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Biomedical subjects

K Suzumori

Publications and source records attributed to K Suzumori.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Decrease of T-helper 2 and T-cytotoxic 2 cells at implantation sites occurs in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion with normal chromosomal content.

BACKGROUND: In normal pregnancy, predominant type 2 cytokines help maintain pregnancy, and a T-helper (Th)1 type response is associated with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, Th2 and T-cytotoxic (Tc)2 cells have not been localized at the implantation site in RSA. METHODS: Twenty-one cases with RSA were classified into RSA with normal chromosomal content (RSA-N, n = 10) and RSA with abnormal chromosomal content (RSA-A, n = 11). As a control, we selected 15 gestational age-matched cases of induced abortion with no history of spontaneous abortion. We immunostained paraffin-embedded decidual sections for a specific Th2 and Tc2 cell marker termed 'chemo-attractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2)' and T-cell markers CD3 and CD8. The numbers and percentages of Th2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(-)CD3(+)) and Tc2 (CRTH2(+)CD8(+)) cells were compared between the decidua basalis and decidua parietalis. RESULTS: Th2 and Tc2 cells accumulated in the decidua basalis in normal pregnancy. Accumulation of Tc2 cells and both Th2 and Tc2 cells decreased in the decidua basalis in RSA-A and RSA-N respectively. The number and percentage of Th2, and Tc2 cells in the decidua parietalis were similar in normal pregnancy, RSA-A and RSA-N. CONCLUSION: Decreased Th2 and Tc2 cells at the implantation site may contribute to RSA-N.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Progesterone inhibits apolipoprotein-mediated cellular lipid release: a putative mechanism for the decrease of high-density lipoprotein.

In order to investigate the mechanism for female gonadal hormones to regulate the plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, the effect of 17 beta-estradiol and progestogens was examined in vitro on the assembly of HDL by free apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with cellular cholesterol and phospholipid. ApoA-I generated HDL particles by removing cholesterol and phospholipid from human fibroblasts, MRC-5. While 17 beta-estradiol did not influence this reaction, progesterone suppressed the removal by apoA-I of both cholesterol and phospholipid, with the extent of the inhibition more for cholesterol than phospholipid. Three other synthetic progestogens showed the similar inhibitory effect on the cellular cholesterol release. Cellular cholesterol de novo-synthesized from mevalonolactone entered more into the acyl-esterified cholesterol compartment and less to the unesterified compartment in the presence of progesterone. On the other hand, progesterone did not influence the overall mass ratio of free and esterified cholesterol in the cell. Cell-surface cholesterol was also uninfluenced by progesterone when probed by extracellular cholesterol oxidase reaction or by diffusion-mediated cellular cholesterol release to cyclodextrin. Neither caveolin-1 nor ABCA1 expression was influenced by progesterone. Progesterone thus seems primarily to alter the specific intracellular cholesterol compartment that is related to the apoA-I-mediated HDL assembly. This mechanism might contribute to the decrease of plasma HDL by administration of progestogen in women under hormone replacement therapy.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

Multicolour spectral karyotyping for complex chromosomal rearrangements in repeated abortion or congenital anomalies.

Advances in molecular cytogenetics, especially the technique of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), have allowed more precise definition of chromosomal structures, which are difficult to identify using conventional G-banding. Recently, a novel approach based on hybridization of 24 fluorescent-labelled chromosome painting probes was developed, termed spectral karyotyping (SKY), which allows the simultaneous and differential colour display of all human chromosomes. We have used SKY to identify not only five parental complex translocation carriers but also minute chromosome rearrangements in the fetus. Here, we concentrate attention on the clinical application of SKY for prenatal diagnosis.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of combined chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the utility of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of carboplatin (CBDCA) and paclitaxel (TAX) employed for chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chemotherapy with CBDCA and TAX were analyzed in 13 patients with ovarian cancers. The pharmacodynamic model, based on myelosuppression, was assessed in terms of concentrations of free platinum (free-Pt) and TAX in blood samples. TAX (175 mg/m2) was administered intravenously (i.v.) over 3 h, and CBDCA (target area under the concentration curve [AUC], 5 mg/ml x min) over 1 h. Free-Pt and TAX concentrations in blood samples were measured at several time points after administration. RESULTS: The nadirs of both the leukocyte and neutrophil counts correlated significantly with the TAX AUC (AUCtax) and serum albumin level, and the percentage decrease in platelet count (pd-Plt) correlated significantly with AUCtax, free-Pt AUC (AUCpt), and the serum albumin level. A pharmacodynamic model corresponding to the nadirs of leukocytes and neutrophils and to pd-Plt was thus generated. CONCLUSION: This pharmacodynamic model may allow the ready prediction, from AUCtax, AUCpt, and the serum albumin value, of the degree of myelosuppression with combined CBDCA and TAX chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Factor XII but not protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, or factor XIII is a predictor of recurrent miscarriage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a decrease in the values of protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin III (ATIII), factor XII (FXII), or factor XIII (FXIII) has predictive value for subsequent miscarriages. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Nagoya City University Medical School. PATIENT(S): A total of 536 patients with a history of two or more first-trimester miscarriages. INTERVENTION(S): One hundred and twelve patients treated with low-dose aspirin were excluded from the analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The subsequent pregnancy outcome of 424 patients was compared for abnormal and normal levels of each parameter. RESULT(S): There were no differences in the subsequent miscarriage rates between abnormal and normal values of PC, PS, ATIII, and FXIII. However, the rate with abnormal FXII is significantly higher than that with normal FXII. CONCLUSION(S): A decrease in FXII (but not in PC, PS, ATIII, or FXIII) predicts subsequent miscarriage in patients with a history of first-trimester recurrent miscarriages.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in ovarian endometriomas following GnRH agonist therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor is affected in tissue and peritoneal fluid of women with ovarian endometriomas treated with GnRH analogues. METHODS: In 32 women with endometriomas (17 untreated and 15 treated with GnRH analogue) and 21 with ovarian cystadenomas, we examined the expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor messenger RNA (mRNA) by Northern blot analysis; protein distribution was measured immunohistochemically. Concentrations of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in peritoneal fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in endometrioma explants in vitro was also studied with and without the GnRH analogue treatment. RESULTS: Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor mRNA expression was identified only in untreated endometriomas. In the GnRH agonist-treated endometriomas, the semiquantitative H-score for secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor immunostaining was significantly lower than that for untreated endometriomas (P <.001). The peritoneal fluid of the GnRH agonist-treated women also contained significantly lower concentrations of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (median 76 ng/mL, interquartile range 51-131 ng/mL; P <.001) than untreated women (124 ng/mL, 70-186 ng/mL). Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in endometrioma explants in vitro was significantly inhibited by the GnRH analogue (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in tissue and peritoneal fluid of women with ovarian endometriomas was decreased by GnRH agonist treatment.

Adult↗

A case of successful fetal therapy for congenital chylothorax by intrapleural injection of OK-432.

A 38-year-old multiparous woman was referred at 19 weeks' gestation because of hydrops fetalis. Ultrasonic examination revealed severe pleural effusion, ascites and skin edema. Detailed examination of the amniotic fluid, fetal blood and intrathoracic fluid led to a diagnosis of congenital fetal chylothorax. Repeated thoracocenteses were not effective in improving the hydrops fetalis. We introduced fetal treatment for the pleural effusion by an intrapleural injection of OK-432 at 23, 24 and 25 weeks' gestation. The pleural effusion was reduced by adhesion of the intrathoracic space and resulted in the delivery of a neonate who was healthy except for right renal dysfunction. Pulmonary hypoplasia was successfully prevented by OK-432.

Adult↗

Increased concentrations of cathepsin D in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis.

To assess the release of the proteolytic enzyme cathepsin D in endometriosis, concentrations in peritoneal fluid and serum were measured by ELISA in 54 women with (n = 33) and without (n = 21) endometriosis. Surgery was scheduled in either the proliferative or secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The concentrations of cathepsin D in the peritoneal fluid were markedly elevated in the endometriosis patients (median 58 ng/ml, interquartile range 0-166 ng/ml) as compared to the controls (5 ng/ml, 0-86 ng/ml), especially in women with late stage disease (n = 19, stages III/IV) and in those not undergoing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy (n = 15). No significant difference was determined in cathepsin D concentrations of the serum from women with and without endometriosis. We conclude that cathepsin D is an important factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, possibly by promoting digestion of extracellular matrix proteins. These results have implications for the therapeutic efficacy of GnRH agonists.

Adult↗

Involvement of mu-calpain in human sperm capacitation for fertilization.

PROBLEM: The distribution and physiological role of calpains in human sperm were investigated. METHOD OF STUDY: Semen collected manually from healthy donors was liquefied then centrifuged by percoll gradient centrifugation. After exposure to different concentrations of Ca2+ ionophore A23187, the samples were used for immunostaining sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blot analysis. It was speculated from the results of the study using calpain-specific inhibitors that calpain contributes to the sperm motility and acrosome reaction. RESULTS: With the anti-pro mu-calpain antibody, sperm were immunostained, whereas all were negative for anti-pro mu-calpain antibody binding. Stained sperm were classified into four types according to the staining pattern: acrosome type, equatorial segment type, whole head type, and neck and tail segments type. Western blot analysis of sperm homogenate revealed a single 80-kDa band using the anti-pro mu-calpain antibody, its dose-dependent reduction with Ca2+ ionophore A23187 suggesting activation by this treatment. In the presence of membrane permeable calpain inhibitors, sperm motility and acrosome reaction were significantly suppressed. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that mu-calpain may play pivotal roles in the process of fertilization of human sperm.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Role of calpain in human sperm activated by progesterone for fertilization.

We evaluated the activation of mu-calpain in progesterone-activated human sperm. Semen collected from fertile donors with informed consent was liquefied and subjected to percoll gradient centrifugation. After exposure to different concentrations of progesterone, the samples were used for immunostaining, SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. An increase of the intracellular free calcium concentration in the sperm following the addition of progesterone was observed using fura-2 AM. Immunostaining using an antibody against active mu-calpain produced 6 distinct staining patterns: (1) the acrosome, (2) an equatorial segment, (3) the whole head, (4) the neck, (5) the neck and tail or (6) unstained sperm. After addition of progesterone, the predominant type changed from the neck type (90%) to the neck and tail type (79%). Western blot analysis using a pro-mu-calpain and a mu-calpain domain III antibody revealed autodigestion of mu-calpain, indicating activation by progesterone. Using calpain-specific inhibitors it was shown that calpain activation contributes to sperm motility as well as to the acrosome reaction. These results suggest the possibility that activation of mu-calpain in human sperm by progesterone plays an important role in fertilization.

Blotting, Western↗

Modified histamine-induced NO-mediated relaxation in resistance arteries in pre-eclampsia.

We investigated the characteristic changes in histamine-induced, endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation in human omental resistance arteries seen in pre-eclampsia. Isometric contraction was provoked by a stable analogue of thromboxane A(2) in endothelium-intact strips from both pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Histamine (0.3 nM-10 microM) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of this contraction in both groups. The magnitude of the relaxation induced by histamine (1 microM) was significantly smaller in pre-eclampsia both in the presence and absence of famotidine (H(2)-receptor blocker). In the presence of famotidine, L-N(G)-nitroarginine significantly attenuated the histamine-induced relaxation in strips from normotensive pregnant women but not in those from pre-eclamptic women. The relaxation induced by human atrial natriuretic peptide (0. 1 nM-1 microM) was also significantly smaller in the pre-eclamptic group. It is concluded that the histamine-induced, endothelium-derived NO-mediated relaxation (mediated via H(1)-receptors) is down-regulated in resistance arteries in pre-eclampsia and we suggest that this is due, at least in part, to an attenuation of the action of cyclic GMP in smooth muscle cells.

Adult↗

Mechanisms underlying the reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in human omental resistance artery in pre-eclampsia.

1. In pre-eclampsia, a functional change occurs in the role played by endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction in resistance arteries. We investigated the underlying mechanism in human omental resistance arteries from normotensive pregnant and pre-eclamptic women in the presence of diclofenac (an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase). 2. In endothelium-intact strips, the sensitivity to 9,11-epithio-11,12-methano-thromboxane A2 (STA2) was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia, and this was not modified by either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, an inhibitor of NO synthase) or removal of the endothelium. 3. Bradykinin and substance P each produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the STA2-induced contraction in both groups, although the relaxation was significantly smaller for pre-eclampsia. L-NNA markedly attenuated the endothelium-dependent relaxation in the normotensive pregnant group but not in the pre-eclamptic group. 4. In the presence of L-NNA, the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the STA2 contraction was significantly smaller for pre-eclamptic than for normotensive pregnant women. 5. In endothelium-denuded strips, the relaxation induced by 8-para-chlorophenyl thio-guanosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-pCPT-cGMP) on the STA2 contraction was significantly less for pre-eclampsia. 6. In beta-escin-skinned strips from both groups of women, 8-pCPT-cGMP (1-10 microM) concentration-dependently attenuated the contraction induced by 0.5 microM Ca2+. However, its relaxing action was significantly weaker in pre-eclampsia. 7. It is suggested that the weaker responsivene to NO seen in strips from pre-eclamptic women may be partly due to a reduced smooth muscle responsiveness to cyclic GMP.

Adult↗

Embryonic karyotype of abortuses in relation to the number of previous miscarriages.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in products of conception from patients with recurrent miscarriages in relation to the number of previous miscarriages. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Nagoya City University Medical Hospital. PATIENT(S): A total of 1,309 women with a history of 2-20 consecutive first-trimester abortions. INTERVENTION(S): Chromosomal analysis performed on products of conception with use of a standard G-banding technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The frequencies of abnormal and normal embryonic karyotypes for each number of previous abortions were studied. The subsequent pregnancy outcome of patients whose previous miscarriages were karyotyped were studied along with the predictive value of karyotyping of previous miscarriages for subsequent miscarriages. RESULT(S): The miscarriage rate increased with the number of previous spontaneous abortions. The frequency of abnormal embryonic karyotypes significantly decreased and that of normal embryonic karyotypes significantly increased with the number of previous abortions. Among 71 patients whose embryonic karyotypes were normal, 44 aborted subsequently, and 23 of 60 patients whose embryonic karyotypes were abnormal aborted subsequently. Patients with a previous normal embryonic karyotype aborted more frequently than those with an abnormal karyotype. CONCLUSION(S): The frequency of normal embryonic karyotypes significantly increases with the number of previous abortions, and a normal karyotype in a previous pregnancy is a predictor of subsequent miscarriage.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Sex chromosomal analysis of spermatozoa from infertile men using fluorescence in situ hybridization.

PURPOSE: To confirm an association between male infertility and chromosome aberrations of spermatozoa, we demonstrated the frequency of numerical abnormalities of spermatozoa from infertile men with abnormal semen parameters compared with fertile controls. METHOD: Sperm cells from 10 infertile patients were investigated for disomy rates of sex chromosomes and chromosome 18 and diploidy by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). All patients showed oligoasthenozoospermia with sperm counts 3-20 x 10(6)/ml and motile rates 0-40%. RESULTS: Regarding XY disomy, a significantly higher frequency was found in 8 of 10 patients as compared to normal fertile men. The disomy rates of chromosome 18, XX, YY, and diploidy rate were not increased. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between male infertility and embryo with aneuploidy of sex chromosomes. Counseling about possible genetic risks should be provided to the infertile couples planning assisted reproduction treatment.

Aneuploidy↗