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Biomedical subjects

A Terada

Publications and source records attributed to A Terada.

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

Quinone-dependent tertiary amine N-oxide reduction in rat blood.

Rat blood exhibited a significant quinone-dependent N-oxide reductase activity towards imipramine N-oxide. The reduction mediated by the blood proceeded in the presence of both NAD(P)H and menadione under anaerobic conditions. When menadione was replaced with 1,4-naphthoquinone or 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, similar results were obtained. The reduction was also mediated by the combination of rat erythrocytes and plasma. The reducing activity was inhibited by dicumarol and carbon monoxide. When boiled plasma was combined with untreated erythrocytes, the N-oxide reducing activity was abolished. In contrast, when boiled erythrocytes were combined with untreated plasma, the activity was unchanged. These results suggest that the activity is caused by the heme of hemoglobin in erythrocytes and quinone reductase in plasma. In fact, erythrocytes and hemoglobin have the ability to reduce the N-oxide when supplemented with DT-diaphorase purified from rat liver in the presence of both NAD(P)H and menadione. Hemoglobin also exhibits N-oxide reductase activity with reduced menadione (menadiol). Furthermore, hematin exhibits a significant reducing activity in the presence of menadiol. The reduction appears to proceed in two steps. The first step is enzymatic reduction of quinones to dihydroquinones by quinone reductase(s) with NADPH or NADH in plasma. The second step is nonenzymatic reduction of imipramine N-oxide to imipramine by the dihydroquinones, catalyzed by the heme group of hemoglobin in erythrocytes. Cyclobenzaprine N-oxide and brucine N-oxide are similarly transformed to the corresponding amines by the above reducing system in blood. These results suggest that blood plays an important role in the reduction of tertiary amine N-oxides to tertiary amines.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Near-infrared spectrometry analysis of fat, neutral sterols, bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids in the feces of patients with pancreatic maldigestion and malabsorption.

CONCLUSION: Near-infrared spectrometry is a new, rapid, and accurate method for measuring fecal fat that does not require a great deal of chemical knowledge and that can be used by anyone. This method is considered indispensable for the diagnosis of pancreatic steatorrhea and treatment follow-up. METHODS: Fecal fats (GLC method, van de Kamer method), neutral sterols (GLC method), bile acids (GLC method) and short-chain fatty acids (HPLC method) were assayed by the respective conventional methods in 120 subjects, including patients with pancreatic dysfunction, and the results were compared with the those obtained by near-infrared spectrometry. The correlations between fecal fat excretion measured by the GLC method (x) and van de Kamer method (x) and by near-infrared spectrometry (y) were expressed by y = 1.10x - 0.16 (r = 0.949, P < 0.01) and y = 0.750x + 1.654 (r = 0.930, p < 0.01), respectively. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of near-infrared spectrometry for fecal fats were 94.9 and 98.2%, respectively, when compared with the GLC method, and 87.5 and 90.0%, respectively, when compared with the van de Kamer method. In contrast, near-infrared spectrometry was not nearly as accurate as the conventional methods for determining neutral sterols, bile acids, and short-chain fatty acids.

Bile Acids and Salts↗
PubMed1998

[Retropharyngeal node metastasis in cancer of the oropharynx and hypopharynx: analysis of retropharyngeal node dissection regarding preoperative radiographic diagnosis].

In our department, all patients with advanced carcinoma of the oropharynx and hypopharynx are treated by retropharyngeal (RP) node dissection in addition to primary resection and standard neck dissection. Records of 42 patients (11 oropharynx, 29 hypopharynx and 2 retromandibula) who received RP node dissection from 1992 to 1996 in our department were examined for metastasis to RP nodes and for preoperative radiographic diagnosis (MRI or CT). The criteria for radiographic involvement of RP nodes are as follows: a diameter greater than 10mm on axial images or central necrosis within the nodal substance. Of the 42 patients, 6 (14.3%) had pathologically positive RP nodes and of those 6 patients, 5 were able to be diagnosed preoperatively by either CT scan or MRI. Results of radiographic diagnosis (MRI or CT) were as follows: by CT scan the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were all 100% and by MRI the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 83.3%, 100% and 97.0% respectively. It is our conclusion that preoperative radiographic diagnosis (MRI or CT) is very useful and effective for diagnosis of metastasis to RP nodes.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Theophylline reduces serum levels of ECP in vitro].

Measurement of serum levels of ECP has been widely used for monitoring airway inflammation in bronchial asthma and recently been applied to measure anti-inflammatory effect of theophylline. However, reduced levels of ECP in theophylline-administered patients may express not only in vivo effect of theophylline but also in vitro effect after sampling because serum ECP measures released ECP during coagulation and theophylline has been reported to inhibit eosinophil degranulation in vitro. In order to answer the question, we tested whether theophylline added to blood after sampling reduces measured levels of serum ECP. Various concentrations of theophylline were added to SST tube, to which venous blood from atopic patients was drawn. Serum was, then, obtained by centrifugation after 15 min to 6 hours of incubation at room temperature. Theophylline significantly reduced serum ECP in a concentration-dependent manner. Percent reduction of ECP levels at 1 hour of incubation were 11.9%, 18.7%, 22.8%, and 51.7% at theophylline levels of 5, 12.5, 22.5, and 120 micrograms/ml, respectively. Kinetics of serum ECP release was also inhibited in the presence of theophylline. These results suggest that in vitro effect of theophylline on serum ECP levels should be considered when data of serum ECP in patients who take theophylline are interpreted.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effects of epidermal growth factor on preimplantation mouse embryos.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on mouse preimplantation embryos. METHODS: We examined the effect of EGF on two-cell and four-cell stage mouse embryos cultured in vitro. In preimplantation embryos, we analyzed the binding of 125I-EGF by autoradiography and EGF receptor mRNA by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: At more than 0.005 ng/ml, EGF relieved the two-cell block and regulated the differentiation of morula-stage embryos. These effects were negated by antiserum. EGF did not exhibit any marked effect on embryos between the four-cell and the morula stages. Specific binding for EGF and EGF receptor mRNA was detected during and after the morula stage. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of EGF on preimplantation mouse embryos differed according to the stage of development, promoting cleavage before the four-cell stage and regulating differentiation after the morula stage. This regulatory action is thought to be transmitted to the cells via EGF receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Can pancreatic steatorrhea be diagnosed without chemical analysis?

CONCLUSION: Visual observation of feces, considering fecal output, is considered to be an excellent method of detection of steatorrhea when judged by experienced doctors. METHODS: Feces from 192 patients with untreated chronic pancreatitis or under pancreatic enzyme therapy were investigated. Feces were collected for three consecutive days and homogenized with water. Fecal samples were freeze-dried and analyzed for fatty acids by gas chromatography (GLC). The quantity of fat was calculated from the amount of fatty acid to obtain daily fecal fat excretion. Comparison of GLC method with van de Kamer method gave a significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation with correlation coefficient of 0.916 (n = 38). Steatorrhea was defined as fecal fat excretion exceeding 5 g/d. Mild steatorrhea was defined as 5-10 g/d, and severe steatorrhea as more than 10 g/d. RESULTS: Three visual identification items were used to consider fecal output exceeding 200 g/d: fecal fat concentration exceeding 4%, appearance, and odor. The results were compared with the results from GLC method. Detection of steatorrhea by means of visual properties was the most accurate, and correlation coefficient was 0.843 (p < 0.01) by Spearman's rank correlation test. This detection method was also significantly effective for differentiation of normal stool from mild and severe steatorrhea. The sensitivity and specificity were 89.3 and 91.1%, respectively, indicating a favorable result.

Celiac Disease↗
PubMed1997

Influence of combined use of selenious acid and SH compounds in parenteral preparations.

The influence of the combined use of selenious acid and SH compounds (glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys), or ascorbic acid (Asc)) on cultured venous vascular cells was investigated experimentally. When cultured human umbilical venous vascular endothelial cells were exposed to 10 microM of selenious acid combined with 0.5 mM-GSH or 0.5 mM-Cys, the release rates of [3H]-adenine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from cells into the medium increased significantly as compared with after exposure to selenious acid alone, and damage to the vascular endothelial cells was found to be intensified. Addition of 1 microM of selenious acid simultaneously with 0.5 mM-GSH or 0.5 mM-Cys showed no differences in toxicity for the vascular endothelial cells as compared with the addition of selenious acid alone. On the other hand, simultaneous exposure to 10 microM of selenious acid and 1 mM-Asc induced no significant differences in the release rates of [3H]-adenine and LDH, and no damage was observed to the vascular endothelial cells. These results suggest that simultaneous addition of selenious acid together with GSH or Cys, which have the SH-group, may cause damage to the vascular endothelial cells. Therefore careful attention is warranted in total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed1997

3-dimensional computed tomography of ossification of the spinal ligament.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine was studied 3-dimensionally using computed tomography scans of 32 patients. The images produced were classified into 3 types based on the posterior configuration of the ossification: (1) plank shaped, (2) spindle shaped, or (3) rod shaped. Lesions with radiographically continuous and mixed type ossification on 3-dimensional computed tomography were plank shaped or spindle shaped. Rod shaped type lesions usually were radiographically segmented or showed some other type of ossification. The 3-dimensional computed tomography images change with the growth of ossification. Plank shaped type lesions appear to be the final result of ossification. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans of ossification of the longitudinal ligament are useful for decompressive surgery, providing valuable information regarding the site of concentration of compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots and the choice of surgical procedures.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

IL-5 as a strong secretagogue for human eosinophils.

The ability of IL-5 to induce eosinophil degranulation was investigated. Peripheral blood eosinophils from patients with mildly allergic individuals were isolated with CD16- selection method. Eosinophils were then incubated with interleukin-5 (IL-5) (0.1-100 ng/ml) for 1-48 h and EPX in the supernatants were measured with RIA. We found that IL-5 induced significant amount of eosinophil protein X in a concentration-dependent manner at 24 h. Eosinophil viability was about 90% either in the presence or absence of IL-5 at 24 h. Eosinophils stimulated with IL-5 adhered to the plate. Anti-CD18 mAb blocked adhesion and degranulation induced by IL-5. Dexamethasone and TGFbeta significantly inhibited degranulation in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that IL-5 may be a strong secretagogue for eosinophils, that adhesion via beta2 integrin is a requisite for degranulation, and that the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids and TGFbeta may be exerted at least in part, through the inhibition of eosinophil degranulation.

CD18 Antigens↗
PubMed1996

Factors influencing the development of sigmoid colon cancer. Bacteriologic and biochemical studies.

BACKGROUND: Cancer of the sigmoid colon is especially sensitive to environmental factors such as food. The authors have conducted a series of studies with food as the external environmental factor and intestinal microflora as the internal environment factor in relation to sigmoid colon carcinogenesis. METHODS: Thirteen males who had previously undergone surgery for sigmoid colon cancer, and who later developed new epithelial neoplasia of the colon, were chosen as the high risk (HR) group. Fourteen males of similar age, whose large bowel was entirely normal by total colonoscopy, were chosen as the control (CONT) group. Food constituents were analyzed by a dietician. Fecal bile acids, cholesterol metabolites, degradation products of amino acids, pH, water content, and bacterial flora were quantitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Although the HR group consumed slightly more carbon hydrate, fiber, and calcium, as a whole, there was no significant difference in food constituents, especially animal fat, between the two groups. Concentrations of bile acids and cholesterol metabolites were not different between the groups, with the exception of a higher level of cholestanol in the HR group. Succinic, lactic, propionic, and isovaleric acids were abundant in the HR group. Fecal pH and amounts of hydrogen sulfide and cresol also were higher in the HR group. The total amount of bacteria, lecithinase-negative Clostridia, and Lactobacillus, were also more abundant in the HR group. CONCLUSIONS: The feces of the HR group was abundant in such substances as sigmoid colon cancer promoters, and appeared unrelated to food constituents. Resident flora of the HR group were abundant in enzymatically active anaerobes. Because agents carcinogenic to the colon and rectum exist ubiquitously, microflora play a key role in sigmoid colon carcinogens by producing promoters.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Correlation between pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function and characteristics of pancreatic endocrine function in patients with diabetes mellitus owing to chronic pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION: Pancreatic endocrine capacities are remarkably disturbed in patients with pancreatic diabetes owing to calcific pancreatitis as opposed to those owing to noncalcific pancreatitis. Insulin secretion in calcific pancreatitis resembled that in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), whereas insulin secretion in noncalcific pancreatitis resembled that in non-IDDM (NIDDM). The involvements of acinar cell and ductal cell function closely correlate with endocrine function (insulin and glucagon secretions) in chronic pancreatitis (pancreatic diabetes). BACKGROUND: We sought to clarify the differences of pancreatic endocrine function between pancreatic diabetes and primary diabetes, and to verify the correlations between pancreatic exocrine and endocrine dysfunction in patients with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Urinary C-peptide (CPR) excretion and fasting plasma glucagon levels in patients with pancreatic diabetes owing to calcific pancreatitis (19 cases) and owing to noncalcific pancreatitis (14 cases) were studied in comparison with those in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, 23 cases), noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM, 18 cases), and in healthy controls (11 cases). In addition, pancreatic exocrine function was investigated in patients with chronic pancreatitis (calcific and noncalcific) and in healthy controls. The correlation between pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function was studied. RESULTS: The urinary CPR excretion in controls was 94.9 +/- 20.5 micrograms/d. The urinary CPR excretion in calcific pancreatitis was 12.8 +/- 7.4 micrograms/d and it resembled that in IDDM (9.4 +/- 5.8 micrograms/d). The urinary CPR excretion in noncalcific pancreatitis was 41.5 +/- 30.1 micrograms/d, being similar to that in NIDDM (49.3 +/- 21.0 micrograms/d). The plasma glucagon level in calcific pancreatitis was 64.1 +/- 15.9 rho g/mL, which was significantly lower than the values in IDDM (111.2 +/- 50.2 rho g/mL) and NIDDM (96.7 +/- 21.9 rho g/mL). The plasma glucagon level in calcific and noncalcific pancreratitis (88.4 +/- 29.6 rho g/mL) were significantly lower than that in controls (129.8 +/- 21.6 rho g/mL). The residual capacities of acinar cells and ductal cells were strongly correlated with urinary CPR excretion and plasma glucagon concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Selenium administration to a ten-year-old patient receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN)--changes in selenium concentration in the blood and hair.

Muscle pain in the lower limbs occurred in a child with short bowel syndrome who has been receiving longterm total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Biochemical parameters revealed that the plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations were below the normal range for children and intravenous injection of selenium prepared from selenious acid was started at a dose of 100 micrograms per day. Muscle pain in the lower limbs disappeared one month afterwards. At this point in time, the elevation of the plasma selenium concentration was noted but the erythrocyte selenium concentration remained low. When administration was suspended due to catheter-induced fever five months later, the whole blood selenium concentration decreased again and the symptoms recurred. Accordingly, the dose of selenium was increased to 200 micrograms/day. Subsequently, the blood selenium concentration recovered to the normal range for children. After the dose increase to 200 micrograms/day, concentrations in hair samples collected at every centimeter distance from the root end were determined. The selenium concentration at the root end was found to be higher than the normal range for children, indicating that this was an excessive dose case. Although the dose was decreased from 200 micrograms/day to 120 micrograms/day, the plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels did not go down. Furthermore, the selenium level in the hair reached a plateau, and no recurrence of symptoms was observed. The above results indicate the usefulness of monitoring the selenium concentration in hair in addition to determining the blood selenium level and GSH-Px activity in administering selenium to children undergoing TPN.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Mucin-producing tumor of the lung: CT findings.

Primary lung tumors and pulmonary metastases with a large mucin content are relatively rare, and reports of CT findings are scarce. We present the CT images of patients with mucinous bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and lung metastasis of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon. The CT findings include a uniform low attenuation (4.5 and 7.8 HU), irregular margins, and slight enhancement after intravenous injection of contrast medium.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗
PubMed1995

Serum fatty acid composition in normal Japanese and its relationship with dietary fish and vegetable oil contents and blood lipid levels.

A survey was conducted on 110 normal Japanese adults (55 men and 55 women) to determine their caloric intake, dietary fat content and its origin (animal, plant, or marine). In addition, their blood lipid levels and fatty acid compositions were examined. Men in their 30s-50s consumed 2,600-2,800 calories and 60 g of fats, while women in the same age range consumed 2,000-2,200 calories and 52-58 g of fats. In both sexes, caloric, fat, and cholesterol intakes were lower for those in their 60s but protein and crude fiber consumption remained generally unchanged. When the dietary fats were classified according to origin, men and women in their 30s were found to consume less oil of marine origin. This appeared to be the result of a western style diet for Japanese adults in their 30s. Compared with men, women exhibited lower blood lipid levels. As age increased, the total cholesterol level of the blood rose in women. Thus the blood lipid level was generally equal in the two groups in their 60s. There was a positive correlation between the blood eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and dietary consumption of fish oil. The marine/plant lipid ratio was positively correlated with the blood EPA/arachidonic acid ratio. Therefore, it was believed that the origin of the dietary fats consumed is a factor in determining the blood fatty acid profile. The linoleic acid (18:2), arachidonic acid (20:4), and 18:2 + 20:4 contents were negatively correlated to the total cholesterol level in the blood but positively correlated to the HDL-cholesterol level. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (18:2 + 20:4 + 20:5 + 22:6) were negatively correlated with the blood triglyceride level. From the findings presented above, we concluded that dietary fats not derived from animal sources should be classified into fish and vegetable oils to evaluate their dietary significance. We also noted that Japanese in their 30s consume less fish oil, indicating the western trend in their dietary lipid consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 on cytokine-enhanced eosinophil survival and degranulation.

The effects of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 on cytokine-enhanced eosinophil survival and degranulation were investigated in vitro to determine whether it is an inhibitory regulator of allergic inflammation. Peripheral blood eosinophils purified by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and the CD16 negative selection technique were incubated in the presence of eosinophil-activating cytokines (interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon (IFN)-gamma) with and without TFG-beta 1 for 1-3 days. On day 1, eosinophil protein X release was measured by radioimmunoassay. Eosinophil viability on day 3 was determined by staining the cells with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide, and on the same day DNA was extracted and subjected to gel electrophoresis to test for fragmentation. TGF-beta 1 significantly inhibited eosinophil survival enhanced by IL-5, IL-3, GM-CSF and IFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of TGF-beta 1 on IL-5-enhanced survival was partially reversed by high concentrations of IL-5 and was completely neutralized with anti-TGF-beta antibody. IL-5 inhibited DNA fragmentation of eosinophils in vitro. TGF-beta reversed the effect of IL-5, indicating that TGF-beta 1 activates the pathway of apoptosis. TGF-beta 1 significantly suppressed eosinophil protein X release induced by IL-5. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may play a role in the modulation of allergic inflammation.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1995

Stereospecific taurine conjugation of the trans-OH metabolite (active metabolite) of CS-670, a new 2-arylpropionic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in dogs.

CS-670, (+/-)-2-[4-(2-oxocyclohexylidenemethyl)phenyl]propionic acid, is a novel derivative of 2-arylpropionic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (profen NSAIDs). The major urinary metabolite of this drug from dogs was isolated and its chemical structure was determined by MS and NMR spectroscopy. The metabolite was identified as a taurine conjugate of the trans-OH form (trans-OH-taurine) which was first generated by stereoselective reduction of the double bond and the carbonyl function of the CS-670 molecule. The taurine conjugate was excreted in urine as the main metabolite, regardless of the optical configuration of CS-670 administered [2R)-enantiomer: 47.2% of the dose, (2S)-enantiomer: 70.9% of the dose]. The trans-OH-taurine was hydrolyzed by refluxing it in 6 N HCl without racemization. The released trans-OH was derivatized to diastereoamides with (+)-(R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine to examine the stereochemical properties of the 2-arylpropionic acid side chain. It was found that the configuration of the 2-carbon of the trans-OH-taurine was almost entirely (S). As the CoA thioesters are obligate intermediates for amino acid conjugation, the results suggest that the (2S)-enantiomer of the trans-OH metabolite serves as a substrate for canine acyl CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.3) as well as the (2R)-enantiomer, but only the CoA thioester with a (2S)-configuration is a substrate for taurine N-acyl transferase. It is interesting to note that these results are not consistent with the chiral inversion mechanism by which the (2R)-enantiomers of profen NSAIDs are stereospecifically converted to CoA thioester intermediates.

Animals↗