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Biomedical subjects

Kenji Kawai

Publications and source records attributed to Kenji Kawai.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Pharmacokinetics and disposition of CS-023 (RO4908463), a novel parenteral carbapenem, in animals.

The distribution, metabolism, and excretion of CS-023 (RO4908463), a new carbapenem, were investigated in rats and monkeys after a single intravenous administration of [(14)C]CS-023. In addition, the drug's pharmacokinetics were examined in rats, dogs, and monkeys. Whole-body autoradioluminograms of rats indicated that the radioactivity is distributed throughout the body immediately after administration except for the central nervous system and testes. The highest radioactivity was found in the kidneys, which are responsible for the excretion of CS-023. R-131624 with an open beta-lactam ring, the pharmacologically inactive form, was detected in the plasma and urine as the major metabolite. In rat plasma, the R-131624 levels became higher than CS-023 levels at 30 min postdose and thereafter, while in monkey plasma, CS-023 accounted for most of the radioactivity, with low levels of R-131624. More than 80% of the radioactivity administered was recovered in the urine, and CS-023 and R-131624 accounted for 29.6% and 31.4%, respectively, of the dose in rats and 51.2% and 18.5%, respectively, of the dose in monkeys. The faster metabolism to R-131624 in rats than in monkeys was likely due to the metabolism by dehydropeptidase I in rat lungs. The plasma elimination half-life of CS-023 was 0.16 h in rats, 0.75 h in dogs, and 1.4 h in monkeys. There were no appreciable interspecies differences among the animals tested in either volume of distribution (172 to 259 ml/kg) or serum protein binding (5.0 to 15.6%). The total clearance in monkeys (1.62 ml/min/kg) was lower than that in rats (15.1 ml/min/kg) or dogs (4.19 ml/min/kg).

Animals↗

Stationary phase culture supernatant containing membrane vesicles induced immunity to rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fry syndrome.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial cold water disease (BCWD) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry syndrome (RTFS). Logarithmic phase formalin-killed cells (FKC) of F. psychrophilum induced immunity to BCWD in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) by using an oral administration. In this study, we investigated the effective antigens of logarithmic phase cells in rainbow trout. Rainbow trout fry immunized with logarithmic phase FKC resulted in near complete protection, but the vaccine effect was low in fry immunized with stationary phase FKC. Scanning electron microscopy showed that logarithmic phase cells had many membrane vesicles (MVs) on the surface of F. psychrophilum cells. The MVs were released into medium at the stationary phase. MVs rich supernatant was collected from the stationary phase culture supernatant by using an ammonium precipitation method. Immunization with MVs rich supernatant combined with stationary phase FKC resulted in a relative percentage survival (RPS) of 94-100%, but immunization with MVs rich supernatant only resulted in no protection against F. psychrophilum infection. These data show that MVs have an adjuvant efficacy and suggest that combination of MVs and cells is necessary to obtain efficient protection.

Administration, Oral↗

NADH binding properties of rabbit lens lambda-crystallin.

PURPOSE: The present investigation aims to evaluate the NADH binding ability of lambda-crystallin, a taxon-specific enzyme-crystallin, in the rabbit lens. METHODS: A lambda/betaL1-crystallin fraction was separated from the rabbit lens soluble fraction by gel filtration and the enzyme-crystallin was partially purified by subsequent affinity column chromatography. Analysis of NADH bound to the lambda-crystallin preparation was performed using spectrophotometric and enzymological methods. Binding of added NADH to the enzyme-crystallin preparation was also analyzed using a simple ultrafiltration method, which was theoretically equivalent to equilibrium dialysis, to study additional NADH binding to the protein. RESULTS: The prepared lambda-crystallin samples clearly exhibited an absorption maximum at 340 nm, even though they were thoroughly dialyzed. This was due to the presence of nondialyzable NADH bound tightly to the protein. The bound NADH was removed by charcoal treatment, and extracted by 0.1% SDS or 70 degrees C heat treatment. A dissociation constant (Kd) of less than 5 nM indicated tight binding of NADH. The quantity of bound NADH in the 88% purified 33 kDa enzyme-crystallin was estimated to be 20.5 nmol/mg protein, suggesting a stoichiometry of 0.7 mol of the nucleotide/mol of the 33 kDa protein. Additional looser binding of added NADH to lambda-crystallin was observed in both the lambda/betaL1-crystallin fraction (including the full-length 33 kDa protein: 34%; 25-30 kDa proteins, most of which might be generated by cleavage of the 33 kDa protein: 64%) and the partially purified enzyme-crystallin. It was assumed from the analysis of binding titration that some (about 30%) of the 33 kDa protein and most of the lower molecular weight proteins still possessed the ability to loosely bind NADH. Kd values of their lower affinity binding were determined to be 2 or 6 microM. CONCLUSIONS: From the present study, we conclude that lambda-crystallin plays a sufficiently important role as a NADH binding protein to maintain high levels of this nucleotide in the rabbit lens.

Animals↗

Covalent binding of radioactivity from [14C]rofecoxib, but not [14C]celecoxib or [14C]CS-706, to the arterial elastin of rats.

Rofecoxib is a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that has been withdrawn from the market because of an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. With a special focus on the arteries, the distribution profiles of radioactivity in rats orally administered [14C]rofecoxib were investigated in comparison with two other COX-2 inhibitors, [14C]celecoxib and [14C]CS-706 (2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-methyl 1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-1H-pyrrole), a novel selective COX-2 inhibitor. Whole-body autoradioluminography and quantitative determination of the tissue concentrations showed that considerable radioactivity is retained by and accumulated in the thoracic aorta of rats after oral administration of [14C]rofecoxib, but not [14C]celecoxib or [14C]CS-706. Acid, organic solvent, and proteolytic enzyme treatments of aorta retaining high levels of radioactivity from [14C]rofecoxib demonstrated that most of the radioactivity is covalently bound to elastin. In agreement with this result, the radioactivity was found to be highly localized on the elastic fibers in the aorta by microautoradiography. The retention of radioactivity on the elastic fibers was also observed in the aortic arch and the coronary artery. These findings indicate that [14C]rofecoxib and/or its metabolite(s) are covalently bound to elastin in the arteries. These data are consistent with the suggestion of modified arterial elasticity leading to an increased risk of CV events after long-term treatment with rofecoxib.

Animals↗

OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and mrp2 are involved in hepatobiliary transport of olmesartan, a novel angiotensin II blocker.

Hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of olmesartan, a new angiotensin II blocker, were investigated in vitro using human hepatocytes, cells expressing uptake transporters and canalicular membrane vesicles, and in vivo using Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats (EHBR), inherited multidrug resistance-associated protein (mrp2)-deficient rats. The uptake by human hepatocytes reached saturation with a Michaelis constant (K(m)) of 29.3 +/- 9.9 microM. Both Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent uptake of olmesartan by human hepatocytes were observed. The uptake by Na(+)-independent human liver-specific organic anion transporters OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes was also saturable, with K(m) values of 42.6 +/- 28.6 and 71.8 +/- 21.6 microM, respectively. The Na(+)-dependent taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide expressed in HEK 293 cells did not transport olmesartan. The cumulative biliary excretion in EHBR was one-sixth compared with that in Sprague-Dawley rats. ATP-dependent uptake of olmesartan was observed in both human canalicular membrane vesicles (hCMVs) and MRP2-expressing vesicles. An MRP inhibitor, MK-571 ([[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl][3-(dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]-propanoic acid) completely inhibited the uptake of olmesartan by hCMVs. In conclusion, the hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of olmesartan are mediated by transporters in humans. OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 are involved in hepatic uptake, at least in part, and MRP2 plays a dominant role in the biliary excretion.

Angiotensin II↗

Direct comparison of in vivo antisense activity of ENA oligonucleotides targeting PTP1B mRNA with that of 2'-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl-modified oligonucleotides.

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity of the 2'-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl (2'- MOE)-modified gapmer antisense oligonucleotide, ISIS113715, was previously reported. This antisense oligonucleotide increases insulin sensitivity and normalizes plasma glucose levels in diabetic ob/ob and db/db mice. In the present study, the isosequential 2'-O,4'-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acid (ENA)-modified oligonucleotide, ENA-1, was synthesized, and its ability to further improve the downregulation of PTP1B in db/db mice was examined. We demonstrated that, compared with ISIS113715, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration of ENA-1 more effectively decreased the plasma glucose levels in db/db mice. Moreover, ENA-1 decreased expression of PTP1B in the liver and fat of db/db mice more effectively than ISIS113715. We describe for the first time the functional comparison of 2'-MOE- and ENA-modified antisense oligonucleotides. Our data indicate that the enhancement of the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides by ENA modifications is superior to that of second-generation 2'-MOE modifications in certain aspects.

Animals↗

Ontogenetic characteristics of enzyme activities and plasma metabolites in C57BL/6J:Jcl mice deficient in insulin receptor substrate 2.

We have established an inbred line of mice deficient in insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) on a C57BL/6J Jcl genetic background (B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice) as an animal model for typical type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We investigated the effect of age and sex on glucose tolerance and insulin resistance and on the activities of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle of B6J-IRS2( -/-) mice. Glucose tolerance tests (GTT), insulin tolerance tests (ITT), and sampling for chemical analysis were performed at ages of 6,14, and 24 wk. GTT showed that both genders of B6J-IRs2(-/-) mice had impaired glucose tolerance at the ages of 6 and 14 wk, whereas 24-wk-old female B6J-IRs2(-/-) mice showed glucose tolerance almost comparable to that of wild-type mice; 24-wk-old male B6J-IRs2(-/-) mice still showed impaired glucose tolerance. ITT revealed that both male and female B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice remained insulin-resistant at all time points. Hepatic lipogenetic enzyme activities were higher in B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice than in wild-type mice at 6, 14 and 24 wk of age. In addition, plasma glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, and insulin concentrations in B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice were significantly higher than those in wild-type mice at most time points; plasma triglycerides in 14-wk-old B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice were lower than those of wild-type mice. These findings suggest that young B6J-IRS2(-/-) mice are useful as type 2 DM models.

Animals↗

Experimental bath infection with Flavobacterium psychrophilum, inducing typical signs of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fry syndrome.

Flavobacterium psychrophilum infection in salmonid fish, known as rainbow trout fry syndrome (RTFS) or bacterial coldwater disease (BCWD), is widespread in fish farms and natural waters. Despite many studies in which attempts at infection were made, an adequate method of infection has not yet been established. In this study, we evaluated a bath infection method in which we used bacteria at different stages of growth in the infection of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Rainbow trout with a mean body weight of 1.3 or 5.6 g, respectively, were infected by immersion in a bacterial suspension at different stages of growth (18 to 66 h shaking culture at 15 degrees C). The fish immersed in a logarithmic phase culture showed higher mortality than those in other culture phases. Indeed, 1.3 and 5.6 g fish showed typical clinical signs including ulcerative tissue of the trunk and lack of caudal fin edge. F. psychrophilum was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in these tissue samples. These results indicate that experimental bath infection using a logarithmic phase bacterial solution is the most appropriate method for studies of infectious mechanisms.

Animals↗

Secondary anterior capsulotomy in pseudophakic eyes.

This report describes a 1-handed technique and a 2-handed technique anterior capsulotomy in pseudophakic eyes. Each technique was used in a case of proliferative vitreoretinopathy accompanying anterior capsule contraction that occurred following cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. A capsulorhexis forceps and a stab knife were inserted into the anterior chamber, and the capsule contraction alleviated without extracting the IOL in both cases. Secondary anterior capsulotomy contributed to both the surgeon's visibility during intraocular surgery, including the subsequent vitreous surgery, and the patient's postoperative visual acuity. The transparency of the pupil region was restored. While the 1-handed technique involves the risk of adversely affecting Zinn's zonule, the 2-handed technique does not place a burden on Zinn's zonule and is thought to considerably improve the surgeon's visibility in subsequent vitreoretinal surgery.

Aged, 80 and over↗

Vaccine efficacy of recombinant GAPDH of Edwardsiella tarda against Edwardsiellosis.

Thirty-seven kilodalton glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) of Edwardsiella tarda was suggested to be an effective vaccine candidate against E. tarda infection in previous research. For developing a vaccine, obtaining GAPDH in large quantities is necessary. In this study, we determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the gene that encodes GAPDH of E. tarda, and overexpressed the GAPDH of E. tarda by using the Escherichia coli expression system. We immunized Japanese flounder with recombinant GAPDH (rGAPDH) and evaluated its vaccine efficacy. Our results showed that rGAPDH effectively protected Japanese flounder from experimental E. tarda infection, and will contribute to the development of a vaccine against E. tarda.

Animals↗

The 23 gauge capsulorrhexis forceps having a cystotome function.

We evaluate the operational performance of the 23 gauge capsulorrhexis forceps with a cystotome function. The 23 gauge capsulorrhexis forceps were applied in 6 complex cases such as cataract surgery after closed-angle glaucoma with shallow anterior chamber, mal mydriasis, or lens subluxation. In all cases, we measured each patient's gonio angle level and degree of mydriasis. The forceps can be used in all cases even shallow anterior chamber glaucoma, because the forceps have both the functions of forceps and a cystotome with 55 degrees angulated needle. Although lens subluxation was found in 5 out of the 6 cases during continuous curvi-linear capsulorrhexis (CCC), implantation of the intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag was successfully completed in these 5 cases. The 23 gauge forceps were effective particularly in cases for cataract surgery after glaucoma operation.

Aged↗

A conserved 37 kDa outer membrane protein of Edwardsiella tarda is an effective vaccine candidate.

An effective vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda has not been reported, one of main reasons is the variation in its serotypes. This study aimed to develop an effective vaccine against different serotypes of E. tarda. A conserved 37 kDa outer membrane protein (OMP) of E. tarda was obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). It showed comprising several proteins by two-dimensional (2D) PAGE analysis and showed a high similarity to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) vaccinated with the 37 kDa OMP was significantly protected against the infections by different serotypes of E. tarda. A specific antibody was also detected by using ELISA. This study suggests that the 37 kDa OMP is an effective potent vaccine candidate against different serotypes of E. tarda.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of ascorbate free radical reductase from rabbit lens soluble fraction.

Ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase with diaphorase activity was isolated from the rabbit lens soluble fraction to characterise some molecular properties of the enzyme. The isolation was accomplished using gel filtration (Sephadex G-75 superfine or Sephacryl S-200 HR), affinity chromatography (Affi-Gel Blue), native isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A major soluble AFR reductase was found at an isoelectric point of 8.4 and a molecular weight of 31 kDa, and a few minor enzymes were also detected in the range of pI 7.0-8.6. An unknown N-terminal partial amino acid sequence was determined in one peptide fragment prepared from the major enzyme fraction. From the sequence analysis, it is discussed that the lens soluble AFR reductase may differ from NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase reported to be involved in the membrane-bound AFR reductase activity of mitochondria, microsomes and plasma membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effects of carteolol hydrochloride on the in vitro production of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines by murine macrophage.

We investigated whether carteolol hydrochloride, which has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines using mouse macrophages (MPs) and peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MPs and PBMCs were collected from BALB/C strain mice, treated simultaneously with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and test agents (carteolol hydrochloride, timolol maleate, betaxolol hydrochloride, levobunolol hydrochloride, or nipradilol) in medium, and incubated in a CO2 incubator. TNF-alpha and IL-6 in medium were measured by ELISA. Carteolol hydrochloride significantly inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 by MPs at 10(-5) M and higher (p < 0.01) or PBMCs at 10(-6) M and higher (p < 0.01) compared to the controls, while the other test agents had no inhibitory effect. Carteolol hydrochloride inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines by inflammatory cells, raising the possibility that this intraocular hypotensive drug may be expected to have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with increased intraocular tension and postoperative inflammation.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

A case report of intraocular lens luxation with the capsular bag after vitrectomy.

We experienced a case of intraocular lens (IOL) luxation with the capsular bag after vitrectomy. The case was a 66-year-old female in whom an IOL was implanted one year after surgery for giant tear retinal detachment using silicone oil. Four years after the implantation surgery, the patient suffered subluxation of the IOL with the capsular bag. Examinations of the luxated IOL with the capsular bag using a stereoscopic microscope confirmed the presence of silicone oil droplets between the capsule and the IOL. Adhesion of vitreous body residues was observed in the capsule. Luxation of the IOL was thought to be connected with chronic inflammation resulting from the use of silicone oil and repeated vitrectomy. In addition to examining pathological findings of luxated IOL, it would also be important in the future to identify the pathology of the capsular bag.

Aged↗

A method using sutures for extraction of subluxated posterior chamber intraocular lens and transscleral fixation: spider technique.

We experienced 5 cases with intraocular lens (IOL) subluxation in which IOL extraction was safely conducted using two 10-0 polypropylene sutures through pars plana and proceeded with secondary IOL implantation using the same sutures. This is a report on our study of this safe method for IOL extraction and fixation method. The method is developed from ab externo sulucus fixation. Usage of two 10-0 polypropylene sutures originally placed for the second fixation enables a surgeon to hold subluxated IOL and prevents it from falling into the vitreous body cavity. A 6-mm incision is made in the corneal limbus, and the IOL is removed. Using the two 10-0 sutures that are already in place, secondary IOL implantation can be conducted at one time. There were no cases of postoperative retinal detachment. Postoperative visual acuity was improved in all cases. No dislocation was seen in any of the cases with the pupils dilated.

Aged↗

The effect of alpha2-agonist on IOP rise following Nd-YAG laser iridotomy.

We have tested the effect of topical administration of 0.5% para-amino-clonidine (PAC), an adrenergic alpha 2 agonist, on intraocular pressure (IOP), protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in aqueous humor following the laser application to the iris of albino rabbits. The irides received Q-switched Nd: YAG laser irradiation with the energy level ranging from 2 to 80 mJ with and without topical administration of PAC one-hour prior to and immediately following laser irradiation. The IOP was measured with an Alcon pneumotonometer prior to and hourly for 6-hours following laser application. Aqueous humor was withdrawn prior to and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 hours following laser irradiation for determining protein (Lowry method) and PGE2 (radioimmunoassay). Four to 6 rabbits were used for each experiment. The increase in IOP, protein and PGE2 concentration following laser irradiation was demonstrated to be dependent on the amount of laser energy. PAC significantly suppressed the IOP rise and the elevation of protein content, while it failed to affect the increase in PGE2.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

[Case of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy accompanied by Churg-Strauss syndrome].

BACKGROUND: Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a vasculitis which includes the three signs of bronchial asthma, hypereosinophilia, and vasculitis syndrome. We report a case in whom anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) accompanied CSS. Such a case has not been reported previously in Japan. CASE: A 66-year-old woman with a history of bronchial asthma and eosinophilic pneumonia was hospitalized for fever, unusual feelings in both plantae and in a finger of her left hand, disturbance of visual acuity and visual field in the right eye, and skin rashes; a diagnosis of CSS was made. At the time of the first ophthalmological examination, AION was observed. Steroid therapy was started, but the treatment was not effective, despite an improvement in choroidal circulation confirmed by fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. In the unaffected eye, soft exudates appeared when the steroid dose was lowered and disappeared when the steroid dose was raised. CONCLUSION: Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy accompanied with Churg-Strauss syndrome resisted medical treatment and the prognosis was poor.

Aged↗