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Biomedical subjects

K Kitamura

Publications and source records attributed to K Kitamura.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Time course of changes in mu-opioid receptor mRNA levels in the periaqueductal gray of rat brain by a single or repeated injections of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

The effect of phosphorothioated antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS ODN) against the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) on MOR mRNA level in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of rat brain was investigated. The MOR mRNA levels at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after MOR AS ODN microinjection into the PAG were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The MOR mRNA level was significantly decreased only at 12 h after the injection of 10 microg MOR AS ODN. When 10 microg MOR AS ODN was given three times at the interval of 48 h, MOR mRNA levels were significantly decreased at 6, 12 and 24 h after the last injection of the AS ODN. However, MOR mRNA levels were not significantly changed by three injections at 48-h interval of MOR sense ODN or AS ODNs against delta- and kappa-opioid receptors, although the two latter AS ODNs significantly reduced the respective targeted mRNA levels. In conclusion, the present results show that the selective decrease in MOR mRNA is at least one reason why the reported diminished effects of MOR agonists are produced in animals pretreated with MOR AS ODN, although they could be produced through several mechanisms in which MOR mRNA level does not change.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Autotransplantation and stent implantation for bilateral renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia.

A 36-yr-old male was found to have renovascular hypertension due to an occluded right renal artery and 70% stenosis in the left renal artery, caused by fibromuscular dysplasia. The right kidney was supplied by collateral blood flow, and secreted more renin than the left kidney. Two differential therapeutic approaches were taken: autotransplantation for the right kidney and percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty followed by stent implantation for the left. The renovascular hypertension was treated with these therapies, preserving renal function in this patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Plasma adrenomedullin and natriuretic peptides in patients with essential or malignant hypertension.

Adrenomedullin (AM), a potent vasodilator and natriuretic peptide, is found in human blood. To investigate the pathophysiological role of AM in essential and malignant hypertension (EHT and MHT), we measured the plasma concentrations of AM in patients with EHT of WHO stage I or II (n = 42) and in those with MHT (n = 9) by a specific radioimmunoassay, and compared these concentrations with those in normotensive controls (n = 46). The plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) in these subjects were also measured by immunoradiometric assays, and their relations to plasma AM were examined. The plasma AM level in the EHT patients (7.15+/-0.21 pmol/l, mean+/-SEM) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that in the normotensive controls (6.14+/-0.25 pmol/l), and a further elevation was observed in the MHT patients (14.1+/-3.8 pmol/l). Similar elevations of plasma ANP and BNP were seen in the two patient groups. The plasma AM level significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with not only the systolic (r = 0.44) and diastolic (r = 0.46) blood pressures, but also with the plasma levels of ANP (r = 0.43) and BNP (r = 0.43). The elevated plasma concentration of AM in the MHT patients decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after antihypertensive treatment, and the plasma ANP and BNP levels similarly declined. These results suggest that AM may participate, along with ANP and BNP, in mechanisms counteracting a further elevation of blood pressure in patients with EHT and MHT.

Adrenomedullin↗
PubMed1999

Molecular forms of circulating adrenomedullin in patients with congestive heart failure.

In the biosynthesis of adrenomedullin (AM), an intermediate form, AM(1-52)-glycine-COOH (iAM), is cleaved from proAM and subsequently processed to a biologically active mature form, AM(1-52)-NH2 (mAM), by enzymatic amidation. We recently reported that immunoreactive AM in human plasma consists of mAM and iAM. To clarify the pathophysiological roles of mAM and iAM in heart failure, we established an assay method to specifically detect mAM, and we determined the plasma concentrations of mAM and iAM in 68 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The plasma mAM concentrations of the CHF patients classified as being class I or II of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification were significantly greater than those of the 28 healthy controls, and a further increase was noted in the class III or IV patients. Similar increases in plasma iAM were also observed in these patients compared with controls. The increased plasma mAM and iAM in 12 patients with exacerbated CHF were significantly reduced by treatment of their CHF for 7 days. In addition, the plasma concentrations of both mAM and iAM were significantly correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure, cardiothoracic ratio, heart rate, and the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides in the CHF patients. Thus the plasma concentrations of both mAM and iAM were increased progressively in proportion to the severity of CHF. These results suggest that, though the role of iAM remains to be clarified, mAM acts against the further deterioration of heart failure in patients with CHF.

Adrenomedullin↗
PubMed1999

Malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple hepatic metastases treated by chemotherapy and transcatheter arterial embolization.

A 62-year-old Japanese male developed multiple hepatic metastases two years after resection of pheochromocytoma of the right adrenal gland. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed for the purpose of the treatment of hepatic metastases resistant to 27 cycles of combined chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine. After TAE, the hepatic metastatic lesions decreased in size and hypertension passed its crisis. The present case suggests the utility of TAE for multiple hepatic metastases under careful blood pressure monitoring.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Surgical management of symptomatic intrasellar arachnoid cysts--two case reports.

Two patients with symptomatic intrasellar arachnoid cyst were successfully treated. A 67-year-old female with a cyst 20 mm in diameter developed headache and visual disturbance. She was treated by transsphenoidal surgery. A 59-year-old male with a cyst measuring 35 x 30 x 50 mm causing headache, visual disturbance, and deterioration of consciousness was managed by wide resection of the cyst wall via craniotomy. Postoperative courses in both patients were uneventful. Transsphenoidal surgery may be suitable for small to medium-sized cysts, although tight packing of the sella is mandatory to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. However, craniotomy is recommended for large intra- and suprasellar arachnoid cysts to avoid this complication, and to achieve sufficient communication between the cyst and the subarachnoid cistern.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effects of dioxins on human health: a review.

The toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) has been known since 1950s. TCDD is a by-product of herbicide 2,4-dichloroacetophenol (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichloroacetophenol (2,4,5-T), but it was first found in fryash of municipal incinerator in 1979 in Japan. In 1998, the survey of municipal incinerators revealed that 105 out of 1,641 produced above the allowed emission level of 80 ng TEQ/m3. Total annual release of dioxins is estimated to be about 5,000 g TEQ in 1997 in Japan. Japanese government started a comprehensive survey for dioxin levels in milk and blood of residents around incinerators, and their health effects. Human effects by dioxin exposures in Western countries were mostly acute and at high level in accidentally and/or occupationally. Health effects of low-dose and long lasting exposure has not been well understood. Certain amount of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) is accumulated in our body. Mother's milk is also contaminated by PCDD/PCDF. Health effects of the polychlorinated chemicals are summarized, and the necessity of regulations and recommendations for making a guideline is discussed in this review.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Sexual behaviour of commercial sex workers and their clients in Cambodia. Japan-Cambodia Collaborating Research Group.

OBJECTIVE: This study surveyed the sexual behaviour of commercial sex workers and their clients in an attempt to identify factors of transmission of STDs (including HIV/AIDS) and to control their epidemics in Cambodia and South-East Asia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Trained questioners asked items of the questionnaires to each objective subject in December 1996. Data were analysed to show the descriptive status by risk group of each person. PARTICIPANTS: 200 direct commercial sex workers, 220 indirect commercial sex workers, and 211 clients in Phnom Penh. RESULTS: Prostitution was widely accepted by both young males and females, and this was an easy way for young girls to obtain money. Although commercial sex workers and clients were knowledgeable about prevention methods against STDs, they seldom used condoms. Some commercial sex workers had been infected with STDs many times, and many of them incompletely treated the diseases by themselves. Social support from governmental and non-governmental organisation was poor. CONCLUSIONS: It is very important to support both commercial sex workers in practicing preventive methods against STDs and also visiting physicians when they notice symptoms of STDs. It is strongly recommended that not only governmental but also non-governmental organisations should be more active in this area.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

[A clinical study of inoperable head and neck cancers].

Thirty two patients with inoperable head and neck cancer seen at Jichi Medical School Hospital during the period 1978 to 1995 were analyzed. Distribution of the affected site was as follows: 15 cases of oropharynx, 12 of hypopharynx, and 3 of larynx. In order to study a better performance status, prognosis and side effects were compared between radiotherapy alone (17 patients) and combined radiochemotherapy (15 patients). Patients who received the combined therapy survived longer than those patients who received radiotherapy alone. Moreover, high QOL was obtained longer in the combined therapy. Therefore, we conclude that radiotherapy should be combined with chemotherapy for cases with inoperable head and neck cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[The investigation of age-specific PSA reference range as the cut-off values in the mass screening for prostatic cancer].

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine age-specific PSA reference ranges in Japanese healthy men and investigate the effectiveness of these ranges as the cut-off values in the mas screening for prostatic cancer. METHODS: The study included a total of 5,206 male aged from 55 to 89 years old who wished to submit the mass screening for prostatic cancer in an urban area of Kyoto in 1995-1997, but had no evident prostatic cancer. We measured serum PSA levels by the filter paper method (Delfia PSA kit). RESULTS: We found the increase in serum PSA levels with the advancing age. With the 95th percentile for serum PSA as the upper limit, the age-specific PSA reference ranges were determined to be 2.1 ng/ml for patients aged 55 to 59 years old, 3.2 ng/ml for 60 to 69 years old, 4.4 ng/ml for 70 to 79 years old, 6.5 ng/ml for 80 to 89 years old. If we used these ranges as the cut-off values in the mass screening this time, five cases from 76 to 89 years old of prostatic cancer were overlooked. CONCLUSIONS: We found the increase in serum PSA levels with advancing age. But the positive proof of using this range to a mass screening for prostatic cancer was not certified, because time incidence of prostatic cancer in the examinees was uncertain and there is a possibility of overlooking some cases.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1999

[Epidemiological study on HIV/AIDS in Cambodia seroprevalence of HIV/STD among commercial sex workers].

OBJECTIVE: To describe epidemiological features of HIV prevalence among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Cambodia, a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire study and serological tests was carried out from December 1997 to January 1998. We report the main results of the analyses of serological tests in this article. METHODS: Two hundred ninety six CSWs working in Sisophon and Poi Pet, located in northwest Cambodia, Bantey Mean Chey province, were recruited for interview based on a questionnaire on sexual behavior, and serological tests. The blood samples were examined for HIV antibody, Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody, TPHA, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and Hepatitis B surface antibody. The relationship between HIV and the other STD's was analyzed by using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The HIV seroprevalence rate was 43.9% (130 out of 296). The seropositive rate of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody (C.T.-IgG-Ab) was 73.3% (217 out of 296). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between C.T.-IgG-Ab positive and HIV prevalence. (Odds Ratio: 5.33; 95% Confidence Interval, 2.82-10.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the existence of Chlamydia trachomatis is closely related with HIV prevalence among CSWs in Cambodia. Other STDs may also increase susceptibility to male-to-female sexual transmission of HIV. This suggests that appropriate prevention against STDs will be needed for the control of HIV prevalence in Cambodia.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

[Development of cancer treatment practice guidelines in Japan: advantages and disadvantages].

The development of clinical practice guidelines for the systematic treatment of cancer is being promoted as a way to assist clinicians and patients. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of developing clinical practice guidelines for both clinicians and patients are discussed. Physicians may regard guidelines to be unrealistic, and some may even consider guidelines to be a challenge to their autonomy. However, the advantages of guidelines for the patients and clinicians exceed any disadvantages. The development of guidelines should therefore be promoted, although with consideration of both the many advantages and disadvantages for clinicians and patients.

Diagnosis-Related Groups↗
PubMed1999

[Treatment of postoperative recurrence of digestive cancers: peritonitis carcinomatosa].

Carcinomatous peritonitis is the most frequent type of recurrence observed after surgery for cancer of the digestive tract. Most patients with carcinomatous peritonitis present with bowel obstruction and/or ascites. Surgical treatment including colostomy and intestinal anastomosis and chemotherapy have been attempted in patients with carcinomatous peritonitis, although the results have not been satisfactory. New drug delivery systems, such as mitomycin C-adsorbed charcoal, anticancer drugs entrapped in microspheres, and immunoconjugates composed of anticancer drugs and antibodies, will be powerful new tools for the treatment of metastatic cancer.

Digestive System Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

[Phyllodes tumor of the breast with cystic portion: MR imaging with histopathological correlation].

The purpose of this study was to reassess the MR imaging appearance and significance of dynamic MR imaging in phyllodes tumor with cystic portion. MR imaging in four patients with surgically proven phyllodes tumor was reviewed both radiologically and histopathologically. In all cases, T2WI showed inhomogeneous signal intensity with a hypointense area and internal septation in the solid portion. At histopathological examination, collagenous fibers and hemorrhage were seen in the area corresponding to hypointensity in the solid portion on T2WI. In the dynamic study, three cases showed the gradual type and one the rapid type. The percentage of cystic portion in the gradual type was over 30%, and in the rapid type, 6%. Cases of the gradual type, histopathologically, showed apparent hemorrhage, necrosis, cystic dilatation of the duct, sclerotic change, and a less densely stromal component than the rapid type. In conclusion, we speculate that the dynamic pattern may reflect changes in tumor angiogenesis that do not correlate with either malignancy or benignancy. On T2WI, internal septation and a hypointense area are considered useful for diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Neuroimaging findings of hemiconvulsions, hemiplegia, epilepsy (HHE) syndrome].

A 32-year-old man with hemiconvulsions, hemiplegia, epilepsy (HHE) syndrome is described. He was well developed with a normal pregnancy and delivery, but at age 10 months, he had status epilepticus during a febrile illness. Thereafter, he was noted to have left hemiparesis and mental retardation with recurrent hemiconvulsions. Magnetic resonance (MR) images showed atrophy and degeneration of the right cerebral cortex and white matter, homolateral thalamus, caudate nucleus, and hippocampus, with hyperintensities in both T2-weighted (TR/2200, TE/90) and proton (TR/2200, TE/30) images. There were also slight bilateral cerebellar atrophies. Quantitative single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) images using technetium-99m-ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) revealed markedly reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the right cerebral hemisphere, homolateral thalamus, caudate nucleus and bilateral cerebellum. Bilateral putamen and the medial occipital lobe showed normal findings on MR images and normal regional CBF in SPECT images. We suppose these selective neuronal injures in this case of HHE syndrome will be mainly due to histotoxic factors in epileptic brain damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Cell lineage analysis of pattern formation in the Tubifex embryo. I. Segmentation in the mesoderm.

Annelids are strongly segmented animals that display a high degree of metamerism in their body plan. The embryonic origin of metameric segmentation was examined in an oligochaete annelid Tubifex using lineage tracers. Segmental organization arises sequentially in the anterior-to-posterior direction along the longitudinal axis of the mesodermal germ band, a coherent column of primary blast cells that are produced from the mesodermal teloblast. Shortly after its birth, each primary blast cell undergoes a spatiotemporally stereotyped sequence of cell divisions to generate three classes of cells (in terms of cell size), which together give rise to a distinct cell cluster. Each cluster is composed of descendants of a single primary blast cell; there is no intermingling of cells between adjacent clusters. Relatively small-sized cells in each cluster become localized at its periphery, and they form coelomic walls including an intersegmental septum to establish individuality of segments. A set of cell ablation experiments showed that these features of mesodermal segmentation are not affected by the absence of the overlying ectodermal germ band. These results suggest that each primary blast cell serves as a founder cell of each mesodermal segment and that the boundary between segments is determined autonomously. It is concluded that the metameric body plan of Tubifex arises from an initially simple organization (i.e., a linear series) of segmental founder cells.

Animals↗