Neutrophil and erythroblast regulate the effects of bone marrow cell implantation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to S Koba.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is strongly affected by both fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels. We report here that the LDL phenotype shifts toward the smaller phenotype during oral fat tolerance tests (OFTTs) in some patients with myocardial infarction (MI); a condition closely associated with postprandial increases of triglyceride and remnant-like particles (RLPs). METHODS: Oral fat tolerance tests were performed on 63 MI patients with fasting serum triglyceride levels of less than 2.25 mmol L-1 (= 200 mg dL-1). Remnant-like particles and other serum lipids were compared among patients characterized by three LDL phenotypes based on nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: pattern A (large LDLs, peak LDL particle size > or = 260 A), pattern I (intermediate-sized LDLs, LDL size > 255 A, < 260 A), and pattern B (small, dense LDLs, LDL size < or = 255 A). RESULTS: The LDL size decreased significantly in patients with the highest tertile of areas under the incremental curves (AUICs) of triglycerides above the fasting levels. The LDL phenotype shifted toward the smaller phenotype after a fat load in three of eight patients with pattern A and in seven of 35 patients with pattern I. The AUICs of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins were significantly higher in these patients than in the patients exhibiting little change in LDL size, whereas the fasting metabolic parameters were similar among the patients of the same LDL phenotype in the fasting state. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that alimentary lipaemia plays an important role in the remodeling of LDL particles into the more atherogenic small, dense LDLs in patients with MI.
To clarify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the process of restenosis, a Palmaz-Schatz stent was implanted in the left anterior descending coronary artery of male pigs at 2 weeks after balloon injury (balloon/artery ratio 1.2:1). The animals were euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after stenting, and western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed using VEGF, fms-like tyrosine kinase (flt)-1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antibodies. The expressions of VEGF and flt-1 protein in the neointima were observed as early as 1 week after stenting and remained for up to 4 weeks, while re-endothelialization was complete at 2 weeks. These protein expressions were demonstrated in proliferated smooth muscle cells throughout the entire period after stenting and, in addition, they were observed in the macrophages and endothelial cells of microvessels around stent struts at 4 weeks. The expression pattern of VEGF corresponded with that of PDGF, a growth factor well-known to induce neointimal proliferation. The cell proliferative activity, measured by the proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, around the struts remained high until 4 weeks after stenting, while that in the other areas declined at 4 weeks. These results suggest that VEGF is involved in the process of restenosis not only through its angiogenic properties and induction of monocyte chemotaxis, but also by a synergistic effect with PDGF.
BACKGROUND: Mild oxidation of LDL enhances its atherogenic potential and induces a synergistic interaction with serotonin (5HT) on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Because of its complex chemical nature, the mitogenic components of mildly oxidized LDL (moxLDL) remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined both the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), a donor of reactive oxygen species, as major components of moxLDL and their interactions with 5HT on VSMC proliferation. Growth-arrested VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of moxLDL, LPC, H(2)O(2), or LPC with H(2)O(2) in the absence or presence of 5HT. DNA synthesis in VSMCs was examined by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. MoxLDL, LPC, H(2)O(2), and 5HT stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. MoxLDL had a maximal stimulatory effect at a concentration of 5 microg/mL (211%), LPC at 15 micromol/L (156%), H(2)O(2) at 5 micromol/L (179%), and 5HT at 50 micromol/L (205%). Added together, moxLDL (50 ng/mL) and 5HT (50 micromol/L) synergistically increased DNA synthesis (443%). Coincubation of LPC (1 micromol/L) with H(2)O(2) (0.5 micromol/L) and 5HT (5 micromol/L) resulted in a synergistic increase in DNA synthesis (439%), which was nearly equal to that of moxLDL with 5HT (443%). The combined effects of LPC, H(2)O(2), and 5HT on DNA synthesis were completely reversed by the combined use of an antioxidant, N:-acetylcysteine (400 micromol/L) or butylated hydroxytoluene (20 micromol/L), with a 5HT(2) receptor antagonist, LY281067 (10 microg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both LPC and reactive oxygen species may contribute to the mitogenic effect of moxLDL on VSMCs and its synergistic effect with 5HT.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was used in a 62-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) because of hemodynamically intolerable ventricular tachycardia (VT). Amiodarone was administered after a second episode of ICD discharge. Three weeks later, incessant VT appeared, and DC discharge failed to terminate it. Microvolt T wave alternans (TWA), measured by a spectral method, was observed in this patient with and without amiodarone administration. The onset heart rate with TWA was lower and the alternans voltage was higher with amiodarone than without it. The effects of amiodarone appeared to be related to the exacerbation of VT and an increased defibrillation threshold. TWA might be useful in predicting the proarrhythmic effects of amiodarone in similar cases.
OBJECTIVES: Differences in the mechanism of restenosis after stenting between coil and tubular stents were examined in porcine coronary arteries using histological and immunohistochemical methods. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs underwent balloon-induced injury in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two weeks later, seven different stents clinically available in Japan (Coil stents: GR I, GR II, Wiktor, Cordis; Tubular stents: gfx, Multilink, Palmaz-Schatz) were implanted in the injured site. Four weeks after the stent implantation, the pigs were sacrificed for histological examination and for morphometrical analysis of the lumen, neointima, media and adventitia. Immunohistochemical studies using anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin and anti-macrophage antibody were also performed. RESULTS: The coil stents formed eccentric, and the tubular stents formed concentric neointimal proliferation. Although there was no difference in the area of neointima between the stents, the area of lumen in the tubular stents was bigger than that in the coil stents (p < 0.01), because the vascular area was bigger in the tubular stents (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical examination found many PCNA-positive cells in the proliferated neointima, especially in the area around the stent strut. Many of these cells around the stent strut were positively stained by anti-macrophage antibody. Other cells positively stained for PCNA were confirmed as smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: Tubular stents maintained a wider lumen than coil stents, because negative remodeling after stenting was less in the tubular stents. Implantation of stents with less negative remodeling is very important to prevent restenosis after stenting.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) from hyperlipidemic plasma are more atherogenic than those from normal plasma. Since platelet aggregation at sites of atherosclerotic injury exposes the cells to high concentrations of serotonin (5HT), a known mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), it was examined whether VLDL, IDL or LDL from plasma of 1% cholesterol-fed rabbits can potentiate the mitogenic effect of 5HT on VSMC. METHODS: Growth arrested primary aortic VSMC in 1st or 2nd passage were incubated with different concentrations of VLDL, IDL or LDL in the presence or absence of pertusis toxin (PTX) for 24 h followed by incubation with 5HT for 24 h. The amount of [3H]thymidine incorporated into the DNA as well as the increase in cell number was measured. RESULTS: Either VLDL, IDL or LDL at a concentration of 60 microg/ml induced proliferation of VSMC by themselves (196, 137 or 122% increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation, or 122, 119 or 122% increase in cell number, respectively when compared to the control, P<0.05). This effect on DNA synthesis was markedly potentiated by 50 microM 5HT to 465, 714 and 1369%, respectively. PTX reversed the mitogenic effect of 5HT, but not that of VLDL, IDL or LDL. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that even low concentration of VLDL, IDL or LDL from hypercholesterolemic plasma may significantly potentiate the mitogenic effect of 5HT, that is released by aggregating platelets at sites of vascular damage.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and mildly oxidized low density lipoprotein (mox-LDL) are known mitogens for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Since aggregating platelets at sites of atherosclerotic injury release thromboxane A2(TXA2), a known mitogen for VSMC, we examined whether TXA2 can act synergistically with mox-LDL or its oxidative components in inducing VSMC proliferation. Growth arrested primary aortic rabbit VSMCs in 1st or 2nd passage were incubated with different concentrations of LDL or mox-LDL or lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) or H2O2 or 4-hydroxy-2-nonenel (HNE) for 24 h followed by incubation with TXA2 mimetic U46619 for another 24 h. The amount of 3[H]-thymidine incorporated into the DNA was measured. Both LDL and mox-LDL at a concentration of 120 microg/ml induced proliferation of VSMC (168% or 184% respectively) when compared to the control. U46619 induced VSMC proliferation was observed at a concentration of 5 microm/L. As compared to native LDL, the mitogenic effect of mox-LDL on VSMC proliferation was markedly potentiated by U46619 to 301% or 316% at 0.5 or 5 microm/L U46619 respectively. LPC, H2O2 and HNE induced DNA synthesis was also marked by enhanced by U46619. These results suggest that even low concentration of TXA2 released from aggregating platelets may potentiate the mitogenic effect of mox-LDL at sites of vascular damage. The mitogenic effect of mox-LDL may be mediated via its oxidation products LPC, H2O2 (reactive oxygen species donor), and HNE.
OBJECTIVES: The relationship between plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is known, but the other characteristics of LDL, particularly particle size and density, are unclear. The relationship between small dense LDL phenotype and non-diabetic, normocholesterolemic CAD was investigated in 70 patients with angiographically documented CAD, and 38 age-matched control subjects. METHODS: Peak LDL particle diameter was determined by using 2-16% polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Small dense LDL phenotype was defined as particle diameter equal to or less than 255 A. RESULTS: LDL particle diameters in patients with CAD were significantly smaller than those in controls (252.4 +/- 6.9 vs 259.3 +/- 8.8 A, mean +/- SD, p < 0.0001). Prevalence of small dense LDL was markedly higher in patients with CAD (72%) than in subjects without CAD (24%). CAD patients had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels (39.3 +/- 8.8 vs 49.8 +/- 12.0, 108.1 +/- 20.6 vs 122.9 +/- 20.1 mg/dl), and higher lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B levels (28.8 +/- 30.4 vs 16.8 +/- 18.8, 96.5 +/- 21.8 vs 80.2 +/- 14.9 mg/dl) than non-CAD subjects, whereas total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, remnant-like particle cholesterol and insulin levels were not increased in CAD patients compared with non-CAD subjects. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that LDL particle size was the most powerful independent determinant of CAD (F value = 20.04, p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that small dense LDL phenotype [relative risk (RR) of 7.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.4-20.1], low HDL-cholesterol (RR of 5.6, 95% CI 2.1-15.2), and increased apolipoprotein B (RR of 5.8, 95% CI 1.8-18.5) were independently associated with incidence of CAD. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of small dense LDL is a leading cause of CAD with even normal cholesterol levels.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine whether low density lipoproteins (LDLs) or mildly oxidized LDL (mox-LDL) are mitogens for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and whether they can act synergistically with serotonin (5HT), a known mitogen for VSMC, in potentiating the proliferative effect of 5HT on VSMC. BACKGROUND: Whether LDL or mox-LDL has a mitogenic effect on VSMC has been controversial. It is possible that LDL may not be mitogenic to VSMC but modification of LDL may confer mitogenic properties on LDL. A known mitogen for VSMC is 5HT that is released by aggregating platelets at sites of atherosclerotic changes or endothelial dysfunction. It is possible that LDL may interact with 5HT to enhance VSMC proliferation induced by 5HT. METHODS: Growth arrested primary VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of LDL or mox-LDL for 24 h followed by incubation with 5HT for another 24 h (mild oxidation of LDL was achieved by incubating LDL with Cu++ which increased the thiobarbituric acid product formation without a change in electrophoretic mobility). The increase in cell number or the amount of 3H-thymidine incorporated into the DNA was then measured. RESULTS: Low density lipoprotein and mox-LDL induced significant VSMC proliferation by themselves and this effect was potentiated by 5HT. The 5HT2 receptor antagonist (LY281067) and pertussis toxin reversed only the proliferative effect of 5HT. Polyinosinic acid (poly-I), an inhibitor of scavenger receptors, did not inhibit the proliferative effect of LDL or mox-LDL or their synergistic interaction with 5HT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LDL and mox-LDL act synergistically with 5HT in inducing VSMC proliferation. The synergistic interaction could be blocked by LY281067 and pertussis toxin but not by poly-I acid.
Free radical generation was studied by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique using alpha-phenyl N tert butyl nitrone (PBN) in a brief ischemia-reperfusion model of the canine heart, and correlated with biochemical changes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). ESR spectra (aH=0.3-0.4mT, aN=1.43-1.58mT) were observed as PBN spin adducts, which peaked at levels 5-fold above the control levels at 5 min after reperfusion. The simulated coupling constants of PBN spin adducts suggested that the sample should contain at least 2 carbon-centered radicals at 5 min after reperfusion (radical A: aH=0.350mT, aN=1.485mT; radical B: aH=0.370mT, aN=1.615 mT). At this time point, a significant reduction in Ca-ATPase activity of the SR was found without degradation of the major ATPase protein. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly reduced the intensity of the PBN spin adduct signals and preserved the Ca-ATPase activity of the SR to 80% of the control level. Reperfusion injury after brief ischemia may be the result of inactivation of intracellular Ca-ATPase by free radicals generated during reperfusion, and SOD contributes to the protective effect by scavenging the radicals.
Lateral thoracic meningocele is an uncommon disorder known to occur with high frequency in patients with neurofibromatosis. We report a case not accompanied by neurofibromatosis and describe the operative technique utilizing a posterolateral extradural approach. A 41-year-old man was referred to our cardiologic clinic for severe anterior chest pain. Plain chest X-ray demonstrated an oval mass lesion in the right 9th to 10th thoracic paravertebral region. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass at the 10th thoracic intervetebral foramen without distortion of the spinal cord. Signal intensity of the cystic mass was the same as the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord. In the prone position, laminotomy of the 10th vertebral only was carried out. A pulsatile round mass in continuity with the dura mater was exposed. The wall of the sac, which was thickened with CSF, was identified. The neck of the menigocele was ligated with the help of an aneurysm needle. The patient's severe chest pain disappeared postoperatively.
Blood capillary abnormalities accompanied by intramural small arterial lesions were reported in patients with microvascular angina (MVA), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We compared the ultrastructural changes of blood capillaries in myocardial biopsy samples from MVA, HCM, and DCM patients using electron microscopy and ultrastructural morphometry. Ten cross-sectioned views were selected from each patient at random, and the degree of cytoplasmic swelling of the endothelial cells was measured (transverse area of endothelial cell cytoplasm (E)/transverse area of the blood capillary (C)). The thickness of the basal lamina was also assessed (transverse area of basal lamina (BL)/C). The average value of the E/C ratio was in the order of control group < HCM < MVA < DCM, with significant differences among the groups (p < 0.001). The average value of the BL/C ratio was in the order of control group < MVA < HCM < DCM, with significant differences (p < 0.001) among the groups except between the HCM and DCM groups. In conclusion, swelling of the endothelial cells as well as luminal stenosis of small arteries and arterioles may be related to disturbed microcirculation in these patients.
The incidence of coronary ectasia (CE) and the relationship between CE and coronary spasm that was said not to be apt to occur in patients with CE were studied. The study consisted of 1,373 patients (including 1,008 patients with ischemic heart disease) who underwent cardiac catheterization. In 74 patients with CE, coronary spasm was tested in 33 patients subjected to acetylcholine (ACh) provocation and in 17 patients subjected to ergonovine (Ergo) provocation. CE was found in 74 patients (5.4%), and its incidence was significantly higher (6.7%) in patients with ischemic heart disease. In addition, ACh and Ergo provocation tests gave positive results in 12 (36%) and 4 patients (24%), respectively. Spasm was not provoked as frequently in the ectatic portion as elsewhere. In addition, spasm was often found at the borders of the ectatic portion in both provocation tests. The incidence of coronary ectasia was higher than that described in previous reports, and coronary spasm was more often observed at the borders between ectatic and normal portions than elsewhere.
We studied the ultrastructure of cardiac myocytes and small blood vessels obtained by endomyocardial biopsy from 21 patients with microvascular angina. Ischemic ST segment depression during atrial pacing was recognised in all the patients who had normal coronary arteriograms and biopsy tissues were examined by light and electron microscopy. In patients with microvascular angina, insufficient increases in coronary sinus blood flow and in myocardial oxygen consumption measured with a Webster's catheter were apparent during atrial pacing. Biopsy samples under the light microscope showed evidence of myocardial hypertrophy and sclerosis of small arteries and arterioles with perivascular fibrosis in 18 of 19 (95%) patients. Electron microscopy revealed that many endothelial nuclei in capillaries were swollen and that lumina of small arteries and arterioles were irregularly narrowed with proliferated and deformed medial smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest that disturbances in the coronary microcirculation in these patients is responsible for the ischemic changes in electrocardiograms.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.