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Biomedical subjects

A Nishimura

Publications and source records attributed to A Nishimura.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Analysis of a variable number of tandem repeats in a heart disease gene by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detector.

Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detector (CE-LIF) was successfully applied to the analysis of the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in a human apolipoprotein B gene (APOB). Apolipoprotein B VNTR alleles containing more than 35 repeat units are a significant risk factor for heart disease. Thus, we developed a method for accurately determining the number of repeat units (16 bp) in the VNTR using capillary electrophoresis. The CE-LIF technique gave excellent resolution of APOB alleles differing by 2 or 4 repeat units over the range 600 to 1000 bp. The recommended conditions for the analysis of APOB VNTR loci by CE-LIF are as follows: effective length of capillary (100 microns i.d., 360 microns o.d.), 50 cm; running buffer, 50 mM Tris-borate 0.5% methylcellulose and 0.1 microM fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1; electric field, 150 V/cm.

Alleles↗
PubMed1998

Analysis of serum cytokine levels in primary biliary cirrhosis patients and healthy adults.

By using commercially available ELISA kits, serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in healthy adults, and the levels of various cytokines in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis or chronic viral liver diseases, were investigated. IL-6 levels of healthy subjects were distributed in a wide range, and the distribution pattern was similar to those of the patients. TNF-alpha levels tended to be low in females in their 30s, but there were no abnormalities in the patients. Characteristic findings, in the primary biliary cirrhosis patients, were an increase of IFN-gamma and IL-2 levels, and a decrease of GM-CSF levels (P < 0.05). IL-8 levels were higher in the patients than in the healthy subjects (P < 0.05), and the increase was remarkable in chronic viral liver disease patients. We believe that measurement of serum cytokine levels as a clinical immunological test is highly useful. Further development of simpler, more rapid, and more sensitive analysis methods is desired.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Flow cytometric analysis of IL-6 receptors on peripheral lymphocytes in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

Interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R) and interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R) on lymphocyte surfaces were analyzed, using flow cytometry and dye-labeled IL-6 and IL-1 beta, to examine the clinical and immunological significance of these receptors. Incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of mitogen resulted in a remarkable increase of lymphocytes expressing the IL-6 and IL-1 beta receptors on the cell surface. The increase in lymphocytes bearing these cytokine receptors may reflect an increase in stimulated lymphocytes. When peripheral blood from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) was examined for these receptors, the percentage of IL-6R positive cells was significantly higher in the patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.01). The increase in IL-6R positive cells was only significant for the T lymphocyte fraction (P < 0.01). No significant change in IL-1R was observed. There was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of IL-6R positive T lymphocytes and the titer of antimitochondrial antibody in patients with PBC. These findings concerning IL-6R may be noteworthy elucidating autoimmune etiological features of PBC.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Demonstration of L-dopa decarboxylating neurons specific to human striatum.

In the human striatum, we immunohistochemically demonstrated many neurons that were immunoreactive for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC; the second step dopamine-synthesizing enzyme) but not for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; the first step dopamine-synthesizing enzyme). The number of AADC-positive neurons was especially large in the ventral striatum including the nucleus accumbens. The significance of AADC-positive neurons are discussed in relation to the acting sites of L-dopa and antipsychotic drugs.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effects of ion channel blockers on rapid postmortem changes in extracellular dopamine and serotonin levels in the rat nucleus accumbens.

In the present study, we used in vivo brain microdialysis to examine the effects of ion channel blockers tetrodotoxin (TTX), EGTA-free Ca2+ and verapamil on rapid postmortem changes in extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the ACC of freely moving rats. Extracellular ACC DA levels decreased following the perfusion of the three ion channel blockers in freely moving rats, and then, at death by cervical dislocation, maximum respective 220-, 60- and 90-fold increases were observed in the extracellular output of DA in animals treated with EGTA, verapamil and TTX, respectively. Also, ACC 5-HT decreased following perfusion with the three blockers in the freely moving rats, and then maximum increases of 80-, 30- and 45-fold in the extracellular output of 5-HT were observed at death in animals treated with EGTA, verapamil and TTX, respectively, compared to the baseline. Cervical dislocation-induced rapid postmortem changes were inhibited markedly by perfusion with CSF containing the CA2+ entry blocker verapamil. These observations suggested that rapid postmortem changes in ACC DA and 5-HT release were associated with the action of calcium ion channels and/or voltage gated channels in the CNS.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of the Japanese herbal medicine "Sho-saiko-to" (TJ-9) on in vitro interleukin-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

"Sho-saiko-to" (TJ-9) consists of 7 herbal components. In Japan, it is widely prescribed to patients with chronic viral liver disease. TJ-9 is known to suppress liver cancer development and possess macrobiotic effects, but its mode of action is not fully understood. This study investigated the following: 1) cytokine production levels, mainly interleukin (IL)-10, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronic active hepatitis B and C patients, and healthy volunteers; 2) effects of TJ-9 on these productions; and 3) effects of each of its herb components on cytokine production in cell fractions. Results showed that without stimulants, IL-10 production in mononuclear cells of hepatitis B and C patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects (P < .01). IL-10 production induced by either phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in mononuclear cells of hepatitis C patients were significantly lower than in patients with hepatitis B (P < .01) and healthy subjects (P < .05). IL-10 production induced by anti-CD3 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was significantly lower than in healthy subjects (P < .05). The addition of TJ-9 to the cultures strongly induced IL-10, and this induction was mainly attributable to the effects of 2 components (scutellaria root and glycyrrhiza root) on the monocyte/macrophage fraction. The production of IL-4 and IL-5 in cultures with concanavalin A (conA) was significantly higher in patients with hepatitis C than in the healthy subjects (P < .01; P < .05), but the addition of TJ-9 suppressed these increases by 25% to 33% (P < .01). Therefore, TJ-9 could adjust the decreased IL-10 production and the increased IL-4 and IL-5 production of mononuclear cells from patients with hepatitis C. Moderate regulation of the cytokine production system in patients with hepatitis C by using TJ-9 may be useful in the prevention of disease progression.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Attenuation of monosodium urate crystal-induced arthritis in rabbits by a neutralizing antibody against interleukin-8.

Accumulating evidence implicates interleukin-8 (IL-8) as an essential mediator in neutrophil-mediated acute inflammation. Neutrophils have also been shown to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis. Thus, we investigate the pathophysiological role of IL-8 in an experimental model of acute gout, monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced arthritis in rabbits. The injection of MSU crystals into knee joints caused a marked swelling of joints. Concomitantly, the infiltration ofleukocytes, mostly neutrophils, was observed in synovial membrane and synovial fluids. The injection of MSU crystals also induced an elevation in synovial fluid IL-8 levels preceding neutrophil infiltration into synovial fluids, without an accompanying increase in plasma IL-8 levels. Immunoreactive IL-8 protein was detected in synovial lining cells at 12-24 h after the injection. IL-8 protein was also observed in infiltrated leukocytes in synovium as early as 3-24 h after the injection. Finally, the intraarticular injection of a neutralizing anti-IL-8 antibody significantly attenuated the crystal-induced joint swelling that occurred at 12 h, and neutrophil infiltration into arthritic joints at 12 and 24 h after the induction. These results provide evidence on the pathogenic roles of locally produced IL-8 in MSU crystal-induced gouty arthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Epicoprostanol found in adipocere from five human autopsies.

Adipocere formation is well known as a later postmortem change. We collected adipocere from five male victims which had been submerged under the sea or fresh water for 1 mon to 4 yr. Fresh subcutaneous fat of a male victim who died from a cerebral contusion was used as the control. The samples were homogenized, and the lipids were extracted with chloroform and methanol followed by injection into a gas chromatograph and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. We detected hydroxy fatty acids (10-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and 10-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid) as well as 10-ketooctadecanoic acid in adipocere, but not in the control. In addition, we found for the first time a cholesterol-related peak with a molecular ion of 388 in adipocere and identified it as epicoprostanol, suggesting not only oxidation but also reduction had occurred during the formation of adipocere. In addition, we showed the time-course of epicoprostanol accumulation. The relationship between the time of adipocere formation and the characteristic lipid composition is discussed.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1997

In vitro effects of sho-saiko-to on production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor by mononuclear cells from patients with chronic hepatitis C.

During the past 2 years, drug-induced interstitial pneumonia was reported in 66 Japanese patients, mainly among chronic hepatitis C patients, undergoing treatment with the Japanese herbal medicine "Sho-saiko-to" (TJ-9). As interstitial pneumonia is also induced by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), we examined the effects of TJ-9 on G-CSF production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In patients with hepatitis B or C, G-CSF production in the absence of any stimulation was significantly lower than healthy controls (p < 0.01). G-CSF production increased along with the increase of TJ-9 levels, and this could induce excessive production of G-CSF in hepatitis C patients, and this may be a cause of interstitial pneumonia.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1997

An effective intradermal hepatitis B vaccination.

Small dose intradermal (i.d.) inoculation methods of hepatitis B vaccine have been reported to be effective and economical. We determined the best method to obtain high antibody levels within a short period of time and for the long-term maintenance of these levels. A total of 173 female students were randomly allocated to seven groups: six i.d. inoculation groups, to which 6-12 micrograms was administered in three or four divided doses (Groups A-F), and a control group (Group G) which received three 10 micrograms intramuscular (i.m.) inoculations. Serum hepatitis B antibody levels were quantified in weeks 4 and 8, and months 4, 7, and 12. Positivities in all groups were not significantly different at each measurement time. In month 4, geometric mean antibody levels in the three i.d. groups (10-12 micrograms in three divided doses; 79.1-107.0 IU l-1) were significantly higher than in Group G, which had received two of three i.m. injections (17.6 IU l-1; P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In the group which received four 2 micrograms i.d. inoculations, the level was higher than in Group G in month 7, but lower in month 12. It was concluded that three i.d. inoculations, each of 4 micrograms, may be used to obtain high antibody levels within a short period of time. However, it is recommended that a 10 micrograms i.m. injection in month 6 is applied as a booster. Consequently, we could not present an economic and effective low-dose intradermal inoculation method.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1997

Positional changes in the mandibular condyle and amount of mouth opening after sagittal split ramus osteotomy with rigid or nonrigid osteosynthesis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate postoperative positional changes in the mandibular condyle and mouth opening in patients undergoing sagittal split ramus osteotomy with either rigid or nonrigid osteosynthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The forty-six patients with mandibular prognathism underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular set back followed by fixation with one of four methods: circumferential wire (n = 11), lag screw technique (n = 10), positional screw technique (n = 10), or miniplates (n = 15). The changes in the condylar position were assessed by measuring the angle of the condylar long axis (the condylar angle) on submentovertex radiographs. Mouth opening was evaluated by measuring the interincisal distance immediately after the release of maxillomandibular fixation and by monitoring the duration of trismus. RESULTS: Regardless of the procedure used the condylar angle increased in most patients after surgery (80 of 92 condyles). Although the amount of increase tended to be higher with rigid osteosynthesis than with nonrigid osteosynthesis, no significant differences were observed among the groups. Mouth opening was not significantly influenced by the type of osteosynthesis, and no patient complained of limitation 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although inward rotation of the condyle frequently occurs after osteosynthesis regardless of the procedure used, the changes in condylar position are within the range of adaptability of the patient.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1997

Diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) controls the timing of cell division in Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: The timing of the cell division in Escherichia coli is highly regulated, but its mechanism has not been identified. Previously we have found that the cfcA1 mutation uncouples DNA replication and cell division and elevates the frequency of cell division. We further analysed the structure and the role of the cfc genes of cfcA11, a derivative of cfcA1, and another cfc mutant, cfcB1. RESULTS: The cfc mutants divided prior to the ordinary stage of cell division and produced many small cells with nucleoid. However, the cells grew exponentially, and the length of a cell cycle and the initiation mass for chromosome replication were not altered by the cfc mutations. These properties resulted from a reduction of the period between the nucleoid division and the cell division in a cell cycle, and a compensatory lengthening of the period between the cell division and the initiation of the next round of DNA replication. CfcA11 has a mutation in glySa which encodes the alpha-subunit of glycyl-tRNA synthetase, and cfcB1 has an IS2 insertion in apaH which encodes Ap4A hydrolase. The cfc properties of both cfc mutants were suppressed by a multicopy plasmid carrying apaH+, and the intracellular level of Ap4A in cfcA1 was 15-fold higher, and cfcB1 was 100-fold higher than their parent. Experiments using wild-type cells showed that a high level of Ap4A caused early cell division, and that a low level of Ap4A caused delayed cell division. CONCLUSION: Ap4A is a signal for the induction of cell division. High levels of Ap4A are responsible for the initiation of cell division. The glyS mutation permits an efficient synthesis of Ap4A.

Cell Cycle↗
PubMed1997

Effects of fenthion, isoxathion, dichlorvos and propaphos on the serum cholinesterase isoenzyme patterns of dogs.

The serum cholinesterase (ChE) isoenzyme patterns consist of 5 bands for normal beagle dogs. We examined the ChE isoenzyme patterns and ChE activities of 4 groups, each of which consisted of 4 dogs, given the organophosphate (OP) compounds fenthion (P = S type), isoxathion (P = S type), dichlorvos (P = O type) or propaphos (P = O type) po at 220, 75, 120 or 90 mg/kg respectively. Blood samples were collected for 30 d after the OP administrations. ChE isoenzyme bands 4 and 5 were inhibited 12 h after fenthion and isoxathion administration; dichlorvos and propaphos produced suppression of main bands 4 and 5 20 min after administration. This change was effective to differentiate the type of OP administered (P = S and P = O), while the main ChE isoenzyme bands of dog serum reflected inhibition of serum ChE activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[An autopsy case of sudden death due to Chagas' disease].

An autopsy case of sudden death of a 41-year-old male Brazilian with Chagas' disease in reported. In his life time, right handle branch block and ventricular premature contractions were marked in electrocardiogram. Autopsy revealed striking dilatation of both cardiac ventricles. Histopathologically, extensive myocardial fibrosis due to chronic interstitial myocarditis was observed. On myocardial tissue preparation performed Giemsa's stain, leishmania foci of Trypanosoma crusi were detected around the myocardial fibrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Cerebral infarction due to bacterial emboli associated with methamphetamine abuse].

The number of stimulant-drug addicts has recently been on the rise again, and they are being increasingly encountered in the emergency room. There are also frequent reports of cerebrovascular disorders complicating drug toxicity. These cerebrovascular disorders have included subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hematoma, and a few cases of cerebral infarction. Here, we report the case of a 37-year-old male with drug toxicity, consciousness disorder, and hyperthermia. He was in a coma with a temperature of 43.1 degrees C and blood pressure of 58/35 mmHg when brought to our hospital. His condition worse rapidly deteriorated, and he died the same day. Cerebral infarction caused by gram-positive bacillus embolism, not necrotizing angiitis, was found at autopsy. Because drug addicts, especially stimulant-drug addicts, tend to inject themselves drug under unsanitary conditions, the possibility of this type of complication is always present. This is the first such case ever reported, and is therefore regarded as a rare complication of stimulant-drug intoxication.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[A childhood case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with myasthenia gravis].

We described a 12-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). She had absence seizures from 6 years old. She admitted to our hospital at 12 years of age because of absence seizures and dyspnea. The diagnosis of SLE was made on the basis of convulsion, arthritis, pleurisy, and positive antinuclear factor and was started therapy with prednisolone. The clinical course was complicated by the appearance of dysphagia and hoarseness. On the basis of positive Tensilon test and a high level of serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, we made a diagnosis of the systemic type of MG. Her condition was improved by methylprednisolone pulse therapy and gamma-globulin therapy after plasmapheresis. The association of early-onset SLE with MG is rare.

Age of Onset↗