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Biomedical subjects

Y Ko

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ko.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

The growth-promoting effect of low-density lipoprotein may Be mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known to be a mitogenic factor for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. In the current study, we describe possible intracellular mechanisms by which LDL elicits its mitogenic effects. Stimulation of VSMCs with LDL resulted in a pertussis-toxin (PTX)-sensitive stimulation of the 44-kDa mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (p44(mapk)) and 42-kDa MAP kinase (p42(mapk)) isoforms as well as in a PTX-sensitive increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Binding of the LDL-induced increase in [Ca2+]i to the intracellular Ca2+ chelator bis(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetraacetoxymethyl ester resulted in a 2-fold increase in the phosphorylated p44(mapk) and p42(mapk) isoforms but did not influence the LDL effect of VSMC DNA synthesis. PD 98059, a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, remarkably attenuated the LDL-induced activation of MAP kinases and DNA synthesis. Treatment of normal human skin fibroblasts and human fibroblasts isolated from patients with familial hypercholesterolemia homozygote class 1 mutations, which are not able to produce the classic LDL receptor, resulted also in a PTX-sensitive increase in cell DNA synthesis and stimulation of the p44(mapk) and p42(mapk) isoforms in both cell types. These results demonstrate that the mitogenic effect of LDL is mediated by a PTX-sensitive Gi-coupled receptor that is independent of its classic receptor and involves activation of MAP kinase isoforms. Furthermore, the mitogenic effect of LDL may be mediated by the activation of the MAP kinase pathway. In contrast, the LDL-induced increase in [Ca2+]i may be implicated in this process only in conjugation with other signaling components.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Microvascular decompression for tinnitus.

Tinnitus had been considered as a surgically incurable disease before Dr. Jannetta's microvascular decompression. Fifty-nine patients were operated on between February 1996 and January 1997 in our center. Selection of the patients was based on personal history, neurootologic test and MRI findings. Tinnitogram, audiometry and brain stem auditory evoked potential were evaluated. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery was found compressing the 8th cranial nerve in most patients. Thirty patients were free of tinnitus or more than 75% improved, 21 showed 50-75% improvement, 4 had 25-50%, and 4 have less than 25% improvement or no change. Nine patients who could not hear on the operated side before surgery improved.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Cholesterol enhances platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

In the present study, we describe possible mechanisms by which hypercholesterolemia may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells for 20 hours with cholesterol-rich liposomes (500 micrograms/mL cholesterol, 100 micrograms/mL low-density lipoprotein) resulted in a 76 +/- 12% increase in total cholesterol content. The effects of cholesterol enrichment were examined by determination of changes in cell membrane fluidity. Fluidity of the cholesterol-enriched cell membranes was decreased at all temperatures between 15 degrees C and 40 degrees C. Changes in membrane fluidity in whole cell membranes represented changes in fluidity of microsomal membranes isolated by Percoll gradient ultracentrifugation. The basal [Ca2+]i and the maximal platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced [Ca2+]i was elevated by 30% and 90% in cholesterol-enriched cells, respectively. In contrast, the resting pH, and the PDGF-BB-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchange were not affected in cholesterol-enriched cells. The effect of PDGF-BB on [3H]thymidine incorporation in cholesterol-enriched cells was elevated by 40% in comparison with untreated cells. Our findings show that cellular cholesterol may be involved in the development of vascular diseases via modulation of the PDGF-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Cell-cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase of growth factor-induced endothelial cell proliferation by various calcium channel blockers.

Calcium channel blockers cause antiproliferative effects on various cells in culture. Since angioneogenesis is a crucial step in the development of tumor growth, we examined the influence of different calcium channel blockers on human umbilical arterial endothelial cell (HUAEC) growth. Cell growth was measured by cell count, by [3H]thymidine incorporation, and by a 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU-incorporation immunofluorescence assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometric analysis. Nifedipine, isradipine, diltiazem, and verapamil dose-dependently inhibited the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation. Fifty micromolars of nifedipine, isradipine, diltiazem, and verapamil completely inhibited bFGF-induced proliferation of HUAEC. Ten micromolars of each calcium channel blocker abolished the bFGF-induced increase in cell count. Five micromolars of isradipine completely blocked the bFGF-induced BrdU incorporation. Stimulation of HUAEC with bFGF (50 ng/ml) for 24 h caused a 2-fold increase in cells that entered S and G2+M phase in comparison with control cells. Five micromolars of isradipine abolished this effect completely. We conclude that calcium channel blockers are able to inhibit cell proliferation by a cell-cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase.

Calcium Channel Blockers↗
PubMed1997

Oral idarubicin, dexamethasone and vincristine (VID) in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

In order to replace the central venous line necessary for continuous infusion of vincristine and doxorubicin with high-dose dexamethasone (VAD) and to avoid hospitalization, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of oral idarubicin, vincristine and dexamethasone (VID) in patients with multiple myeloma. Vincristine (1.6 mg/m2, max 2 mg) was given as a bolus injection on day 1. Idarubicin was given in capsules 10 mg/m2/day for days 1-4 with an intraindividual dose escalation, 40 mg dexamethasone were given on days 1-4, 9-12, 17-20. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days. At this interim analysis, 53 patients have been entered into the ongoing trial; 46 patients are evaluable for toxicity. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range, 52-65). 46% were primary or secondary refractory, 20% had previously been treated with VAD and 30% had previously untreated disease, 4% had two or more relapses. Four patients died within 2 months from entry and were considered as early deaths (8.7%). 45% of the 42 patients evaluable for efficacy achieved a partial remission and 26% a minor remission. The median reduction of the M-component was 43% (interquartile range, 25-64%). VID is an effective and convenient alternative to VAD even in relapsed or refractory patients.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Activation of Na+/H+ exchanger is not involved in the PDGF-BB-induced DNA-synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

HOE 694 [(3-methylsulphonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl)guanidine methanesulphonate] was characterized as a new, potent, non-amiloride inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger. In order to elucidate whether the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE-1) is involved in the PDGF-BB-induced DNA-synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells, we investigated the effect of HOE 694 and EIPA on the PDGF-BB-induced DNA synthesis. EIPA (10 microM) inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger and the PDGF-BB-induced DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. HOE 694 (1-50 microM) dose-dependently inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger but had no significant effects on DNA-synthesis. Our findings suggest that activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger is not essential for PDGF-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell growth.

Amiloride↗
PubMed1996

Oligodeoxynucleotides directed to early growth response gene-1 mRNA inhibit DNA synthesis in the smooth muscle cell.

Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. The induction of the early growth response gene-1 (egr-1) mRNA is associated with different cellular processes such as cell proliferation. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides seem to provide a promising new pharmaceutical tool for effective modification of the expression of specific genes. Hence, in the present study, the effect of 15-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (targeted to the initial codon region of the egr-1 mRNA) on the angiotensin II- and platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced growth promoting effects of aortic smooth muscle cells was evaluated. Angiotensin II- and platelet-derived growth factor-BB induced egr-1 mRNA (3.4 kb) and Egr-1 protein (80 kDa) in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. No effects of the sense and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides on the agonist-induced elevation of the egr-1 mRNA and on the Egr-1 protein could be demonstrated. However, they effectively inhibited the angiotensin II- and the platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced DNA synthesis. Our findings provide evidence that the oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell growth via nonantisense mechanism(s).

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1996

CV-11974, the active metabolite of TCV-116 (Candesarten), inhibits the synergistic or additive effect of different growth factors on angiotensin II-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Many previous studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II (AII) type I (ATI) receptor antagonists remarkably reduced intimal lesions in rats following balloon injury. Using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in culture, we tested the hypothesis that other classical growth factors may enhance AII effects on VSMC growth, and ATI receptor antagonists may inhibit these effects. AII, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) caused a 3426 +/- 262%, 277 +/- 69%, and 1568 +/- 62% increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation in VSMC (mean +/- SD, n = 3), respectively. The exposure of the cells to AII in combination with PDGF-BB or EGF resulted in an approximately 2-fold or 1.5-fold elevation of the AII-dependent effect, respectively. 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimi dazole-7- carboxylic acid (CV-11974), the active metabolite of the specific nonpeptide AT1 receptor antagonist (+/-)-1-cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimi dazole- 7-carboxylate (TCV-116, Candesartan), suppressed the effect of AII down to basal values, as well as reducing the synergistic effect of PDGF or the additive effect of EGF on AII-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation. AII and PDGF-BB per se induced 57 +/- 19 and 70 +/- 14% increase in VSMC number. Combination of both agonists resulted in a 2-fold increase of the AII effect on cell number. Again, CV-11974 blocked the effect of AII, as well as the additive effect of PDGF-BB on cell number. From these findings, it may be concluded that AT1 receptor antagonists may reduce or prevent the development of intimal lesions following vascular injury through inhibition of direct and indirect growth-promoting effects of AII in VSMC.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1996

Carbocyclic thromboxane A2 enhances the angiotensin II-induced DNA synthesis in smooth muscle cells.

The present study describes the influence of carbocyclic thromboxane A2 on the proliferative effects of angiotensin II on vascular smooth muscle cells. Angiotensin II (10(-7) M) and carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (10(-6) M) per se caused an increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell number. The exposure of cells to both agonists resulted in a 2.5-fold elevation of the angiotensin II dependent effect on DNA synthesis and a 1.6-fold increase in cell number. 2-Ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (CV-11974), the active metabolite of the specific non-peptide angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist (+/-)-1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1 H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1 H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (TCV-116, Candesartan) suppressed the effect of angiotensin II on cell growth as well as reduced the synergistic effect of carbocyclic thromboxane A2. Simultaneous cell stimulation with carbocyclic thromboxane A2 and angiotensin II for 30 min resulted in a 26 +/- 9% elevation of the angiotensin II-induced increase of c-fos mRNA (100%).

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1996

[Swelling of the ears, chest pain, cough].

A 62-year-old male had tender swelling of both ears with loss of hearing due to edematous swelling of the external auditory canal. The patient complained further about dry cough, pain at the costo-sternal junctions, adynamia and weight loss. Inflammatory parameters were markedly elevated, and histologic work-up of an auricular biopsy revealed lymphocytic infiltration. These findings led to the diagnosis of chronic recurrent polychondritis actually under control after a pulse of glucocorticoids followed by maintenance therapy with 5 mg prednisone.

Chest Pain↗
PubMed1996

Regulation of angiotensin AT1 receptor gene expression during cell growth of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Cell proliferation influences the expression of numerous tissue-specific genes. The angiotensin AT1 receptor is highly expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells where it mediates cell contraction upon activation with angiotensin II. Since vascular smooth muscle cell de-differentiation leads to differential expression of several genes, we investigated the effects of cell growth on angiotensin AT1 receptor gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells in culture. Northern hybridization analysis revealed a decrease of angiotensin AT1 receptor mRNA levels to approximately 20% in proliferating cells in comparison to growth-arrested cells. There is a correlative loss of membrane-associated angiotensin AT1 receptor protein in growing cells versus non-growing cells, as assessed by saturation radioligand binding assays. In addition, the BB-isoform of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), which induces proliferation of quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells, causes a marked down-regulation of angiotensin AT1 receptor mRNA. These data suggest that proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells leads to reduced angiotensin AT1 receptor gene expression. The mechanisms underlying this process and its physiological implications remain to be defined.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction for the quantification of p53 and mdm2 mRNA expression.

Wild-type p53 (wtp53) is a tumour suppressor gene involved in cell cycle regulation. The mdm2 protein can complex with the p53 protein and influence its function as a regulator of cell growth. To detect and quantify wtp53 and mdm2 mRNA expression, we established the competitive reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction for these genes and for the housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The target RNA differed from the competitor cRNA by having 183 bp, 205 bp and 173 bp deletions for p53, mdm2 and GAPDH, respectively. Target RNA and known concentrations of competitor cRNA were co-reverse transcribed and co-amplified with the same primers. Target cDNA and the corresponding competitor cDNA were amplified at the same efficiency.

Endothelium, Vascular↗
PubMed1996

Defects of TGF-beta receptor signaling in mammary cell tumorigenesis.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor expression and signal transduction in human breast cancer are reviewed as a function of estrogen receptor (ER) expression. ER+ breast cancer cells are generally resistant to the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta. The only known exception appears to be MCF-7 early passage cells which are initially sensitive to TGF-beta, but gain resistance after long-term passage in tissue culture. A number of studies have shown that loss of sensitivity is due to inadequate TGF-beta type II (TGFRII) receptor expression. Stable transfection of TGFRII into ER+ breast cancer cell lines results in the acquisition of TGF-beta sensitivity and reversion of malignancy. Although there are exceptions, ER- breast cancer cells usually express TGFRII, but nevertheless show a low level of sensitivity to TGF-beta. Thus resistance in these cells implies a postreceptor mechanism. Given the frequency with which loss of TGF-beta sensitivity has been associated with loss of TGFRII, the ER- breast cancer cell lines may represent valuable models for identifying postreceptor mechanisms of resistance.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of the Na+/H+ antiport inhibitor Hoe 694 on the angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell growth.

1. Hoe 694 (3-methylsulphonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl)guanidine methanesulphonate) was characterized as a new, potent, non-amiloride inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchanger. In order to elucidate the role of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE-1) in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell growth, we investigated the effects of different amiloride analogues and of Hoe 694 on angiotensin II-induced cell growth. Since intracellular pH, the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration and the expression of the transcription factor c-fos seem to be involved in the regulation of cell growth, the effects of the amiloride analogues and Hoe 694 on the angiotensin II-induced changes in these three parameters were examined. 2. Measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ and pH in cell monolayers was performed using fura-2/AM and BCECF/AM, respectively. The effect of angiotensin II on cell growth was examined using (1) [3H]-thymidine incorporation, (2) the bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunfluorescence assay, (3) the colorimetric determination of cell mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and (4) determination of cell number. Total RNA was extracted from cells by the guanidinium isothiocyanate/CsCl procedure. The expression of c-fos was quantitated by Northern blotting. 3. Various amiloride analogues inhibited the angiotensin II-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger, the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and cell growth but not the induction of c-fos mRNA. Hoe 694 (1-25 microM) dose-dependently inhibited the angiotensin II-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger but had no significant effects on cytosolic Ca2+, c-fos mRNA levels or cell growth. 4. Our findings support the concept that activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger is not essential for angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell growth.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1996

Jugular foramen neurilemmoma mimicking an intra-axial brainstem tumor--a case report.

Jugular foramen neurilemmoma is frequently manifested as a jugular foramen syndrome or extraaxial mass. Neurilemmoma arising from the cranial nerves of the foramen, although rare, may be manifestated as an intracranial or extracranial mass lesion. When the tumor is located only in the intracranium, it is often misdiagnosed as an acoustic neurinoma or a brainstem tumor because of their similarity in clinical or radiological findings. We present a rare case of jugular foramen neurilemmoma with only intracranial extension with clinical and radiologic features of an intra-axial brainstem tumor.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1996

Gangliosides GM1, GM2 and GM3 inhibit the platelet-derived growth factor-induced signalling transduction pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells by different mechanisms.

Gangliosides appear to regulate proliferation of different cell types. In the present study, we investigated the effects of gangliosides GM1, GM2 and GM3 on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth. In addition, we examined the effects of gangliosides on the PDGF-BB-dependent signalling transduction pathway in rat aortic VSMC. GM2 and GM1 inhibit the PDGF-BB-dependent receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation, stimulation of the PLC-gamma 1, increase of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), elevation in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), expression of the immediate early growth response gene c-fos and cell proliferation with the following rank order of potency GM2 > GM1. Although GM3 did not influence the PDGF-BB-dependent receptor autophosphorylation and PLC-gamma 1 activation, it effectively inhibited the PDGF-BB-dependent InsP3 formation, [Ca2+]i and cell growth. Binding studies with 125I-PDGF-BB on VSMC in the presence and absence of 10 to 50 microM of each ganglioside revealed that GM1 and GM2 effectively inhibited the specific binding of PDGF-BB with an IC50 value of 20 microM for GM2 and 30 microM for GM1. GM3 had no significant effect on the specific 125I-PDGF-BB binding. These observations suggest that GM1 and GM2 may interact with PDGF-BB or its receptor resulting in a prevention of its binding. GM3 was able to suppress the PDGF-BB-dependent increase of InsP3 and [Ca2+]i downstream of the PDGF-BB-dependent receptor autophosphorylation and PLC-gamma 1 activity.

Animals↗