 5-FU as a continuous infusion on days 1 through 5 every 3-4 weeks. Three or six patients were assessed at the following escalating dose levels of docetaxel/5-FU per day: 40/150, 40/300, 50/300, 50/500 and 60/500 mg m(-2). Nineteen patients entered this trial, of whom 18 could be assessed for adverse event and therapeutic efficacy. The DLTs were neutropenia and diarrhoea. The MTDs were 60 mg m(-2) of docetaxel on day 1 and 500 mg m(-2) per day of 5-day continuous infusion of 5-FU. One of 18 patients achieved a complete response and eight achieved partial response (over all response rate: 50%). The recommended doses of docetaxel and 5-day continuous infusion of 5-FU for a phase II trial are 50 mg m(-2) and 500 mg m(-2) per day every 3 or 4 weeks.

Adult↗

Integration of human herpesvirus 6 in a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line.

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome has been found in several human lymphoid malignancies, but configuration of the HHV-6 genome has not been well delineated. We established the HHV-6-positive, Epstein-Barr virus-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Katata. In this study we investigated the status of the HHV-6 genome in Katata cells. Neither linear nor circular HHV-6 DNA was detected by Gardella gel analysis. The fluorescence in situ hybridization technique enabled us to directly visualize the integrated HHV-6 DNA at the single-cell level. Only one integrated site of viral DNA was detected in metaphase chromosomes and it was preferentially located at the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q13). Treatment of the cells with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or with calcium ionophore A23187 led to induction of the HHV-6 immediate-early gene as well as the late gene. Sodium n-butyrate also gave rise to expression of the HHV-6 genes. The TPA inducibility was synergistically enhanced when combined with A23187 or n-butyrate. Our study provides, for the first time, an in vitro model system of latent HHV-6 infection whose genome is integrated into host DNA of lymphoma cells.

Blotting, Southern↗

Expression of the heat shock protein 47 in gentamicin-treated rat kidneys.

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are rapidly synthesized in cells in response to various cytotoxic agents. Although several stress proteins are actively involved in the gentamicin-induced renal damages, the possible role of HSP47 in this condition is not yet clear. In this study, the expression of HSP47 in the gentamicin nephrotoxicity was examined by immunohistochemistry. Twenty male Wistar rats were sacrificed at day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after subcutaneous injection of gentamicin. Gentamicin treatment causes tubular necrosis at day 3, followed by tubular regenerative changes and interstitial fibrosis, which was most prominent at day 14. The renal structures returned to almost normal architectures at day 28. By immunohistochemistry, HSP47 was weakly expressed in most of the glomeruli and occasionally in interstitial cells in the control rat kidneys. In contrast, strong immunostaining for HSP47 was noted in the tubular epithelial cells and interstitial cells in gentamicin treated rat kidneys, and strongest staining was observed at day 7. The immunostaining for HSP47 then gradually decreased, and returned to the normal level at day 28. In the whole experimental period staining pattern of HSP47 in the glomeruli was not changed. In addition, phenotypically altered tubulointerstitial cells including regenerative tubular epithelial cells (immuno-positive for vimentin) and interstitial cells (immuno-positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin) were found in gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Expression of type III collagen increased in the areas of interstitial fibrosis. By double immunostaining, the regenerated and phenotypically altered tubulointerstitial cells were found to express HSP47 in and around interstitial fibrosis. It is concluded that overexpression of HSP47 by phenotypically altered renal cells might play a significant role in the development of gentamicin nephrotoxicity.

Actins↗

Verotoxins induce apoptosis in human renal tubular epithelium derived cells.

Apoptosis mediated by verotoxins (VTs) has been identified in a renal carcinoma cell line, ACHN cells, which are an in vitro model of renal tubular epithelial cells. ACHN cells express the renal tubular marker CD24 as well as globotriaosyl ceramide/CD77, the receptor for VTs. VT binding to the ACHN cell surface was confirmed by positive staining with antibodies to the VTs. Treatment of ACHN cells with VTs induced prompt growth inhibition and cell death, and fragmentation of the genomic DNA in cells, typical of apoptosis, was observed. The expression of apoptotic antigen 7A6 detected by APO2.7 antibody in ACHN cells further supports the occurrence of apoptosis as a result of VT treatment. Cycloheximide enhanced VT-mediated apoptosis of ACHN cells, suggesting a strong correlation between the inhibition of protein synthesis and VT-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha had a synergistic effect on VT-mediated apoptosis in ACHN cells. Considering the above evidence together with the clinical evidence showing the presence of apoptosis in the renal epithelium of a HUS patient, our results suggest a VT-induced apoptotic mechanism in normal renal tubular epithelium that may contribute to the pathogenesis of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Antigens, Surface↗

Antitumor effect of medium-chain triglyceride and its influence on the self-defense system of the body.

Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), long-chain triglyceride (LCT), and their mixture were compared in reference to both cytotoxic effect against human tumor cells and influence on the immune system. MCT showed more potent cytotoxicity than LCT. Continuous contact with MCT also inhibited the cytotoxic effect of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells much more strongly than LCT. However, there is a discrepancy between the concentration of MCT, or the mixture, that could suppress the growth of tumor cells and the concentration that inhibited the cytotoxicity of LAK cells. Moreover, no damage was observed in PBL or LAK cells or in their cytotoxicity when the cells were incubated with TG for 2 h a day. Thus, short-term contact with TG could inhibit tumor growth while immune system was maintained within normal range. Clinically fine control of the concentration of injected triglycerides, especially MCT, can be expected to provide potent antitumor effect and maintenance of normal immune system.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Induction of apoptosis in normal human renal tubular epithelial cells by Escherichia coli Shiga toxins 1 and 2.

The cytotoxicity of Shiga toxin (Stx) 1 and Stx2 produced by Escherichia coli to human renal cortical epithelial cells (HRCEC) in primary culture was investigated. HRCEC express CD24, the marker of renal distal tubules, as well as globotriaosyl ceramide/CD77, the receptor for Stxs. Binding of Stxs to HRCEC was confirmed by positive staining with specific antibodies to Stxs. Treatment of HRCEC with Stxs induced rapid cell death, which was reversed in the presence of neutralizing antibody specific for Stx. DNA fragmentation was found to be accompanied by Stx-mediated cell death in HRCEC, indicating that apoptosis was part of the process. These data and previous reports indicate that a variety of renal cell types, including tubular epithelial cells as well as glomerular capillary endothelial cells, may be targets for Stx-mediated apoptosis, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Stx-producing E. coli infection.

Adult↗

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in rats with protein-overload nephrosis.

BACKGROUND: Based on the fact that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases vascular permeability, it is speculated that VEGF might be involved in the development of proteinuria, although this remains unconfirmed. The production and site of action of VEGF remains unclear in nephrotic renal diseases. METHODS: Non-radioactive in situ hybridization was performed to examine the expression of VEGF mRNA and its receptors, flt-1 and KDR/flk-1, in a rat model of nephrosis induced by intraperitoneal injection of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Saline injected rats were served as control animals. RESULTS: Neither morphological changes nor deposition of immunoglobulin or complement were observed in our model. Proteinuria developed, reaching a maximum level in rats injected with BSA for 3 days, followed by persistent proteinuria until day 14. The expression of mRNA for VEGF and the two receptors was markedly upregulated in glomeruli of BSA-induced nephritis compared with the control group. VEGF mRNA was localized in glomerular cells, including cells in mesangium, visceral and parietal epithelial cells. In contrast, flt-1 mRNA and KDR/flk-1 mRNA were expressed on glomerular endothelial cells and cells in mesangium. The ratio of glomerular cells positive for VEGF mRNA and its receptors mRNA increased proportionately with the severity of proteinuria. Immunohistochemistry for ED-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen showed no significant increase in infiltrating macrophage or cellular proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that altered glomerular expression of VEGF and its receptors is not associated with proliferation of endothelial cells, but rather with proteinuria in BSA-induced nephritis in rats. VEGF may play a different role in different renal diseases.

Animals↗

An early phase II study of a 3-hour infusion of paclitaxel for advanced gastric cancer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of 3-hour infusional paclitaxel for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer with measurable metastatic diseases. Eligibility criteria included no more than one regimen of prior chemotherapy. Paclitaxel was administered as an intravenous infusion over 3 hours at a dose of 210 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Premedication of dexamethazone, ranitidine, and diphenhydramine were given to all patients. Sixteen patients were registered in the study. One patient did not receive paclitaxel because of gastrointestinal bleeding before the initiation of drug's administration. Thirteen of the 15 patients had a prior history of chemotherapy. Although 10 patients (67%) developed grade 4 neutropenia, no serious infections occurred during the study. Nonhematologic toxicities were generally mild. Three (20%) patients who showed evidences of resistance to the previous intensive regimen achieved a partial response. In conclusion, a 3-hour infusion of paclitaxel is a safe and promising treatment for advanced gastric cancer. Paclitaxel appears to be non-cross resistant to other agents that are commonly used for gastric cancer. A large-scale phase II study is now underway.

Adult↗

Phenotypic diversity of Pseudoalteromonas citrea from different marine habitats and emendation of the description.

Four strains of marine, aerobic, agar-decomposing bacteria with one polar flagellum and with DNA G + C contents of 38.9-40.2 mol% were isolated from the Far-Eastern mussels Crenomytilus grayanus and Patinopecten yessoensis. These four strains were identified as Pseudoalteromonas; however, they were phenotypically different from species described previously according to carbon compound utilization tests and the BIOLOG identification system. High agar-decomposing activity was found in two strains, in one of which agarase, alpha-galactosidase, pustulanase and laminarinase had been detected. The level of DNA homology of three of the strains was 70-100%. The fourth isolate was genetically less related to the others (67% DNA relatedness) and phenotypically was more distant from other members of this group; however, all four strains were assigned to a single species genotypically. DNA from the strains isolated from mussels showed 40-45% genetic relatedness with the DNA of Alteromonas atlantica, 8-36% with DNA of Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis subsp. haloplanktis, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis subsp. tetraodonis, Pseudoalteromonas undina, Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens and Pseudoalteromonasas carrageenovora, 53% with Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, 32-48% with marine P. nigrifaciens from mussels and 14-16% with Alteromonas macleodii. The DNA-DNA hybridization data revealed that the levels of relatedness between the strains isolated and the type strains of Pseudoalteromonas citrea and Pseudoalteromonas fuliginea described recently were significant (95-85%). These results were confirmed by serological data employing polyclonal antibodies to cell surface antigens. The strains isolated from mussels were identified as P. citrea. The hybridization data showed that the name P. fuliginea Romanenko et al. 1994 should be recognized as a junior subjective synonym of P. citrea Gauthier 1977. A notable phenotypic diversity of P. citrea which might be a reflection of their ecological habitats is discussed.

Animals↗

Therapeutic apheresis for renal diseases.

Plasma exchange is used frequently in renal diseases for the removal of the humoral components of immune responses. Various pathological circulating factors are recognized in primary and secondary renal diseases. Recent advances in medical technology have allowed a wider clinical application of plasmapheresis in the clinical management of a variety of conditions. However, the clinical efficacy of plasmapheresis in renal diseases is still controversial. In this article, we review the therapeutic use of apheresis in different renal diseases.

Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease↗

Anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody protects against spontaneous IgA nephropathy in ddY mice.

We investigated the effects of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and/or anti-CD8 mAb in ddY mice, an animal model of spontaneous IgA nephropathy. Female ddY mice were treated with 18 intravenous injections of anti-CD4 and/or anti-CD8 mAb at 2-week intervals. This was based on our observation that a single injection of anti-CD4 mAb or anti-CD8 mAb caused a selective depletion in CD4+ T cells for 2 weeks and CD8+ T cells for 4 weeks, respectively. The level of proteinuria, serum IgA, and changes in the histopathological features of renal tissue samples were assessed in treated mice between the age of 4 and 40 weeks. The level of proteinuria increased with age, but there was not significant difference among the groups. No animal developed microhematuria throughout the study. Treatment with anti-CD4 mAb produced a mild to moderate level of mesangial hypertrophy at 20 and 40 weeks, similar to the results in untreated mice. The lowest degree of mesangial hypertrophy occurred in mice treated with anti-CD8 mAb up to the age of 40 weeks. Treatment with a combination of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 mAbs produced effects that were similar to those observed on treatment with anti-CD8 mAb alone. Our results suggest that CD8+ T cells mediate mesangial proliferation and the progression of nephropathy in ddY mice.

Animals↗

Coexpression of collagens and collagen-binding heat shock protein 47 in human diabetic nephropathy and IgA nephropathy.

The mechanism of structural changes of the kidney in human diabetic nephropathy (DN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is not yet completely known, but excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), including various collagens, may be crucial to this process. Heat shock protein (HSP) 47 has been identified as collagen-binding stress protein, shown to have a specific role in the intracellular processing of procollagen molecules during collagen assembly. To determine whether increased deposition of collagens in human DN and IgAN is related to HSP47, we investigated the expression of HSP47 in renal biopsy and autopsy sections obtained from 22 DN and 45 IgAN patients. Five renal biopsy specimens, diagnosed as minor glomerular abnormalities, were simultaneously studied as controls. Monoclonal antibodies specific for HSP47, type III collagen and type IV collagen were used to assess the relative expression of their proteins in paraffin-embedded renal sections by immunohistochemistry. Increased deposition of collagens was closely related to the sclerotic activity of the disease process in DN and IgAN; increased deposition of collagens was often present in relation to a strong expression of HSP47, a stress protein known to regulate collagen synthesis/assembly. By double immunostaining, we found colocalization of collagens and their molecular chaperone HSP47 in the sclerotic glomeruli and tubulointerstitium in DN and IgAN. Our results strongly support a pathologic role for HSP47 in both these diseases and that increased levels of HSP47 may play an important role in the excessive assembly of collagens resulting in glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis found in DN and IgAN patients.

Actins↗

Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism caused by single adenoma: a distinct entity different from multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Familial hyperparathyroidism (FHPT) is a hereditary disease where hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. FHPT consists of a variety of diseases such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type1 (MEN 1) and type2 (MEN 2), familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHPT) with single adenoma and with multiple adenomas (or hyperplasia), and FHPT with jaw-tumor (FHPT-JT). Isolation of the genes responsible for MEN1, and 2, i.e. MEN1 and RET, respectively, makes it possible to examine the relations among disorders constituting FHPT. We studied germ-line mutations in these 2 genes in a family of FHPT with single parathyroid adenoma. The disorder in this family was proved to be an entity different from MEN1 because no germ-line mutations in MEN1 gene were found in the affected members. The loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at MEN1 gene and PYGM were not found in the abnormal parathyroid in this family, supporting the above conclusion. No mutations in exons 10, and 11 of RET proto-oncogene was found in germ-line DNA of the affected member of the family, suggesting no relation to MEN2A. Linkage study excluded the possibility of FHPT-JT syndrome. PRAD1 was not overexpressed in the parathyroid tumors in this family. The relation of this disorder to FIHPT with multiple enlarged parathyroid glands remains to be clarified. A search for the gene(s) predisposing to FIHPT is needed.

Adenoma↗

Bradykinin potentiates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and enhances insulin signal through the bradykinin B2 receptor in dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts.

Previously we demonstrated that bradykinin infusion could increase glucose uptake into dog peripheral tissues, and that bradykinin could potentiate insulin-induced glucose uptake through glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in dog adipocytes. However, skeletal muscle is the predominant tissue for insulin-mediated glucose disposal. The aim of this study was to determine how bradykinin affected insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in dog skeletal muscle and myotubes transformed from rat L6 myoblasts. The bradykinin receptor binding studies revealed that dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts possessed significant numbers of bradykinin receptors (Kd = 88 and 76 pmol/l, Bmax = 82.5 and 20 fmol/mg protein respectively). An RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) amplification showed mRNA specific for bradykinin B2 receptor in both cells. Bradykinin significantly increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in isolated muscle and L6 myoblasts in the presence of insulin (10(-7) mol/l) in a dose-dependent manner, but not in the absence of insulin. Bradykinin also enhanced insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, and insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor beta subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) without affecting the binding affinities or numbers of cell surface insulin receptors in both cells. It is concluded that bradykinin could potentiate the insulin-induced glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation in dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts. This effect could be explained by the potency of bradykinin to upregulate the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity which stimulates phosphorylation of IRS-1, followed by an increase in GLUT4 translocation.

Animals↗

Collagen synthesis by cultured cardiac fibroblasts obtained from cardiomyopathic hamsters.

The aim of the present study was to clarify myocardial collagen metabolism in cardiomyopathic hamsters and the effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, on collagen synthesis. Cardiac fibroblasts from Bio 14.6 cardiomyopathic hamsters and from non-cardiomyopathic Flb hamsters were cultured and used in the 4th passage. The synthetic activity of collagenous protein from the two types of hamsters was determined by measuring 3H-proline uptake, and the collagen type was subsequently analyzed by SDS-PAGE in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Also studied were the effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (1 microM) on collagen synthesis by cardiac fibroblasts from cardiomyopathic hamsters. Twenty five-week-old Bio 14.6 hamsters had significantly higher synthetic activity of collagenous protein and rate of collagen synthesis compared with 13-week-old Bio 14.6 hamsters or 25-week-old Flb hamsters [Bio 14.6(25-week); 12.4 +/- 1.6, Bio 14.6(13-week); 4.8 +/- 0.4, Flb (25-week); 8.7 +/- 0.9 cpm/cell, Bio 14.6(25-week); 11.0 +/- 0.9, Bio 14.6(13-week); 3.9 +/- 0.4, F1b (25-week); 4.8 +/- 0.4%, p < 0.05]. Qualitatively, 25-week-old Bio 14.6 hamsters had significantly higher synthetic activity of type I, III, IV and V collagens compared with 25-week-old F1b hamsters. The synthetic activity of type III collagen was increased the most in the cardiomyopathic group. Captopril (1 microM) caused a significant decrease in synthetic activity of collagenous protein in 25-week-old Bio 14.6 hamsters (12.4 +/- 1.6 cpm/cell-->10.9 +/- 1.1 cpm/cell, p < 0.05). Qualitatively, the synthetic activity of type III collagen was decreased to about half. Our study revealed enhanced collagen synthetic activity in cardiac fibroblasts from Bio 14.6 hamsters. Captopril improved collagen metabolism in cultured cardiac fibroblasts from Bio 14.6 hamsters not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. The mechanism of this improvement may be related to the cardiac renin angiotensin system.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗