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Mine Harada

Publications and source records attributed to Mine Harada.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

In-vitro schedule-dependent interaction between oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil in human gastric cancer cell lines.

In order to define the most effective combination schedule of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), we investigated the in vitro interaction between these drugs in a panel of four human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (MKN-1, NUGC-3, NUGC-5 and AZ-521). Cytotoxic activity was determined by the WST-1 assay. Different schedules of the two drugs were compared and evaluated for synergism, additivity or antagonism with a quantitative method based on the median-effect principle of Chou and Talalay. Cell cycle perturbation and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Simultaneous and sequential treatments of L-OHP followed by 5-FU exhibited synergistic effects in all four cell lines, whereas the reverse sequence yielded a clear antagonism. 5-FU exclusively arrested cells at the G0/G1 phase, and L-OHP at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Apoptosis was most prominent when cells were treated simultaneously or in a sequence of L-OHP followed by 5-FU, producing apoptosis in the majority of treated cells (55.5-61.5%). In contrast, the reverse sequence yielded only 20% induction of apoptosis, the rate being not significantly different from those induced by each drug singly. Moreover, this sequence dependence was further confirmed by the experiment which compared the total number of NUGC-3 cells 7 days after these combination schedules. These findings suggest that the interaction of 5-FU and L-OHP could be highly schedule dependent, with the most efficacious interaction observed in simultaneous combination and that 5-FU followed by L-OHP would not be recommended in clinical trials for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

In-vitro differential metabolism and activity of 5-fluorouracil between short-term, high-dose and long-term, low-dose treatments in human squamous carcinoma cells.

Although continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been clinically demonstrated to be superior to bolus administration, the mechanistic difference between the treatments still remains unclear. Here, we investigated in vitro whether there were any differences in the metabolism and activity of 5-FU between these schedules. To simulate bolus and infusional treatments of 5-FU, HST-1 human squamous carcinoma cells were treated with short-term, high-doses and long-term, low-doses so that the area under the curve (AUC) of 5-FU became equivalent between both schedules, and compared the cytotoxicity, fluorinated RNA (F-RNA) levels, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) content and thymidylate synthase (TS) activity. F-RNA and FdUMP were measured by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and competitive ligand-binding assay, respectively. The [H]FdUMP binding site in TS was determined as an index of the amount of TS using the radio-binding assay. Long-term, low-dose treatment of 5-FU was found to be 1.3-1.7 times more cytotoxic than the short-term, high-dose treatment. F-RNA content increased as the AUC of 5-FU was increased and was 2-4 times significantly higher in the cells treated with the long-term, low-dose than those with the short-term, high-dose schedule, indicating that the levels of F-RNA are AUC and schedule dependent. In contrast, there were no significant differences in FdUMP levels, TS activity and TS inhibition rate between the schedules. These data suggest that the superior activity of 5-FU administered long-term, low-dose over short-term, high-dose could be explained by more 5-FU incorporated into RNA during a long-term, low-dose exposure, thus providing a strategic rationale for the clinical advantage of continuous infusion over bolus administration.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is expressed in human activated CD4+ T-cells and regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

The autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is a gene responsible for autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. Here we show that AIRE is expressed in human peripheral CD4-positive T-cells, and most highly in antigen-and interleukin 2-stimulated T (IL-2T) cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including MAPK kinase (MEK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK, were phosphorylated in IL-2T cells and the expression of the AIRE gene was inhibited by a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), thereby indicating that AIRE gene expression is controlled by the MAPK pathway in IL-2T cells. These data suggested the possible significance of the AIRE gene in the peripheral immune system.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

Transient respiratory disturbance by granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor administration in healthy donors of allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation requires granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration to mobilize PBPCs in healthy donors. The effects of G-CSF on pulmonary functions, however, have not been clearly elucidated in PBPC donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Respiratory status by measurements of arterial blood gas was prospectively evaluated serially in 25 healthy donors (9 men, 16 women; age, 18-61 years) administered a dose of 10 microg per kg for 5 days. RESULTS: White blood cell (WBC) counts increased in all the subjects after G-CSF administration; means on Days 0, 3, and 5 were 6 x 10(9), 33.4 x 10(9), and 33.6 x 10(9) per L, respectively. The mean PaO(2) values on the respective days were 93.1, 85.8, and 81.8 mmHg, and these changes were significant (p < 0.0001), remaining significant after adjustment for the WBC count. Levels of both PaCO(2) and AaDO(2) were significantly higher after G-CSF administration than those before G-CSF administration (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0004, respectively). SaO(2) was significantly decreased after G-CSF administration (p = 0.0002). Age was identified as a significant predictive factor for the increase of AaDO(2) and PaO(2) decline. These observations clearly indicate that the gas exchange was significantly affected during G-CSF administration in healthy PBPC donors. CONCLUSION: Considering an increasing use of PBPC mobilization by G-CSF, careful monitoring of the respiratory status is important to ensure safety of PBPC donors, especially elderly donors.

Adolescent↗

Effects of ultrasound energy application on cardiac performance in open-chest Guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: Although ultrasound (US) is widely used in cardiology, little is known about the effects of US energy on cardiac performance. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical effects of high-intensity continuous US energy (1.0 MHz with 3 different intensities) on cardiac performance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Either left ventricular (LV) pressure or aortic blood flow (ABF) was evaluated in open-chest guinea pigs (n=30) under surface ECG monitoring. LV systolic pressure and ABF increased significantly (ie, maximum percent increases in these parameters were 2.5%, 3.1% and 7.1% for LV systolic pressure and 9.4%, 4.9% and 8.8% for mean ABF at intensities of 0.06, 0.67 and 2.90 W/cm2, respectively). LV end-diastolic pressure was reduced significantly by US (5.3+/-0.9 to 4.8+/-0.8, 5.5 +/-1.3 to 4.8+/-1.0 and 5.8+/-2.0 to 5.0+/-1.2 mmHg, respectively), indicating positive inotropic and lusitropic effects and resultant ABF augmentation. Local temperature was not significantly changed. ECG showed neither chronotropic action nor arrhythmogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the basic mechanisms of these phenomena remain unclear, this pilot study of the short-term effects of US energy on cardiac performance suggests the possibility of physical therapy for heart failure.

Animals↗

Pathophysiological basis for monitoring of whole heart conductance by 2-lead system.

BACKGROUND: The defibrillation threshold (DFT) is elevated during myocardial ischemia, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The hypothesis tested by the present study was that whole heart conductance (WHC) is a determinant of DFT. METHODS AND RESULTS: WHC was monitored across the longest diameter of the isolated perfused rat heart, using a 2-electrode instrument under various conditions including ischemia-reperfusion (IR). In the control study, WHC was influenced by the conductivity and flow rate of the solution. In IR, WHC decreased immediately after the onset of perfusion arrest in a single exponential manner, then declined again gradually. The second decrease was augmented and accelerated by pretreatment with 1.0 mmol/L heptanol (p<0.005) or high-[Ca2+]e (p<0.001), and was attenuated and delayed by pretreatment with 1.0 micromol/L verapamil (p<0.01). WHC after reperfusion was greater than the pre ischemic level. The postischemic increase in WHC was proportional to the ischemic interval and tissue water content as assessed by desiccation method. CONCLUSION: Although time-dependent alterations in DFT in ischemic hearts may be attributable at least in part to dynamic changes in WHC, WHC should be interpreted carefully because it reflects many physiological factors such as coronary perfusion, electrical coupling of cardiac myocytes and tissue edema.

Animals↗

Current status of hematopoietic cell transplantation for adult patients with hematologic diseases and solid tumors in Japan.

A nationwide survey of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was started in Japan in 1991, and the analyzed survey data have been presented as the annual report of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rates after HCT for each disease are as follows: acute myelogenous leukemia, 44.2%; acute lymphocytic leukemia, 33.7%; adult T-cell leukemia, 24.6%; chronic myelogenous leukemia, 53.3%; myelodysplastic syndrome, 37.3%; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 41.5%; Hodgkin's lymphoma, 50.8%; aplastic anemia, 72.5%; breast cancer, 37.1%; germ cell tumor, 52.6%; and ovarian cancer, 44.2%. The 5-year OS rates for multiple myeloma and lung cancer were 40.6% and 23.6%, respectively. Except in cord blood transplantation, engraftment was accomplished in more than 90% of patients. The respective frequencies of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD were 41.1% and 34.9% for related bone marrow transplantation (BMT), 66.8% and 34.5% for unrelated BMT, 52.9% and 36.0% for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and 53.3% and 32.1% for allogeneic cord blood transplantation. OS for each disease was analyzed by patient age, stem cell source, donor type, disease status, and disease type. These data provide objective and valuable information for hematologists as well as for patients who need HCT.

Adolescent↗

Late relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia followed by epstein-barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease 11 years after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) following myeloablative conditioning represents the treatment of choice for patients with chemotherapy-resistant leukemia. We describe a 49-year-old man with advanced, refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) that was treated successfully by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from a sibling donor with HLA mismatched at 1 locus. However, the patient developed a quiescent form of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) 7 years after transplantation, requiring long-term immunosuppressive therapy. AML relapse was documented 11 years after transplantation. Subsequently, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) was also diagnosed. Immune reconstitution after allo-HSCT might have been impaired by the persistent chronic GVHD and the prolonged administration of immunosuppressive agents. As a result, immune surveillance against remaining quiescent leukemic cells as well as viral infection may have been defective, leading to the relapse of leukemia and EBV-associated PTLD.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗

[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with calcineurin-inhibitor induced pain syndrome after a second allogeneic bone marrow transplantation].

A 42-year-old woman was referred to us for the treatment of relapsed Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL), which had been maintained in complete remission for seven years after an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) from an unrelated donor. She received remission-reinduction chemotherapy combined with imatinib mesylate. After the documentation of the molecular remission of Ph+ALL, she underwent the second allo-BMT from another unrelated donor. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus (TAC) and short-term methotrexate. On day 21, she suddenly suffered from an intermittent severe, cramp-like pain in the right lower limb. The typical pain profile and exclusion of other causative diseases suggested calcineurin-inhibitor induced pain syndrome (CIPS) as a possible cause of pain. The pain was gradually relieved after discontinuation of TAC and administration of several analgesic drugs. CIPS is rarely seen following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT); only three cases have been so far reported to our knowledge. Thus, physicians should be alert to this complication in patients receiving allo-SCT.

Adult↗

Membranous glomerulonephritis development with Th2-type immune deviations in MRL/lpr mice deficient for IL-27 receptor (WSX-1).

MRL/lpr mice develop spontaneous glomerulonephritis that is essentially identical with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (World Health Organization class IV) in human lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis is associated with autoimmune responses dominated by Th1 cells producing high levels of IFN-gamma. The initial mounting of Th1 responses depends on the function of the WSX-1 gene, which encodes a subunit of the IL-27R with homology to IL-12R. In mice deficient for the WSX-1 gene, proper Th1 differentiation was impaired and abnormal Th2 skewing was observed during infection with some intracellular pathogens. Disruption of the WSX-1 gene dramatically changed the pathophysiology of glomerulonephritis developing in MRL/lpr mice. WSX-1-/- MRL/lpr mice developed disease resembling human membranous glomerulonephritis (World Health Organization class V) with a predominance of IgG1 in glomerular deposits, accompanied by increased IgG1 and IgE in the sera. T cells in WSX-1-/- MRL/lpr mice displayed significantly reduced IFN-gamma production along with elevated IL-4 expression. Loss of WSX-1 thus favors Th2-type autoimmune responses, suggesting that the Th1/Th2 balance may be a pivotal determinant of human lupus nephritis development.

Animals↗

Feasibility study of ambulatory continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil followed by cisplatin through hepatic artery for metastatic colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: A great synergy has been reported in a number of preclinical studies when 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) precedes cisplatin (CDDP). The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of ambulatory continuous infusion of 5-FU followed by CDDP through hepatic artery for metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with unresectable liver metastases, who underwent primary tumor resection, were treated with 5-FU (450 mg/m2/day) for seven consecutive days followed by CDDP (100 mg/body/week) for seven consecutive days, each administered continuously by using a balloon pump via Infuse-A-Port catheter inserted into common hepatic artery. The doses of drugs were reduced 20% in patients older than 70 years. The treatment was repeated every 4-6 weeks until disease progression. RESULTS: Of 17 assessable patients, nine patients showed PR (53%; 95% CI, 29.3-76.7%) and eight patients had SD (47%; 95% CI, 23.3-70.7%), with disease control rate of 100%. The median overall survival was 26 months (95% CI: 17.5-41 months) and TTP 14 months (95% CI: 11-20.3 months). Two patients (11.8%), who showed progression due to collateral feeding arteries, responded to HAI again after occlusion. Grade 3 toxicity included leukopenia (12%) and anemia (24%). Grade 4 toxicity was absent. Four patients (23.5%) progressed at extrahepatic sites. CONCLUSIONS: This sequential combination of 5-FU followed by CDDP through hepatic artery is active and safe in an outpatient setting, and warrants further multi-institutional study, although prevention of micrometastasis would be mandatory to further prolong overall survival.

Aged↗

Mobilization of human lymphoid progenitors after treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Hemopoietic stem and progenitor cells ordinarily residing within bone marrow are released into the circulation following G-CSF administration. Such mobilization has a great clinical impact on hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood, but may involve G-CSF-induced modulation of chemokines, adhesion molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. We studied G-CSF-induced mobilization of CD34+ CD10+ CD19- Lin- and CD34+ CD10+ CD19+ Lin- cells (early B and pro-B cells, respectively). These mobilized lymphoid populations could differentiate only into B/NK cells or B cells equivalent to their marrow counterparts. Mobilized lymphoid progenitors expressed lymphoid- but not myeloid-related genes including the G-CSF receptor gene, and displayed the same pattern of Ig rearrangement status as their bone marrow counterparts. Decreased expression of VLA-4 and CXCR-4 on mobilized lymphoid progenitors as well as multipotent and myeloid progenitors indicated lineage-independent involvement of these molecules in G-CSF-induced mobilization. The results suggest that by acting through multiple trans-acting signals, G-CSF can mobilize not only myeloid-committed populations but a variety of resident marrow cell populations including lymphoid progenitors.

Animals↗

Development of functional human blood and immune systems in NOD/SCID/IL2 receptor {gamma} chain(null) mice.

Here we report that a new nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse line harboring a complete null mutation of the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (NOD/SCID/interleukin 2 receptor [IL2r] gamma(null)) efficiently supports development of functional human hemato-lymphopoiesis. Purified human (h) CD34(+) or hCD34(+)hCD38(-) cord blood (CB) cells were transplanted into NOD/SCID/IL2rgamma(null) newborns via a facial vein. In all recipients injected with 10(5) hCD34(+) or 2 x 10(4) hCD34(+)hCD38(-) CB cells, human hematopoietic cells were reconstituted at approximately 70% of chimerisms. A high percentage of the human hematopoietic cell chimerism persisted for more than 24 weeks after transplantation, and hCD34(+) bone marrow grafts of primary recipients could reconstitute hematopoiesis in secondary NOD/SCID/IL2rgamma(null) recipients, suggesting that this system can support self-renewal of human hematopoietic stem cells. hCD34(+)hCD38(-) CB cells differentiated into mature blood cells, including myelomonocytes, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, platelets, and lymphocytes. Differentiation into each lineage occurred via developmental intermediates such as common lymphoid progenitors and common myeloid progenitors, recapitulating the steady-state human hematopoiesis. B cells underwent normal class switching, and produced antigen-specific immunoglobulins (Igs). T cells displayed the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-dependent cytotoxic function. Furthermore, human IgA-secreting B cells were found in the intestinal mucosa, suggesting reconstitution of human mucosal immunity. Thus, the NOD/SCID/IL2rgamma(null) newborn system might be an important experimental model to study the human hemato-lymphoid system.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗

Successful treatment of rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with dermatomyositis.

Aggressive autoimmune diseases are often treated by intensive immunosuppressive treatment such as high-dose methylprednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can facilitate high-dose immunosuppressive therapy (HDIT), which is myeloablative. We describe a 54-year-old female patient with rapidly progressive and refractory interstitial pneumonia due to dermatomyositis, which was successfully treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide and autologous blood stem cell transplantation. Following transplantation, dyspnea disappeared, and arterial blood gas analysis and respiratory function test showed marked improvement. This improvement was confirmed by diminished interstitial shadows on chest X-ray and computed tomography scans. Eighteen months after transplantation, the patient is doing well without symptoms and signs of interstitial pneumonia.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

In vitro sequence-dependent interaction between nedaplatin and paclitaxel in human cancer cell lines.

PURPOSE: To define the most effective combination schedule of paclitaxel and nedaplatin, a new platinum derivative, we investigated the in vitro interaction between these drugs in AZ-521 and NUGC-4 gastric adenocarcinoma and KSE-1 esophageal squamous carcinoma cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytotoxic activity was determined by the WST-1 assay. Different treatment schedules of the two drugs were compared and evaluated for synergism, additivity, or antagonism using a quantitative method based on the median-effect principle of Chou and Talalay. Cell-cycle perturbation and apoptosis were evaluated by means of flow cytometry. RESULTS: Upon 24-h sequential exposure, the sequence paclitaxel followed by nedaplatin induced greater than additive effects in all of the cell lines, with synergistic interactions in NUGC-4 and KSE-1 cells. By contrast, antagonistic effects were observed with the reverse sequence. Simultaneous treatment resulted in either a synergistic or antagonistic effect, depending on the cell line. Therefore, the sequence paclitaxel followed by nedaplatin appears most active, at least in these three cell lines. Flow cytometric analyses at IC50 indicated that paclitaxel induced G2/M arrest with subsequent induction of apoptosis (56%) in the sub-G1 phase. When paclitaxel preceded nedaplatin, apoptosis was most prominent (70%) with pronounced G2/M arrest. By contrast, the reverse sequence yielded only 28% induction of apoptotic cells, with almost identical cell-cycle distribution patterns to those observed with nedaplatin alone, indicating that the activity of paclitaxel is abolished by pretreatment with nedaplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the interaction of nedaplatin and paclitaxel is highly schedule dependent and that the sequential administration of paclitaxel followed by nedaplatin should be thus incorporated into the design of a clinical trial.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Molecular analysis of a novel hereditary C3 deficiency with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A case of inherited homozygous complement C3 deficiency (C3D) in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the molecular basis for this deficiency are reported. A 22-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed as having SLE and his medical history revealed recurrent tonsillitis and pneumonia. He was diagnosed as having C3D because of undetectable serum C3 level. His parents were consanguineous. Sequence analysis of C3D cDNA revealed a homozygous deletion of exon 39 (84bp). A single base substitution (AG to GG) in the 3'-splice acceptor site of intron 38 was identified by sequencing the genomic DNA. Expression of C3Delta(ex39) cDNA, the C3cDNA lacking exon 39, in COS-7 cells revealed that C3Delta(ex39) was retained in endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment because of defective secretion. These data indicate that a novel AG-->GG 3'-splice acceptor site mutation in intron 38 caused aberrant splicing of exon 39, resulting in defective secretion of C3.

Adult↗