Biomedical subjects

Mitsuhiro Ito

Publications and source records attributed to Mitsuhiro Ito.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Transcription coactivator TRAP220 is required for PPAR gamma 2-stimulated adipogenesis.

The TRAP (thyroid hormone receptor-associated proteins) transcription coactivator complex (also known as Mediator) was first isolated as a group of proteins that facilitate the function of the thyroid hormone receptor. This complex interacts physically with several nuclear receptors through the TRAP220 subunit, and with diverse activators through other subunits. TRAP220 has been reported to show ligand-enhanced interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(2) (PPAR gamma(2)), a nuclear receptor essential for adipogenesis. Here we show that Trap220(-/-) fibroblasts are refractory to PPAR gamma(2)-stimulated adipogenesis, but not to MyoD-stimulated myogenesis, and do not express adipogenesis markers or PPAR gamma(2) target genes. These defects can be restored by expression of exogenous TRAP220. Further indicative of a direct role for TRAP220 in PPAR gamma(2) function via the TRAP complex, TRAP functions directly as a transcriptional coactivator for PPAR gamma(2) in a purified in vitro system and interacts with PPAR gamma(2) in a ligand- and TRAP220-dependent manner. These data indicate that TRAP220 acts, via the TRAP complex, as a PPAR gamma(2)-selective coactivator and, accordingly, that it is specific for one fibroblast differentiation pathway (adipogenesis) relative to another (myogenesis).

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2002

Procedural memory in schizophrenia assessed using a mirror reading task.

The preservation of procedural memory in individuals with schizophrenia has been confirmed by methods such as the Tower of Hanoi, pursuit rotor and mirror reading tests. However, the cognitive procedural memory of Japanese subjects with schizophrenia has never been assessed using mirror reading. To better determine the characteristics of cognitive procedural memory in schizophrenia, a Japanese version of the mirror reading task, consisting of cards with words written in Japanese katakana characters in mirror image, was administered to 18 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 21 normal controls. The results indicated that the patients indeed learned the skill despite exhibiting lower overall performances in reading time than the controls, their scores displaying correlation with the severity of schizophrenic negative symptoms. This suggests that procedural memory for this task is retained in individuals with schizophrenia. It is important for them to use their preserved procedural memory for efficient rehabilitative efforts.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Immunosuppressive effect of chenodeoxycholic acid on natural killer cell activity in patients with biliary atresia and hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis.

Patients with severe liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and biliary atresia, have low natural killer (NK) cell activity. The relations between NK activity and measures of liver function, including serum levels of total bilirubin, total bile acids, bile acid components, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, and platelet count were examined in patients with biliary atresia (6 boys and 6 girls; mean age, 4.8+/-5.7 years) and patients with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection (10 men and 2 women; mean age, 54.3+/-13.8 years). Univariate analysis showed that platelet count was positively correlated with NK activity in patients with biliary atresia (r = 0.611, P < 0.05). Serum levels of free chenodeoxycholic acid were negatively correlated with NK activity both in patients with biliary atresia (r = -0.647, P < 0.05) and in patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis (r = -0.876, P < 0.01). None of the other free bile acids or conjugated bile acids or other indicators of liver function were correlated with NK activity. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that only levels of free chenodeoxycholic acid were independently correlated with NK activity. All patients with biliary atresia underwent liver transplantation from living related donors. NK activity had increased significantly two months after transplantation (from 24.1+/-20.2% to 49.2+/-12.5%, P < 0.01). In contrast, levels of free chenodeoxycholic acid in transplant recipients had decreased significantly two months after transplantation (from 1.22+/-1.16 to 0.26+/-0.21 micromol/l, P < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with biliary atresia or liver cirrhosis, NK activity in peripheral blood decreases, mostly because of free chenodeoxycholic acid.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A case of fetal vesicoallantoic cyst in the umbilical cord.

A vesicoallantoic cyst in the umbilical cord was detected by fetal ultrasonography at 16 weeks of gestation. The blood flow through the umbilical vessels was evaluated with periodic color Doppler ultrasonographic examinations because compression by the cyst may cause reduction in blood flow and lead to fetal death. After disappearance of the cyst, the infant was delivered vaginally. Retrograde cystography revealed a narrow channel between the bladder and the navel, confirming patent urachus, which was resected without any complications.

Adult↗