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Biomedical subjects

K Nomiyama

Publications and source records attributed to K Nomiyama.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Critical levels of blood and urinary cadmium, urinary beta 2-microglobulin and retinol-binding protein for monitoring cadmium health effects.

The critical levels for monitoring cadmium health effects in 358 workers engaged in ore crushing/roasting (cadmium concentration in the workplace air 2.5-6.5 mg/m3), dry smelting (10.8-23.3 mg/m3), cadmium melting (0.01-0.16 mg/m3), and ingot making (2.8-4.7 mg/m3), were investigated. Exposure parameters such as blood and urinary cadmium were determined, together with biological parameters such as proteinuria, amino acids, glucose, beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, albumin, plasma beta 2-microglobulin, creatinine clearance, tubular reabsorption of beta 2-microglobulin and phosphate, and blood and urinary levels of zinc, copper and lead. Factor analysis and stepwise regression analysis were then applied to the data to classify parameters and to find the main contributing parameter. Blood and urinary cadmium, urinary beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein and the ratio of urinary beta 2-microglobulin to albumin were also subjected to multiple correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and the Chi-square test was applied to contingency tables. It is concluded, based on the data, that cadmium health effects may be assessed by using the following critical levels: blood cadmium: 10 micrograms/l, urinary cadmium: 10 micrograms/g creatinine; urinary beta 2-microglobulin: 2000 micrograms/g creatinine, urinary retinol-binding protein: 200 micrograms/g creatinine and a ratio of urinary beta 2-microglobulin to albumin of 0.001.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[A case of idiopathic hemochromatosis associated with gastric cancer].

A 76-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of general fatigue in June 1987. He had received total gastrectomy against gastric carcinoma two years previously. The examinations revealed the elevation of GOT, GPT and gamma-GTP, and increased CT number of the liver. Specimen of the liver biopsy showed deposition of iron and slight fibrosis. He was diagnosed as idiopathic hemochromatosis. He was given deferoxamine, and his elevated GOT, GPT and gamma-GTP were normalized. Idiopathic hemochromatosis is frequently associated with various malignancies including hepatic carcinoma. However, only a few cases of idiopathic hemochromatosis associated with gastric carcinoma have been reported.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of the properties of ribonucleases in human liver tissue and serum.

Two ribonucleases (RNases) with acidic pH optima were partially purified, one from normal human liver tissue and the other from serum. The properties of the two enzymes were studied and compared. Liver RNase was partially purified about 700-fold by acid fractionation, phosphocellulose column chromatography, Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, and polyguanylate affinity column chromatography. Serum RNase was purified about 1200-fold by phosphocellulose column chromatography and Sephadex G-75 gel filtration. The two RNases showed a similar optimal pH and molecular mass, and similar behaviour towards metal ions, but they differed in their substrate specificity. Liver RNase displayed a higher activity towards polyuridylate (poly(U)) than towards polycytidylate (poly(C)), while serum RNase hydrolysed poly(C) more rapidly than poly(U). These findings suggest that liver RNase is not the primary source of the serum RNase with an acidic pH optimum.

Cations↗
PubMed1992

Marked reduction of cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with advanced cirrhosis: a positron emission tomography study.

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2), and oxygen extraction fraction (rOEF) were measured using positron emission tomography (PET) in four patients with cirrhosis (two males and two females, aged 57 to 69 years) in comparison with those in five age-matched controls with previous transient global amnesia. PET studies were carried out when the patients were fully alert and oriented after the episodes of encephalopathy. In the patients, rCBF tended to be lower, while rCMRO2 was significantly lowered in almost all hemisphere cortices, more markedly in the frontal cortex. Our results suggest that the brain oxygen metabolism is diffusely impaired in patients with advanced cirrhosis, and the frontal cortex seems to be more susceptible to the systemic metabolic derangements induced by chronic liver disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[Effects of rice bran fiber and cholestyramine on peripheral blood cells and biochemical parameters in Yusho].

To investigate clinical effects of rice bran fiber and cholestyramine therapy in Yusho, peripheral blood cells and biochemical parameters were studied before and after therapy in eleven healthy volunteers and four patients with Yusho who were treated with rice bran fiber 30 g/day and cholestyramine 12 g/day for 7 days. In healthy volunteers, a significant elevation in total leukocyte counts as well as lymphocyte counts was observed after therapy (leukocyte p less than 0.005, and lymphocyte, p less than 0.01). In lymphocyte subpopulations, significant elevations were found in CD3- and B1-positive cells (CD3, p less than 0.05 and B1, p less than 0.001). However, no significant effect of the treatment was observed in reticulocyte counts or platelet counts. In biochemical parameters, total cholesterol levels decreased significantly, from 208 +/- 36 mg/dl (mean +/- SD) to 173 +/- 30 mg/dl (p less than 0.001), after therapy. HDL-cholesterol levels were also reduced significantly after therapy (from 50 +/- 12 to 46 +/- 13/mg/dl; p less than 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels increased significantly, from 155 +/- 96 to 195 +/- 133 mg/dl (p less than 0.05), after therapy. A significant increase was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, while significant depressions were found in serum levels of total bilirubin, total protein, gamma-globulin, creatinine, and calcium. In four Yusho patients who received rice bran fiber and cholestyramine therapy twice with more than one month interval, the clinical effects of therapy in addition to biochemical effects were studied. An only significant effect was observed in serum levels of total cholesterol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Positron emission tomography (PET) before and after treatment of hyperammonemia in a patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis].

A 56 year-old-male liver cirrhosis patient was admitted because of hepatic encephalopathy with hyperammonemia. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) by using PET before and after treatment of hyperammonemia. At the time of the first PET, serum ammonia was 152 micrograms/dl and on the second PET it was 88 micrograms/dl. The electroencephalogram and number connection test also improved on the second PET. CBF and CMRO2 were decreased by 25-42% in comparison to normal control and OEF increased 1-24% at first examination. Similar abnormal reduction of both CBF and CMRO2 and increase of OEF were seen at second examination. Reduced CBF and CMRO2 regardless of serum ammonia level suggests that heptic encephalopathy may be, at least in part, associated with pathological changes in brain tissue induced by hepatic metabolic disorder.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1991

[A case of liver cirrhosis associated with chronic subdural hematoma and hepatic encephalopathy].

A 58-year-old male liver cirrhosis patient, who had a history of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, was admitted to our hospital because of clouding of consciousness. He had an episode of recent head trauma. On admission, he was drowsy and exhibited flapping tremor, fetor hepaticus and ascites. Laboratory data showed an increase in blood ammonia level, and a decrease in peripheral thrombocytes, serum albumin and prothrombin value. A ratio of branched-chain to aromatic amino acids was reduced. Antibody against hepatitis C virus was positive. His electroencephalogram showed bilaterally large synchronous slow waves. He was treated with intravenous branched-chain amino acids, and recovered. Cranial computed tomography on day 9 demonstrated a crescent shaped area of low density in the right frontotempoparietal subdural region. He was diagnosed as chronic subdural hematoma, which was treated surgically. It has been suggested that chronic subdural hematomas develop as a complication of hemostatic deficiency due to liver cirrhosis.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1991

[The effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) on liver function test in patients with liver cirrhosis].

Five patients with hypersplenism associated with liver cirrhosis were treated by PSE and the changes of peripheral blood cells and liver function tests were observed. After PSE, all patients had a high fever and abdominal pain continued for a few weeks without severe complications. Peripheral blood cell counts improved soon after PSE and liver function tests (hepaplastin test and ICGR15) grew transiently worse, but they also improved within two months. During 4.5 to 10 months, the levels of albumin and total cholesterol of three patients increased, although the changes of bilirubin level and HPT were not shown. For other two patients, it was difficult to estimate the effect of PSE, because one patient was treated at the same time with lipiodol chemoembolization for HCC and another patient had a progress of nephrotic syndrome. On the other hand, ICG levels were stable after PSE but RI-uptake on liver scintigram increased in the liver. These results suggest that PSE may be able to improve not only hypersplenism but also liver function in the patients with compensated liver cirrhosis without severe complication.

Blood Cell Count↗
PubMed1990

Chronic inhalation effects of tetrachloroethylene on hepatic and renal microsomal electron transport components and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in rats.

Hepatic and renal microsomal electron transport components and erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase were investigated in adult male rats exposed to 0, 50, 200 and 600 ppm tetrachloroethylene for 4 weeks. Body weight and liver weight showed a significant decrease only in the 600 ppm group. A dose-dependent decrease in erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase was observed at 200 and 600 ppm. Serum transaminase activity (SGPT) showed an increase in the 600 ppm group only. Hepatic and renal microsomal protein content showed an increase in all groups except in the kidneys of the 600 ppm group. Induction of hepatic cytochrome b5 activity was observed in all groups. However, hepatic cytochrome P-450 showed an induction and slight inhibition at 200 and 600 ppm respectively, without any alteration at 50 ppm. Renal microsomal cytochrome P-450 activity was induced in all groups. Induction of hepatic and renal NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity was observed at 600 ppm, but no alteration was seen at 50 and 200 ppm. These results indicate that chronic inhalation of tetrachloroethylene at higher levels alters mixed-function oxidase and heme metabolism.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1990

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis].

A 36 years old man with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis therapy presented with a hepatic mass which was diagnosed by ultrasonography, and was admitted to our hospital. Computer tomography and hepatic angiography revealed hepatocellular carcinoma of the right anterior superior segment of the liver. His liver function test, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen levels in the serum were within the normal range. HBs antigen was also negative. Resection of right antero-superior segment was done following transcatheter arterial embolization. The tumor was homogeneous and light yellowish in color, and well demarcated by the capsule. Nontumorous tissue did not show either fibrosis or any inflammatory reaction. In general, hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with a positive HBs antigen and altered liver function. We here report a rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma in a man who was undergoing haemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure with normal liver function test and negative HBs antigen.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[A case of alcoholic cirrhosis demonstrating long-term poor-visualization of the hepatic image on 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy].

A 27-year-old female patient with alcoholic cirrhosis was reported. She was admitted to the hospital because of jaundice and ascites after heavy drinking. She had a history of drinking Japanese Sake in quantities of more than 5 go/day (900 ml/day) for 7 years. On admission, she was icteric, and had both hepatosplenomegaly and ascites. Laboratory data showed an elevation of serum transaminase and bilirubin, and a decrease in the albumin and prothrombin values. A biopsy specimen of the liver showed pericellular fibrosis, fatty change, Mallory bodies and regenerative nodules, and revealed findings compatible with alcoholic cirrhosis. A 99mTc-N-pyridoxyl-5-methyltryptophan scintigram showed hepatomegaly. On the 99mTc-phytate scintigram, the uptake of radioisotope to the liver was markedly decreased with the increased uptake to the spleen and bone marrow. Even 6 months after the onset, poor visualization of the hepatic image on 99mTc-phytate scintigram continued. This is the first report of alcoholic cirrhosis demonstrating a long-term poor visualization of the hepatic image on 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Chronic exposure to cadmium did not impair vitamin D metabolism in monkeys.

Vitamin D metabolism in primates with chronic exposure to cadmium was studied in relation to Itai-Itai disease. In a series of experiments, crab-eating monkeys were fed cadmium-contaminated rice (1.33 micrograms Cd/g) or a diet containing 3 micrograms/g cadmium chloride for 6 years. These treatments had no effect on the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the serum. This is consistent with unchanged production of 1,25(OH)2D and 24,25(OH)2D by renal mitochondria prepared from the same animals. No indication of renal dysfunction was observed. In another series of experiments, rhesus monkeys were fed a diet containing 3, 10, 30, or 100 micrograms/g cadmium for 9 years. Serum vitamin D metabolites and renal production of 24,25(OH)2D also remained unchanged. In contrast, renal 25(OH)D-1-hydroxylase (1-hydroxylase), which is responsible for the production of 1,25(OH)2D, seemed to be suppressed in the animals fed 30 or 100 micrograms/kg cadmium-contaminated diet (no statistical significance). These animals had indications of mild renal dysfunction, and there was a strong negative correlation between 1-hydroxylase and urinary concentration of either protein or beta 2-microglobulin. These data suggest a slight change in the total enzyme activity, possibly due to mild renal dysfunction. Since substrate (25(OH)D) concentration is much lower and thus rate-limiting in vivo as compared with that in vitro assay system used in this study, the slight change of enzyme activity would not have been sufficient to affect the serum level of 1,25(OH)2D. No skeletal abnormality was observed in any of these animals. In view of these data, the length of cadmium exposure and the life span of animals as well as epidemiological data published elsewhere, factors other than cadmium may also be involved in the development of Itai-Itai disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[Result of patch test and allergic contact dermatitis--statistics over the past six years].

Over the past six years we have practised the examination of standard allergen patch test for patients with allergic contact dermatitis or other contact skin diseases and report the data in this paper. Three hundred and ninety-four patients, who complained of itching and skin legion due to contact with chemical agents were examined. Following the widespread use of the patch test procedure, we used eighteen standard allergenic agents and about eighty percent of these patients showed positive reaction. Furthermore, over fifty percent of the patients manifested positive reaction to the plural allergenic agents. The highest percentage of positive reaction was found in the 30-40 years old patients. Of the series of allergenic agents, urushiol caused the highest positive reaction. Among other agents, metal group, e.g., cobalt chloride, and formalin were also high. Many positive patients to paraphenylendiamine (PPI) were engaged in the occupations associated with PPD. This evidence indicates that the materials that are frequently treated at the place of work or homelife play a major role in the pathogenesis of allergic contact skin diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Effects of dietary cadmium on rhesus monkeys.

Ten male rhesus monkeys, each weighing 3.5 kg, were divided into four groups of 3, 3, 2, and 2, and were fed daily with 100 g pelleted food containing 300, 30, 3, and 0 ppm cadmium, respectively. Urine samples were collected every 2 weeks and blood samples every 4 weeks. One monkey each of the 300 and 30 ppm groups was autopsied for pathological examination and tissue cadmium determination at the week 24 of the experiment; the remaining 8 animals were killed after 55 weeks. The lowest exposed group (3 ppm) did not show any specific biological response to cadmium over a period of 55 weeks. In the 30 ppm group, no significant changes were observed for up to 24 weeks, although cadmium concentration in the renal cortex and urine at 24 weeks were 300 mug/g wet weight and 18 mug/l., respectively. Plasma urea nitrogen and urine protein (quantitative determination) increased after 30 and 36 weeks. At 55 weeks of the experiment, qualitative tests were negative for low molecular weight proteinuria and glycosuria, and the results remained normal for renal and liver function tests and blood analysis, although cadmium concentrations in the renal cortex of two monkeys were 460 and 730 mug/g wet weight and those in the liver were 110 and 160 mug/g wet weight, respectively. In the highest exposure group (300 ppm), urine cadmium increased to 250 mug/l. by 11 weeks, and urine retinol-binding protein, plasma GOT, GPT, and LDH increased after 12 weeks. Proteinuria (quantitative determination), glycosuria, aminoaciduria (panaminoaciduria), and erythrocytopenia were observed after 16 weeks, when urine cadmium was 500-900 mug/l. Hypohemoglobinopathy and proteinuria (qualitative determination) were observed after 20 and 24 weeks, while cadmium concentrations in the renal cortex and the liver were 760 and 430 mug/g wet weight at 24 weeks, respectively. Slightly depressed tubular reabsorption of phosphate, increased urine beta(2)-microglobulin, increased plasma urea nitrogen, and increased plasma alpha(2)-globulin fraction (electrophoresis) were observed between 28 and 30 weeks of the experiment. Creatinine clearance and plasma cholinesterase decreased after 47 and 54 weeks, respectively. Cadmium concentrations in the renal cortex and the liver of two monkeys at 55 weeks were 350 and 580 mug/g wet weight and 410 and 630 mug/g wet weight, respectively. Pathological examinations revealed denaturation, destruction, and regeneration of the epithelial cells in renal proximal tubules, but no pathological changes in osseous tissues. Critical cadmium concentration in the renal cortex was estimated to be 380 mug/g wet weight for low molecular weight proteinuria and 470 mug/g wet weight for proteinuria, glycosuria, and aminoaciduria. Critical concentration in the liver was also estimated to be 210 mug/g wet weight. The apparent biological half-time of cadmium in monkeys at autopsied stage was calculated to be 0.66, 6.4, 5.2, and 22.4 years for the 300, 30, 3, and 0 ppm groups, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

[Health effects of trichloroethylene in human subjects (author's transl)].

Trichloroethylene has been widely used for the removal of grease in dry cleaning, plate and painting industries, in which approximately 280 thousand workers contact trichloroethylene, for example, in the United States, resulting in acute and chronic poisonings. Based on 203 papers mainly on trichloroethylene toxicity on human beings, the present review covers acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, factors modifying toxicity, metabolism, dose-response relationships and maximum allowable concentration of this chemical. 1 figure and 12 tables.

Acute Disease↗