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Biomedical subjects

Y Fukushima

Publications and source records attributed to Y Fukushima.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma located beneath the diaphragm.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Percutaneous interstitial thermal ablation therapy effectively treats hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that can be visualized on percutaneous ultrasonography. However, when the tumor is located just under the top of the diaphragm, visualization can be difficult with conventional ultrasonographic examination. There are also problems concerning complete tumor ablation. We performed thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy for HCC located just beneath the diaphragm in nine patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients underwent thoracoscopic microwave coagulation therapy, and one patient underwent thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy. RESULTS: Despite the poor hepatic reserve, postoperative recovery after thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy was rapid in all patients, without deterioration of hepatic function. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that the new technique of thoracoscopic thermal ablation therapy is a less invasive optional therapy for HCC located in segments VII or VIII in cirrhotic patients.

Aged↗

GATA3 abnormalities and the phenotypic spectrum of HDR syndrome.

We report on GATA3 analysis and the phenotypic spectrum in nine Japanese families with the HDR syndrome (hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia) (MIM 146255). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation and microsatellite analyses showed heterozygous gross deletions including GATA3 in four families. Sequence analysis showed heterozygous novel mutations in three families: a missense mutation within the first zinc finger domain at exon 4 (T823A, W275R), an unusual mutation at exon 4 (900insAA plus 901insCCT or C901AACCCT) resulting in a premature stop at codon 357 with loss of the second zinc finger domain, and a nonsense mutation at exon 6 (C1099T, R367X). No GATA3 abnormalities were identified in the remaining two families. The triad of HDR syndrome was variably manifested by patients with GATA3 abnormalities. The results suggest that HDR syndrome is primarily caused by GATA3 haploinsufficiency and is associated with a wide phenotypic spectrum.

Adolescent↗

Role of calcium channels and adenylate cyclase in the PACAP-induced adrenal catecholamine secretion.

We elucidated the functional contribution of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) and adenylate cyclase to epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) secretion induced by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. PACAP increased Epi and NE output, which was inhibited by perfusion with calcium-free solution or by nifedipine, an L-type VDCC blocker. However, the PACAP-induced responses were resistant to omega-conotoxin GVIA, an N-type VDCC blocker, or omega-conotoxin MVIIC, a P/Q-type VDCC blocker. MDL-12330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, inhibited the PACAP-induced increase in Epi, but not NE, output. Treatment with nifedipine and MDL-12330A caused additive inhibition of the PACAP-induced catecholamine responses. These results suggest that opening of L-type VDCCs is responsible for adrenal catecholamine secretion induced by PACAP and that activation of adenylate cyclase is involved in the PACAP-induced Epi, but not NE, secretion. These pathways may act independently of each other.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Role of endogenous PACAP in catecholamine secretion from the rat adrenal gland.

We elucidated the contribution of endogenous pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) to neurally evoked catecholamine secretion from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. Infusion of PACAP (100 nM) increased adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine output. The PACAP-induced catecholamine output responses were inhibited by the PACAP type I receptor antagonist PACAP- (6-38) (30-3,000 nM) but were resistant to the PACAP type II receptor antagonist [Lys1,Pro2,5,Ara3,4,Tyr6]-vasoactive intestinal peptide (LPAT-VIP; 30-3,000 nM). Transmural electrical stimulation (ES; 1-10 Hz) or infusion of ACh (6-200 nM) increased adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine output. PACAP-(6-38) (3,000 nM), but not LPAT-VIP, also inhibited the ES-induced catecholamine output responses. However, PACAP-(6-38) did not affect the ACh-induced catecholamine output responses. PACAP at low concentrations (0.3-3 nM), which had no influence on catecholamine output, enhanced the ACh-induced catecholamine output responses, but not the ES-induced catecholamine output responses. These results suggest that PACAP is released from the nerve endings to facilitate the neurally evoked catecholamine secretion through PACAP type I receptors in the rat adrenal gland.

Adrenal Glands↗

Potent and long-lasting action of lafutidine on the human histamine H(2) receptor.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Based on animal models, lafutidine, a novel histamine H(2) receptor (H(2)R) antagonist, is reported to show potent and long-lasting antagonisms of histamine H(2)R-mediated effects. However, no reports have been published concerning its direct interaction with the human H(2)R. This study aims at characterizing its interaction with human H(2)R. METHODS: Chinese hamster ovary cell lines stably expressing human H(2)Rs were obtained. The dose-dependent effects of lafutidine and famotidine on [(3)H]tiotidine binding and histamine-stimulated cAMP production were analyzed. The effects of preincubation with 2.78 x 10(-7) M of lafutidine or famotidine for 30 min on histamine-dependent cAMP production and [(3)H]tiotidine binding were also examined after 0, 1, 2, 4, and 12 h. This concentration is below the C(max) of lafutidine (10 mg p.o.) and above the C(max) of famotidine (20 mg p.o.). RESULTS: Lafutidine inhibited [(3)H]tiotidine binding and histamine-stimulated cAMP production as or more potently than famotidine. At higher concentrations lafutidine was more potent than famotidine. In addition, preincubation with 2.78 x 10(-7) M lafutidine, but not with 10(-5) M famotidine, had marked inhibitory effects which persisted as long as after extensive washing. CONCLUSION: Lafutidine shows a potent and long-lasting antagonism on the human H(2)R.

Acetamides↗

Regulation of phosphoinositide metabolism, Akt phosphorylation, and glucose transport by PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

To investigate the roles of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) in the regulation of 3-position phosphorylated phosphoinositide metabolism as well as insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation and glucose metabolism, wild-type PTEN and its phosphatase-dead mutant (C124S) with or without an N-terminal myristoylation tag were overexpressed in Sf-9 cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes using baculovirus and adenovirus systems, respectively. When expressed in Sf-9 cells together with the p110alpha catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, myristoylated PTEN markedly reduced the accumulations of both phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate induced by p110alpha. In contrast, overexpression of the C124S mutants apparently increased these accumulations. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin-induced accumulations of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate were markedly suppressed by overexpression of wild-type PTEN with the N-terminal myristoylation tag, but not by that without the tag. On the contrary, the C124S mutants of PTEN enhanced insulin-induced accumulations of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Interestingly, the phosphorylation level of Akt at Thr308 (Akt2 at Thr309), but not at Ser473 (Akt2 at Ser474), was revealed to correlate well with the accumulation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate modified by overexpression of these PTEN proteins. Finally, insulin-induced increases in glucose transport activity were significantly inhibited by the overexpression of myristoylated wild-type PTEN, but were not enhanced by expression of the C124S mutant of PTEN. Therefore, in conclusion, 1) PTEN dephosphorylates both phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate in vivo, and the C124S mutants interrupt endogenous PTEN activity in a dominant-negative manner. 2) The membrane targeting process of PTEN may be important for exerting its function. 3) Phosphorylations of Thr309 and Ser474 of Akt2 are regulated differently, and the former is regulated very sensitively by the function of PTEN. 4) The phosphorylation level of Ser474, but not that of Thr309, in Akt2 correlates well with insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 5) The activity of endogenous PTEN may not play a major role in the regulation of glucose transport activity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

3T3 Cells↗

Comminuted fractures of the olecranon. Management by bone graft from the iliac crest and multiple tension-band wiring.

Between 1993 and 1999, we treated ten patients with comminuted fractures of the olecranon by multiple tension-band wiring and a graft from the iliac crest. Their mean age was 35 years (19 to 56). The mean follow-up was for 28.5 months (15 to 46) and the mean time to union of the fractures was four months (3 to 7). No patient reported difficulties with activities of daily living or symptoms of instability of the elbow. The mean flexion was to 135 degrees (125 to 145) with a mean flexion contracture of 15 degrees (10 to 30). The mean pronation was 70 degrees (60 to 80) and mean supination 79 degrees (70 to 90). Only three patients had mild pain and loss of strength. Five patients had excellent and five good results with a mean Broberg and Morrey index score of 94.5 points (84 to 100). Our results compare favourably with those previously reported and the technique is thought to be a practical alternative to plate fixation in fractures with extreme comminution.

Adult↗

Insulin resistance with enhanced insulin signaling in high-salt diet-fed rats.

Previous clinical studies showed an apparent correlation between hypertension and insulin resistance, and patients with diabetes are known to have increased blood pressure responsiveness to salt loading. To investigate the effect of high salt intake on insulin sensitivity and the insulin signaling pathway, a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) or a normal diet was given to 7-week-old SD rats for 2 weeks. High salt-fed rats developed slightly but significantly higher systolic blood pressure than controls (133 +/- 2 vs. 117 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.001), with no change in food intake or body weight. High salt-fed rats were slightly hyperglycemic (108.5 +/- 2.8 vs. 97.8 +/- 2.5 mg/dl, P = 0.01) and slightly hyperinsulinemic (0.86 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.61 +/- 0.06 ng/ml, P = 0.026) in the fasting condition, as compared with controls. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study revealed a 52.7% decrease in the glucose infusion rate and a 196% increase in hepatic glucose production in high salt-fed rats, which also showed a 66.4% decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake into isolated skeletal muscle and a 44.5% decrease in insulin-induced glycogen synthase activation in liver, as compared with controls. Interestingly, despite the presence of insulin resistance, high salt-fed rats showed enhanced insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, IRS-2 (liver and muscle), and IRS-3 (liver only). Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activities associated with IRS and phosphotyrosine in the insulin-stimulated condition increased 2.1- to 4.1-fold, as compared with controls. Insulin-induced phosphorylation of Ser-473 of Akt and Ser-21 of glycogen synthase kinase-3 also increased 2.9- and 2-fold, respectively, in the liver of the high salt-fed rats. Therefore, in both the liver and muscle of high salt-fed rats, intracellular insulin signaling leading to PI 3-kinase activation is enhanced and insulin action is attenuated. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study showed that decreased insulin sensitivity induced with a high-salt diet was not reversed by administration of pioglitazone. The following can be concluded: 1) a high-salt diet may be a factor promoting insulin resistance, 2) the insulin-signaling step impaired by high salt intake is likely to be downstream from PI 3-kinase or Akt activation, and 3) this unique insulin resistance mechanism may contribute to the development of diabetes in patients with hypertension.

Animals↗

[Blue toe syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting].

We report three cases of blue toe syndrome (BTS) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). All patients were cyanotic and exhibited painful toes two to four weeks after CABG. They were treated with antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents, and one patient underwent replacement of the abdominal aorta. Thus, BTS may occur after CABG with coronary angiography, extra-corporeal circulation or intraaortic balloon pumping. For the treatment of BTS, surgery remains the most effective option.

Aged↗

[AML(M7) associated with t(16;21)(p11;q22) showing relapse after unrelated bone marrow transplantation and disappearance of TLS/FUS-ERG mRNA].

A 3-year-old boy with poorly prognostic acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML M7) showing t(16;21)(p11;q22) karyotype underwent unrelated bone marrow transplantation (U-BMT) during his first hematological remission. The conditioning regimen consisted of BU, VP-16 and L-PAM. Engraftment was smooth, but the patient developed grade I acute GVHD. During hematological remission before U-BMT, the TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric transcript of t(16;21)(p11;q22) was consistently detectable as minimal residual disease (MRD) by RT-PCR. However, after U-BMT it soon became undetectable. There was no detectable MRD until 7 months after U-BMT, but bone marrow relapse occurred 10 months after U-BMT. We consider that U-BMT is a promising treatment for t(16;21)(p11;q22) AML. However, an intensified conditioning regimen or modification of GVHD prophylaxis is needed.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗