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Y Ito

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ito.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Syndecan-1 expression in thyroid carcinoma: stromal expression followed by epithelial expression is significantly correlated with dedifferentiation.

AIM: To investigate the expression of syndecan-1 in thyroid neoplasia. Syndecan-1 is a proteoglycan regulating cell adhesion. Previous studies have demonstrated that decreased expression of syndecan-1 is linked to malignant progression. METHODS AND RESULTS: Syndecan-1 expression in thyroid neoplasia was studied immunohistochemically. Syndecan-1 was expressed in stromal cells as well as neoplastic epithelial cells. Stromal syndecan-1 expression was observed more frequently in papillary carcinomas larger than 10 mm in size than in microcarcinomas and in widely invasive than in minimally invasive follicular carcinomas. Furthermore, poorly differentiated carcinomas showed this phenomenon more than well-differentiated carcinomas, but the expression in undifferentiated carcinomas was similar to that of poorly differentiated carcinomas. Epithelial syndecan-1 expression was more frequently observed in anaplastic (undifferentiated) carcinomas than in papillary and follicular carcinomas. No significant difference in epithelial expression was found between well and poorly differentiated carcinomas, but undifferentiated carcinomas expressed epithelial syndecan-1 more frequently than did poorly differentiated carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: These results are in contrast to those previously reported for carcinomas at other sites. It is suggested that the role of syndecan-1 in thyroid carcinomas might be unique. Stromal syndecan-1 expression followed by its epithelial expression is significantly related to progression, including dedifferentiation of thyroid carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Cell signalling and gene expression mediated by RET tyrosine kinase.

Germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene cause multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A or 2B by different mechanisms. As is the case for other receptor tyrosine kinases, mutant RET recruits a variety of signalling molecules via phosphorylated tyrosine residues present in the kinase domain and carboxy-terminal tail. As we previously reported, the signaling via phosphorylated tyrosine 1062 plays a crucial role in the transforming activities of both RET-MEN2A and RET-MEN2B mutant protein. Interestingly, this single tyrosine residue represents a binding site for several signalling molecules including SHC, Enigma, SNT/FRS2, DOK and IRS1 and is responsible for activation of the RAS/ERK, PI3-K/AKT, JNK, p38MAPK and ERK5 signalling pathways. Amongst these, the PI3-K/AKT and JNK pathways appeared to be more strongly activated in the cells expressing RET-MEN2B than in the cells expressing RET-MEN2A, suggesting the possibility that these pathways may be involved in the disease phenotype. In addition, RET is alternatively spliced to produce three isoforms and the splicing site is present just downstream of tyrosine 1062. These isoforms play different roles for the tumour development associated with MEN 2 or the development of the kidney and the enteric nervous system. Moreover, using differential display analysis, we identified several genes whose expression is highly induced by RET-MEN2B mutant proteins. The differential gene expression by RET-MEN2A and RET-MEN2B may also be important for the development of their phenotypes.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed2003

The peri-albumen layer: a novel structure in the envelopes of an avian egg.

The present paper describes a novel structure, termed the peri-albumen layer, in the egg-envelopes of the quail Coturnix japonica. It reacts with Alcian blue and exists between the egg white and the shell membrane. Ultrastructurally, it is of fine granular structure and forms a fenestrate sheet, the width of which is 190 nm or less. Isolated materials of the peri-albumen layer include an Alcian-blue-positive polysaccharide of 260 kDa, and three glycoproteins of 160, 108 and 52 kDa. The layer is supplied to an egg when it passes through the magnum-isthmus junction, the normalized length of which is 0.62-0.63 of the oviduct. The mucosa of the junction consists exclusively of a luminal epithelium. It is apparently distinct from the mucosa of the magnum and the isthmus, which consist of a luminal epithelium and tubular glands. The luminal epithelium of the magnum-isthmus junction stains prominently with Alcian blue and consists of alternately distributed ciliated cells and granular cells. Immunohistochemistry with an antiserum raised against the materials of the peri-albumen layer revealed the staining of the peri-albumen layer of the egg, and secretory cells of the luminal epithelium at the magnum-isthmus junction. It was concluded that the materials of the peri-albumen layer are produced by secretory cells at the magnum-isthmus junction of the oviduct.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Transient left ventricular dysfunction in ischaemic myocardium after stress: comparative study with exercise and pharmacological stress gated myocardial single photon emission computed tomography.

In ischaemic heart disease patients, transient left ventricular dysfunction is observed due to post-exercise stunning. The aim of this study was to determine whether transient left ventricular dysfunction could also be seen after short-acting pharmacological stress (adenosine triphosphate). A 1 day rest/stress gated myocardial single photon emission computed tomography was performed on 362 patients suspected of having ischaemic heart disease by exercise (n=199) or short-acting pharmacological stress (n=163). Left ventricular ejection fraction were estimated both at rest and stress. Based on perfusion findings, patients were subdivided into ischaemia, fixed defect and normal group. For the ischaemia and fixed defect group, left ventricular ejection fraction after stress was significantly decreased compared with the resting value by exercise stress (ischaemia group, 57.5+/-11.0 vs 60.4+/-10.4; fixed defect group, 47.7+/-16.7 vs 49.6+/-16.8; P<0.01), but not by pharmacological stress (ischaemia group, 55.8+/-13.4 vs 57.1+/-13.8; fixed defect group, 50.8+/-13.5 vs 50.6+/-13.1; P=NS). In the normal group, left ventricular ejection fraction after stress was not significantly changed by either exercise (65.7+/-10.4 vs 66.8+/-10.2; P=NS) or pharmacological stress (63.0+/-11.7 vs 64.0+/-12.1; P=NS). It is concluded that a transient decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction after stress was observed following post-exercise, not following a short-acting pharmacological stress in patients showing perfusion abnormalities. Transient left ventricular dysfunction may be the result of post-exercise stunning, not from subendocardial hypoperfusion induced by short-acting pharmacological stress.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2003

Relapse of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a severe disease with high mortality and morbidity. Recurrence of skin vesicles is common. OBJECTIVE: To determine the features of relapse and identify the factors related to relapse. DESIGN: Thirty two surviving patients with neonatal herpes virus infections were enrolled. All patients received acyclovir treatment. Clinical and virological data were analysed and compared between relapsed and non-relapsed cases. RESULTS: Thirteen (41%) had either local skin or central nervous system relapse between 4 and 63 days after completing the initial antiviral treatment. Nine patients exhibited local skin relapses, and four developed central nervous system relapses. In one skin and two central nervous system relapse cases, neurological impairment later developed. Type 2 virus infection was significantly related to relapse (odds ratio 10.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 99.0). Patients with relapse had worse outcomes than those without relapse. CONCLUSION: Neonates with HSV type 2 infections have a greater risk of relapse. Relapsed patients have poorer prognoses.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed2003

Low grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: varied cytological and histological patterns.

BACKGROUND: A small number of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are low grade, and the nature of these low grade tumours has never been systematically assessed. AIMS: To describe the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of low grade MPNST and to discuss the main differential diagnoses. METHODS: Four cases of low grade MPNST were studied, including one coexistent with neurofibromatosis type 1. The tumours were analysed with respect to nuclear atypia, cellularity, nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, mitotic rate, and necrosis. Immunohistochemistry was performed by standard techniques, and an ultrastructural study was performed on one tumour. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged from 32 to 72 years (mean, 58). Two were male and two were female. Three tumours occurred in the deep tissue, including one in the retroperitoneum, and one was located in the dermal and subcutaneous tissue. The maximum diameters of the tumours ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 cm. Microscopically, all tumours showed moderate hypercellularity, an increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, and hyperchromasia, but exhibited varied growth patterns, including those that were atypical neurofibroma-like, low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma-like, low grade epithelioid, and haemangiopericytoma-like. All tumours showed immunoreactivity for S-100 protein and vimentin. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that careful clinical and histological evaluation, along with S-100 protein immunostaining, are essential for the accurate diagnosis of low grade MPNST.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Increased collagenase activity in macrophages from bronchial lavage as a diagnostic marker of non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cancer metastasis have been studied. Macrophages are considered to release MMPs in the tissues of patients with lung cancer. METHODS: Intracellular collagenase activity was measured in CD14+ CD45+ cells from bronchial lavage fluid to establish a new diagnostic tool for lung cancer. Between August 2000 and November 2001 bronchoscopy and bronchial lavage were performed in 45 patients with abnormal shadows on the chest radiograph; 21 had lung cancer and 24 had non-malignant disease. RESULTS: Collagenase activity in patients with primary lung cancer (5.54 (0.65)) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (5.62 (0.71)) was significantly higher than in those with non-malignant disease (3.63 (0.78), p=0.006 and p=0.008, respectively). Only three of 18 patients in the low activity group were diagnosed as having cancer compared with 18 of 27 in the high activity group (p=0.001). This significance was not seen in non-smokers but it was apparent in smokers/ex-smokers. Excluding non-smokers improved the specificity of collagenase activity in differentiating cancer and non-malignant disease from 62.5% to 80.0%. The sensitivity of the test was 85.7% in all patients and 88.2% in smokers/ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of intracellular collagenase activity in macrophages in bronchial lavage fluid is a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing between cancer and non-malignant diseases, especially in smokers and ex-smokers.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Elucidation of correspondence between swine chromosome 4 and human chromosome 1 by assigning 27 genes to the ImpRH map, and development of microsatellites in the proximity of 14 genes.

Loci affecting swine intramuscular fat content, backfat thickness, carcass weight, and daily weight gain were assigned to regions of swine chromosome (SSC) 4, which were shown to correspond to human chromosome (HSA) 1p22--> q25 by ZOO-FISH, bidirectional chromosome painting, as well as by the linkage map of genes. In order to select candidate genes responsible for the above traits from the human genome database, precise correspondence between SSC4 and HSA1 is a prerequisite. In the present study, 27 genes, PTGFR, GBP1, GBP2, GFI1, GCLM, ABCD3, EXTL2, KCNA3, ADORA3, KCND3, WNT2B, NRAS, SYCP1, PTGFRN, IGSF2, NOTCH2, S100A10, SHC1, SSR2, LMNA, CCT3, CD5L, PEA15, FCER1G, EAT2, DDR2, and LAMB3, located in the HSA1 region corresponding to SSC4 or possibly SSC4, were assigned to the IMpRH map. The alignment of genes from centromere to telomere in the SSC4 q arm is basically conserved in HSA1p22-->q25 with the direction from the q arm to the p arm, which is in good agreement with results from linkage mapping. In addition, the present study first demonstrated that WNT2B residing in the middle of the HSA1 region was assigned to SSC18 with a high lod score (> 5), and that at least three intrachromosomal rearrangements occurred in the region in the process of swine and human evolution. PTGFR, and LAMB3 localized at both ends of the HSA1 region were assigned to SSC6 and SSC9, respectively, which is consistent with regional correspondence reported earlier. In the course of the above analysis, microsatellite markers were developed in the proximity of eleven genes localized on SSC4, and three genes on other swine chromosomes.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

TGF-beta signaling and its functional significance in regulating the fate of cranial neural crest cells.

Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and control the development and maintenance of most tissues. TGF-beta signal is transmitted through the phosphorylation of Smad proteins by TGF-beta receptor serine/threonine kinase. During craniofacial development, TGF-beta may regulate the fate specification of cranial neural crest cells. These cells are multipotent progenitors and capable of producing diverse cell types upon differentiation. Here we summarize evidence that TGF-beta ligands and their signaling intermediates have significant roles in patterning and specification of cranial neural crest cells. The biological function of TGF-beta is carried out through the regulation of transcriptional factors during embryogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Elevation of circulating plasma cytokines in cancer patients with high plasma parathyroid hormone-related protein levels.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein/peptide (PTHrP) bind to the same PTH/PTHrP receptor and stimulate osteoblasts to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, elevation of plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-6 was also described. We, therefore, postulated that PTHrP secreted from cancer cells stimulates the secretion of cytokines and causes increases in their blood levels. Blood concentrations of several cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11 and IL-12) in cancer-bearing patients with or without elevation of blood PTHrP were measured by ELISA. The patients with high plasma PTHrP levels (n=29, intact PTHrP: 8.5 +/- 1.4 pmol/l, normal: <1.1) had higher serum type 1 collagen C-telopeptide (ICTP). Twenty of the patients were hypercalcemic. Plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in patients with high PTHrP, in either the presence or absence of hypercalcemia. The concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were also significantly correlated with those of PTHrP. Our observations indicate that high plasma levels of PTHrP in cancer-bearing patients contribute not only to the development of hypercalcemia, but also to the development of the syndrome caused by an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Successful perioperative blood purification therapy in patients with maintenance hemodialysis therapy who underwent living donor liver transplantation.

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a treatment for end-stage liver failure, and was developed to overcome the distinct insufficiency of cadaveric donors. Case 1 is a 56-year-old man who had undergone maintenance hemodialysis therapy for 4 years. An LDLT was performed for the treatment of advanced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) was performed from the 2nd to 5th days after the operation. Case 2 is a 55-year-old man with primary amyloidosis and chronic renal failure. An LDLT was performed for the treatment of severe abdominal distention caused by a large liver volume. Although CHDF was started at the 3rd day after the operation, it was discontinued within 24 hours because of an increased urinary volume. CHDF was required again from the 6th-8th days, after which the blood purification mode was switched to regular intermittent hemodialysis. Meanwhile, no major problems occurred in either case. In conclusion, CHDF was required for about 5 days from the 2nd day after the operation. The application of careful and aggressive blood purification therapy during the perioperative period is a key to successful LDLT in dialysis patients.

Hemodiafiltration↗
PubMed2003

[Surgical repair of extracardiac unruptured aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva; report of a case].

A 65-year-old man presented with a 6 year history of dyspnea. An unruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva and aortic regurgitation had been detected at another hospital a year previously, and he was referred to our hospital for surgery. At operation, an extracardiac saccular aneurysm was widely localized to the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva and protruded into the left atrium. The aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva (ASV) was repaired with patch closure using a dacron sheet, and aortic valve replacement was performed with a 21 mm Carpentier-Edward valve. However, there was uncontrollable bleeding from the patch suture line, so ascending aorta replacement and repair of the Valsalva sinus were additionally needed. He was discharged without any postoperative complication 7 weeks after operation. Cases of an ASV protruding into the left atrium are very rare. We recommend remodeling of the aortic root with wide replacement of 1 sinus for extracardiac succular ASV, because the tissue around the ASV is so fragile.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

RUNX and cancer.

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Animals↗
PubMed2002

Adiponectin stimulates glucose utilization and fatty-acid oxidation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase.

Adiponectin (Ad) is a hormone secreted by adipocytes that regulates energy homeostasis and glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the signaling pathways that mediate the metabolic effects of Ad remain poorly identified. Here we show that phosphorylation and activation of the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are stimulated with globular and full-length Ad in skeletal muscle and only with full-length Ad in the liver. In parallel with its activation of AMPK, Ad stimulates phosphorylation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), fatty-acid oxidation, glucose uptake and lactate production in myocytes, phosphorylation of ACC and reduction of molecules involved in gluconeogenesis in the liver, and reduction of glucose levels in vivo. Blocking AMPK activation by dominant-negative mutant inhibits each of these effects, indicating that stimulation of glucose utilization and fatty-acid oxidation by Ad occurs through activation of AMPK. Our data may provide a novel paradigm that an adipocyte-derived antidiabetic hormone, Ad, activates AMPK, thereby directly regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗
PubMed2002

Expression of cdc25A and cdc25B proteins in thyroid neoplasms.

Cdc25B and cdc25A phosphates are prominent stimulators of cell cycle progression and recent studies have also suggested their oncogenic roles. To elucidate the role of these proteins in thyroid neoplasms, we immunohistochemically investigated their expression, and neither protein was expressed in normal follicular cells. Cdc25B was frequently overexpressed in follicular adenoma and minimally invasive follicular carcinoma, but the incidence was significantly lower in widely invasive follicular carcinoma. Furthermore, the cdc25B expression level significantly decreased with the dedifferentiation of thyroid carcinoma. Cdc25A overexpression was observed in high incidences in all types of thyroid neoplasms. These results suggest that cdc25B and cdc25A play oncogenic roles in thyroid follicules and that cdc25B works predominantly in the early phase of the progression of thyroid carcinoma, whereas cdc25A plays a fundamental role in the development of thyroid neoplasms.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2002

Caveolin-1 overexpression is an early event in the progression of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.

Caveolin-1 is a major structural component of caveolae, which are plasma membrane microdomains implicated in the regulation of intracellular signalling pathways. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies on the function of caveolin-1 in carcinoma showed controversial results, indicating that the physiological role of caveolin-1 varies according to the origin of carcinoma. In this study, we investigated caveolin-1 expression in thyroid neoplasms by means of immunohistochemistry using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against caveolin-1. Normal follicular cells did not express caveolin-1. In papillary carcinoma, caveolin-1 expression was observed in high incidence, and especially in microcancer (less than 1.0 cm in diameter), caveolin-1 was positive in all cases except one. In undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma, its incidence was significantly reduced. On the other hand, all cases of follicular carcinoma and adenoma were classified as negative for caveolin-1. These results suggest that caveolin-1 may play a role predominantly in the early phase of papillary carcinoma, whereas it has little influence on follicular tumours.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2002

Sudden onset pharyngeal pain associated with dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report a case of sudden onset pharyngeal pain due to dissection of the vertebral artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of unilateral pharyngeal pain, which was first, diagnosed as idiopathic glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance image and cerebral angiography revealed a dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm. The anatomical site of the aneurysm may explain this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Sudden onset of pharyngeal pain, although rare, should be considered as a complication of dissection of the vertebral artery even though there are no other general or neurological symptoms.

Aged↗