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Biomedical subjects

H Takeuchi

Publications and source records attributed to H Takeuchi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Reactions of direct LDL-cholesterol assays with pure LDL fraction and IDL: comparison of three homogeneous methods.

According to the definition of the Lipid Research Clinic's protocol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) refers to the lipoprotein of density (d)=1.006-1.063 g/ml which contains another atherogenic lipoprotein, IDL (d=1.006-1.019 g/ml). Because metabolic properties are largely different between LDL and IDL, LDL is now defined as the lipoprotein of d=1.019-1.063 g/ml. Recently direct LDL-cholesterol assay kits using novel surfactants (the homogeneous methods) have become commercially available and widely used in Japan. The aim of this study is to examine how three direct LDL-cholesterol assay kits, LDL-EX, Choletest-LDL and Determinor-L LDL, react with pure LDL (d=1. 019-1.063 g/ml) and IDL (1.006-1.019 g/ml) fractions isolated by ultracentrifugation. Thirty-one healthy subjects and one type III dysbetalipoproteinemic patient were enrolled in this study. All homogeneous methods highly correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r=0.95-0. 98), although the values for LDL-EX were closer to the values for ultracentrifugation than were those of the other two methods (95 vs. 86-87%, P<0.0001). Cross-reactivity with IDL was 31, 47 and 64% for LDL-EX, Choletest-LDL, and Determinor-L LDL, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the IDL from a type III dysbetalipoproteinemic patient. These results suggest that LDL-cholesterol measured by LDL-EX better reflects pure LDL fraction with weaker cross-reaction with IDL than other homogeneous methods.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed2000

Effect of an antioxidant, ebselen, on development of chronic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in primates.

BACKGROUND: Oxidation and/or free radical reactions after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may be involved in the development of chronic cerebral vasospasm. The inhibition of these reactions is thought to be one of the therapeutic strategies for prevention of cerebral vasospasm. We investigated the effect of Ebselen, a synthetic seleno-organic compound, which exhibits anti-oxidation by glutathione peroxidaselike activity to inhibit free radical reactions by lipid peroxidation on the development of chronic cerebral vasospasm in a primate model. METHODS: Seventeen monkeys were used. SAH was produced by introduction of a blood clot around the right middle cerebral artery and the right side of the circle of Willis in all animals. The monkeys were randomly divided into three groups according to Ebselen dosage: 1) no dosage or non-treated group; 2) high-dose Ebselen group; and 3) low-dose Ebselen group. The drug was administered at 10 mg/Kg in the high-dose group and 5 mg/Kg in the low-dose group twice a day in each group for 7 days after SAH. The vessel diameter was evaluated on angiograms before the induction of SAH and at Day 7 following SAH. RESULTS: In the untreated group, the angiograms showed significant (p < 0.05) reductions of the mean vessel caliber of the right internal carotid (ICA) (38 +/- 10% reduction) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (56 +/- 9.7%) compared with the baseline value before SAH. In the high-dose Ebselen-treated group, the mean percent reduction in vessel caliber of the right ICA (16 +/- 11%) and MCA (28 +/- 9.5%) on Day 7 angiograms were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those in the nontreated group, whereas the mean percent reduction of these vessels in the low-dose Ebselen-treated group showed no significant difference compared with the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic cerebral vasospasm was inhibited in the animals in which a relatively large amount of Ebselen was administered for 7 days after SAH. The results suggest that the oxidation or free radical reaction by lipid peroxidation after SAH might be involved in the pathogenesis of vasospasm, and that inhibition of these reactions by drugs, such as Ebselen, may have a promising effect for prevention of vasospasm.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The third zinc finger of TFIIIA stabilizes a hairpin structure of the non-coding strand in the internal control region of 5S RNA gene.

The structures of non-coding and coding strands in box C of the internal control region (ICR) of Xenopus laevis somatic 5S RNA gene have been examined by circular dichroism (CD) and Raman spectroscopy in the absence and presence of the third zinc finger of transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA), which binds to the ICR. The non-coding strand exhibits CD signals assignable to a hairpin and an unfolded structure. The presence of the hairpin structure is supported by Raman spectra, gel electrophoresis, and nucleotide deletion experiments. Binding of the zinc finger to the non-coding strand increases the CD signal of hairpin structure, indicating stabilization of the hairpin structure by the zinc finger. In contrast, the corresponding coding strand remains unfolded even in the presence of the zinc finger. The TFIIIA-ICR complex is not only required for initiation of transcription but also lasts during many rounds of transcription of the 5S RNA gene including the ICR (Bogenhagen et al., Cell 28 (1982) 413). TFIIIA may play a role in promoting the transcription by maintaining the unwound non-coding strand in the hairpin structure and leaving the coding strand available for transcription by RNA polymerase.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Differences in IgE isotype switching induced by anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody and cytokines among subtypes of chronic B lymphoid leukemias.

OBJECTIVE: Immunologic differences among the chronic B lymphoid leukemias defined by the French-American-British (FAB) classification were evaluated with respect to IgE isotype switching induced by anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We immunocytochemically studied IgE isotype switching of leukemic B cells from 25 cases and three cell lines established from the leukemias after stimulation with anti-CD40 mAb, plus each of the following cytokines: interleukin 2 (IL-2); IL-4; IL-10; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha); and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Also, genomic Cepsilon and Cepsilon transcripts were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Leukemic cells from hairy cell leukemia variant and its cell line, with deletion of the Cepsilon gene, did not undergo IgE isotype switching in response to any of the stimuli. In contrast, a cell line (FH-5) established from chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, bearing the Cepsilon gene, underwent the highest level of IgE isotype switching on stimulation with anti-CD40 mAb and IL-4. This response was correlated with the production of Cepsilon transcripts. IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-alpha induced higher levels of IgE isotype switching than the others. No IgE isotype switching was observed in any of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas examined, except mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Percentages of CD40(+) cells in five cases with follicular lymphoma were significantly lower than the other leukemias. CONCLUSIONS: IgE isotype switching induced by anti-CD40 mAb with cytokines other than IL-4 was first demonstrated, whereas none of the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas except mantle cell lymphoma and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma showed IgE isotype switching in response to any of the stimuli. Cells of follicular lymphoma were suggested to be different from cells of the other leukemias.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

Changes in unilateral nasal airflow in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis measured in and out of season.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal congestion is a common complaint of patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis yet there are very few investigations which have studied the objective changes in nasal airflow in and out of season. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in nasal airflow in and out of season. METHODS: In the present study unilateral nasal airflow was measured in and out of the pollen season in 13 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Unilateral nasal airflow was measured using posterior rhinomanometry at an inspiratory reference pressure of 75 Pa. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between median total nasal airflow in season (325 cm3/s) and out of season (324 cm3/s) (P = 0.15, n = 13) yet there was a significant difference between maximum unilateral airflow in season (278 cm3/s) and out of season (234 cm3/s) (P = 0.007, n = 26). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that although patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis may experience a sensation of nasal congestion at the start of the pollen season there is little or no change in total nasal airflow and unilateral nasal airflow may be increased.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor: histologic aspects, immunohistochemistry, lectin binding profiles, and biophysical studies.

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor accompanied with calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) was described in terms of its clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, lectin binding and biophysical properties. The case was a 38-year-old Japanese female, in whom the tumor had arisen in the right mandibular premolar and molar region. Material obtained by partial mandibulectomy was used. Decalcified paraffin sections were used to detect keratins, involucrin, and lectin binding; and non-decalcified thin sections were used for biophysical analysis. The lesion comprising dentinogenic ghost cell tumor and COC contained odontogenic epithelium with ghost cells, eosinophilic amorphous materials and osteodentin. Some of the eosinophilic material had undergone transformation into osteodentin. Keratins in odontogenic epithelia showed positive PKK1 staining in peripheral tumor cells, and stainings with KL1 and involucrin were positive in centrally located cells. Lectin binding in the amorphous materials was comparatively strong for PNA, and SBA, moderate for WGA, RCA-1, and UEA-1, and slight for DBA and ConA. Lectin binding affinities were higher in the amorphous materials than in the osteodentin. Elemental analysis with an electron probe X-ray microanalysis of the amorphous materials and osteodentin showed a pattern similar to that found in the normal dentin. The biologic properties of the eosinophilic amorphous materials suggested the material to be poorly calcified osteodentin, which gradually transformed into the well-calcified type.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Spray-dried lactose composite particles containing an ion complex of alginate-chitosan for designing a dry-coated tablet having a time-controlled releasing function.

PURPOSE: The properties of novel spray-dried lactose composite particles suitable for the coating filler of a dry-coated tablet having a long induction period in drug release were investigated. METHODS: To prepare spray-dried composite particles containing alginate-chitosan complex (SD(L/AL-CS)), an aqueous solution of lactose and sodium alginate and the acetic acid solution of chitosan were concomitantly fed into the rotary atomizer of a spray-dryer. The formation of the alginate-chitosan complex was confirmed by measuring the weight of insoluble portion in the mixture of sodium alginate and chitosan solutions. The dissolution properties of the dry-coated tablet were measured with the JP specified paddle method. RESULTS: The micromeritic properties of SD(L/AL-CS) were compared to those of the SD composite particles of lactose-sodium alginate, having a good compacting property. The drug release profiles of dry-coated tablet with SD(L/AL-CS) contained a long induction period followed by a rapid drug release phase in the artificial intestinal fluid. The induction period for drug release to occur was increased with an increase in the degree of deacetylation of chitosan and in the amount of chitosan in the formulation. The prolongation of induction period was attributed to the formation of an insoluble ion complex between sodium alginate and chitosan in the composite particles, which could form a rigid gel structure on the tablet surface. CONCLUSIONS: A time-controlled release tablet was designed with the composite particles of lactose containing the alginate-chitosan ion complex. The induction period of the dry-coated tablet could be prolonged in order to deliver the drug to the colon by controlling the type and amount of chitosan formulated in the composite particles.

Alginates↗
PubMed2000

A comparison of prednisolone and methylprednisolone for renal transplantation.

A large difference in immunosuppressive potency between methylprednisolone and prednisolone has been suggested in vitro. However, the selection of the best glucocorticoid for renal transplantation has been seldom considered so far. Thus, the present study was undertaken to compare therapeutic efficacy between prednisolone and methylprednisolone in renal transplantation. We studied 42 renal transplant recipients who were operated on between 1990 and 1994. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: a methylprednisolone/ cyclosporine group (n = 19) and a prednisolone/cyclosporine group (n = 23). Clinical outcome and drug side effects were compared retrospectively between the treatment groups 24-84 months after transplantation. The overall graft survival time in patients treated with methylprednisolone/cyclosporine was superior to that in patients treated with prednisolone/cyclosporine (p < 0.05). Among the recipients from cadaver donors, 5/16 (31.3%) treated with prednisolone required nephrectomy, whereas none of the 10 patients treated with methylprednisolone received nephrectomy (p < 0.01). An examination of the recipients from living related donors revealed that serum creatinine levels 24-36 months after operation were significantly lower in the methylprednisolone group (p < 0.05). Cyclosporine trough levels and glucocorticoid side effects were similar between the treatment groups. The results raised the possibility that methylprednisolone is superior to prednisolone when combined with cyclosporine for maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Identification of the urease operon in Helicobacter pylori and its control by mRNA decay in response to pH.

We investigated the transcription of the urease gene cluster ureABIEFGH in Helicobacter pylori to determine the regulation of gene expression of the highly produced enzyme urease. Northern blot hybridization analysis demonstrated that cells of the wild-type strain grown in an ordinary broth had transcripts of ureAB, ureABI, ureI, ureIE' and ure'FGH, but cells of a ureI-disrupted mutant had only the ureAB transcript. When the wild-type cells were exposed to pH 8 for 30 min, very little mRNA was detected. However, when exposed to pH 6, a large amount of the ureIE" transcript, which was longer than the ureIE' transcript, together with the additional transcripts ureABIEFGH and ure'EFGH were detected. Rifampicin addition experiments demonstrated that urease mRNAs, and the ureIE' transcripts in particular, are more stable at pH 5.5 than at pH 7. In accord with these results, urease activity in the crude cell extract of the pH 5.5 culture was twice as much as that of the pH 7 culture, although the amounts of UreA and UreB detected by immunoblot analysis were similar. The transcription start point of ureI was identified by primer extension using a ureA promoter-deleted mutant, and a consensus sequence of RpoD-RNA polymerase was found in the ureI promoter. The 3' end of the ureIE" mRNA, determined using S1 nuclease mapping, revealed that the transcript is able to cover the majority of the ureE open reading frame (ORF) that might be sufficient for UreE activity. Based on the above results, we conclude that the urease gene cluster of H. pylori consists of two operons, ureAB and ureIEFGH, and that primary transcripts of the latter as well as the read-through transcript, ureABIEFGH, are cleaved to produce several species of mRNA. It has been suggested that the ureIEFGH operon is regulated post-transcriptionally by mRNA decay in response to environmental pH. We are tempted to speculate that the ureE" transcript present in acidic pH may contribute to produce an active product that can proceed the nickel incorporation to the active centre, the final step of urease biosynthesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Domain organization of p130, PLC-related catalytically inactive protein, and structural basis for the lack of enzyme activity.

The 130-kDa protein (p130) was isolated as a novel inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]-binding protein similar to phospholipase C-delta1 (PLC-delta1), but lacking catalytic activity [Kanematsu, T., Takeya, H., Watanabe, Y., Ozaki, S., Yoshida, M., Koga, T., Iwanaga, S. & Hirata, M. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 6518-6525; Kanematsu, T., Misumi, Y., Watanabe, Y., Ozaki, S., Koga, T., Iwanaga, S., Ikehara, Y. & Hirata, M. (1996) Biochem. J. 313, 319-325]. To test experimentally the domain organization of p130 and structural basis for lack of PLC activity, we subjected p130 to limited proteolysis and also constructed a number of chimeras with PLC-delta1. Trypsin treatment of p130 produced four major polypeptides with molecular masses of 86 kDa, 55 kDa, 33 kDa and 25 kDa. Two polypeptides of 86 kDa and 55 kDa started at Lys93 and were calculated to end at Arg851 and Arg568, respectively. Using the same approach, it has been found that the polypeptides of 33 kDa and 25 kDa are likely to correspond to regions between Val569 and Arg851 and Lys869 and Leu1096, respectively. All the proteolytic sites were in interconnecting regions between the predicted domains, therefore supporting domain organization based on sequence similarity to PLC-delta1 and demonstrating that all domains of p130, including the unique region at the C-terminus, are stable, tightly folded structures. p130 truncated at either or both the N-terminus (94 amino acids) and C-terminus (851-1096 amino acids) expressed in COS-1 cells showed no catalytic activity, indicating that p130 has intrinsically no PLC activity. A number of chimeric molecules between p130 and PLC-delta1 were constructed and assayed for PLC activity. It was shown that structural differences in interdomain interactions exist between the two proteins, as only some domains of p130 could replace the corresponding structures in PLC-delta1 to form a functional enzyme. These results suggest that p130 and the related proteins could represent a new protein family that may play some distinct role in cells due to the capability of binding Ins(1,4,5)P3 but the lack of catalytic activity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Clinical significance of negative esophageal pressure in sleep apnea syndrome.

The authors investigated the relationship between esophageal pressure fluctuation (DPes) during sleep and the following parameters: respiratory disorder variables and daytime sleepiness manifested as the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). In the younger patient group under 60 years of age (n=33), DPes was correlative to both the apnea-hypopnea index and ESS. However, in the elderly group of 60 years and over (n = 16), the variables showed smaller values than did those in the younger group. These results suggest that DPes may be associated with the aggravating process of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in the younger patient.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Vascular invasion and potential for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hematogenous metastasis occurs when cancer cells released from the primary site enter blood vessels and are transported to distant organs, where they attach and proliferate. Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis and depends on the production of angiogenic factors by tumor cells. METHODS: We analyzed data on 1184 Japanese adult men and women with gastric cancer with respect to the relation between vascular invasion and the potential for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. All these patients were treated from 1976 to 1995 in the Department of Surgery II, Kyushu University. In 300 patients, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 protein in tumor tissues was examined by using an immunohistochemical staining method or Northern blotting or both. Intratumoral microvessels were stained with anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Vascular invasion was evident in 254 patients (21.5%), and in these patients lymphatic invasion was more frequent and the rate of lymph node metastasis was higher in relation to the extent of vascular invasion. The positive findings were directly related to the depth of invasion and the presence of lymph node and liver metastasis. Tumor invasive and metastatic rates increased in relation to the extent of vascular invasion. Expressions of VEGF and p53 protein were higher and microvessel density was more prominent in tumor tissues in relation to the extent of vascular invasion. A close relation between VEGF and p53 protein expressions was also noted in tumors that showed vascular invasion. The expression of VEGF is one of the independent risk factors for vascular invasion. The postoperative outcome was poorer in patients with vascular invasion in relation to the extent of vascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that gastric cancers with characteristics of vascular invasion have greater intratumoral angiogenesis and that VEGF and p53 overexpression is associated with intratumoral angiogenesis and metastases to distant organs.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Analysis of the proliferative potential of tumor cells after stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent astrocytic tumors.

We analyzed the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for recurrent astrocytic tumors histologically. Five patients were followed by pathological examination after radiosurgery treatment of recurrent astrocytic tumors. Histological diagnoses at the time of the last operation before SRS were Daumas-Duport grade II in two patients and grade IV (glioblastoma) in three patients. No histological diagnoses at the time of SRS were identified in any patients. Contrast enhanced lesions enlarged gradually on magnetic resonance (MR) images after SRS, and local control by SRS was judged as progressive disease radiologically in all patients. Four of five patients received re-operation after SRS, and the other patient died without re-operation and underwent post-mortem examination. After SRS, Ki-67 labeling indices (LIs) of recurrent astrocytomas initially diagnosed as grade II were 2.6% and 1.1%. These LIs were relatively lower than those of the control group of patients with recurrent grade II astrocytomas that were not treated by SRS. Ki-67 LIs of three glioblastomas after SRS were 23.5%, 18.6%, and 17.8%. These LIs were significantly lower than those before SRS (2.3%, 4.5%, and 0.9%). In the autopsy case, there was a significant difference between the LI of tumor cells in the radiosurgically treated region (0.9%) and that in the untreated region (29.2%). These results suggest that the proliferative potential of malignant astrocytic tumors in the radiosurgically treated area is reduced after SRS, and that radiological enlargement of enhanced lesions on MR images is due to propagation of the residual tumor cells that were not covered by radiosurgical target volume or to radiation necrosis. SRS may be a useful therapeutic tool in multidisciplinary treatment of malignant gliomas.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Ultrasonographic detection of very thin percutaneous central venous catheter in neonates.

To assess the ability of ultrasonography to detect the tip of a very thin (0.4 mm outer diameter) percutaneous central venous catheter (PCVC) in neonates, the PCVC tip location was assessed by ultrasonography (US) and compared to the location estimated by standard radiography for 57 PCVCs in 44 neonates. Of 57 occasions, the examiner could not find the PCVC tip in three cases (5%). In the remaining 54 instances, in 87% of cases, the PCVC tip position was consistent with the location implied by skeletal landmarks on standard radiographs. On 24 occasions we also assessed catheter tip dislodgement according to flexion and extension of the infant's arm. US could detect 78% of cases of catheter tip dislodgement. The PCVC tip was sometimes visualized as a dot and parallel lines as well as mere parallel lines. In a large population of cases, US is a reliable method for detection of a thin PCVC tip. US provides precise information about the PCVC tip position in relation to vascular structure and contributes to safer positioning of the PCVC than traditional radiography alone.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Mucoadhesive DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer nanospheres coated with chitosan to improve oral delivery of elcatonin.

The purpose of this work was to develop a novel mucoadhesive DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer (PLGA) nanosphere system to improve peptide absorption and prolong the physiological activity following oral administration. The desired PLGA nanospheres with elcatonin were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method to coat the surface of the resultant nanospheres with a mucoadhesive polymer such as chitosan, poly(acrylic acid), and sodium alginate. Their mucoadhesive properties were evaluated by measuring the nanospheres adsorbed to a rat everted intestinal sac (in vitro). The chitosan-coated nanospheres showed higher mucoadhesion to the everted intestinal tract in saline than the other polymer-coated nanospheres. There was no mucoadhesion site-specificity of the chitosan-coated nanospheres between duodenal, jejunal, and ileal sacs. The payload of drug in the chitosan-coated nanospheres was successfully increased by using the solvent diffusion method in oil. The pattern of drug release of the resultant nanospheres did not differ markedly from that of uncoated nanospheres. The chitosan-coated nanospheres with elcatonin were administered intragastrically to fasted Wistar rats. The chitosan-coated nanosphere reduced significantly the blood calcium level compared with elcatonin solution and uncoated nanospheres, and the reduced calcium level was sustained for a period of 48 hr. Even under nonfasting conditions, the mucoadhesion of chitosan-coated nanospheres was unaltered and the reduction in blood Ca levels was maintained satisfactorily.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2000

Temperature- and moisture-induced crystallization of amorphous lactose in composite particles with sodium alginate prepared by spray-drying.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the temperature- and moisture-induced crystallization of amorphous lactose in the composite particles prepared by spray-drying an aqueous solution of crystalline lactose and sodium alginate. The temperature-induced crystallization of amorphous lactose in the composite particles was suppressed by increasing the amount of sodium alginate in the particles. The stabilizing effect of sodium alginate on amorphous lactose in the composite particles was greater than that in physical mixtures having the same formulating ratios. The improved stability of amorphous lactose in the composite particles was attributed to an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the mixture. Moisture-induced crystallization of amorphous lactose was also retarded by increasing the amount of sodium alginate in composite particles. Although the Tg of the mixture was reduced by increasing the water content of the particles, the values were higher than that of 100% amorphous lactose when particles of the same water content were compared. The change in the Tg of the composite particles with increasing water content was interpreted as involving three components of the Gordon-Taylor equation. In the amorphous lactose-sodium alginate systems, the Tg values of the composite particles containing sodium alginate were higher than the theoretical line predicted by two components of the Gordon-Taylor equation. These results suggested that there was a specific interaction between the sodium alginate and lactose molecules. This specific interaction was suggested by the fact that only very little amorphous lactose was measured in the spray-dried composite particles stored under humid conditions using differential scanning calorimetry. This molecular interaction may also be partly responsible for the suppression of both the temperature- and moisture-induced crystallization of amorphous lactose in the composite particles.

Alginates↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of outer membrane protein genes omp and pmp in the whole genome sequences of Chlamydia pneumoniae isolates from Japan and the United States.

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a widespread pathogen of the respiratory tract that is also associated with atherosclerosis. The whole genome sequence was determined for a Japanese isolate, C. pneumoniae strain J138. The sequence predicted a variety of genes encoding outer membrane proteins (OMPs) including ompA and porB, another 10 predicted omp genes, and 27 pmp genes. All were detected in the whole genome sequence of strain CWL029, a strain isolated and sequenced in the United States. A comparative study of the OMPs of the two strains revealed a nucleotide sequence identity of 89.6%-100% (deduced amino acid sequence identity, 71.1%-100%). The overall genomic organization and location of genes are identical in both strains. Thus, a few unique sequences of the OMPs may be essential for specific attributes that define the differential biology of two C. pneumoniae strains.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗