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Biomedical subjects

Toshihiro Suda

Publications and source records attributed to Toshihiro Suda.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A case of preclinical Cushing's disease, accompanied with thyroid papillary carcinoma and adrenal incidentaloma.

A 75-year-old woman had tumors in her pituitary, thyroid and left adrenal gland. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were both mildly elevated. Both plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations were partially suppressed by 1 mg of overnight dexamethasone suppression test, while both were inhibited with a dosage of 8 mg dexamethasone. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were increased in response to human CRH and desmopressin. Together with the observation of pituitary microadenoma, the patient had a pituitary ACTH-producing tumor. The patient, however, had no typical Cushingoid features, hypertension, or impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting that the tumor had an autonomic ACTH secretion that was insufficient for expressing clinical symptoms, the so-called preclinical Cushing's disease. A case of preclinical Cushing's disease is extremely rare. Further, the patient had thyroid papillary carcinoma and non-functioning adrenal tumor. Molecular genetic analysis demonstrated a polymorphism of the menin gene in the patient. Even without Cushingoid features in pituitary incidentaloma, we concluded that the elevated ACTH and cortisol levels should be followed up by CRH, desmopressin and dexamethasone suppression tests. This patient with preclinical Cushing's disease would be observed whether the physical conditions in the patient develop to overt Cushing's disease.

Adenoma↗

Hypoglycemia associated with big insulin-like growth factor II produced during development of malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

We describe a rare case of hypoglycemia associated with a high molecular weight form of insulin-like growth factor II (big IGF-II) produced during the development of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). A 66-year-old man was referred to our department for further evaluation of hypoglycemia. At the age of 59, he had been diagnosed as having a MFH in the retroperitoneum, and underwent incomplete resection of the tumor. He had no symptoms of hypoglycemia at that time. Within the last few years, he developed symptoms of hypoglycemia in the early morning. Computerized tomography scans of the abdomen showed multiple tumors around the peritoneum and the liver. Serum insulin levels were decreased although no other hormonal deficiencies were observed. Serum IGF-II levels were elevated as a result of big IGF-II production. Taken together, these results indicated that hypoglycemia in this patient was associated with the production of big IGF-II by the MFH. The most effective therapeutic modality in patients with non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia is resection of the tumor. In our case, as complete resection was impossible, dexamethasone and glucagon were administered and proved to be effective for preventing hypoglycemia.

Aged↗

Clofibrate, a peroxisome-proliferator, enhances reverse cholesterol transport through cytochrome P450 activation and oxysterol generation.

Fibrates are widely used hypolipidemic agents that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPARalpha) and regulate the expression of many genes involved in lipid metabolism. We studied the mechanism of the effect of clofibrate on cholesterol homeostasis. Rats were fed with chow containing clofibrate, cytochrome P-450 inhibitor ketoconazole, or clofibrate plus ketoconazole. Control rats were fed only with normal chow. The levels of six oxysterols in liver microsome were determined. The levels of mRNAs for liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha), ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), PPARalpha and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A) in the liver were analyzed by northern blotting. Clofibrate administration decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Clofibrate increased the levels of liver microsomal oxysterols including 25- and 27-hydroxycholesterol, which are potent activators of LXRalpha. Clofibrate also enhanced the expression of mRNAs for PPARalpha, LXRalpha, and ABCA1. Simultaneous administration of ketoconazole suppressed the effects of clofibrate on plasma lipids, hepatic oxysterol levels, and the expression of the genes. Clofibrate increases cytochrome P450 content and the resulting oxysterol generation may partly mediate the clofibrate-induced up-regulattion of LXRa and ABCA1, which are related to reverse cholesterol transport.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗

Quantitative analysis of apolipoprotein E secretion by human monocyte-derived macrophages in culture.

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) has an impact on lipid metabolism and its production by macrophages is considered to play a protective role against atherosclerosis. Apo A-I stimulates secretion of apo E from macrophages. We developed a new method to evaluate the ability of human monocyte-derived macrophages to secrete apo E, and the effects of factors such as apo A-I were examined. Monocytes separated from peripheral venous blood were cultured. The levels of apo E in macrophage-conditioned medium were quantified by immunoblotting with an anti-human apo E antiserum conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. The basal levels of apo E secretion and the response to exogenous apo A-I in macrophages from 10 healthy volunteers were measured. Sufficient accuracy and sensitivity were confirmed and coefficient of variation of the method was 18 +/- 11% (n = 10). It was confirmed that macrophage secreted apo E in a concentration-dependent manner in response to M-CSF and apo A-I. The average apo E concentration in the conditioned medium of macrophages from 10 healthy subjects was 30.9 +/- 14.7 ng/mg cell protein. After the addition of apo A-I, the average apo E concentration increased, by about 60%, to 49.4 +/- 29.7 ng/mg cell protein (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the apo A-I-induced increase and plasma LDL cholesterol levels (r = +0.54, p < 0.05).

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

A report of 7 cases of adrenal tumors secreting both cortisol and aldosterone.

We report 7 cases of adrenal tumors with concurrent increases in cortisol and aldosterone secretion, which we have examined over the last 2 years. We also present the pathology of excised specimens based on immunohistochemical staining, as well as endocrinological findings. Four patients were male and 3 female; 6 were first diagnosed as suffering from primary aldosteronism (PA) and one as adrenal preclinical Cushing's syndrome (PCS). Plasma cortisol concentrations at midnight were greater than 2 microg/dl in 6 patients and more than 1 microg/dl in the dexamethasone suppression test with an 8 mg dose in all patients. This indicates that dexamethasone did not inhibit the secretion of cortisol. No increase in renin activity was seen in the renin-producing irritable test in any of the patients. Immunohistochemical staining showed not only the presence of aldosteronoma, but also the expression of P-450c17, which is involved in the biosynthesis of cortisol, indicating that both cortisol and aldosterone were concurrently synthesized. With regard to the function of adrenal tumors, we suggest that concurrent secretion of cortisol and aldosterone are not rare and that immunohistochemical examination of the surgically-extirpated specimen is important for diagnosis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

A multihormonal pituitary adenoma with growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone production, causing acromegaly and Cushing disease.

Pituitary adenoma with growth hormone (GH) and corticotropin (ACTH) production causing apparent acromegaly and Cushing disease is extremely rare. A 45-year-old woman had a pituitary macroadenoma and severe insulin resistance. Physical examination showed a fully developed acromegaly associated with mild Cushingoid features. Serum GH, insulin-like growth factor-I, ACTH, and cortisol levels were all elevated. Hormonal loading tests resulted in GH levels increasing paradoxically in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), but not corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). A similar unexpected increase in ACTH and cortisol levels occurred in response to TRH and GH-releasing hormone. After trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary macroadenoma immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of either diffuse but faintly GH-positive cells or sparse but distinct ACTH-stained cells. A marked amelioration of insulin resistance was observed postoperatively. The elevated ACTH and cortisol levels should therefore be investigated by CRH and dexamethasone suppression tests for the coexistence of Cushing disease to exclude the possibility of underlying ACTH-producing tumors.

Acromegaly↗

Intracellular Ca(2+) modulation of ATP-sensitive K(+) channel activity in acetylcholine-induced activation of rat pancreatic beta-cells.

We investigated the mechanism by which acetylcholine (ACh) regulates insulin secretion from rat pancreatic beta-cells. In an extracellular solution with 5.5 mM glucose, ACh increased the rate of insulin secretion from rat islets. In islets treated with bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), a PKC inhibitor, ACh still increased insulin secretion, but the increment was lower than that without BIM. In the presence of nifedipine, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, on the other hand, ACh did not increase insulin secretion. In isolated rat pancreatic beta-cells, ACh caused depolarization followed by action potentials. This ACh effect was observed even in cells treated with BIM. In the presence of nifedipine, ACh caused only depolarization. These ACh effects were prevented by atropine. In the perforated whole-cell configuration, ramp pulses from -90 to -50 mV induced membrane currents mostly through ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP)). These currents were reduced in size by ACh in cells either treated or untreated with BIM; whereas the loading of cells with U-73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) or BAPTA/AM (a Ca(2+) chelator) abolished the ACh effect. In the standard whole-cell configuration, ACh reduced the currents through K(ATP) with 0.5 mM EGTA, but not with 10 mM EGTA, in the pipette solution. Intracellular application of GDPbetaS or heparin also inhibited the ACh effect. In the inside-out single-channel recordings, elevation of the Ca(2+) concentration inside the membrane from 10 nM-10 microM decreased K(ATP) activity only in the presence of ATP. The affinity of ATP to K(ATP) became 4.5 times higher with the higher concentration of Ca(2+). These results suggest that Ca(2+) from ACh receptor signaling modulates the sensitivity of K(ATP) to ATP. A positive-feedback mechanism of intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent Ca(2+) influx was also demonstrated.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

A case of macroprolactinoma with subclinical growth hormone production.

We describe a rare case of macroprolactinoma with subclinically synchronous growth hormone (GH) production. A 59-year-old man with a giant adenoma in his pituitary had elevated serum prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels, despite normal levels of basal GH. Serum GH levels were paradoxically increased in response to an intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Prolonged exposure to glucose as a result of oral glucose tolerance testing (oGTT) failed to decrease GH levels. Two-week treatment with cabergoline, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, decreased serum PRL and GH levels, and size of the tumor. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed PRL-producing cells capable of synchronous GH production. Acidophilic stem cell adenoma may be responsible for these phenomena. The nature of high proliferation and invasive tumor growth should be kept in mind when managing patients with this cell type of adenoma. IGF-I levels should be followed in PRLoma, even when basal GH levels are within the normal range, because mixed PRL- and GH-producing tumors would lie underneath. Further endocrinological examinations such as TRH test and oGTT are recommended when elevated IGF-I levels are detected.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

[Tandospirone citrate, a selective 5-HT1A agonist, alleviates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease].

A rapid and excessive increase in extracellular dopamine(DA) after L-DOPA administration is considered one of the major causes for L-DOPA-induced peak-dose dyskinesia. Therefore, inhibition of excessive rise in L-DOPA-derived DA is likely to be an ideal treatment for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Based on our previous experimental studies that 8-OH-DPAT, a potent 5-HT1A agonist, attenuates an increase in L-DOPA-induced extracellular DA in the striatum of the rat model of Parkinson's disease, we hypothesized that L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease is alleviated by a 5-HT1A agonist. In the present study, we administered tandospirone citrate, a selective 5-HT1A agonist, to patients with Parkinson's disease suffering from L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Tandospirone(15-60 mg/day) was administered to 10 patients with L-DOPA-induced peak-dose dyskinesia. Twelve weeks after tandospirone treatment, duration of dyskinesia, subjective and objective severity of dyskinesia, and parkinsonian features were evaluated. Severity of dyskinesia was decreased in 5 patients; among these, 3 patients experienced slight worsening of parkinsonian features. Four patients showed no change in dyskinesia; among these, 2 patients showed worsening of parkinsonian features. One patient had slight worsening of dyskinesia without any change in parkinsonian features. The present study demonstrated that tandospirone is effective in alleviating L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 50% of the patients. However, at the same time 50% patients showed slight worsening of parkinsonian features. Both the anti-dyskinetic effect and the worsening of parkinsonian features are thought to be induced by tandospirone's potent 5-HT1A agonistic activity. Diverse effect of tandospirone may be caused by its partial agonist activity on 5-HT1A receptors, or may indicate that other causes for the expression of dyskinesia exist apart from excessive rise in brain DA levels. Administration of a 5-HT1A agonist is a choice for patients with dyskinesia if the care is taken so as not to induce worsening of parkinsonian features. Further studies such as double-blind trials are needed to confirm the usefulness of a 5-HT1A agonist for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

Adult↗

Peripheral neuropathy and microangiopathy in rats with insulinoma: association with chronic hyperinsulinemia.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia can precipitate or worsen peripheral neuropathy in patients with insulinoma or in diabetic patients on an intensive insulin regimen. It still remains unclear as to whether hyperinsulinemia itself is involved in neuropathic changes in these patients. We, therefore, explored the possible isolated effects of chronic hyperinsulinemia on neuropathic changes in insulinoma-bearing rats (I-rats). METHODS: I-rats were generated by a combined treatment with nicotinamide and streptozotocin. At 15 months after the treatment, they showed a wide range of the plasma insulin (PI) level with or without a decrease in the blood glucose (BG) level and were divided into three groups on the basis of the presence of hypoglycemia (BG < 2.5 mmol/L) or hyperinsulinemia (PI > 100 mU/L): the first exhibited only hypoglycemia, the second exhibited only hyperinsulinemia, and the third exhibited neither. Peripheral nerve function and structure as well as microvasculature were evaluated among these groups in addition to age-matched untreated control rats (C-rats). RESULTS: The first group of hypoglycemic I-rats showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in the axon/myelin ratio and an increase (p < 0.0001) in fibers undergoing axonal degeneration compared to C-rats, while the other two groups did not. On the other hand, the second group of hyperinsulinemic I-rats showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in the myelinated axonal size and an increase (all p < 0.05) in the F-wave latency and the densities of myelinated fibers and endoneurial microvessels exhibiting endothelial hyperplasia, vascular wall thickening, or pericytes debris compared to the third group of isoglycemic I-rats without hyperinsulinemia. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that hypoglycemia is associated with increased myelinated axonal damage, while hyperinsulinemia is associated with increased densities of small myelinated axons and endoneurial microvessels with microangiopathic changes in I-rats. We, therefore, propose that the observed findings may be relevant to the complicated features of neuropathy in diabetic patients with chronic hyperinsulinemia.

Animals↗

Acute cholecystitis and duodenitis associated with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

We describe a patient with acute cholecystitis and duodenitis associated with Churg-Strauss syndrome. A 36-year-old male, who had been healthy, had abdominal pain following high fever. He had marked hypereosinophilia of 17,000/mm3. Radiographs of the chest disclosed a transient infiltrated lesion in the left lower lung. Ultrasonographic and gastroendoscopic examinations revealed acute cholecystitis and duodenitis, respectively. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a filling defect suspecting aberrant ascariasis in the common bile duct. The patient suddenly developed distally dominant mononeuritis multiplex, especially in the upper limbs. Muscle biopsy revealed vasculitis of intramuscular arteries with infiltration of eosinophils. These findings fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Corticosteroid dramatically resolved the abdominal symptoms. Cholecystectomy and removal of the foreign body were performed. Histological examinations revealed that necrosis of the gallbladder was caused by occlusion due to thrombosed arteries and that the foreign body in the common bile duct was an aggregate of necrotic epithelium of the bile duct wall surrounded by inflammatory cells. Although abdominal complaints rarely appeared as an initial symptom in the patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome, this syndrome should be taken into consideration for an accurate diagnosis when the patients with abdominal pain of unknown origin had eosinophilia, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.

Acute Disease↗