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Biomedical subjects

K Yasuda

Publications and source records attributed to K Yasuda.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources

Improvement of urethral resistance after the administration of an alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent, urapidil, for neuropathic voiding dysfunction.

We assessed the effect of a new alpha-blocking agent, urapidil, on neuropathic voiding dysfunction, by urodynamic studies. The residual urine volume and rate significantly decreased, whereas the average and the maximum flow rate did not increase significantly. The pressure at maximum flow and minimum urethral resistance decreased significantly. These results suggest that improvement of the voiding dysfunction in some cases could be due to the decreased micturition pressure without increasing the flow rate. The urethral resistance calculated from the pressure/flow data seemed to be a valuable index in evaluating the effects of the drug on neuropathic voiding dysfunction.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

The urodynamic status during psychogenic erection in a patient with a conus medullaris injury. Case report.

The urodynamic status of a 24 year old male patient with psychogenic erection who sustained a conus medullaris lesion from a burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebra is reported. During the initial measurement the external urinary sphincter pressure began to rise from the base pressure of 35 cm H2O 5 seconds after the beginning of audiovisual sexual stimulation and reached the peak of 110 cm H2O. In parallel, the bladder neck pressure gradually rose from its base pressure of 5 cm H2O to a maximal pressure of 115 cm H2O and then ejaculation occurred. The difference is no more than 5 cm H2O and this small difference in pressure inhibits retrograde ejaculation.

Adult↗

Immunological detection of isoforms of the somatostatin receptor subtype, SSTR2.

Somatostatin (SRIF) induces its diverse physiological actions through interactions with different receptor subtypes. Multiple SRIF receptor subtypes have recently been cloned. To analyze the physical properties of receptor subtype SSTR2, two different peptide-directed antibodies were generated against SSTR2. Antibody "2e3," directed against the peptide SSCTINWPGESGAWYT (residues 191-206), corresponding to a region in the predicted third extracellular domain of mouse SSTR2, and antibody "2i4," directed against the peptide SGTEDGERSDS (residues 333-343) from the predicted cytoplasmic tail of mouse SSTR2, were developed. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing the mouse SSTR2 gene (CHOB), the antibody 2e3 recognized specifically a protein of 93-kDa protein by immunoblotting. No specific immunoreactivity was detected by 2e3 in nontransfected CHO cells or CHO cells stably expressing vector alone or human SSTR1 or mouse SSTR3 genes. The antibody 2i4 specifically immunoprecipitated SSTR2 solubilized from CHOB cells that could be labeled with the SSTR2-specific ligand 125I-MK-678. Furthermore, both 2e3 and 2i4 specifically immunoprecipitated 93-kDa [35S]methionine-labeled proteins from CHOB cells, indicating that they recognize the same proteins. In contrast to studies in CHOB cells, immunoblotting studies showed that 2e3 detected specifically a single 148-kDa protein from different regions of the rat brain that have previously been shown to express high levels of SSTR2 mRNA and SRIF receptors with high affinity for 125I-MK-678. In contrast, no immunoreactivity was detected in rat kidney, liver, or lung, which do not express SSTR2. No 93-kDa protein was detected specifically in the rat brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Shape memory alloy catheter system for peroral pancreatoscopy using an ultrathin-caliber endoscope.

Two types of a shape memory alloy (SMA) catheter system with a mechanism for tip control and irrigation were evaluated in performing peroral pancreatoscopy (PPS) using an ultrathin-caliber endoscope. The selective cannulation of SMA catheters into the papilla was made possible in 18 of 19 patients with pancreatic diseases. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was necessary in six of seven patients with the two-directional catheter (2.6 mm) but in only one of 12 patients examined with the one-directional type (2.2 mm). In 17 of the 18 patients, the catheters were smoothly advanced to the desired positions in the main pancreatic duct, even to the distal pancreas, due to their controllable tip. PPS with adequate inspection of the ducts and lesions was successful in 16 of these 17 patients. Features of cancer (duct disruption, tumor infiltration) and chronic pancreatitis (smooth ductal surface, fine vascular network) could be distinguished. In this series, there were no obvious complications during or after the procedure. In our experience, the SMA catheter system is effective for PPS in patients with an intact papilla and without dilation of the main pancreatic duct. Further study will show the clinical benefits this technique may have in pancreatic diseases.

Alloys↗

Micturitional disturbance in human T-lymphotropic virus type-1-associated myelopathy.

We reported the findings of micturitional histories and urodynamic studies in five patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type-1-associated myelopathy. Histories showed that all patients had obstructive as well as irritative micturitional symptoms, and four of their micturitional symptoms appeared from the onset of the disease. Urodynamic studies showed that four of them had residual urine (average 170 ml), all had detrusor hyperreflexia, two had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, and none had neurogenic changes in external urethral sphincter electromyography. Our findings of supranuclear type of voiding dysfunctions seemed to be in accordance with the known pathological lesions of this disease.

Adult↗

A case of POEMS syndrome with thrombocytopenia and biliverdinaemia.

This report describes a case of POEMS syndrome with extremely rare complications of thrombocytopenia and biliverdinaemia. The thrombocytopenia appeared to be due to immunopathogenesis. Steroid treatment resulted in complete disappearance of the biliverdinaemia in this patient as well as symptoms and signs of POEMS syndrome, suggesting that the biliverdinaemia was related to POEMS syndrome.

Biliverdine↗

Prevalence of thyroid hormone autoantibodies in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of thyroid hormone autoantibodies in patients with thyroid disorders has been well described, although the results have been variable. However, the prevalence of thyroid hormone autoantibodies in apparently healthy subjects remains unknown and its determination was the main objective of this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sera obtained from 880 healthy subjects (365 men and 515 women) were examined for thyroid hormone autoantibodies by immune precipitation using radiolabelled thyroid hormones or thyroid hormone analogues. RESULTS: Anti-triiodothyronine (T3) and anti-thyroxine (T4) antibodies were detected in none (0%) and in 3 (0.34%), respectively, of the 880 individuals studied using radiolabelled thyroid hormones. Similar tests in 385 healthy subjects using radiolabelled thyroid hormone analogues (polyaminocarboxy T3 and T4) showed the presence of anti-T3 and anti-T4 antibodies in 3 (0.78%) and in 4 (1.04%), respectively. None of the subjects had both anti-T3 and anti-T4 antibodies. Thus, the prevalence of anti-T3 or anti-T4 antibodies among healthy population was concluded to be as high as 1.8%. Radiolabelled thyroid hormone analogue binding to purified immunoglobulin G (IgG), with or without the addition of an excess of unlabelled thyroid hormones, confirmed specific binding of thyroid hormones to the thyroid hormone autoantibody-positive IgGs. The presence and class specificity of thyroid hormone autoantibodies was confirmed by the Ouchterlony immunodiffusion/autoradiography method, which showed biphenotypic heavy chain (IgG and IgA) and kappa (kappa) light chain specificities. Serum concentrations of free thyroid hormones and TSH in thyroid hormone autoantibody-positive sera were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the occurrence of thyroid hormone autoantibodies among the healthy Japanese population is fairly common. However, interference of thyroid hormone autoantibodies in the radioimmunoassay of free thyroid hormones is exceptional.

Adult↗

Increased insulin sensitivity in patients with aldosterone producing adenoma.

OBJECTIVE: Primary aldosteronism is a recognized endocrine cause of glucose intolerance. A blunted insulin response to glucose in patients with primary aldosteronism is well known, but insulin sensitivity has not been thoroughly determined. We investigated insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in patients with aldosterone producing adenoma. DESIGN: Glucose tolerance and insulin responses to glucose were evaluated using a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in patients with aldosterone producing adenoma before and after surgery, and in control subjects. Parameters for insulin resistance (HOMA-R) and pancreatic beta-cell function (HOMA-beta F) were derived from a homeostasis model assessment. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with aldosterone producing adenoma and 41 control subjects with normal glucose tolerance matched for age and body mass index, were studied. Eight patients were re-evaluated after surgical removal of the adenoma. In 5 patients 125I-insulin binding to erythrocytes was also measured. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma glucose was measured by a glucose oxidase method. Plasma insulin, aldosterone and renin activity were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Both fasting plasma glucose and insulin were lower in the patients than in the controls. Although the areas under the curve for plasma glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test did not differ, that for plasma insulin was less in the patients with hyperaldosteronism. Insulin sensitivity was increased in the patients, as evidenced by decreased HOMA-R compared with controls, while HOMA-beta F was comparable between the groups. 125I-insulin binding to erythrocytes was higher in 5 patients than in 19 normal controls. After surgical removal of adenoma, neither fasting plasma glucose nor the glucose area under the curve during the oral glucose tolerance test changed. However, fasting plasma insulin and the insulin area under the curve increased significantly. HOMA-R increased and HOMA-beta F remained unaltered. CONCLUSION: Insulin sensitivity was increased in untreated patients with aldosterone producing adenoma. Enhanced insulin receptor binding may contribute to this increased insulin sensitivity.

Adenoma↗

Plasma 18-oxocortisol levels in the patients with adrenocortical disorders.

OBJECTIVE: 18-Oxocortisol (18oxoF) shares structural characteristics with cortisol and aldosterone and is secreted from the adrenal cortex. It has been reported that 18oxoF has weak gluco and mineralo-corticoid activities and increases blood pressure when administered to animals. We tried to clarify the characteristics of the production of 18oxoF in patients with adrenocortical disorders compared with the control subjects. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In patients with primary aldosteronism due to aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) (n = 21) and Cushing's disease or syndrome (Cushing's disease n = 13; adrenocortical adenoma n = 10), plasma 18oxoF level early in the morning following an overnight fast was evaluated as well as plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels. RESULTS: The plasma 18oxoF levels were significantly higher in the patients with adrenocortical disorders than in control subjects. The ratios of 18oxoF/cortisol and 18oxoF/aldosterone were high in APA and in Cushing's disease and syndrome patients, respectively. In the control subjects and combined group of patients with Cushing's disease and syndrome, plasma 18oxoF level significantly correlated with plasma cortisol level but not with aldosterone level. However, in APA patients plasma 18oxoF level correlated significantly with both cortisol and aldosterone levels. CONCLUSION: The production of 18oxoF was elevated as a result of the hyperactivity of 18-hydroxylase and excess cortisol production in APA patients and in patients with Cushing's disease and syndrome, respectively. An excess 18oxoF production could be playing a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in these patients. The correlation of plasma 18oxoF levels with plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels suggests that the production of 18oxoF is more dependent on the supply of cortisol than on 18-hydroxylase activity in normal subjects and patients with Cushing's disease and syndrome.

Adenoma↗

Current state of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

The current status of interferon (IFN) therapy in chronic hepatitis C is presented, focusing on the results of studies in Japan. Depending on the IFN treatment regimen used in chronic hepatitis C, it is possible to eradicate HCV in a relatively high percentage of patients (about 40%) and to achieve a cure for chronic hepatitis C. The objective of treatment should therefore be the eradication of HCV. The efficacy of IFN in chronic hepatitis C is dependent on the dosage of IFN, duration of treatment, liver histology findings, serum HCV-RNA levels, and HCV genotype. Besides a flu-like syndrome, many adverse reactions are associated with high-dose, long-term IFN treatment. However, as a rule, full recovery or improvement follows prompt withdrawal of IFN. By modification of the IFN, it will be possible to reduce adverse reactions and to create a more effective IFN to further enhance the effect of IFN in chronic hepatitis C.

Alanine Transaminase↗

A new monoclonal antibody (POG-1) detects a differentiation antigen of porcine granulosa and thecal cells and indicates heterogeneity of thecal-stromal cells.

To identify the differentiation antigen of ovarian cells, we raised a murine monoclonal antibody (POG-1 antibody) reactive to porcine granulosa and thecal cells in the ovary. Immunofluorescence staining showed that expression of the POG-1 antigen on granulosa and theca interna cells increased gradually in accordance with follicular development. The thecal cells just outside the basal lamina surrounding the follicles did not express the antigen, whereas some stromal cells around the theca externa layer in the large follicles did express it. These expression profiles indicated the heterogeneity of thecal-stromal cells and that the POG-1 antigen was a differentiation-related antigen of granulosa and thecal cells. Luteal cells also expressed the antigen. In organs other than the ovary, some endocrine and exocrine cells, such as Leydig cells and secretory cells of the breast, expressed the antigen. The POG-1 antigen was purified from granulosa cells by immunoaffinity chromatography. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles showed that the antigen consisted of two specific proteins; the major one had a molecular mass of 77, and the other had a molecular mass of 81 kilodaltons. Analysis of the purified POG-1 antigen may contribute to understanding the differentiation mechanism of granulosa and thecal cells.

Animals↗

Increased serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone-related protein levels in chronic hypocalcemia.

To elucidate possible negative feedback regulation of circulating PTH-related protein (PTHrP) by serum calcium levels, we measured serum immunoreactive PTHrP (iPTHrP) by a specific RIA for PTHrP-(1-34) in patients with hypocalcemia due to PTH deficiency or resistance. Serum iPTHrP levels were not detectable (< 4 pmol/L) in 9 of 11 patients with postoperative hypocalcemia who presented with transient tetany, in 1 patient with hypocalcemia due to hypomagnesemia induced by cisplatin treatment, in normal subjects (n = 60), or in 1 normocalcemic patient with pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. In contrast, the other 2 patients with postoperative hypocalcemia who had had hypocalcemic symptoms for longer periods (6 months and 3 yr, respectively) showed increased iPTHrP levels (6.3 and 5.3 pmol/L). All 6 patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism showed undetectable or low PTH, but increased iPTHrP, ranging from 6.5-19.5 pmol/L (mean +/- SD, 10.8 +/- 4.8 pmol/L). Elevated serum iPTHrP levels (7.4 and 8.1 pmol/L) were also found in both patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism type I. When chronic and profound hypocalcemia in these patients was normalized by treatment with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, the elevated serum iPTHrP levels were normalized (undetectable, < 4 pmol/L) in all 6 patients examined. These results suggest that chronic and profound hypocalcemia and/or vitamin D deficiency can stimulate endogenous PTHrP secretion via a negative feedback mechanism, although elevated iPTHrP does not normalize the decreased serum calcium levels.

Adolescent↗

The high prevalence of the diabetic patients with a mutation in the mitochondrial gene in Japan.

Recently, an A to G transition at position 3243 in transfer ribonucleic acidLeu(UUR) [the 3243 base-pair (bp) mutation] originally found in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes has been identified in patients with diabetes and deafness. To determine the prevalence of the diabetic patients with this mutation in Japan, we screened 550 randomly selected cohorts of diabetic patients without prior information about clinical features such as type of diabetes, family history of diabetes, age of onset, and mode of therapy. We have identified 5 patients with this mutation, suggesting that approximately 0.9% of diabetic patients have the 3243 bp mutation. However, there were no subjects with this mutation in 250 controls with normal glucose tolerance. The percentage of mutant DNA in whole mitochondrial DNA did not correlate to the degree of symptoms. We conclude that the 3243 bp mutation in the mitochondrial gene plays an important part as a cause of diabetes in Japan.

Adolescent↗

Cytokines stimulate dipeptidyl peptidase-IV expression on human luteinizing granulosa cells.

We have previously reported that dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV) is a differentiation antigen for human granulosa cells that is initially expressed during corpus luteum formation. To investigate the involvement of cytokines in luteal cell differentiation, we examined the expression and activity of DPPIV in human luteinizing granulosa cells cultured in vitro. Human granulosa cells obtained from patients who had undergone in vitro fertilization were cultured for 7 days in the absence (controls) or presence of hCG (1 U/mL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha; 10 ng/mL), or interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1 alpha; 10 ng/mL). Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of cultured granulosa cells treated with TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha that was positive for DPPIV expression was significantly higher than that in controls (43.7 +/- 5.4% and 43.4 +/- 5.6%, respectively, vs. 21.7 +/- 3.5%; P < 0.01), whereas hCG treatment produced no remarkable difference in DPPIV expression (24.0 +/- 5.2%). The DPPIV activity of cells treated with TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha was also significantly higher than that of controls, whereas hCG treatment produced no significant difference from control values. These findings indicate that TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha stimulate DPPIV expression and activity in human luteinizing granulosa cells in vitro and suggest the involvement of cytokines in the differentiation of granulosa cells during corpus luteum formation.

Adult↗

Studies on agents with vasodilator and beta-blocking activities. I.

A series of hydrazinopyridazine derivatives combined with a beta-blocking side chain were synthesized. When they were given intravenously to anesthetized rats, some of them exhibited both hypotensive and beta-blocking activities. Their structure-activity relationships for hypotensive and beta-blocking activities are discussed. Compound 11c had the best profile and was selected for further study.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Blood gas analysis in dogs with heartworm caval syndrome.

Blood gases and cardiopulmonary function were analyzed in 67 dogs with heartworm (HW) caval syndrome (CS) and 19 HW-free dogs. Arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) was 91.5 +/- 7.3 mmHg in the HW-free dogs, 74.9 +/- 14.3 mmHg in 46 dogs that subsequently survived surgical HW removal (surviving dogs) and 64.6 +/- 14.7 mmHg in 21 dogs which later died or were euthanatized following surgical treatment (nonsurviving dogs). PaO2 levels less than 60 mmHg were detected in 30.4% and 38.1% dogs in the surviving and nonsurviving groups, respectively. Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) was 35.8 +/- 4.9 mmHg in the HW-free dogs, 30.7 +/- 5.6 mmHg in the surviving dogs, and 28.8 +/- 6.2 mmHg in nonsurviving dogs. PaO2 (p < 0.01) and PaCO2 were lower (p < 0.01) and the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2) was higher (p < 0.01) in CS dogs than in HW-free dogs. PaO2 was lower (p < 0.01) and AaDO2 was larger (p < 0.01) in the nonsurviving dogs than in the surviving dogs. Arterial blood pH and bicarbonate concentration were lower (p < 0.01) and the anion gap was larger (p < 0.01) in CS dogs than in the HW-free dogs. Serum lactic acid level in nonsurviving dogs (13.2 +/- 3.9 mmol/l) was higher (p < 0.01) than in the HW-free (1.7 +/- 0.8 mmol/l) and surviving dogs (2.7 +/- 1.8 mmol/l). The PaO2 correlated significantly with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = -0.65, p < 0.01), cardiac index (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) and total pulmonary resistance (r = -0.70, p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

ACTH and phorbol ester stimulated redistribution of protein kinase C in human cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma.

We studied the steroidogenetic action and concomitant subcellular redistribution of protein kinase C (PKC) in cortisol hypersecreting adrenal adenoma cells obtained from two patients with Cushing's syndrome. Isolated adenoma cells were treated with 10(-9) M and 10(-6) M 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or 10(-6) M ACTH. Treatment of the isolated adenoma cells with TPA resulted in cortisol secretion equivalent to that with ACTH-treatment. Immunoblot analysis of PKC during treatment with ACTH or TPA showed that PKC beta translocated from cytosol to membrane. A small amount of PKC alpha, but not membrane-associated PKC alpha, was detectable in the cytosolic fraction. It appeared that TPA-induced cortisol secretion mimicked ACTH-induced cortisol secretion, and that PKC beta translocated from cytosol to membrane on stimulation by both ACTH and TPA. We suggested that ACTH-induced cortisol secretion in human cortisol hypersecreting adrenal adenoma is mediated by PKC beta activation.

Adenoma↗