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Biomedical subjects

K Okuma

Publications and source records attributed to K Okuma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Patients' views on residual blood use for research purposes.

In order to document patients' views on residual blood use for research purposes, a questionnaire survey was conducted at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital in October 1997. Subjects were patients who had undergone blood tests at a central blood sampling room in the morning during the week of the study enrollment. The questionnaire was handed out and collected at a waiting area in front of the blood sampling room. Of the 583 patients to whom we tried to hand out the questionnaire, 558 participated (258 males, 294 females, and 6 of sex unknown) and 25 refused. Those who regarded research to improve health care as important were 76.7% of those sampled. Only 28 patients (5.0%) answered that they would not permit the use of their residual blood for research purposes. Although logistic analysis did not detect significant factors influencing the giving of permission, the percentage who would not permit the use of their residual blood for research purposes was significantly higher in cancer outpatients (6.7%) than in inpatients (1.0%). It seems desirable for hospitals to establish an open policy concerning residual blood use for research purposes.

Blood↗
PubMed1998

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with fulminant ulcerative colitis and presumed acute pancreatitis.

We herein report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome that developed in a 25-yr-old man with fulminant ulcerative colitis and presumed acute pancreatitis. Physical examination on admission showed a chronically ill, delirious patient with an upper abdominal mass. Peripheral blood showed progressive pancytopenia and bone marrow aspirate smears revealed hypocellular bone marrow with an increase of histiocytes showing prominent hemophagocytosis. Plain abdominal radiography revealed toxic megacolon. Both ultrasound and computed tomography showed the enlargement of the pancreas, thus indicating presumed acute pancreatitis. No apparent neoplasms or viral or bacterial infections, which are normally reported to be the cause of hemophagocytic syndrome, were detected. The patient was successfully treated with high doses of prednisolone and gamma-globulin.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Induction of protection against tetanus toxin in mice by tetanus toxoid-liposome conjugate.

Tetanus toxoid (Ttd) was coupled to liposomes via glutaraldehyde. Intraperitoneal injection in BALB/c mice with Ttd-liposomes induced a substantial amount of anti-Ttd IgG antibody production and an extremely low level of anti-Ttd IgE antibody production. Mice immunized with Ttd-liposomes were successfully protected against a subsequent challenge with a lethal dose of tetanus toxin (Ttx). On the other hand, aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed Ttd (Ttd-alum) and plain Ttd solution induced the production of both IgG and IgE antibodies against Ttd. Moreover, secondary immunization with Ttd-liposomes in mice, in which anti-Ttd IgE antibody production was induced by Ttd-alum led to enhanced anti-Ttd IgG and a limited anti-Ttd IgE antibody production. When Ttd-liposome preparation was lyophilized, the efficacy of Ttd-liposomes was maintained for 6 months at 37 C, suggesting that this vaccine preparation would be stable without refrigeration. These results demonstrate the potential ability of Ttd-liposome conjugates to produce a tetanus vaccine which provides protection against (Ttx) while inducing the least amount of anti-Ttd IgE antibodies.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Carotid intima-media thickness and the occurrence of plaque in centenarians--data from the Tokyo Centenarian Study].

We studied carotid intima-media thickness at non-plaque sites and the occurrence of plaque in 25 centenarians (8 men and 17 women) living in Tokyo. The studies were done by B-mode ultrasonography and the results were compared with those found in 126 healthy subjects (83 men and 43 women) aged 28 to 82 years. The intima-media complexes were diffusely thickened in the centenarians; average thickness at bifurcations and at three sites in each common carotid artery ranged from 0.91 to 1.12 mm. The thickness was not associated with blood pressure or with serum lipid concentration. The thickness in the control group correlated with age, and that relationship fit a second degree equation. The expected values of mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries at age 100 were computed with these equations; the predicted values ranged from 0.92 to 0.98 mm, which are close to the mean values measured in the centenarians (0.95 to 1.05 mm). However, the variations in intima-media thickness were greater in the centenarians. The prevalence of plaque in the centenarians was 40% for the right carotid artery and 36% for the left, but the prevalence among those in the eighth decade of life was 9.5% for both sides; plaque was not found among subjects in the sixth decade of life or younger. These data suggest that the degree of carotid arteriosclerosis is one factor that limits human longevity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Comparative trial of granisetron alone and granisetron plus methylprednisolone for prevention of nausea and vomiting during cancer chemotherapy].

A crossover clinical trial between granisetron alone and granisetron combined with methylprednisolone (MPL) was undertaken for the prevention of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, including cisplatin, in 12 patients with advanced primary and metastatic lung cancer. The antiemetic effect was obtained in 91.7% (11/12 cases) of patients receiving granisetron alone compared to 100% (12/12 cases) of patients receiving the combination of granisetron plus MPL. Complete control of anorexia was achieved in 91.6% (11/12 cases) of patients receiving the combination compared to 58.3% (7/12 cases) of patients receiving granisetron alone. Moreover there was a significant improvement of delayed clinical symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in the patients receiving the combination of granisetron plus MPL. Our data suggest that the antiemetic effect of the combination of granisetron plus MPL is superior to granisetron alone in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of cardiotoxicity in new anthracycline analog ME 2303. ME 2303 Study Group].

ME 2303 is a new anthracycline analog which differs from adriamycin in the sugar moiety. ME 2303 displays a higher antitumor activity against L 1210 and P 388 Leukemia than adriamycin. To evaluate the cardiotoxicity of ME 2303, ECG tracings (21 patients) and Holter ECGs (9 patients) were recorded before and after the administration of ME 2303 for various malignancies (mean dose 123.8 mg/m2), and some of the electrocardiographic parameters were analyzed. Control ECGs were normal in 17 patients, in 4 patients minor ECG findings like sinus tachycardia (2 patients), low voltage (1 patient) and flattening of the T wave (1 patient) were observed. After treatment, no relevant ECG changes were observed except one case who showed a flat T in pretreatment ECG. In this patient developed ST-T changes were seen after treatment. The basic rhythm was sinus rhythm in all of the cases, and the heart rate showed no significant changes. ME 2303 had no effects on the specialized conduction system. With regard to arrhythmia, no increase in number and severity was observed. In Holter ECG no development of ST-T changes was seen after treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Development of a new type of influenza subunit vaccine made by muramyldipeptide-liposome: enhancement of humoral and cellular immune responses.

The muramyldipeptide (MDP), [6-O-(2-tetradecyl-hexa-decanoyl)-N-acetylmuramyl-L-isoglutamine] can be incorporated into liposomes with haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subunits were attached to the inner and outer surfaces of lamellar structures of the liposomes, probably through their hydrophobic ends. The addition of cholesterol resulted in much more stable liposomes, which were similar in size and shape to native influenza virus particles. These liposomes enhanced the immunogenicity of haemagglutinin in mice, such that the levels of antibody induced were about 16-fold higher than those of subunit haemagglutinin vaccine alone. Results of proliferation tests with spleen cells from mice and guinea-pigs were consistent with the immunopotentiation of haemagglutinin by liposomes. In addition, the higher antibody levels produced in mice, immunized with the haemagglutinin and MDP-containing liposomes (MDP-virosomes), were maintained for at least 6 months. Enhancement of the cellular immune response, measured by delayed type hypersensitivity reactions, was also observed in the guinea-pigs immunized with MDP-virosome vaccine. Preliminary tests with splenocytes from mice immunized with different vaccines also indicated that the MDP-virosome vaccine induced cytotoxic T-cell activity in these mice. This study revealed that the formation of liposomes with muramyldipeptide enhanced the level and persistence of circulating antibody, and enhanced cellular immunity in guinea-pigs and mice.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗
PubMed1990

[Cardiotoxicity and pulmonary toxicity of chemotherapy].

Recently, the quality of life of a cancer patient has been extensively discussed. Especially, side effects of chemotherapy are major problems of cancer patients. Cardiotoxicity of adriamycin and pulmonary toxicity of bleomycin are not common side effects of chemotherapy, but they can be devastating, particularly, when they occur in a patient who has been cured of cancer. Therefore, we tried to demonstrate the efficacy of cardiac or pulmonary monitoring in early detection of the toxicity. In conclusion, now non-invasive and invasive standard methods of monitoring have yet to be convincingly established, because most methods are either of no predictive value or too sensitive. Moreover, to date an effective prophylaxis of cardiotoxicity or pulmonary toxicity is still lacking. Exact evaluation of risk factors and thorough cardiac or pulmonary monitoring are necessary in patients under chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1990

[Therapeutic effect of recombinant interferon alpha on Takatsuki disease].

A case of Takatsuki disease, 57-year-old male associated with monoclonal IgA, lambda-type immunoglobulin was treated with recombinant alpha-interferon daily by intramuscular injection with an initial dose of 3 X 10(6) U/day. Four weeks later, gynecomastia was improved and breast pain disappeared. Increases of cholesterol from 84 mg/dl to 135 mg/dl and cholinesterase from 0.24 delta pH to 0.48 delta pH were observed, 8 weeks later. Though, there was no reduction in serum M protein, no decrease in the number of bone marrow tumor cell and no restoration of muscle atrophy and polyneuropathy. No predominant side effect was observed. We conclude that rIFN alpha has a some potential role in the treatment of Takatsuki disease and additional chemotherapy should be considered. Significance of the therapy against Takatsuki disease was discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

[Influence of sucrose on aspirin ulcer].

UNLABELLED: At the present stage of drug interactions, little has been studied on food-drug interactions. Excess intake of sucrose is well known to cause arteriosclerosis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, toxicity to blood cells, dental caries, and accumulations of metabolic products in blood. Under the such conditions, it is possible that the ulcerogenic drugs, such as synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause severe gastric lesions by oral administration. The present investigation was undertaken to study the influences of sucrose on the gastric lesions induced by aspirin (aspirin ulcer) in rats maintained with 10% sucrose solution. Thus, the effect of sucrose on aggressive and protective factors, proposed by Shay and Sun, was studied. METHOD: Sixty rats were maintained with 10% sucrose solution ad libitum as drinking solution for 4 weeks (10% sucrose group). As control, purified water was given ad libitum to 60 rats (control group). Rats were starved for 24 hours, but allowed free access of water before the experiment, and then were subjected to the following experiments: (1) Twenty rats from each group were treated to prepare pylorus-ligated rats. Aspirin in 1% CMC (100mg/kg body-weight) was given in 10 rats from each group immediately after the ligation. Gastric juice excreted during 6 hours was collected and its supernatant (1,500 x g) was used for determinations of pH, acidity, acid output, pepsin activity, and pepsin output. Aspirin and salicylic acid contents in gastric juice were also determined by HPLC. (2) The mucosa of the stomach of (1) were subjected to the analysis of hexosamine. Twenty rats from each group without pylorus-ligation were also used for the analysis. Among them, 10 rats from each group were given aspirin in 1% CMC with the dose of 300 mg/kg body-weight. (3) Ten rats from each group were given aspirin with the dose of 300 mg/kg body-weight and the stomach (n = 10 for each group) was extracted 30 minutes after the aspirin administration for histochemical study to obtain covering mucus index, epitherial mucus index, total mucus index, and rate of mucous injury. (4) Aspirin in 1% CMC was given to 10 rats of each group with the dose of 300 mg/kg body-weight. Rats were sacrificed 6 hours after the administration of aspirin, and then stomachs were extracted and treated with 10% neutral formalin. The length of lesions was measured under a microscope (x 10), and then Ulcer Index was obtained.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Clinical study of acute cardiotoxicity of anti-cancer agents-- analysis using Holter ECG monitoring].

To investigate the features of acute cardiotoxicity caused by the anticancer agents, adriamycin (ADM), THP-adriamycin (THP), epirubicin (epi-ADM) and mitoxantrone (MIX), Holter electrocardiograms were recorded before and after administration of these drugs and some of the electrocardiographic parameters were analyzed. The heart rate tended to increase after ADM administration, but other agents had no effect. The basic rhythm was sinus rhythm in many cases except for only one case in which intermittent atrial fibrillation developed after ADM administration. These agents had no effects on the specialized conduction system. With regard to supraventricular premature beats, no increase in preexisting supraventricular premature beats was observed, but there was a slight tendency for the fresh appearance of supraventricular extrasystoles after administration of these agents. On the other hand, ventricular premature beats tended to increase in number and severity after ADM therapy. The other three agents induced no significant increase in ventricular extrasystoles. Development of ST-T changes was seen after the administration of ADM and THP, but epi-ADM and MIX produced no significant changes. In conclusion, epi-ADM and MIX were less cardiotoxic than ADM and THP.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Cardiotoxicity of mitoxantrone].

Cardiotoxicity induced by mitoxantrone was studied in 50 closely followed patients receiving chemotherapy with mitoxantrone. Serial electrocardiograms were recorded. The electrocardiographic parameters (heart rate, P-Q interval, QRS interval, QRS voltage, and QTc interval) were analyzed. The patients who received mitoxantrone showed no significant changes in these parameters. Furthermore, in order to investigate the details of acute cardiotoxicity of mitoxantrone and adriamycin, Holter ECGs were recorded and some of the electrocardiographic parameters were analyzed. The basic rhythm was sinus rhythm in all cases except for only one case which developed intermittent atrial fibrillation after adriamycin therapy. No effect on the specialized conduction system was observed on either group. Supraventricular premature beat showed no significant changes, but ventricular premature beat showed a tendency to increase and the mode of appearance of the ventricular extrasystole was very dangerous in the adriamycin-administered group. Developed ST-T changes were also seen in the adriamycin group. In conclusion, mitoxantrone seemed to have less cardiotoxicity in comparison with that of adriamycin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Acute cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines--analysis by using Holter ECG].

To investigate the detailed acute cardiotoxicity of the anthracycline antibiotics, adriamycin (ADM) and a tetrahydropyranyl derivative (THP-ADM), Holter ECG was recorded and some of the electrocardiographic parameters were analyzed. The basic rhythm was sinus rhythm in many cases except only one case which developed intermittent atrial fibrillation after the administration of ADM. No effect on the specialized conduction system was observed in either ADM or TH-PADM. In relation to the supraventricular premature beat, no increase of the pre-existing supraventricular extrasystole and fresh appearance of the supraventricular extrasystole were observed after the administration of these drugs. On the other hand, the ventricular premature beat was tended to increase after ADM administration, and the mode of appearance of the ventricular extrasystole was very dangerous and life-threatening. For example, short-run type and R on T type ventricular extrasystole were recorded. THP-ADM induced no significant increase of the ventricular extrasystole. The developed ST-T changes were seen after the administration of these drugs, but the patients complained neither the symptoms of heart failure nor stenocardia. In conclusion. THP-ADM had less cardiotoxicity than ADM.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 in cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin].

Cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin and protective effect by coenzyme Q10 were studied in 80 closely-followed patients receiving chemotherapy with adriamycin. Serial electrocardiograms were recorded immediately before and after the administration of adriamycin each times. The electrocardiographic parameters (heart rate, P-Q duration, QRS-duration, QRS voltage and QTc-duration) were analyzed. In patients treated with adriamycin alone, QTc-duration was prolonged significantly. On the other hand, in patients treated with adriamycin plus coenzyme Q10, QTc-duration was not significantly prolonged. This Suggests that coenzyme Q10 may reduce negative inotropic action induced by adriamycin. Further, the QRS voltage was also significantly decreased in patients treated with adriamycin alone, but was not decreased in patients treated with adriamycin plus coenzyme Q10. These findings suggest that some electrocardiographic changes due to adriamycin may be prevented by coenzyme Q10.

Coenzymes↗
PubMed1982

[Pulmonary toxicity of antineoplastic agents--with special reference to current findings on pulmonary toxicity of bleomycin].

Pulmonary toxicity due to antitumor agents, chiefly bleomycin pulmonary toxicity including clinical feature, histopathology, pathophysiology, biochemical changes, common clinical settings (risk factors), and prevention was reviewed. Moreover, pulmonary toxicity from methotrexate, busulfan, cyclophosphamide, mitomycin C, 6-mercaptopurine, nitrosourea and procarbazine was reviewed.

Animals↗