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Biomedical subjects

H Hamaguchi

Publications and source records attributed to H Hamaguchi.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase variant and schizophrenia/depression.

Patients with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency often show psychiatric manifestations. Since a common variant of the MTHFR gene, T677(Ala), responsible for the thermolabile MTHFR with less than 50% specific MTHFR activity, has been reported, we examined whether the T677 allele is associated with psychiatric disorders in an unrelated Japanese population consisting of 297 schizophrenics, 32 patients with major depression, 40 patients with bipolar disorder, and 419 controls. The genotype homozygous for the T677 allele was significantly frequently observed in schizophrenics with an odds ratio of 1.9 (P = 0.0006), and in patients with major depression with an odds ratio of 2.8 (P = 0.005). Our data suggest associations of the MTHFR gene variant with schizophrenia and depression in the Japanese.

Adult↗

Consistent detection of TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric transcripts in acute myeloid leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) and identification of a novel transcript.

16;21 translocation is a recurrent primary abnormality in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The genes involved in this translocation are ERG on chromosome 21 and TLS/FUS on chromosome 16. The rearrangement of the two chromosomes forms the TLS/FUS-ERG fusion gene and produces a consistent chimeric transcript on the der (21) chromosome. In this study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of 19 patients with t(16;21)-AML, including 2 patients who evolved from myelodysplastic syndrome, and detected the chimeric transcripts of the TLS/FUS-ERG fusion gene in the patients during various clinical stages by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. We found that the patients with t(16;21) are characterized by a relatively younger age (median age, 22 years old), involvement of various subtypes of French-American-British classification and a poor prognosis: 18 of the 19 patients died of the disease (median survival was 16 months). Four types of TLS/FUS-ERG chimeric transcripts including a novel type were noted in the RT-PCR analysis. The novel transcript contained an additional 138 nucleotides consisting of TLS/FUS exon 8 and ERG exons 7 and 8 and had an in-frame fusion. These chimeric transcripts were consistently detectable in the samples obtained not only at diagnosis and relapse but also in short and long complete remission, suggesting that t(16;21)-AML is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Thus, we recommend that t(16;21) should be monitored by RT-PCR even in clinical remission and the patients should be treated by other more powerful modality like stem-cell transplantation in the first remission.

Acute Disease↗

Effect of cilostazol in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

This study sought to evaluate the effect of cilostazol in preventing restenosis after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 68 patients: 35 patients received cilostazol immediately after PTCA and 33 patients received aspirin or ticlopidine. Repeat coronary angiography was performed 4 to 6 months after PTCA and the incidence of restenosis was significantly lower (17%) in the cilostazol group than in the non-cilostazol group (40%) (p < 0.05), which indicates that cilostazol has the potential to prevent restenosis after PTCA.

Aged↗

Tandem duplication of the MLL gene in myelodysplastic syndrome-derived overt leukemia with trisomy 11.

Trisomy 11 as a sole chromosomal abnormality is a rare aberration observed in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Recently a partial tandem duplication of the MLL gene, located on chromosome band 11q23, has been identified in de novo AML with trisomy 11. We describe a 72-year-old woman suffering from MDS-derived overt leukemia with trisomy 11 and a tandem duplication of the MLL gene. At first the patient was found to have myeloblasts with Auer rods in the peripheral blood and diagnosed as MDS, refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation (RAEB-T). After 2 months a picture of overt leukemia (AML; M2) developed as shown by an increased number of myeloblasts. Various chemotherapy regimens had little effect, and she died of disease progression 15 months after admission. During her clinical course, the chromosome analyses consistently showed 47,XX, +11. Southern blot analysis of leukemic blasts on admission and in accelerated phase revealed identical rearranged bands of the MLL gene. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis excluded the possibility of masked translocation of the MLL gene to other chromosomes. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis using a forward exon 6 primer and a backward exon 3 primer demonstrated an in-frame fusion of exon 8 with exon 2. Our results indicated that a partial tandem duplication of exons 2-8 of the MLL gene could be observed in MDS-derived overt leukemia as well as de novo AML with trisomy 11.

Aged↗

Recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor facilitates biliary transport after hepatocyte transplantation in Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats.

Hepatocyte transplantation may offer an attractive treatment for inborn errors of liver metabolism. However, factor(s) are required as stimuli to induce proliferation of the limited number of hepatocytes transplanted. The Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat (EHBR) is a Sprague-Dawley (SD) mutant rat with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. EHBRs have impaired canalicular excretory transport of organic anions, bile acid glucuronide, and sulfate. Recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (rhHGF) (100 microg/kg) was injected intravenously at 2-hr intervals for 10 hr, immediately and 35 days following the intraportal injection of 1 x 10(7) wild-type SD rat hepatocytes. Serum bilirubin concentrations decreased significantly within 35 days and were maintained at significantly reduced levels for 120 days following transplantation. Biliary excretion was demonstrated by the biliary transport of indocyanine green and sulfobromophthalein sodium into the bile. These results indicate that hepatic transport of bile acid conjugates in EHBRs can be restored by hepatocyte transplantation combined with repeated administration of exogenous rhHGF, in conjunction with functioning of the recipient's excretory biliary system.

Animals↗

Establishment of a novel human acute myeloblastic leukemia cell line (YNH-1) with t(16;21), t(1;16) and 12q13 translocations.

The t(16;21)(p11;q22) translocation is a non-random chromosomal aberration observed in several types of human acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), whereas the der(16)t(1;16) and chromosome rearrangements at 12q13 are frequently found in solid tumors. A novel cell line YNH-1 was established from peripheral blood cells of a 46-year-old male with AML (M1) carrying t(16;21) and t(1;16) translocations. YNH-1 has been maintained with a doubling time of 82 h for more than 20 months as a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) dependent line. Morphologically YNH-1 cells were free-floating immature myeloblasts with lobulated nuclei and vacuoles in the cytoplasm. They were positive for myeloperoxidase but negative for alpha-naphthyl butylate esterase and chloroacetate esterase stainings. In surface marker analysis YNH-1 cells were positive for CD13, CD33 and CD34. Chromosomal analysis showed 46, XY, der(16)t(16;21)(p11;q22)t(1;16) (q12;q13), der(21)t(16;21)(p11;q22), der (6)t(6;12)(q13;q13), der(12)t(6;12)(q21;q13). These translocations were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies with the ERG-YAC clone and chromosome-specific DNA libraries. Both the FUS/ERG and ERG/FUS chimeric transcripts were identified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Thus, YNH-1 could be a useful tool for elucidating the pathophysiology and molecular mechanism in AML with t(16;21),t(1;16) and 12q13 translocations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Establishment of a novel human myeloid leukaemia cell line (HNT-34) with t(3;3)(q21;q26), t(9;22)(q34;q11) and the expression of EVI1 gene, P210 and P190 BCR/ABL chimaeric transcripts from a patient with AML after MDS with 3q21q26 syndrome.

A novel human myeloid leukaemia cell line (HNT-34) was established from the peripheral blood of a 45-year-old female patient with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) transformed from chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMMoL) with 3q21q26 syndrome. Morphologically, the HNT-34 cells were undifferentiated blasts which were negative for myeloperoxidase. The HNT-34 cells were positive for CD4, CD13, CD33 and CD34, but negative for CD41a and CD42b. The cells actively proliferated in suspension with a doubling time of 26-27h in the absence of any growth factors. Neither proliferative advantage nor differentiation was observed with the addition of G-CSE GM-CSF, IL-3, TPO, DMSO or PMA. Cytogenetic analysis showed 46,XX. t(3;3)(q21;q26), t(9;22)(q34;q11),20q-. Molecular analysis showed expression of EVI1 gene, P210 and P190 BCR/ABL chimaeric transcripts. The chromosomal breakpoint at 3q26 of HNT-34 cell line was located to approximately 200 kb 5' of FIM3 locus and more upstream of the MDS1. which is the same region as that of somatic cell hybrid line H10C. The breakpoint at 3q21 was located within the 390 kb centromeric from the breakpoint cluster region. These results suggest that the HNT-34 cell line may be a useful tool for the elucidation of the mechanisms of leukaemogenesis which involve the 3q21q26 syndrome and Ph1 chromosome.

Antigens, Surface↗

Abnormal myelination in a patient with ring chromosome 18.

We describe a Japanese boy with ring chromosome 18 in whom abnormal myelination was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Cytogenetic investigation revealed 46, XY, r(18) (p11.2 q21.33). T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain demonstrated high signal intensity consistent with abnormal myelination. Microsatellite marker analysis of DNA demonstrated only one copy of the myelin basic protein gene, derived from the mother. The present case indicates that a hemizygous state for the myelin protein gene may be related to the abnormal myelination.

Brain↗

A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the dopamine D2 receptor gene is associated with schizophrenia.

An excess dopaminergic activity may be implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. Our objective was to identify nucleotide variants in the 5' region of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) and to clarify their effects on schizophrenia. We identified two polymorphisms, the A-241G and -141C Ins/Del, by examination of 259 bp in the 5'-flanking region and 249 bp of exon 1 of DRD2. Reporter constructs containing the -141C Del allele cloned into a luciferase reporter plasmid drove 21% (Y-79 cells) and 43% (293 cells) expression compared with the -141C Ins allele. In a case-control study, the -141C Del allele frequency was significantly lower in 260 schizophrenic patients than in 312 controls (OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.44-0.81, P < 0.001). No significant association was found between the A-241G polymorphism and in vitro luciferase activity, or in allele frequency between the patients versus controls. These findings show that the -141C Ins/Del may be a functional polymorphism in the 5'-promoter region of DRD2 and may affect the susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Adult↗

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism and pre-eclampsia.

A common missense mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, a C to T substitution at nucleotide 677, is responsible for reduced MTHFR activity and associated with modestly increased plasma homocysteine concentrations. Since underlying maternal vascular disease increases the risk of pre-eclampsia, we had the working hypothesis that pre-eclampsia patients would have an increased T677 allele frequency compared with controls. The MTHFR genotypes were determined in 67 pre-eclampsia patients, 98 normal pregnant women, and 260 healthy adults by the PCR/RFLP method. The T677 allele and the genotype homozygous for the T677 allele were significantly increased in the pre-eclamptic group compared with the controls (p < 0.02 and p < 0.004, respectively). The data indicate that the T677 variant of the MTHFR gene is one of the genetic risk factors for pre-eclampsia.

Adult↗

Evidence for linkage between asthma/atopy in childhood and chromosome 5q31-q33 in a Japanese population.

Susceptibility to the development of asthma and other atopic diseases is known to be associated with genetic components, and several candidate genes have been reported to be linked to atopy in Caucasian populations. We conducted a study of linkage between asthma and markers on chromosomes 5q31-q33 and 11q13 in 68 Japanese families (306 members) by affected sib-pair analysis. Families for the linkage study were ascertained through asthmatic children visiting the allergy clinic. The results provide supportive evidence for linkage between asthma and gene markers in or near the interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene, the IL-9 gene, and D5S393 on chromosome 5q31-q33 (p = 0.0013, p = 0.018, and p = 0.0077, respectively). Linkage between atopic phenotype and these genetic markers was also suggested (p = 0.006, p = 0.01, and p < 0.0001 for atopy, respectively). However, we failed to find evidence for linkage of asthma or atopy to the IgE high-affinity receptor gene on 11q13 (p > 0.1). These findings indicate that beyond ethnicity, there are specific loci that contribute to susceptibility to atopy on chromosome 5q31-q33. In addition, our findings suggest that loci on chromosome 5q31-q33 are linked to the development of asthma in childhood.

Adolescent↗

Fracture on removal of the ACE tibial nail.

We report four patients who sustained secondary fractures of the posterior wall of the tibial shaft during the removal of one pattern of intramedullary nail after fracture healing. The cause of this complication is discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Complete remission of essential thrombocythemia after recovery from severe bone marrow aplasia induced by busulfan treatment].

A 63-year-old woman was found to have thrombocythemia and was referred to our hospital for further evaluation in September 1990. Peripheral blood showed platelet 170.0 x 10(4)/microliter, WBC 14,900/microliter and Hb 9.8 g/dl. Bone marrow was hypercellular with increased megakaryocytes and normal karyotype. She was diagnosed as essential thrombocythemia (ET), and treated with 2 mg of busulfan daily for 3 months until her platelet count decreased to 33.1 x 10(4)/microliter. Busulfan was given again for 40 days (a total of 80 mg) in another hospital when the platelet count increased to 71.1 x 10(4)/microliter in September 1991. In December 1991, she was admitted to our hospital because of pancytopenia. Examination of blood revealed platelet 0.4 x 10(4)/microliter, WBC 1,800/microliter and Hb 7.0 g/dl with hypocellular marrow. A diagnosis of busulfan-induced severe bone marrow aplasia was made. We administered metenolone acetate 15 mg and G-CSF 300 micrograms daily. Blood transfusions were given frequently. However, no effect was observed during her hospitalization. After discharge, G-CSF 600 micrograms and erythropoietin 24,000 units were continued twice a week in combination with metanolone acetate. Pancytopenia gradually began to improve as of June 1992, and then trilineage recovery was achieved in March 1994 with platelet 13.3 x 10(4)/microliter, WBC 5,500/microliter and Hb 12.1 g/dl. The platelet count has been within the normal range for more than 2 years after recovery.

Anemia, Aplastic↗

[School-based intervention trial for cardiovascular health].

The effectiveness of a school-based intervention trial for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease was studied by measuring cardiovascular risk factors in 701 children with intervention and 663 children without intervention. Outcomes were assessed using preintervention measures at 10 years old (fall 1991) and follow-up measures at 13 years old (fall 1994). In girls with intervention, HDL-cholesterol level was significantly higher and atherogenic index was significantly lower than that in girls without intervention. In obese girls with intervention, frequency of reduced obesity index was significantly higher than that in obese girls without intervention. In boys, however, body size and cholesterol measures did not differ significantly between intervention groups and nonintervention groups. These results indicate that school-based intervention for cardiovascular health can produce a reduction in risk factors for atherosclerosis in girls over a period of 3 school years.

Adolescent↗

The proportion of fetal nucleated red blood cells in maternal blood: estimation by FACS analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) among enriched NRBCs and to evaluate the effectiveness of enriching NRBCs in maternal blood using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to separate NRBCs. The origin of enriched NRBCs was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods. Y-specific signals were observed in 4.6 +/- 1.5 per cent of the enriched cells from 14 of 16 (87.5 per cent) pregnant women who gave birth to boys. In this series, the specificity of the fetal sex diagnosis was 100 per cent, the sensitivity 88 per cent, and the negative predictive value 86 per cent. Fetal NRBCs are present in maternal blood and FACS has the potential to enrich fetal NRBCs. Fetal cells were estimated to be enriched more than 10,000-fold in the first trimester and more than 100-fold in the third trimester. Average frequencies of fetal cells in maternal blood were 8.1 x 10(-5) and 1.6 x 10(-5) in the first trimester and the second/third trimesters. However, most of the NRBCs in maternal blood are maternal in origin.

Antigens, CD↗

Studies on the antifungal activity of the new imidazole antimycotic lanoconazole in infected sites. Distribution in the skin and in vitro activity in the presence of stratum corneum.

To answer the question why topically applied lanoconazole (CAS 101530-10-3, NND-318) is so highly effective in the treatment of dermatomycoses in both animal models and human patients, the antifungal activity of lanoconazole in infected sites was investigated. 1. Distribution of lanoconazole in rat skin: The distribution of lanoconazole within the dorsal skin of rats was examined by measurement of radioactivity and microscopic autoradiography. 24 h after dermal application of 14C-lanoconazole cream formulation, 83% of the total radioactivity in the skin was recovered from the stratum corneum, and thereafter the radioactivity decreased gradually up to 96 h. Metabolite analysis showed that more than 94% of the extractable radioactivity was lanoconazole itself after 24 and 48 h. Microautoradiograms of the skin also supported the radioactivity distribution. 2. In vitro antifungal activity in stratum corneum-containing medium: Candida albicans TIMM 2640 was incubated for 10 days at 27 degrees C in a vitamin-supplemented yeast carbon base medium containing 5 mg/ml of human stratum corneum and different concentrations of lanoconazole or bifonazole (CAS 60628-96-8, reference agent). Compared with the control culture, lanoconazole strongly inhibited fungal growth in a concentration dependent manner at concentration above 0.1 microgram/ml, resulting in a reduction of viable cell recovery to less than 50% after 10 days. The inhibitory activity of bifonazole was clearly weaker than that of lanoconazole. At concentrations of 0.1-10 micrograms/ml lanoconazole reduced keratinolytic acid proteinase activity in the culture-supernate to 40-70% of the control value, while bifonazole showed 50% reduction of the activity at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml. These results indicate that lanoconazole is mainly distributed and retained in the stratum corneum after topical application where it exerts strong antifungal activity.

Administration, Topical↗

An insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme gene is associated with both brain substance P contents and affective disorders.

Because of a potent action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to degrade substance P (SP) and an association of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene with ACE activity, an association between the SP level and the ACE I/D polymorphism were examined using 20 human postmortem brain samples. The results showed a significant association between the polymorphism and SP levels in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, where both ACE and SP concentrate, and a higher SP level in the subjects with the DD genotype than in those with the II genotype, with an intermediate level in heterozygotes. Associations of the polymorphism with schizophrenia and affective disorders were also investigated in 292 unrelated Japanese schizophrenics, 65 patients with affective disorders, and 579 controls. The D allele was significantly more frequent in the patients with affective disorders than in the controls (p < .02), and the DD genotype was significantly more frequent in the patients with affective disorders than in the controls (p < .002). There is no significant difference in the frequencies of the allele and the genotype between the controls and schizophrenics. These results suggest that the ACE I/D polymorphism is one of the genetic factors for an interindividual variability of brain SP levels, and that the ACE polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility to affective disorders.

Adult↗