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Biomedical subjects

S Kozuma

Publications and source records attributed to S Kozuma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Theoretical basis for herbal medicines, Tokishakuyaku-san and Sairei-to, in the treatment of autoimmunity-related recurrent abortion by correcting T helper-1/T helper-2 balance.

PROBLEM AND METHOD OF STUDY: To get insight into the basis for the empirical usage of herbal medicines in the treatment of recurrent abortion, we examined whether Tokishakuyaku-san (Toki) and Sairei-to (Sai) modulate T helper-1 (Th1) and T helper-2 (Th2) cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The effects of these medicines were investigated as related to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a non-classical HLA class I antigen expressed on trophoblasts and a putative crucial player involved in fetomaternal immune interplay. RESULTS: Toki and Sai increased the release of Th1 group cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma while preserving the inhibitory effect of HLA-G on the release of these cytokines. As for Th2 group cytokine release, Toki was without effect in modulating interleukin (IL)-4 release, regardless of the presence of HLA-G, whereas Sai nullified the effect of the presence of HLA-G to stimulate the release of IL-4 without affecting its release in the absence of HLA-G. CONCLUSION: Toki and Sai may have therapeutic potential, particularly in autoimmunity-related recurrent abortion where Th2 response is pathologically enhanced, but not in recurrent abortion involving alloimmune fetomaternal derangement, a condition of, rather, an enhanced Thl response.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed2000

Polymorphisms of RhD(Va) and a new RhD(Va)-like variant found in Japanese individuals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Red cell type RhD(Va) lacks epD1 and 5 and is encoded by hybrid RHD-CE(5)-D alleles. We analyzed RhD(Va) and RhD(Va)-like samples in Japanese blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten RhD(Va) samples lacked epD1 and 5 and 3 RhD(Va)-like variants also lacked, epD2 and a part of 6/7. We identified the full-length nucleotide sequences of the complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesized from 4 samples: 3 of type D(Va) and the 4th a D(Va)-like variant. RESULTS: Although their sequences differed from each other, all the substitutions were exclusively in exon 5. Three D(Va) samples had hybrid RHD-CE(5)-D alleles, but the D(Va)-like variant had a unique nucleotide substitution with a single amino acid change, E233K. Exon 5 of the genomic DNA from all 13 samples was analyzed by sequencing. No other sequences were identified. CONCLUSION: All RhD(Va) and RhD(Va)-like variants had the substitution for E233. E233 seems to be a determinant of epD1 and 5. A new category of RhD variant, DYO, was identified.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2000

Genomic structure of mouse and human genes for DNA-PKcs interacting protein (KIP).

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a nuclear protein serine/threonine kinase in a wide variety of vertebrate species and it has a role in the DNA repair and recombination process of lymphoid development. DNA-PK is composed of a large catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and DNA-binding protein, Ku. Recently, the mouse and human DNA-PKcs interacting proteins (Kip/KIP) have been reported. In this report, we have determined the complete genomic structure of mouse and human Kip/KIP genes. The total length of mouse Kip gene and human KIP gene are approximately 5.7 kb and 3.6 kb in genomic DNAs, respectively. Both of genes consist of 7 exons.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Localized right atrial tamponade after aortic valve replacement].

A 78-year-old man developed isolated right atrial tamponade 15 hours following aortic valve replacement. There were excessive postsurgical bleeding, low blood pressure, and low cardiac output. Volume expansion and inotropic therapy did not increase blood pressure. There were no cardiomegaly and echo-free space. Diagnosis was made by appearance of pulsus paradoxus and transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by surgery. The clinical picture was improved dramatically after surgical removal of the hematoma. Right atrial tamponade leads to a unique clinical conglomeration of hemodynamic and echocardiographic features. Constant attention to this entity is necessary to make a timely diagnosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Cloning and expression profile of mouse and human genes, Rnf11/RNF11, encoding a novel RING-H2 finger protein.

The RING finger (C3HC4-type zinc finger) is a variant zinc finger motif presents in a new family of proteins. A new member of the RING finger family was identified and its cDNA structures were determined in human and mouse. The predicted protein consisting of a 144 amino acid residues is very conservative between the two species and contains a canonical RING-H2 finger motif (C3H2C2) at the carboxyl-terminal region. The genes were designated as RNF11/Rnf11 for RING finger protein 11. A single 2.4-kb transcript of mouse Rnf11 was ubiquitously expressed in various fetal and adult mouse tissues by the Northern blot analysis. The human RNF11 gene was mapped on chromosome 1p31-p32 region, where frequent alterations have been observed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

cDNA cloning, tissue expression, and chromosomal assignment of a mouse gene, encoding a 127 kDa UV-damaged DNA binding protein which is defective in XPE cells.

A subset of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) group E cells lack a factor of the UV-damaged DNA binding activity. Both 127 kDa and 48 kDa proteins have been reported to be responsible for the binding activity. A cDNA for the 127 kDa UV-damaged DNA-binding protein (p127-Ddb1) was isolated from a mouse fetal brain full length-enriched cDNA library, and an open reading frame of 1140 amino acids was identified. Reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that mouse Ddb1 messenger is ubiquitously expressed in adult tissues as well as in embryo's. The gene was mapped to near the public locus D19Mit22 region of mouse chromosome 19.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

PKCnu, a new member of the protein kinase C family, composes a fourth subfamily with PKCmu.

Members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases are thought to play critical roles in the regulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation in many cell types. An additional member of the PKC family was identified through human expressed sequence tag (EST) database search and its full length cDNA was isolated. Sequence analysis revealed that the predicted translation product was composed of 890 amino acid residues and that the protein has 77.3% similarity to human PKC mu (PKCmu) and 77. 4% similarity to mouse PKD (the mouse homolog of PKCmu). We designated the new member as protein kinase C nu (PKCnu). The PKCnu messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues when analyzed by Northern blots and reverse transcriptase-coupled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. The chromosomal location of the gene was determined between markers WI-9798 and D2S177 on chromosome 2p21 region by PCR-based methods with both a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid mapping panel.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Structure, expression profile and chromosomal location of an isolog of DNA-PKcs interacting protein (KIP) gene.

A novel DNA-PKcs interacting protein, KIP (kinase interacting protein), was recently isolated using a two-hybrid analysis which showed a significant homology to calcineurin B. We found other ESTs showing significant similarity to KIP gene in the dbEST database and isolated a cDNA clone which encodes a 187 amino acid polypeptide from a human fetal brain cDNA library. This protein (termed KIP2 for kinase interacting protein 2) has sequence homology to KIP (46% identical and 64% similarity). RT-PCR analysis showed that the messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues. Based on PCR-based analysis with a radiation hybrid cell panel and fluorescence in situ hybridization, the gene was localized to the q24 region of chromosome 15.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Visualization of the endometrium by intrauterine sonography.

Thirty-five women with normal menstrual cycles underwent transvaginal and high-frequency (15- or 20-MHz) intrauterine sonographic examinations for the assessment of the endometrium. Five sonographic patterns of endometrium were recognized by both sonographic techniques, but the pattern visualized differed between techniques in 9 women (26%). The higher resolution of intrauterine sonography provided more detail of the endometrium. Our preliminary experience indicates that high-frequency intrauterine sonography enables more detailed visualization of changes in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle than does transvaginal sonography.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The human regulator of G-protein signaling protein 6 gene (RGS6) maps between markers WI-5202 and D14S277 on chromosome 14q24.3.

The recently discovered regulators of G-protein signaling proteins, termed the RGS family, have been shown to modulate the functioning of G-proteins by activating the intrinsic guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity of the alpha subunits. Here, we report the chromosomal location and tissue expression of the human regulator of RGS6 gene. The messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis with a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid panel and a radiation hybrid panel indicated that the gene was mapped between genetic markers WI-5202 and D14S277 on chromosome 14q24.3 region.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Cloning, tissue expression, and chromosomal assignment of human MRJ gene for a member of the DNAJ protein family.

The DnaJ protein family consists of proteins with a highly conserved amino acid stretch called the "J-domain". A cDNA clone encoding a new protein with a J-domain was isolated from a human fetal brain cDNA library. This new member of the DnaJ family of 241 amino acid residues showed 94% identity with mouse Mrj (accession number, AF035962) and 71% identity with mouse Msj-1 (accession number, U95607) along its entire sequence. Reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues. The chromosomal location of the gene was determined by PCR-based analyses with both a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid panel to map on chromosome 11q25 region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Inferior vena cava diameter and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and fetal compromise.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate a possible clinical usefulness of the measurement of the inferior vena caval diameter (IVCD) during the late second trimester in predicting obstetrical complications. METHODS: IVCD was measured in the supine and complete left lateral positions in 281 pregnant women at 24-27 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: In 35 cases who showed the IVCD < or = 10 percentile in the complete left lateral position, there were six cases with pregnancy-induced hypertension and seven cases with a compromized fetus (with fetal distress and/or an Apgar score < 7 at 1 min), each incidence being significantly higher compared with cases with IVCD > 10 percentile. CONCLUSION: The measurement of IVCD in the complete left lateral position may provide a valuable tool in predicting pregnancy outcome given its non-invasiveness and easiness.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Early axonal and glial pathology in fetal sheep brains with leukomalacia induced by repeated umbilical cord occlusion.

We conducted a chronic preparation experiment involving near term fetal sheep to evaluate the contribution of umbilical cord occlusion to fetal brain injury. In experimental groups (n = 11), complete cord occlusion for 3 min followed by 5 min release, repeated 5 times were performed at 3 days after initial surgery. Instrumental cases without cord occlusion (n = 3) and uninstrumental twins (n = 6) were also examined as controls. Multiple necrotic foci predominantly in the periventricular white matter were found in the fetal brains examined at 1-3 days after cord occlusion. To estimate the contribution of early axonal and glial reaction to brain injury the following immunohistochemical study was performed. In the lesions, coagulation necrosis, axonal swelling and microglial activation were demonstrated with amyloid precursor protein or ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 immunohistochemistry. The induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase were also detected immunohistochemically in the microglia at 1 and 3 days after cord occlusion. In contrast, the reaction of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive astrocytes was faint at 1 day after occlusion, but the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 was observed. These findings suggest the glial reaction of cytokines and free radicals induced by fetal hypoxia may contribute to the occurrence of brain injury.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗
PubMed1999

Temporal changes in fetal cardiovascular, behavioural, metabolic and endocrine responses to maternally administered dexamethasone in the late gestation fetal sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the primary (0-12 h) and secondary (12-24 h) effects of dexamethasone on fetal heart rate, short term heart rate variation, blood pressure, breathing movements and electrocortical activity, blood gas exchange, metabolism and adrenocortical function in the late gestation sheep fetus. DESIGN: Comparison of the effects of a single maternally administered intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (12 mg) with those of saline vehicle from 1 h before injection to 24 h post-injection. Fetal cardiovascular and behavioural parameters were recorded continuously. Fetal and maternal blood samples were taken at regular intervals for blood gas, glucose and lactate, cortisol and adrenocorticotrophin measurements. SAMPLE: Sixteen chronically instrumented singleton fetal sheep at 127-133 days of gestation (term is about 147 days). RESULTS: During the primary phase short term heart rate variation fell (P < 0.001), and this was associated with a transient fall in the incidence of fetal breathing movements, a fall in fetal heart rate and a rise in fetal blood pressure. By 12 h there was a significant increase in short term heart rate variation (P < 0.001) and a rise in fetal heart rate, but blood pressure and fetal breathing movements had returned to normal. Dexamethasone significantly reduced fetal PaO2 throughout most of the experimental period, particularly 1 h post-injection (P < 0.005). Fetal and maternal plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophin concentrations fell significantly from 1 h post-injection. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of dexamethasone on fetal heart rate variation are more complex than previously described with both a fall and an increase observed depending on the time at which heart rate variation was measured after injection. Dexamethasone also caused a significant fall in fetal PaO2, and although this was not to hypoxic levels in normoxic fetuses it does raise questions about the potential impact of dexamethasone on chronically hypoxic fetuses.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1999

The expression of human leukocyte antigen-G on trophoblasts abolishes the growth-suppressing effect of interleukin-2 towards them.

PROBLEM: We have shown the attenuated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G expression on trophoblasts and an aberrant expression of interleukin (IL)-2, a cytotoxic cytokine, in decidual tissue in preeclampsia, where deteriorated trophoblastic invasion into decidual layers may constitute a crucial pathogenesis. We hypothesized that the absence of HLA-G might make trophoblasts susceptible to compromise by IL-2. METHOD OF STUDY: We analyzed the growth of HLA-G-negative and positive cell lines, all of which possessed IL-2 receptors, in the culture with or without IL-2 supplementation. RESULTS: The proliferation of HLA-G positive trophoblastic cell lines (BeWo and JEG-3) was not influenced by the addition of IL-2, whereas a HLA-G-negative trophoblastic cell line (JAR) exhibited significantly decreased proliferation when cultured with IL-2. Interestingly, the transfection of JAR cells with HLA-G completely eliminates the growth-inhibitory effect of IL-2. CONCLUSION: The expression of HLA-G may commit trophoblasts to evade cell damage by IL-2, which may be relevant to maternal tolerance of the fetus during pregnancy and its derangement as exemplified by preeclampsia.

Cell Division↗