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Biomedical subjects

Y Maeda

Publications and source records attributed to Y Maeda.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

Measurement of serum p53 protein in patients with small cell lung cancer and results of its clinicopathological evaluation.

Serum p53 protein levels were measured in 36 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 35 patients with benign lung diseases in order to evaluate the relationship of these levels to clinicopathological features of SCLC. Serum levels of p53 protein were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, p53 protein level was 23.92 +/- 6.78 pg/ml in patients with SCLC, and similar to that (17.47 +/- 2.86 pg/ml) in patients with benign lung diseases. By the clinical stage of SCLC, the mean level of p53 protein was 16.68 +/- 4.62 pg/ml in 21 patients with limited disease, and lower than that in 15 patients with extensive disease (34.05 +/- 14.84 pg/ml) (P = 0.23). The levels of p53 protein were not correlated with age, smoking index, or presence of cancer history for patients with SCLC. However, immunohistochemical examination disclosed a mild correlation between the expression of p53 protein by SCLC tumor and p53 protein serum level (r = 0.45, P = 0.02). Two patients with SCLC had an elevated serum level of p53 protein (> 2 S.D. above the mean for benign lung diseases). However, measurement of p53 protein serum level was not found to be clinically useful for detection of SCLC.

Age Factors↗

Diurnal blood pressure rhythm in hypertensives with parental history of stroke.

To investigate whether the lack of nocturnal decline of blood pressure (nondipper) is a primary cause of stroke or a secondary abnormality due to stoke, we examined the relation between the blood pressure variation and parental history of stroke in 110 hypertensive patients. In nondippers (n = 54), the frequency of positive parental history of stroke was significantly higher than in dippers (n = 56) (53.7% v 33.9%, chi2 = 4.37, P = .0366). We observed a significant increase in the incidence of positive parental history of stroke in nondippers, suggesting that some genetic factors may regulate blood pressure profiles before stroke develops.

Aged↗

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism in essential hypertension based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

The association of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism with essential hypertension is still controversial. We studied its polymorphism in 41 patients with hypertension based on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and 34 subjects with normal blood pressure. The ACE genotype was not significantly different between hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Casual blood pressure levels, 24 h, and daytime and nighttime ABP levels did not differ among the ACE genotype in patients with hypertension. In conclusion, the ACE genotype is not associated with essential hypertension based on ABP monitoring.

Alleles↗

Comparison of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia and CMV in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for diagnosis of CMV pulmonary infection after bone marrow transplantation.

A comparative cytomegalovirus (CMV) diagnostic study was carried out on 30 bone marrow transplant patients. Forty-three bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from these patients were examined for CMV by viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), shell vial and cytology. In parallel, peripheral blood samples were subjected to CMV antigenemia assay. CMV was detected in 12 (27.9%) of the 43 BALF samples (10 samples in viral culture, 10 samples in PCR, eight samples in shell vial and three samples in cytology). The CMV antigenemia assay yielded a positive result for six samples. The rates of agreement between results of the CMV antigenemia assay and results of each of the BALF tests were as follows: 81.4% with viral culture, 76.7% with PCR, 86.0% with shell vial, and 88.4% with cytology. Although the sensitivity of the CMV antigenemia assay was inferior to the sensitive tests of BALF samples, statistically significant correlations were demonstrated between the CMV antigenemia assay, viral culture, shell vial and cytology. Although the CMV antigenemia assay was shown to be useful for detection of CMV, it may be necessary to confirm not only the sensitivity but also the specificity of this method for prevention of CMV disease after BMT.

Adolescent↗

Risk factors for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after bone marrow transplantation: retrospective analysis of 137 cases at a single institution.

One hundred and thirty-seven consecutive patients who received bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation were studied retrospectively to identify the risk factors for hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Of the 137 recipients, twenty (14.6%) patients were diagnosed with VOD using the McDonald's criteria. In these 20 patients with VOD, we analyzed various clinical parameters, including age, sex, HLA status, conditioning regimen, irradiation, immunosuppressive agents, mode of transplantation, history of hepatic dysfunction, pre-transplant hepatic and renal function, infectious episodes, antibiotics use, and serum viral titers. A history of hepatic dysfunction and low levels of pseudocholinesterase before transplantation were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.04 and 0.04). Low levels of pseudocholinesterase were significant by multivariate analysis using the logistic regression model (P = 0.02). These results suggest that pseudocholinesterase levels before transplant are important markers of VOD in patients receiving BMT.

Adolescent↗

Inhibition of proliferation and CD25 down-regulation by retinoic acid in human adult T cell leukemia cells.

The effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the cell growth and expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors (IL-2R alpha/p55, Tac, CD25) by the human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-positive T cell lines, HUT102 and ATL-2 were investigated. Incubation of these cells for 48 h with either 13-cis retinoid acid (13-cis RA) or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resulted in marked inhibition of cell growth, determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation, and in down-regulation of CD25 expression, determined by flow cytometry. Four HUT102 cell clones were established by limiting dilution, and 13-cis RA was shown to inhibit cell growth and CD25 expression in three of these clones (HUT102-M5, -M6 and -M7), but not in the fourth (-M8). RA did not induce growth inhibition or down-regulation of CD25 in the HTLV-I-negative T cell lines (Jurkat and MOLT-4) and in normal lymphocytes that had been stimulated with phytohemagglutinin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. We have shown that RA markedly inhibited both the cell growth and the expression of CD25 in some HTLV-I-positive T cell clones, but not in normal lymphocytes. These results suggest that RA may be suitable for the treatment of patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL).

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Trypsin-sensitive and -resistant components in human T-cell membranes required for syncytium formation by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-bearing cells.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) envelope proteins play an important role in viral entry into target cells. In a syncytium formation assay consisting of a coculture of HTLV-1-bearing cells and target cells, mature gp46 and gp21 proteins each inhibited syncytium formation induced by HTLV-1-bearing cells. Experiments with 125I-labeled proteins showed that 125I-gp46 bound specifically with MOLT-4 target cells even in the presence of large amounts of gp21, whereas 125I-gp21 binding to target cells was completely blocked in the presence of large amounts of gp46. These observations suggest that HTLV-1 envelope proteins in syncytium formation interact with at least two components, which are located close to each other on the cell membrane. We isolated two components from MOLT-4 cell lysate, using Sepharose 4B columns coupled with peptides corresponding to amino acids 197 to 216 and 400 to 429, respectively, of the envelope protein. One is a trypsin digestion-sensitive component of approximately 34 to 35 kDa, which interacts specifically with gp46. The other is a nonprotein component, which interacts with gp21. This component was destroyed by sodium periodate oxidation and was partitioned into the methanol-chloroform phase. These observations suggest that these two components play an important role in HTLV-1 entry into target cells via membrane fusion.

Cell Membrane↗

Chronic effects of ANG II antagonist in heart failure: improvement of cGMP generation from ANP.

To evaluate the effects of endogenous angiotensin II (ANG II) on the development of congestive heart failure (CHF), we examined cardiorenal and hormonal factors after chronic administration of the ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist TCV-116 in dogs with CHF induced by rapid right ventricular pacing. After 8 days of pacing, TCV-116 administration [1 (group 1) or 3 mg.kg-1.day-1 (group 2)] was started and continued until the 22nd day. TCV-116 was found to have protected the deterioration of cardiorenal functions and the activation of neurohormonal factors. Although there was no significant difference in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure or plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level between the TCV-116-treated groups (354 +/- 85 and 364 +/- 29 pg/ml for groups 1 and 2, respectively) and the vehicle group (385 +/- 20 pg/ml), the plasma guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels, a second messenger of ANP, were twofold higher in TCV-116-treated groups (49.4 +/- 10.2 and 50.6 +/- 7.7 pmol/ml for groups 1 and 2, respectively) than in the vehicle group (24 +/- 4.0 pmol/ml), with a high correlation between the plasma ANP and cGMP levels (r = 0.90; P < 0.05). These findings indicate that endogenous ANG II has important roles in hemodynamics and renal functions during the development of CHF, which may be due, in part, to a reduction in endogenous ANP activity, suggesting the usefulness of an ANG II-receptor antagonist against the development of CHF.

Aldosterone↗

Interferon-beta prevents antigen-induced bronchial inflammation and airway hyperreactivity in mice.

The effects of IFN-beta and prednisolone (Pred) on antigen-induced IgE antibody production, airway eosinophilia and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) were studied in ovalbumin-sensitized Balb/c mice. Three inhalations of antigen (ovalbumin) caused an increase in the number of eosinophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and AHR to acetylcholine with a significant elevation in the serum IgE level. IFN-beta clearly inhibited the antigen-induced airway inflammation and AHR, but did not affect IgE antibody production. Pred inhibited antigen-induced IgE antibody production, airway inflammation and AHR to acetylcholine. In addition, IFN-beta inhibited T-helper type 2 (Th2) cell clone (D10G4.1)-induced peritoneal eosinophilia in mice, but did not affect neutrophilia, whereas Pred inhibited D10G4.1-induced peritoneal eosinophilia and neutrophilia. These results suggest that IFN-beta inhibits antigen-induced bronchial inflammation and AHR probably due to the inhibition of Th2-induced airway eosinophilia.

Acetylcholine↗

Effect of magnesium sulfate treatment on neonatal bone abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that neonatal bone abnormalities occur as a result of long-term intravenous magnesium administration (MgSO4) to pregnant women. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency of such abnormalities and the clinical background of both mothers and neonates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed maternal (114 cases) and neonatal (139 cases) charts from all pregnant women who received intravenous MgSO4 administration for preterm labor and preeclampsia between June 1, 1992, and May 31, 1994. All chest X-ray films were obtained within 48 h after birth and reviewed by a doctor who was unaware of the clinical data. Radiolucent transverse metaphyseal bands of the proximal humerus were considered as abnormal. The subjects were divided into affected (group 1 and 1a) and unaffected (group 2 and 2a) groups. Neonates born to pregnant women given no MgSO4 at the same period, were considered as control. RESULTS: The total number of bone abnormalities in the offspring of mothers receiving MgSO4 amounted to 13 (11.4%). Group 1 consisted of 13 cases and group 2 of 101 cases. In the control group bone abnormalities were not observed (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between groups 1 and 2 in the gestational ages at the start of MgSO4 administration and at delivery, and in the total duration of administration and doses of MgSO4. Also, cases of multiple pregnancy and pregnancy complicated with impaired glucose tolerance were more prevalent in group 1. According to the results obtained from 139 neonates, cases showing low Apgar and high magnesium score and those receiving respiratory support were more noticeable in group 1a (15 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The gestational ages and the total doses of MgSO4 in pregnant women were the main factors related to the onset of neonatal bone abnormalities, but other factors also have a possible bearing on the condition. In addition, the cases with onset of bone abnormality seemed to be associated with symptoms attributable to hypermagnesemia of neonates.

Bone Development↗

Endothelin-1 inhibits nitric oxide synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

We investigated the effects of endothelin-1 on nitric oxide synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells. We measured the production of nitrite, a stable metabolite of nitric oxide, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and protein in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Incubation of the cultures with interleukin-1 beta (10 ng/mL) for 24 hours caused a significant increase in nitrite production. Endothelin-1 significantly decreased the interleukin-1 beta-induced nitrite production by vascular smooth muscle cells in a dose-dependent manner (10(-11) to 10(-8) mol/L). Incubation with interleukin-1 beta for 24 hours induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and protein in vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas endothelin-1 showed a suppressive effect on their expressions. Addition of the endothelin type A receptor antagonist BQ-485, but not the endothelin type B receptor antagonist BQ-788, dose-dependently inhibited the effect of endothelin-1. After protein kinase C activity was functionally depleted by treatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for 24 hours, the effect of endothelin-1 was abolished. These results indicate that endothelin-1 acts on endothelin type A receptors and inhibits nitric oxide synthesis in interleukin-1 beta-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells at least partially through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

Animals↗

Churg-Strauss syndrome associated with necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis in a diabetic patient.

We report a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis concurrent with diabetes mellitus. The patient was a 64-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital because of a glove and stocking type hypesthesia and numbness, multiple purpurae on both legs, and renal insufficiency with hematuria and proteinuria. Renal biopsy revealed necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis accompanied by necrotizing arteritis, marked eosinophilic infiltration of the interstitium, and diffuse and nodular diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Cyclophosphamide and steroid therapy succeeded in improving her neurologic symptoms as well as retarding the deterioration in renal function. No clinical manifestations suggestive of a recurrence of Churg-Strauss syndrome have been observed during the one-year follow-up period.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytoma presenting with intratumoral and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A 45-year-old male presented with sudden onset of severe headache. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an irregularly enhanced suprasellar mass with intratumoral and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mass was removed in two operations. Histological examination of the tumor revealed pilocytic astrocytoma. The relatively rich vascularity and perivascular tumor cell proliferation observed in this benign lesion were probably the causes of this extremely rare association.

Astrocytoma↗

[Study of serum thrombomodulin(TM) levels in patients with hyper- or hypo- thyroidism].

We studies a relationship between the serum levels of thrombomodulin(TM) and the thyroid functions. Serum TM levels were measured in 48 patients with Graves' disease, 17 patients with primary hypothyroidism, 7 patients with subacute thyroiditis, 5 patients with painless thyroiditis and 2 patients with systematic Refetoff syndrome. These patients did not have malignant tumor, kidney failure, or blood vessel injury. Control sera were obtained from 42 healthy subjects. Serum levels of TM in patients with untreated Graves' disease were significantly higher(p < 0.001) compared with those in controls. Serum levels of TM in patients with hypothyroidism were not significantly changed as compared with those of controls. There were a positive correlation between the serum levels of TM and FT3 as well as FT4. Serial determinations of the serum levels of TM and thyroid function(FT3, FT4 and TH) in patients with Graves' disease during treatment showed that both the serum levels of TM and thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) lowered progressively during treatment. After normalization of serum FT3 and FT4, the serum TM levels returned to normal. However, the serum levels of TM in patients with destructive thyroiditis and Refetoff syndrome were normal in spite of high serum levels of thyroid hormones. These data suggest that an increase in serum levels of TM is not the direct result of thyroid hormones themselves but is the result of the prolonged hypermetabolic state induced by their peripheral activities. Thyroid hormones may stimulate the synthesis or metabolism of TM on the surface of vascular endothelial cells in the patients with Graves' disease.

Graves Disease↗

[Utility of prostate specific antigen (PSA) density in detecting prostate cancer in men showing gray zone serum PSA levels].

The efficacy of prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) in diagnosing prostate cancer was assessed in 98 patients with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels between 2 and 10 ng/ml who had a pathological diagnosis made by prostate biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate. Of the 98 patients, 22 (22%) had prostate cancer. The PSA (based on a cut-off value of 4.5 ng/ml) had a sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of 82% and 38%, respectively, for diagnosing prostate cancer, while the results for PSAD (based on a cut-off value of 0.13) were 91% and 61%. The PSAD was more efficient than the PSA levels and was also superior to digital rectal examination (DRE) combined with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), for which the sensitivity and PPV were 73% and 39%, respectively. Six (11%) out of 57 patients who were normal on DRE and TRUS had prostate cancer. In these 57 patients, the PSA (cut-off value: 4.5 ng/ml) had a sensitivity of 50% and PPV while the values for PSAD (cut-off value: 0.13) were 83% and 36% respectively. The PSAD could effectively detect even impalpable prostate cancer not visible on TRUS.

Aged↗

The effect of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody, rapamycin and interferon-gamma on airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine in mice.

BACKGROUND: The role of IgE in airway hyperreactivity is obscure. OBJECTIVE: In order to clarify the role of IgE in airway hyperreactivity, we investigated the effect of anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody, rapamycin and interferon-gamma on the antigen-induced IgE response, airway eosinophilia and hyperreactivity in mice. METHODS: Mice were immunized with an antigen (ovalbumin; OA) at intervals of 12 days. OA was inhaled 10 days after the secondary immunization. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, airway reactivity to acetylcholine was measured and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained. RESULTS: Three inhalations of antigen caused an increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine with a significant elevation of serum IgE level. Anti-IL-4 at a dose of 1000 micrograms/animal and rapamycin at doses between 0.1 and 1 mg/kg inhibited the IgE production, but did not affect the airway eosinophilia or hyperreactivity to acetylcholine. In contrast, IFN-gamma clearly inhibited the antigen-induced airway eosinophilia and hyperreactivity, but did not affect the IgE antibody production. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the inhibition of IgE production does not suppress the onset of airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia in mice, and that IFN-gamma inhibits the antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity, probably due to the inhibition of airway eosinophilia.

Acetylcholine↗

[Bladder carcinoma presenting with hypercalcemia: a case report].

A 47-year old woman was referred to our hospital with nausea, vomiting and the loss of body weight. Pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an invasive bladder tumor on the left lateral wall, accompanied with calcification. Laboratory examination revealed marked hypercalcemia (20.6 mg/dl) and elevated serum parathyroid hormone-related protein-intact (29.9 pmol/l), which was apparently produced by the tumor. Treatment with pamidronate and colloid infusion resulted in normocalcemia. Anterior pelvic exenteration was performed. Histopathological diagnosis was transitional cell carcinoma > adenocarcinoma, G3, pT4pN2M0, stage IV. She died of cancer 7 months postoperatively.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗