Biomedical subjects

Y Wada

Publications and source records attributed to Y Wada.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Intestinal adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine cells in a clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).

Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine was found in a 6-year-old clouded leopard. This tumour was characterized by the presence of goblet and neuroendocrine cells. The latter were labelled positively for either serotonin, somatostatin, neurotensin, gastrin or secretin. These neuroendocrine cells were reduced in number in most of the metastatic lesions, including those of the mesentery, diaphragmatic pleura, lungs, liver and heart, and squamous metaplasia was detected in some metastatic sites.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1996

Platelet-activating factor and leukotrienes in acute otitis media, secretory otitis media, and chronic otitis media on the acute excerbation.

The present study was carried out for the purpose of measuring platelet activating factor (PAF) and leukotrienes (LTs) in middle ear fluid (MEF) or in otorrhea of children with acute otitis media (AOM), with secretory otitis media (SOM), and with chronic otitis media (COM) on the acute exacerbation. PAF, LTC4, and LTD4+LTE4 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in purulent MEFs obtained from 15 ears of 15 children with AOM, in mucoid or gluey MEFs from 16 ears of 15 children with SOM, and in purulent otorrhea from 9 ears of 9 children with COM on the acute exacerbation. PAF concentrations were 25.4 +/- 9.0 ng/mg total phospholipid (TPL) in AOM, 4.9 +/- 1.9 ng/mg TPL in SOM, 20.7 +/- 15.7 ng/mg TPL in COM, demonstrating significant differences between AOM and SOM (p < 0.05) and between COM and SOM (p < 0.01). LTC4 concentrations were 92.9 +/- 73.8 pg/mg total protein (TP) in AOM, 52.0 +/- 42.5 pg/mg TP in SOM, and 28.5 +/- 11.2 pg/mg TP in COM. LTD4+LTE4 concentrations were 326.5 +/- 177.0 pg/mg TP in AOM, 288.2 +/- 144.6 pg/mg TP in SOM, and 94.0 +/- 58.1 pg/mg TP in COM, demonstrating significant differences between AOM and COM and between SOM and COM (p < 0.01). The results obtained indicated that PAF was involved in the onset of AOM and COM on the acute exacerbation, and that LTs played an important role in SOM.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Deletion mapping on chromosome 10q25-q26 in human endometrial cancer.

To understand genetic events which play a role in the development and/or progression of human endometrial cancer, we studied allelotypes on all autosomal chromosomes, as well as chromosome X, with 42 microsatellite markers and 56 endometrial cancers. The most frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed on the long arm of chromosome 10 (14 of 30, 47%), which was commonly detected in grade 1 cancer. We constructed a detailed deletion map and defined two commonly deleted regions in 10q25-q26; one was the 8 cM region between D10S209 and D10S216, the other was the 12 cM region between D10S217 and D10S590. Replication errors at two or more loci were observed in 24 of 56 tumours (43%), suggesting that disruption of the DNA mismatch repair system also plays an important role in the course of endometrial carcinogenesis.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

PubMed1996

Monocyte/macrophage response to beta 2-microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products.

We recently found that acidic beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), a major isoform of beta 2m in amyloid fibrils of patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), contained early Amadori products and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formed nonenzymatically between sugar and protein. Further analysis revealed that acidic beta 2m induces monocyte chemotaxis and macrophage secretion of bone-resorbing cytokines, suggesting the involvement of acidic beta 2m in the pathogenesis of DRA. Acidic beta 2m, however, is a mixture of heterogeneous molecular adducts due to various types of modification. In the present study, we investigated the modification responsible for the biological activity of acidic beta 2m toward monocytes/macrophages. The presence of a fair amount of beta 2m species with deamidation was detected in acidic beta 2m isolated from urine of non-diabetic long-term hemodialysis patients, but deamidated beta 2m had no biological activity. In contrast, normal beta 2m acquired the activity upon incubation with glucose in vitro. Among the glycated beta 2m, the pigmented and fluorescent beta 2m that formed after a long incubation period, that is, AGE-modified beta 2m, exhibited biological activity, whereas beta 2m modified with Amadori products, major Maillard products in acidic beta 2m, had no such activity. These findings suggest that AGEs, although only a minor constituent of acidic beta 2m, are responsible for monocyte chemotaxis and macrophage secretion of cytokines, implicating the contribution of AGEs to bone and joint destruction in DRA.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Dexamethasone increases growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GRH) receptor mRNA levels in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells.

To examine the effects of glucocorticoid (GC) on growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GRH) receptor gene expression, a highly-sensitive and quantitative reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used in this study. Rat anterior pituitary cells were isolated and cultured for 4 days. The cultured cells were treated with dexamethasone for 2, 6, and 24 h. GRH receptor mRNA levels were determined by competitive RT-PCR using a recombinant RNA as the competitor. Dexamethasone significantly increased GRH receptor mRNA levels at 5 nM after 6- and 24 h-incubations, and the maximal effect was found at 25 nM. The GC receptor-specific antagonist, RU 38486 completely eliminated the dexamethasone-induced enhancement of GRH receptor mRNA levels. Dexamethasone did not alter the mRNA levels of beta-actin and prolactin at 5 nM for 24 h, whereas GH mRNA levels were significantly increased by the same treatment. The GH response to GRH was significantly enhanced by the 24-h incubation with 5 nM dexamethasone. These findings suggest that GC stimulates GRH receptor gene expression through the ligand-activated GC receptors in the rat somatotrophs. The direct effects of GC on the GRH receptor gene could explain the enhancement of GRH-induced GH secretion.

Actins↗

PubMed1996

Genomic heterogeneity in bladder cancer as detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between genomic heterogeneity and tumour grade, stage and DNA content in 30 transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) of the urinary bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue specimens from 30 patients (25 men and five women) with newly diagnosed TCC of the urinary bladder were examined for genomic heterogeneity using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA probes; the copy number of pericentromeric sequences on chromosomes 7, 9 and 17 was detected within interphase nuclei in contact preparations from the tumour specimens. RESULTS: The aneusomy of chromosomes 7, 9 and 17 was significantly higher in aneuploid than in diploid tumours (P < 0.001). Tumour grade and stage were strongly associated with aneusomy for chromosome 17 (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). The aneusomy of chromosomes 7 and 9 were significantly correlated with increasing tumour stage (P < 0.001), but not with tumour grade. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the measurement of aneusomy using FISH, especially for chromosome 17, in bladder cancer may offer a new objective and quantitative assay of the biological potential of individual tumours.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin perfusion therapy for carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and therapeutic consequences of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) perfusion therapy for carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight pyelo-ureteric systems in five patients with cytologically confirmed CIS of the upper urinary tract were treated using perfusion of BCG through a percutaneous nephrostomy tube in five and a retrograde ureteric catheter in three. Follow-up cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography and selective urinary cytology were obtained 4 weeks after the last treatment and every 3 months thereafter. RESULTS: In three patients (five pyelo-ureteric systems) the cytology remained negative for 10-46 months after the treatment was completed. The remaining two patients (three pyelo-ureteric systems) had persistently positive cytology. Of two patients who received BCG therapy through a ureteric catheter, one developed a ureteric stricture and the other developed renal tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although long-term adaptation to a nephrostomy tube disturbs the quality of life of the patient, percutaneous perfusion therapy through a nephrostomy tube seems to be safer than retrograde perfusion through a ureteric catheter.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Pathomorphological study of Kupffer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and hyperplastic nodular lesions in the liver.

A pathomorphological study was conducted to clarify the localization of Kupffer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and such hyperplastic nodular lesions as adenomatous hyperplasia (AH) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Materials were surgical specimens of 50 HCCs, 7 AHs, and 13 FNHs. These tissues were immunohistochemically stained with an anti-human macrophage antibody (anti-CD68 antibody). Among CD68-positive cells, short spindle-shaped cells were considered as Kupffer cells, and Kupffer cell numbers in tumor lesions and surrounding liver tissues of each specimen were comparatively examined. As a result, the number of Kupffer cells in well-differentiated HCC tissues less than 1 cm in diameter was 27.8 +/- 3.3 (mean +/- SE/025 mm2); in noncancerous tissues, it was 302 +/- 3.2, showing no statistically significant differences. The number of Kupffer cells in cancerous tissues decreased in comparison with the number in noncancerous tissues, as the tumor size increased and histological grade decreased. In hyperplastic nodular lesions, the number was higher in nodular lesions than in the surrounding liver tissues in 4 of 7 AHs (57.1%) and 6 of 13 FNHs (46.2%). This could explain the reason why enhanced MRI, which utilizes the selective taken-up mechanism of chondroitin sulfate iron colloid and superparamagnetic iron oxide into the reticuloendothelial system of the liver and spleen, depicts well-differentiated HCC and AH at the same signal intensity as in the surrounding liver tissues. Our findings also indicate that there is a limitation in differentiating or diagnosing small HCC and hyperplastic nodular lesions by using enhanced MRI, which utilizes Kupffer cell functions.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMed1996

Development of an animal genome database and its search system.

An animal genome database has been developed on a Unix workstation and maintained by a relational database management system. This database has focused on the comparative gene mapping between species to assist the mapping of the genes related to phenotypic traits in livestock. The linkage maps, cytogenetic maps, polymerase chain reaction primers of pig, cattle, mouse and human, and their references have been included in the database, and the correspondence among species have been stipulated in the database. In order to search the database effectively, the World Wide Web server (http://ws4.niai.affrc.go.jp/) and the electronic mail server system (e-mail: jgbase-mail@ niai.affrc.go.jp) have been developed on different Unix workstations. These servers are connected to the Internet.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Clonal dominance of human autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes against gastric carcinoma: molecular stability of the CDR3 structure of the TCR alphabeta gene.

In our previous study, RT-PCR suggested that cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones may specifically recognize human autologous gastric signet ring cell tumor (HST2) by using TCR products of Valpha7 and Vbeta20 subfamilies. In this report, we first determined the TCR nucleotide sequences of one such CTL from patient's peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), the PBL were newly stimulated with a mixed lymphocyte-autologus tumor cell (HST2) culture (MLTC) and cytotoxic T cell lines, such as HPBL3x, were obtained. RT-PCR and the nucleotide sequence data indicated that HPBL3x also showed TCR Valpha7 and Vbeta transcripts, and that HPBL3x TCR was composed of the exact same CDR3 gene structures as those of the TcHLT2 clone. T cells with same TCR structures were also detected in patient's non-treated peripheral blood, although they were infrequent. These data indicated that functional cytotoxic T cells with these distinct CDR3 equivalent structures were the dominant effector cells against HST2 autologous tumor cells. Moreover, the highly dominant and reproducible clonal expansion of T cells bearing heterodimeric TCR with identical variable, N diversity and constant region structures suggest that the molecular nature of governing antigenic peptide to TcHDT2 may be stable and perhaps immunologically dominant in the interaction between CTL and HST2 autologous tumor cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Immunohistochemical study of steroidogenesis and cell proliferation in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

We evaluated the immunolocalization of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in the production of ovarian steroids, including the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) and aromatase (P450arom), oestrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR), a steroidogenic transcription factor. Ad4-binding protein (Ad4BP) and a cell cycle-related nuclear antigen, Ki67, in five patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Results were compared with those from normal cycling human ovaries to study in situ ovarian steroidogenesis and cell proliferation in polycystic ovaries (PCO). We classifed the follicles morphologically according to the development of granulosa types: type A, more than four layers (n = 7); type B, one to three layers (n = 11); and type C, theca interna cells only (n = 21). ER and P450arom were not observed in any of the follicles examined. In type A follicles, P450scc, 3beta-HSD, P450c17, AR and Ad4BP were observed in theca cells in all seven follicles examined, but the granulosa cells were positive only for Ad4BP (4/7) and AR (7/7). These immunohistolocalization patterns resembled those in non-selected antral follicles of normally cycling human ovaries. In theca cells from types B and C follicles, follicles positive for the steroidogenic enzymes, AR and Ad4BP were decreased in number. There were no significant differences between types A and B PCO follicles in the Ki67 labelling index of granulosa or theca cells, and between PCO and antral follicles from normally cycling human ovaries. Data demonstrate that the follicles of PCO are by no means atretic and are actively involved in both steroidogenesis and cell proliferation. The absence of ER and aromatase expression in the granulosa cells of PCO may be important in abnormal follicular development in patients with PCOS.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1996

Effect of exogenous decorin on cell morphology and attachment of decorin-deficient fibroblasts.

We have reported deficient expression of decorin on skin fibroblasts from a patient with carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type I [Gu, J. and Wada, Y. (1995) J. Biochem. 117, 1276-1279]. The characteristics of fibroblasts from this patient included increased cell spreading and reduced proliferation. We analyzed the expression of other extracellular matrix proteins by Western and Northern blot analyses, and found that adhesion molecules, fibronectin, and type I collagen, were increased, whereas an anti-adhesion molecule, tenascin, was decreased, like decorin. Subsequently, decorin was purified from bovine tendons, and cultured with these fibroblasts in fibronectin-depleted culture medium. Exogenous decorin inhibited cell attachment to a plastic culture dish in a dose-dependent manner, while dermatan sulfate did not. The cell morphology was markedly normalized by decorin, but proliferation was not restored. These findings suggest that decorin exhibits an anti-adhesion property in a fibroblast culture system and that the deficiency is responsible for the morphological change observed in this patient's fibroblasts.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Vacuolar function in the phosphate homeostasis of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We studied physiological roles of the yeast vacuole in the phosphate metabolism using 31P-in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Under phosphate starvation wild-type yeast cells continued to grow for two to three generations, implying that wild-type cells contain large phosphate pool to sustain the growth. During the first four hours under the phosphate starved condition, the cytosolic phosphate level was maintained almost constant, while the vacuolar pool of phosphate decreased significantly. 31P-NMR spectroscopy on the intact cells and perchloric acid (PCA) extracts showed that drastic decrease of polyphosphate took place during this phase. In contrast, delta slp1 cells, which were defective in the vacuolar compartment, thus lacked polyphosphate, ceased their growth immediately when they faced to phosphate starvation. Taken together, we conclude that vacuolar polyphosphate provides an active pool for phosphate and is mobilized to cytosol during phosphate starvation and sustained cell growth for a couple rounds of cell cycle.

Cytosol↗

PubMed1996

Autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy associated with a Val200Glu mutation of the peripherin/RDS gene.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations of the peripherin/RDS gene have been reported in several kinds of retinal dystrophy, and they show a variety of manifestations. The authors identified a novel Val200Glu mutation of the peripherin/RDS gene in a Japanese family with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CRD). This report describes a genotype-phenotype correlation of the Val200Glu mutation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen members of one Japanese family with autosomal dominant CRD were screened for mutations in the peripherin/RDS and ROM 1 genes. Clinical features were identified by visual acuity, visual field testing, fundus examination, and electroretinography. RESULTS: A Val200Glu mutation was found in all of the affected family members examined and was segregated with the disease. No patient had a mutation in the ROM 1 gene. Phenotypic characteristics of each affected member in this family showed intrafamilial similarity. Characteristic features included cone function more severely impaired than rod function and degenerative change in the macular region associated with peripheral retinal degeneration. CONCLUSION: The mutation at codon 200 of the peripherin/RDS gene causes both cone and rod degeneration. The Val200Glu mutation results in a type of autosomal dominant CRD.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Collagenous macrophage scavenger receptors.

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, is a major constituent of extracellular matrix. Among macrophage membrane proteins, type I and II scavenger receptors and MARCO contain a collagenous domain. Analysis of type I and II receptor knockout mice and histochemical studies indicate that these proteins play roles in scavenger, adhesion and host defense functions of macrophages.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

A swine SINE (PRE-1 sequence) distribution in swine-related animal species and its phylogenetic analysis in swine genome.

The distribution of PRE-1 sequence (a swine SINE) among the animal species related to Sus scrofa, i.e. Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu, was examined by dot-blot analysis using PRE-1 sequences as a probe. This revealed that Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu contained PRE-1 sequences, amounts of which in their genomes are almost the same as that in the swine genome, indicating that these species separated after PRE-1 sequences proliferated to diversify in the genome. In order to estimate the time when the PRE-1 started to diversify in the swine genome, PRE-1 sequences were extracted from GenBank DNA database by homology analysis using the PRE-1 consensus sequence as a probe. The 22 PRE-1 sequences obtained were aligned and their phylogenetic relation was calculated by the neighbour-joining method. The result of the calculation combined with the mutation rate of the pseudogenes (r = 4.6 x 10(-9)) indicated that the PRE-1 sequence diversified at least 43.2 million years ago. Taken together, the period of time since the separation of the three species, Sus scrofa, Phacochoerus aethiopicus and Tayassu tajacu, is currently estimated to be less than 43.2 million years.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Effect of cyclosporin A on isolated rabbit bladder and urethral smooth muscle.

BACKGROUND: The effects of Cyclosporin A (CsA) on vascular smooth muscle inducing hypertension have been established. However, there is no information available concerning the effects of CsA on urinary smooth muscle. Therefore, the effects of CsA were investigated on the bladder and urethral smooth muscle in rabbits. METHODS: CsA (10 mg/kg/day, intravenously) was given to rabbits for 14 days. Rabbit bladder and urethral smooth muscles were then isolated and evaluated using a muscle bath technique. RESULTS: 10(-10)-5 x 10(-6)M CsA alone had no direct effect on bladder or urethral smooth muscles. The Emax (maximum contractile response) and ED50 values for acetylcholine-induced contractions and the Emax (maximum relaxation response) for isoproterenol-induced relaxation in bladder smooth muscles were not significantly different between CsA-treated and control groups. The ED50 for isoproterenol-induced relaxation was significantly lower in the CsA group (P < 0.05). The Emax for phenylephrine- and clonidine-induced contractions in urethral smooth muscle was significantly higher in the CsA-treated group (P < 0.05). The ratio of the maximum response of the urethral smooth muscle to phenylephrine and clonidine in Ca+2-free solution to the normal solution in the CsA group (13.42% and 4.40%, respectively) was significantly higher than the maximal response ratios in the control group (6.34% and 3.00%, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CsA treatment augments the relaxation response of the bladder to isoproterenol and the contractile response of the urethra to phenylephrine and clonidine. In addition, CsA increases the filling of intracellular stores of releasable Ca+2, and also increases the permeability of Ca+2 in rabbit urethral smooth muscle. Thus, it is suggested that CsA may cause a urinary disturbance in patients treated with CsA via increased urethral resistance.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1996

Subcapsular hematoma and hypertension following percutaneous needle biopsy of a transplanted kidney.

Percutaneous needle biopsy of a transplanted kidney is indicated as a diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of unexplained deteriorated renal function after renal transplantation. This procedure is not always without complications. We report a case of a subcapsular hematoma and hypertension following a percutaneous needle biopsy of a transplanted kidney. The cause of hypertension in this patient and the management of the subcapsular hematoma are discussed.

Adult↗