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Biomedical subjects

I Makino

Publications and source records attributed to I Makino.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nuclear targeted suppression of NF-kappa B activity by the novel quinone derivative E3330.

The activation of NF-kappa B consists of at least three steps: degradation of I kappa B alpha, translocation of NF-kappa B into the nucleus, ai post-translational modification of NF-kappa B (e.g., phosphorylation of p65). In the present study, we found that a novel quinone derivative E3330 selectively inhibited NF-kappa B-mediated gene expression without affecting any of these steps. E3330, when included in the culture medium, suppressed NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity in PMA-induced Jurkat cell nuclear extracts, suggesting that the inhibition by E3330 of NF-kappa B-mediated gene expression was due to its ability to suppress NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity. Fractionation of the nuclear extracts by column chromatography revealed that a nuclear factor enhanced NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity and that this enhancing activity was interrupted after treatment with E3330. Moreover, a major polypeptide with a molecular mass of 40 kDa was found to be in the highly purified fraction containing the NF-kappa B-enhancing activity and predominantly bind E3330. Taken together, these results suggest that the NF-kappa B activity, after dissociation from I kappa B, is enhanced by a nuclear factor that is active irrespective of PMA treatment, and the nuclear factor-mediated enhancement is selectively inhibited by E3330. Thus, we conclude that E3330 may belong to a novel class of anti-NF-kappa B drugs.

Benzoquinones

Establishment and characterization of a new hamster pancreatic cancer cell line: the biological activity and the binding characteristics of EGF or TGF-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS: This new animal cell line may be a useful model to study the effect of growth factors on malignant cell proliferation and differentiation in both in vivo and in vitro systems. METHODS: We established a new pancreatic cancer cell line from pancreatic cancer in the hamster (HPC) induced by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) and characterized its morphological, pathological, and biological patterns. RESULTS: Cells grew rapidly, with a doubling time of 22.5 h. Chromosome number ranged from 33 to 144, and flow cytometric analysis showed two peaks of DNA distribution as a proliferative pattern. Ultrastructural analyses using transmission and scanning electron microscopy of HPC cells revealed desmosomes and loose interdigitation, with pseudopods and microvilli on the cell surface. The overexpression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors on HPC cells was shown by immunohistochemistry. Binding characteristics and biological activity of EGF and type alpha transforming growth factor (TGF-alpha) were studied. TGF-alpha stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, whereas EGF was without effect. Scatchard analysis of 125I-EGF binding data at pH 7.4 indicated the presence of two orders of binding sites, where that of 125I-TGF-alpha showed only a single order. Regarding the effect of pH on 125I-EGF or 125I-TGF-alpha dissociation, one-half maximal dissociation of 125I-EGF or 125I-TGF-alpha occurred at pH 6.0 or 6.5, respectively. Characteristics of the EGF receptor are similar to those of cultured human pancreatic cancer cells.

Animals

Application of pure pancreatic juice collection to the pancreatic exocrine function test.

We determined the usefulness of pure pancreatic juice collected by endoscopic procedures for assaying impaired pancreatic function in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The functional findings were compared with the degree of morphological change in endoscopic retrograde pancreatograms. Samples of pancreatic juice were collected from 23 patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis by endoscopic cannulation after a bolus intravenous injection of secretin, 100 IU, for 20 min in four 5-min samples. Volume and amylase and bicarbonate concentrations were measured. The maximum bicarbonate concentration (MBC) was found in fractions collected after 10 min. The MBC in patients with chronic pancreatitis (n = 7) was lower than in normal subjects (n = 10) (p < 0.05). When we regarded 125 mEq/L (mean - 1.5 SD) as the normal limit of MBC, the sensitivity, specificity, and overall efficiency of the pancreatic functional test using pancreatic juice to detect chronic pancreatitis were 86, 100, and 94%, respectively. In comparison with the group with normal pancreatogram findings (n = 10), the MBC, volume, amylase output, and bicarbonate output were lower in the combined group (n = 9) of Cambridge II and III (p < 0.05). MBC was the most reliable parameter in the evaluation of the exocrine pancreatic functional test using pancreatic juice samples.

Adult

Functional interference of Sp1 and NF-kappaB through the same DNA binding site.

Gene activation by NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors is modulated by synergistic or antagonistic interactions with other promoter-bound transcription factors. For example, Sp1 sites are often found in NF-kappaB-regulated genes, and Sp1 can activate certain promoters in synergism with NF-kappaB through nonoverlapping binding sites. Here we report that Sp1 acts directly through a subset of NF-kappaB binding sites. The DNA binding affinity of Sp1 to these NF-kappaB sites, as determined by their relative dissociation constants and their relative efficiencies as competitor DNAs or as binding site probes, is in the order of that for a consensus GC box Sp1 site. In contrast, NF-kappaB does not bind to a GC box Sp1 site. Sp1 can activate transcription through immunoglobulin kappa-chain enhancer or P-selectin promoter NF-kappaB sites. p50 homodimers replace Sp1 from the P-selectin promoter by binding site competition and thereby either inhibit basal Sp1-driven expression or, in concert with Bcl-3, stimulate expression. The interaction of Sp1 with NF-kappaB sites thus provides a means to keep an elevated basal expression of NF-kappaB-dependent genes in the absence of activated nuclear NF-kappaB/Rel.

Animals

Alternative splicing variants of IkappaB beta establish differential NF-kappaB signal responsiveness in human cells.

To release transcription factor NF-kappaB into the nucleus, the mammalian IkappaB molecules IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta are inactivated by phosphorylation and proteolytic degradation. Both proteins contain conserved signal-responsive phosphorylation sites and have conserved ankyrin repeats. To confer specific physiological functions to members of the NF-kappaB/Rel family, the different IkappaB molecules could vary in their specific NF-kappaB/Rel factor binding activities and could respond differently to activation signals. We have demonstrated that both mechanisms apply to differential regulation of NF-kappaB function by IkappaB beta relative to IkappaB alpha. Via alternative RNA processing, human IkappaB beta gives rise to different protein isoforms. IkappaB beta1 and IkappaB beta2, the major forms in human cells, differ in their carboxy-terminal PEST sequences. IkappaB beta2 is the most abundant species in a number of human cell lines tested, whereas IkappaB beta1 is the only form detected in murine cells. These isoforms are indistinguishable in their binding preferences to cellular NF-kappaB/Rel homo- and heterodimers, which are distinct from those of IkappaB alpha, and both are constitutively phosphorylated. In unstimulated B cells, however, IkappaB beta1, but not IkappaB beta2, is found in the nucleus. Furthermore, the two forms differ markedly in their efficiency of proteolytic degradation after stimulation with several inducing agents tested. While IkappaB beta1 is nearly as responsive as IkappaB alpha, indicative of a shared activation mechanism, IkappaB beta2 is only weakly degraded and often not responsive at all. Alternative splicing of the IkappaB beta pre-mRNA may thus provide a means to selectively control the amount of IkappaB beta-bound NF-kappaB heteromers to be released under NF-kappaB stimulating conditions.

Alternative Splicing

Effect of intracisternal thyrotropin-releasing hormone on hepatic blood flow in rats.

Central neuropeptides play a role in many physiological regulatory processes through the autonomic nervous system. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is distributed in the central nervous system and acts as a neurotransmitter to regulate gastric functions through vagal-muscarinic pathways. The central effect of the TRH analog on hepatic blood flow was investigated in urethan-anesthetized rats. Hepatic blood flow was determined by the hydrogen gas clearance technique. Intracisternal injection of the stable TRH analog RX-77368 (5-100 ng) dose dependently increased hepatic blood flow with peak response at 15 min after the peptide was administered (net change from basal for vehicle and 5, 10, 100, and 500 ng RX-77368 was 2.0 +/- 0.2, 8.9 +/- 0.8, 19.4 +/- 2.6, 32.6 +/- 3.3, and 28.5 +/- 6.8 ml.min-1.100 g-1, respectively), and this stimulatory effect returned to baseline at 90 min. The stimulation of hepatic blood flow by the intracisternally administered TRH analog was abolished by atropine methyl nitrate (0.15 mg/kg ip), indomethacin (5 mg/kg ip), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg iv), and hepatic branch vagotomy but not by cervical spinal cord transection (C6 level). Intravenous injection of RX-77368 did not have any effect on hepatic blood flow. These results indicate that TRH acts in the central nervous system to stimulate hepatic blood flow through vagal-muscarinic and indomethacin- and nitric oxide-dependent pathways.

Animals

Up-regulation of angiotensin type 2 receptor mRNA by angiotensin II in rat cortical cells.

The present experiment demonstrates that the exposure of angiotensin II (AII) produced an up-regulation of the AT2 receptor mRNA level in rat cortical cells. AII (10(-9)-10(-5) M) exerted a marked increase of AT2 receptor mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum increase was observed at 3 hr of AII stimulation and lasted 3 hr. The up-regulation of AT2 receptor mRNA was antagonized by PD123319, an AT2 receptor antagonist, but not by SC-52458, an AT1 receptor antagonist, thus suggesting that the increase in AT2 receptor mRNA is mediated via AT2 receptor. This increase is blocked by serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid, but not by the phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium vanadate, thus suggesting the involvement of serine/threonine phosphatase in this process. Protein kinase C inhibitor, H-7 and calphostin C, did not inhibit the AII-induced up-regulation significantly. In addition, calcium ionophore, A23187 had no effect. These findings suggest that the AT2 receptor mRNA expression by AII is regulated by the activity of serine/threonine phosphatase in the cortical neurons. This observation is also the first example concerning the regulation of AT2 receptor within the brain.

Angiotensin II

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins from apolipoprotein E3/2 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia enhance cholesteryl ester synthesis in human macrophages.

The ability of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins from apolipoprotein (apo) E2 heterozygote, apo E3/2 which is relatively common, to stimulate cholesteryl ester synthesis in human monocyte-derived macrophages was studied to clarify the atherogenicity of apo E3/2. Twenty-three subjects were randomly sampled from our hospitals, and divided into the following 4 groups: 7 apo E3/3 subjects with normolipidemia, 6 apo E3/3 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), 5 apo E3/2 subjects with normolipidemia and 5 apo E3/2 subjects with HTG. Plasma levels of TG and total cholesterol (chol) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in apo E3/3 and apo E3/2 subjects with HTG than in apo E3/3 and apo E3/2 subjects with normolipidemia, but plasma levels of TG and total chol were not significantly different between apo E3/3 and apo E3/2 subjects with HTG. [14C]oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters in macrophages was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in apo E3/2 subjects with HTG (0.661 nmol/mg cell protein) than in apo E3/3 subjects with normolipidemia (0.228) and with HTG (0.325) and in apo E3/2 subjects with normolipidemia (0.257). It is concluded that TG-rich lipoproteins from apolipoprotein E3/2 subjects with HTG enhance cholesteryl ester synthesis in human macrophages.

Apolipoprotein E2

Cholesterol and bile acid metabolism after selective portal vein ligation.

AIM: To examine the regulatory effect of bile acid level on bile acid synthesis in the liver. METHODS: The portal branch perfusing left lateral and median lobes of the liver was ligated in rats and the activities of hepatic microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid synthesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, and intrahepatic concentrations of cholesterol and bile acids were determined in the liver lobes deprived of and supplied with portal blood on Days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7 after selective portal vein ligation (SPVL). RESULTS: In the portal vein (PV)-ligated lobes, liver weight decreased, hepatic cholesterol concentration was unchanged, and microsomal cholesterol concentration increased after SPVL. In the PV-nonligated lobes, liver weight increased, hepatic cholesterol concentration increased, and microsomal cholesterol concentration was unchanged. There were no significant differences in the activities of HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase among the PV-ligated and PV-nonligated lobes and the sham-operated controls. Intrahepatic bile acid level increased significantly in the PV-nonligated lobes for 4 days after SPVL, whereas those were essentially constant in the PV-ligated and the sham-operated control liver. Despite significant changes in the concentrations of intrahepatic cholesterol and bile acid, no significant correlations were observed between these concentrations and the activities of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase. CONCLUSIONS: SPVL causes atrophy and hypertrophy of the PV-ligated and nonligated liver lobes, respectively, without any significant changes in cholesterol and bile acid synthesis. Intrahepatic concentrations of bile acids and cholesterol have no regulatory effect on cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in the SPVL rat model.

Animals

Hepatic adenine nucleotides and microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in the obstructed and freely draining lobes of the liver after selective bile duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The effect of selective bile duct obstruction (SBDO) on hepatic reserve function of the bile duct obstructed (BDO) and nonobstructed freely draining (FD) lobes of the liver is obscure. METHODS: The bile duct branches draining from the left lateral and median lobes of the liver were ligated for 4 and 10 days in rats, and hepatic reserve functions in BDO and FD lobes were assessed by microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities and by hepatic adenine nucleotides and energy charge levels. The values were compared with those in the sham-operated control liver. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities were determined by gas-liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry, and hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels with high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The histological examination of the BDO lobes showed proliferation and formation of new bile ductules and fibrous connective tissues linking portal areas. Microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities, hepatic energy charge and each adenine nucleotide level did not differ between FD and BDO lobes, and the values were similar to those in the sham-operated liver. CONCLUSIONS: Selective bile duct obstruction shows no adverse effects on microsomal and mitochondrial functions in both the BDO and FD lobes of the liver.

Adenine Nucleotides

Discordant splenic uptake of Tc-99m colloid and Tc-99m denatured RBC in candidiasis-endocrinopathy syndrome.

We report discordant splenic uptake of Tc-99m colloid and Tc-99m heat-denatured red blood cells (RBC) which occurred in a 21-year-old female with candidiasis-endocrinopathy syndrome. Tc-99m colloid liver-spleen imaging showed no splenic uptake, suggesting the presence of functional asplenia. A subsequent Tc-99m heat-denatured RBC study clearly revealed a small spleen with preserved sequestrating function. These results may demonstrate that the qualitative dissociation of splenic functions in processing colloid and denatured RBC in functional asplenia: the sequestration function remains while the reticuloendothelial system is impaired.

Adult

Hepatic adenine nucleotides and microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in the obstructed and freely draining lobes of the liver after selective bile duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The effect of selective bile duct obstruction (SBDO) on hepatic reserve function of the bile duct obstructed (BDO) and nonobstructed freely draining (FD) lobes of the liver is obscure. METHODS: The bile duct branches draining from the left lateral and median lobes of the liver were ligated for 4 and 10 days in rats, and hepatic reserve functions in BDO and FD lobes were assessed by microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities and by hepatic adenine nucleotide and energy charge levels. The values were compared with those in sham-operated control liver. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities were determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels with high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The histological examination of the BDO lobes showed proliferation and formation of new bile ductules and fibrous connective tissue linking portal areas. Microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activities, hepatic energy charge and adenine nucleotide levels did not differ between FD and BDO lobes, and the values were similar to those in the sham-operated liver. CONCLUSIONS: Selective bile duct obstruction shows no adverse effects on microsomal and mitochondrial functions in either BDO or FD lobes of the liver.

Adenine Nucleotides

Neuropeptide Y in the dorsal vagal complex stimulates bicarbonate-dependent bile secretion in rats.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Central administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) enhances bile secretion through vagal pathways in animal models. NPY nerve fibers and receptors are localized in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC), and retrograde tracing techniques have shown that hepatic vagal nerves are projected mainly from the left DVC. However, nothing is known about the central sites of action for NPY to elicit bile secretion. The medullary sites of the action for NPY were investigated in this study. METHODS: The bile duct was cannulated in urethane-anesthetized and bile acid-compensated rats. After measuring basal secretion, NPY was microinjected into the DVC and bile response was observed for 100 minutes. Either left or right cervical vagotomy or hepatic branch vagotomy was performed 2 hours before the peptide. RESULTS: Microinjection of NPY (7-30 pmol) into the left DVC, but not the right DVC, dose-dependently increased bile acid-independent and bicarbonate-dependent bile secretion. Stimulation of bile secretion by NPY was eliminated by left cervical and hepatic branch vagotomy but not by right cervical vagotomy. CONCLUSIONS: NPY acts in the left DVC to stimulate bile acid-independent and bicarbonate-dependent bile secretion through the left cervical and hepatic vagus; these findings suggest that neuropeptides may act in the specific brain nuclei to regulate hepatic function.

Animals

Effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on serum levels of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroid patients with untreated Graves' disease.

We performed a randomized, open prospective study to determine the effect of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha (OH)D3] on hyperthyroidism in patients with untreated Graves' disease. At the time of entry into the study, 30 patients were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 30 mg methimazole (MMI) (group A, n = 15) or the same dose of MMI supplemented with 1.5 micrograms 1 alpha (OH)D3 (group B, n = 15). These treatment regimens were continued for 24 weeks, and physicians were allowed to adjust MMI dosage during follow-up visits. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), T3, T4, thyrotropin (TSH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb) were determined. During the follow-up periods, all patients became euthyroid. The dose of MMI was not significantly different between these two groups. In contrast, decreases in mean serum FT3 and FT4 levels, as well as in mean serum T3 and T4 levels, were greater in group B. Correspondingly, the reciprocal increase in the mean TSH level was more prominent in group B. Mean TRAb levels did not differ between the two groups. Mean serum ALP levels in group B were significantly lower than in group A at 24 weeks. Thus, we suggest that concomitant administration of 1 alpha (OH)D3 is useful for treating hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease.

Adolescent

The effect of nitric oxide on uterine and umbilical artery flow velocity waveform in pre-eclampsia.

We compared the flow velocity waveforms of uterine and umbilical arteries in normotensive and pre-eclamptic patients at mid-gestation. In a randomised controlled trial we tested the effects of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN, nitric oxide donor) patch therapy on the flow velocity waveform of pre-eclamptic patients at mid-gestation. The resistance indices (RI) of human uterine and umbilical arteries were higher in pre-eclamptic patients compared to the normotensive patients. ISDN patch therapy significantly reduced the increased RI values of the umbilical artery in pre-eclamptic patients without any change in systemic blood pressures, but the RI values of the uterine artery were not significantly attenuated. The change of the umbilical artery might be due to the improvement of end-diastolic flow velocity. These results suggest that the feto-placental circulation in pre-eclampsia, perhaps due to the disturbance of the endothelium-dependent vaso-relaxation system, and that ISDN therapy may improve the impaired endothelium dependent nitric oxide system.

Administration, Cutaneous

Central thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulates hepatic DNA synthesis in rats.

Central neuropeptides play a role as physiological regulators in the autonomic nervous system. One of these neuropeptides, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), is distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and acts as a neurotransmitter to regulate gastric functions through the vagus nerve. However, the autonomic nervous system is also involved in hepatic regeneration, but the effect of TRH is unknown. Therefore, the CNS's effect of TRH on hepatic DNA synthesis was studied in rats. Hepatic DNA synthesis was assessed by [Methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after intracisternal injection of the TRH analog, RX 77368 (1, 5, 10, and 100 ng), and by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of the liver section. Hepatic DNA synthesis was stimulated by intracisternal TRH analog (10 ng), with a peak response at 24 hours after peptide injection, and returned to baseline by 72 hours. This stimulatory effect by central TRH analog on hepatic DNA synthesis was dose-related, ranging from 1 ng to 10 ng (dpm/microg DNA at 24 hours [mean +/- SE]: saline, 95 +/- 6; 1 ng, 114 +/- 14; 5 ng, 318 +/- 57; 10 ng, 693 +/- 78; 100 ng, 710 +/- 135). Hepatocytes were randomly labeled by BrdU 24 hours after intracisternal TRH analog (10 ng). Intravenous TRH analog (10 ng) did not influence hepatic DNA synthesis. The stimulatory effect of TRH analog was blocked by hepatic branch vagotomy and atropine, but not by hepatic sympathectomy, 6-hydroxydopamine, insulin antibody, or hypophysectomy. These results indicate that TRH acts in the CNS to stimulate hepatic DNA synthesis through vagal and cholinergic mechanisms, and that TRH may be the chemical messenger involved in brain regulation of hepatic proliferation.

Animals

[A case of retinal detachment in Kniest dysplasia treated with vitreous surgery].

We report a case of retinal detachment with Kniest dysplasia for which vitreous surgery was effective. The patient was a 7-year-old female who had the typical ocular and physical findings of this disease. Visual acuity was light perception alone due to a hypermature cataract and bullous retinal detachment. We performed cataract surgery and pars plana vitrectomy, and used silicone oil tamponade. After seven months, the silicone oil was removed, and visual acuity improved to 0.09. We conclude that bullous retinal detachment with Kniest dysplasia can be treated by vitreous surgery in combination with the use of silicone oil tamponade.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Thioredoxin: a redox-regulating cellular cofactor for glucocorticoid hormone action. Cross talk between endocrine control of stress response and cellular antioxidant defense system.

Adaptation to stress evokes a variety of biological responses, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and synthesis of a panel of stress-response proteins at cellular levels: for example, expression of thioredoxin (TRX) is significantly induced under oxidative conditions. Glucocorticoids, as a peripheral effector of the HPA axis, exert their actions via interaction with a ligand-inducible transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR). However, how these stress responses coordinately regulate cellular metabolism is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that either antisense TRX expression or cellular treatment with H2O2 negatively modulates GR function and decreases glucocorticoid-inducible gene expression. Impaired cellular response to glucocorticoids is rescued by overexpression of TRX, most possibly through the functional replenishment of the GR. Moreover, not only the ligand binding domain but the DNA binding domain of the GR is also suggested to be a direct target of TRX. Together, we here present evidence showing that cellular glucocorticoid responsiveness is coordinately modulated by redox state and TRX level and propose that cross talk between neuroendocrine control of stress responses and cellular antioxidant systems may be essential for mammalian adaptation processes.

Animals