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Makoto Tominaga

Publications and source records attributed to Makoto Tominaga.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of skin surface temperature on epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis.

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family are temperature sensors, and TRPV1, V3, and V4 are expressed in epidermal keratinocytes. To evaluate the influence of these receptors on epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis, we kept both hairless mouse skin and human skin at various temperatures immediately after tape stripping. At temperatures from 36 to 40 degrees C, barrier recovery was accelerated in both cases compared with the area at 34 degrees C. At 34 or 42 degrees C, barrier recovery was delayed compared with the un-occluded area. 4Alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanone, an activator of TRPV4, accelerated barrier recovery, whereas ruthenium red, a blocker of TRPV4, delayed barrier recovery. Capsaicin, an activator of TRPV1, delayed barrier recovery, whereas capsazepin, an antagonist of TRPV1, blocked this delay. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and camphor, TRPV3 activators, did not affect the barrier recovery rate. As TRPV4 is activated at about 35 degrees C and above, whereas TRPV1 is activated at about 42 degrees C and above, these results suggest that both TRPV1 and TRPV4 play important roles in skin permeability barrier homeostasis. Previous reports suggest the existence of a water flux sensor in the epidermis, and as TRPV4 is known to be activated by osmotic pressure, our results indicate that it might be this sensor.

Animals↗

Is the measurement of glycated hemoglobin A1c alone an efficient screening test for undiagnosed diabetes? Japan National Diabetes Survey.

The aim of the study was to assess the screening test properties of HbA1c for undiagnosed diabetes (DM) according to the 1999-WHO criteria and its relevance of the Japan National Diabetes Survey Cut-off points for possible and probable DM: HbA1c >or=5.6 and 6.1%. Screening properties of HbA1c predicting undiagnosed DM was examined and compared with that of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in 1904 Funagata-town inhabitants aged 35-89 years old. The prevalence of previous DM, undiagnosed DM, and impaired glucose regulation (IGR) were 5.5, 6.0, and 18.6%, while the prevalence of probable and possible DM were 7.7 and 5.4%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for undiagnosed DM was similar between HbA1c (0.856 [95% CI: 0.812-0.899]) and FPG (0.902 [0.869-0.936]). HbA1c of 5.6% gave a sensitivity of 56.5%, a specificity of 95.1%, positive and negative predictive values of 44.2 and 97.0%, and a proportion of people above the cut-off point of 8.2%. True positive tests were significantly higher with mean levels of BMI, fasting, and 2-h plasma glucose, and HbA1c, but lower with mean levels of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol than in false negative tests. The measurement of HbA1c alone may be efficient to screen undiagnosed DM and the cut-off point of 5.6% might be proper with respect to screening tests properties for undiagnosed DM, and prediction of vascular complications in Japan.

Adult↗

Different expression patterns of TRP genes in murine B and T lymphocytes.

A prolonged increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is essential for lymphocyte activation that includes cell proliferation and differentiation. This increase in [Ca2+]i results from Ca2+ release from the intracellular store and the subsequent Ca2+ influx from the extracellular environment via calcium channels located on the plasma membrane. Although transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been reported to play important roles in the [Ca2+]i increase in lymphocytes, the function of these channels in lymphocyte activation remains unknown. Here, we report the comprehensive expression profile of TRP channel gene families including TRPC, TRPV, and TRPM in the murine immune system. RT-PCR analysis revealed different expression patterns of the TRP channel genes in B and T lymphocytes isolated from the spleen. Therefore, our results provide an appropriate reference of TRP gene expression in murine lymphocytes.

Animals↗

[IFG].

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Biomarkers↗

Nitric oxide activates TRP channels by cysteine S-nitrosylation.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins form plasma-membrane cation channels that act as sensors for diverse cellular stimuli. Here, we report a novel activation mechanism mediated by cysteine S-nitrosylation in TRP channels. Recombinant TRPC1, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPV4 of the TRPC and TRPV families, which are commonly classified as receptor-activated channels and thermosensor channels, induce entry of Ca(2+) into cells in response to nitric oxide (NO). Labeling and functional assays using cysteine mutants, together with membrane sidedness in activating reactive disulfides, show that cytoplasmically accessible Cys553 and nearby Cys558 are nitrosylation sites mediating NO sensitivity in TRPC5. The responsive TRP proteins have conserved cysteines on the same N-terminal side of the pore region. Notably, nitrosylation of native TRPC5 upon G protein-coupled ATP receptor stimulation elicits entry of Ca(2+) into endothelial cells. These findings reveal the structural motif for the NO-sensitive activation gate in TRP channels and indicate that NO sensors are a new functional category of cellular receptors extending over different TRP families.

Animals↗

Role of angiotensin II type-1 and type-2 receptors on vascular smooth muscle cell growth and glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.

This study investigates the mechanisms whereby angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling contributes to cell growth and glucose metabolism in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from male Wistar fatty rats (WF) and their littermates (Wistar lean rats, WL). The levels of the medial outgrowth rate of VSMCs and Ang II type-1 receptors (AT1R) in aortae from WF were more enhanced than those in aortae from WL, but the level of Ang II type-2 receptors (AT2R) was not different. A mixture of insulin and Ang II additively increased the values of [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in WF and WL, which was inhibited by olmesartan, an AT1 receptor blockade (ARB), but not by PD123,319, an AT2 receptor blockade. Similarly, insulin and Ang II phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2, retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, and cyclic AMP response element binding protein, and these levels were higher in WF than in WL. In contrast, the phosphorylation was suppressed by olmesartan but not PD123,319. Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and 2-deoxy-d-glucose uptake in WF were significantly reduced by Ang II, and the reduction was ameliorated by olmesartan but not PD123,319. Differently from the result of Akt, the phosphorylation of the insulin-stimulated insulin receptor beta-subunit was not affected by Ang II, olmesartan, or PD123,319. However, the phosphorylation of insulin-stimulated insulin-related substrate (IRS)-1 was suppressed by Ang II, and the suppression was ameliorated by olmesartan, but not PD123,319, in both WF and WL. In contrast, the phosphorylation of IRS-1 on Ser(307) was elevated by the Ang II, and the elevation was suppressed by olmesartan, but not by PD123,319, in both WF and WL. These findings demonstrated that Ang II signaling contributes to cell proliferation and inhibition of the insulin signaling pathways through AT1R, but not trough AT2R, in both non-diabetic and diabetic VSMCs.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers↗

Transient receptor potential family members PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 form a candidate sour taste receptor.

Animals use their gustatory systems to evaluate the nutritious value, toxicity, sodium content, and acidity of food. Although characterization of molecular identities that receive taste chemicals is essential, molecular receptors underlying sour taste sensation remain unclear. Here, we show that two transient receptor potential (TRP) channel members, PKD1L3 and PKD2L1, are coexpressed in a subset of taste receptor cells in specific taste areas. Cells expressing these molecules are distinct from taste cells having receptors for bitter, sweet, or umami tastants. The PKD2L1 proteins are accumulated at the taste pore region, where taste chemicals are detected. PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 proteins can interact with each other, and coexpression of the PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 is necessary for their functional cell surface expression. Finally, PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 are activated by various acids when coexpressed in heterologous cells but not by other classes of tastants. These results suggest that PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 heteromers may function as sour taste receptors.

Calcium↗

Lipophilicity of capsaicinoids and capsinoids influences the multiple activation process of rat TRPV1.

Analogs of capsaicin, such as capsaicinoids and capsinoids, activate a cation channel, transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1), and then increase the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). These compounds would be expected to activate TRPV1 via different mechanism(s), depending on their properties. We synthesized several capsaicinoids and capsinoids that have variable lengths of acyl moiety. The activities of these compounds towards TRPV1 heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells were determined by measuring [Ca2+]i. When an extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ source was removed, some agonists such as capsaicin could increase [Ca2+]i. However, a highly lipophilic capsaicinoid containing C18:0 and capsinoids containing C14:0, C18:0, or C18:1 (the latter was named olvanilate) could not elicit a large increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of an extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ source. These results suggest that highly lipophilic compounds cause only a slight Ca2+ influx, via TRPV1 in the plasma membrane, and are not able to activate TRPV1 in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Analgesics, Non-Narcotic↗

Dual blockade of angiotensin II with enalapril and losartan reduces proteinuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

In this study we evaluated the effect of a dual blockade with enalapril and losartan on the reduction of overt macroproteinuria and its potential mechanism(s) in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty-six hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes at the baseline were administered 5 mg of enalapril once daily for 12 weeks. At the beginning of the study, the subjects were assigned to receive an add-on of 50 mg of losartan once daily or 5 mg of enalapril once daily for another 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the baseline, at the beginning, and at the end of the study for the measurement of laboratory parameters, and these data, including blood pressure, were compared between the two groups. Treatment with 5 mg of enalapril significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure level in both groups, and the addition of losartan and/or enalapril further decreased the levels. There was no difference in blood pressure between the two groups. However, the addition of losartan, but not enalapril, significantly decreased the urinary protein excretion level, plasma aldosterone, and hypersensitive-C-reactive protein at the end of the study. The results established that the dual blockade of angiotensin II with enalapril and losartan has a greater clinical benefit for high-risk patients with hypertension and advanced diabetic nephropathy.

Aged↗

TRPM2 activation by cyclic ADP-ribose at body temperature is involved in insulin secretion.

There are eight thermosensitive TRP (transient receptor potential) channels in mammals, and there might be other TRP channels sensitive to temperature stimuli. Here, we demonstrate that TRPM2 can be activated by exposure to warm temperatures (>35 degrees C) apparently via direct heat-evoked channel gating. beta-NAD(+)- or ADP-ribose-evoked TRPM2 activity is robustly potentiated at elevated temperatures. We also show that, even though cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) does not activate TRPM2 at 25 degrees C, co-application of heat and intracellular cADPR dramatically potentiates TRPM2 activity. Heat and cADPR evoke similar responses in rat insulinoma RIN-5F cells, which express TRPM2 endogenously. In pancreatic islets, TRPM2 is coexpressed with insulin, and mild heating of these cells evokes increases in both cytosolic Ca(2+) and insulin release, which is K(ATP) channel-independent and protein kinase A-mediated. Heat-evoked responses in both RIN-5F cells and pancreatic islets are significantly diminished by treatment with TRPM2-specific siRNA. These results identify TRPM2 as a potential molecular target for cADPR, and suggest that TRPM2 regulates Ca(2+) entry into pancreatic beta-cells at body temperature depending on the production of cADPR-related molecules, thereby regulating insulin secretion.

Animals↗

Increased sensitivity of desensitized TRPV1 by PMA occurs through PKCepsilon-mediated phosphorylation at S800.

Important mechanisms that regulate inhibitory and facilitatory effects on TRPV1-mediated nociception are desensitization and phosphorylation, respectively. Using Ca2+-imaging, we have previously shown that desensitization of TRPV1 upon successive capsaicin applications was reversed by protein kinase C activation in dorsal root ganglion neurons and CHO cells. Here, using both Ca2+-imaging and patch-clamp methods, we show that PMA-induced activation of PKCepsilon is essential for increased sensitivity of desensitized TRPV1. TRPV1 has two putative substrates S502 and S800 for PKCepsilon-mediated phosphorylation. Patch-clamp analysis showed that contribution of single mutant S502A or S800A towards increased sensitivity of desensitized TRPV1 is indistinguishable from that observed in a double mutant S502A/S800A. Since S502 is a non-specific substrate for TRPV1 phosphorylation by kinases like PKC, PKA or CAMKII, evidence for a role of PKC specific substrate S800 was investigated. Evidence for in vivo phosphorylation of TRPV1 at S800 was demonstrated for the first time. We also show that the expression level of PKCepsilon paralleled the amount of phosphorylated TRPV1 protein using an antibody specific for phosphorylated TRPV1 at S800. Furthermore, the anti-phosphoTRPV1 antibody detected phosphorylation of TRPV1 in mouse and rat DRG neurons and may be useful for research regarding nociception in native tissues. This study, therefore, identifies PKCepsilon and S800 as important therapeutic targets that may help regulate inhibitory effects on TRPV1 and hence its desensitization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Correlation between change in body weight rather than current body weight and change in serum adiponectin levels in a Japanese population -- the Funagata study.

Serum adiponectin levels are decreased in obese subjects. We examined the association of current body weight (BW) and its change with a change in serum adiponectin levels. Serum adiponectin levels at the baseline (from 1995 to 1997) and the 5-year follow-up (from 2000 to 2002) examinations were evaluated in 1003 (M/F, 425/578; age at the baseline examinations, 58.3 +/- 11.7/57.5 +/- 11.0 years) Japanese subjects from a cohort population (N = 2013) of the Funagata study. Correlations and associations of BW at the baseline examinations and changes in BW between the baseline and the follow-up examinations (deltaBW) with changes in the serum adiponectin levels in the study period (deltaAdiponectin) were examined. Stepwise regression analyses revealed a significant correlation of the deltaBW (r = -0.233 and -0.204 for men and women, respectively; r = -0.324 for the upper tertile group divided based on their body mass index in women) with the deltaAdiponectin. However, the BW at the baseline examinations was not significantly correlated in both sexes. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that subjects who reduced their BW by 2 kg or more were 2.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.21-5.42; P = .014) and 8.24 times (95% confidence interval, 3.59-18.9; P < .001) more likely to be in the upper tertile of the deltaAdiponectin than those who increased their BW by 2 kg or more in men and women, respectively, independent of their BW at the baseline examinations. In conclusion, we showed here that the deltaBW was strongly associated with the deltaAdiponectin in both sexes, whereas the BW at the baseline examinations was not associated with the deltaAdiponectin, at least in women.

Adiponectin↗

Cardiovascular risk factors and retinal microvascular signs in an adult Japanese population: the Funagata Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of retinal vascular signs and their association with cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese population. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Adult persons aged 35 years or older from Funagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan (n = 1481). METHODS: The Funagata Study is a Japanese population-based study of persons aged 35 years or older, and included 1961 nondiabetic participants (53.3% of 3676 eligible subjects). A nonmydriatic retinal photograph was taken of 1 eye to assess retinal microvascular signs. Retinal arteriolar wall signs (focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, enhanced arteriolar wall reflex) and retinopathy were assessed in 1481 participants without diabetes (40.3% of eligible persons) using a standardized protocol. Using a computer-assisted method, retinal vessel diameters were measured in 921 participants with gradable retinal image (25.1% of eligible persons). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of retinal microvascular signs and their association with cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Moderate or severe focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, enhanced arteriolar wall reflex, and retinopathy were found in 8.3%, 15.2%, 18.7%, and 9.0%, respectively, of the study population. Mean (+/-standard error) values for retinal arteriolar diameter were 178.6+/-21.0 mum, and mean values (+/-standard error) for venular diameter were 214.9+/-20.6 mum. Older persons were more likely to have retinal arteriolar wall signs, retinopathy, and narrower retinal vessel diameters. After adjusting for multiple factors, each 10-mmHg increase in mean arterial blood pressure was associated with a 20% to 40% increased likelihood of retinal arteriolar signs and a 2.8-mum reduction in arteriolar diameter. Retinopathy was associated with higher body mass index and both impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS: In nondiabetic Japanese adults, retinal arteriolar wall signs were associated with older age and increased blood pressure, whereas retinopathy was associated with older age, higher body mass index, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose. These findings are comparable with data from white populations.

Adult↗

Risk factors for development of pre-diabetic state from normal glucose regulation.

As a strategy to prevent the progression of diabetes mellitus, it is important to screen out the subjects who will develop a pre-diabetic state (PDS) in the future. To find out the potential risk factors for PDS, we employed the values of fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which are routinely measured in our health checkup. We selected 3,879 individuals who had normal glucose regulation at both fasting plasma glucose < 6.1 mmol/l and HbA1c < 5.5% in 1997 and investigated whether they would develop PDS in the next 5 years. PDS is defined at fasting plasma glucose >or= 6.1 mmol/l and HbA1c >or= 5.5%. Among 3,879 individuals, 21 developed PDS and 2,128 maintained normal glucose regulation in 2001. The remaining 1,730 subjects fit one of the two criteria for PDS. The parameters measured in 1997, including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidas, cholinesterase, uric acid, red blood cells, hemoglobin, percent body fat and diastolic blood pressure, were significantly higher in the individuals who developed PDS than in those who maintained normal glucose regulation. On the other hand, hematocrit was significantly lower in PDS than in normal glucose regulation. Logistic regression analysis identified alanine aminotransferase >or= 40 U/l, triglyceride >or= 1.69 mmol/l, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >or= 3.62 mmol/l and hematocrit < 38% as valuable factors for predicting the development of PDS. The present study demonstrates that the subjects with high risks for PDS could be identified from several clinical parameters and that they should be encouraged to improve their living habits not to develop diabetes mellitus.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[Participation of the clinical laboratory in the nutrition support team].

Recently, organization of the nutrition support team (NST) is progressing steadily in many hospitals in Japan. In our Yamagata University Hospital, NST services were started in March, 2004. As is well known, NST is a multidisciplinary team comprised of physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers and medical technologists. Here, we report the participation of medical technologists and physicians belonging to our Clinical laboratory in NST activities. From our laboratory, two medical technologists and two physicians participate in the NST and provide the following services. Firstly, nutritional assessment of proteins in serum i.e. albumin, retinol binding protein (RBP) and transthyretin (TTR) is carried out, measured as part of routine work, and, especially, the data of RBP and TTR are applied to the assessment of nutrition status around the digestive surgical operations. They are also useful to assess the effect of dietary meal, immunonutrition "Impact", which improves the malnutrition status of the pre operative patient. Secondly, a weekly "malnutrition report", including numbers of patients with malnutrition in every ward, serial graphs, and detailed comments on their movements, is reported by e-mail to NST associated departments. This report is conveniently indicates the nutritional situation of inpatients in the hospital and aids consideration of countermeasures for malnutrition in the NST meeting. Thirdly, we medical technologists also participate in making rounds, where we state our opinions on a patient's data, and, if necessary, propose to the chief physician to request additional laboratory tests. We believe that these current activities of our laboratory as part of the NST will contribute to the development of our University NST, raising the quality of nutrition support services, and resulting in improvements of malnutrition and the quality of life of patients.

Medical Laboratory Science↗

TRPA1 induced in sensory neurons contributes to cold hyperalgesia after inflammation and nerve injury.

Cold hyperalgesia is a well-documented symptom of inflammatory and neuropathic pain; however, the underlying mechanisms of this enhanced sensitivity to cold are poorly understood. A subset of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels mediates thermosensation and is expressed in sensory tissues, such as nociceptors and skin. Here we report that the pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 in primary sensory neurons reversed cold hyperalgesia caused by inflammation and nerve injury. Inflammation and nerve injury increased TRPA1, but not TRPM8, expression in tyrosine kinase A-expressing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Intrathecal administration of anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF), p38 MAPK inhibitor, or TRPA1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide decreased the induction of TRPA1 and suppressed inflammation- and nerve injury-induced cold hyperalgesia. Conversely, intrathecal injection of NGF, but not glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, increased TRPA1 in DRG neurons through the p38 MAPK pathway. Together, these results demonstrate that an NGF-induced TRPA1 increase in sensory neurons via p38 activation is necessary for cold hyperalgesia. Thus, blocking TRPA1 in sensory neurons might provide a fruitful strategy for treating cold hyperalgesia caused by inflammation and nerve damage.

Animals↗