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Biomedical subjects

S Naitoh

Publications and source records attributed to S Naitoh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Cold activation of complement for monitoring the response to interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVES: Because of its specific association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the cold activation of complement is an easy and inexpensive indicator of HCV viremia. It was evaluated for eligibility as a marker of response to interferon in patients with hepatitis C. METHODS: The cold activation of complement was determined by the loss or decrease of hemolytic activity with the microtitration method in sera that had been stored at 4 degrees C overnight. RESULTS: We observed the loss of hemolytic activity by the cold activation of complement in 236 (72%) and a decrease in 56 (17%) of 327 sera from patients with HCV-associated chronic liver disease, which was much more (p < 0.001) that in 1 (1%) and 13 (14%), respectively, of 49 sera from patients with chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Interferon-alpha (total dose 516 x 10(6) units) or interferon-alpha 2b (774 x 10(6) units) was given to 67 patients with chronic hepatitis C, of whom 56 had the cold activation of complement. The response to interferon was evaluated by the clearance of serum HCV RNA at 6 months after the completion of therapy. The cold activation of complement disappeared in 18 patients, of whom 15 (86%) responded. It persisted or fluctuated in the remaining 38 patients, only six (16%) of whom responded to interferon (p < 0.001). The cold activation of complement once disappeared at the completion of interferon and then reappeared in patients who relapsed after completing interferon therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the cold activation of complement may be associated with the presence of HCV in blood and a lower rate of durable response after completion of interferon therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical early phase II study of bicalutamide (Casodex) in patients with prostatic cancer].

To investigate the efficacy and safety of bicalutamide (Casodex) with its clinically recommended dose, the randomized early phase II study was performed in 124 patients with prostatic cancer (stage C, D). The patients were given 50, 80 or 100 mg of bicalutamide orally once a day in fixed doses for 12 weeks; 122 patients were eligible for evaluation. The overall response rate was 50.0% (20/40), 61.0% (25/41) and 53.7% (22/41) in the 50 mg, 80 mg and 100 mg groups, respectively. The response rate in prostate lesion, bone and lymph node metastases was slightly higher in the 80 mg group than in the 50 mg and 100 mg groups. The proportion of patients showing a response with regard to serum PSA (CR and PR) was 84.2, 92.7 and 97.6% in the 50, 80 and 100 mg groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions was 65.0, 61.0 and 61.0% in the 50, 80 and 100 mg groups, respectively, and there was no significant difference in overall safety rating in the three groups. Frequent adverse reactions were gynecomastia and breast pain. Only one patient in the 80 mg group was withdrawn due to shortness of breath. Serum concentrations of LH, testosterone and estradiol increased significantly after treatment. Bicalutamide was concluded to be effective and well tolerated in patients with prostatic cancer, and its recommended dose was 80 mg once daily.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

A huge immature cervical teratoma in a newborn: report of a case.

A neonate with a large cervical mass was transferred to our hospital at 4 days of age. A computed tomography scan showed a contrast-enhanced solid mass with multiple cystic elements and fine calcification. Ultrasonography also revealed a predominantly solid mass with calcification, containing multiple cysts. These studies suggested a teratoma, but could not rule out a hemangioma. The tumor was removed on the 12th day of life. A pathological study revealed an immature teratoma that demonstrated fetal type cartilage and an immature neural tube. The operative complete removal of a cervical teratoma in neonates is recommended as soon as possible. The management of a pediatric cervical teratoma should also be similar to that of a sacrococcygeal teratoma. The incidence of cervical teratoma in all pediatric teratomas ranges from 2.3%-9.3% in the West, and from 1.6%-8.3% in Japan.

Cartilage↗
PubMed1995

A comparison of three methods used for treatment of ranula.

PURPOSE: This report compares the treatment results for oral and plunging ranulas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were retrospectively examined concerning treatment methods and recurrence on the basis of their medical records. The surgical specimens were also examined microscopically. RESULTS: Four patients had excision of the ranula only, 22 had marsupialization, and nine had removal of the sublingual gland combined with the excision of the ranula. These treatments showed a 25.0%, 36.4% and 0% recurrence rate, respectively. Histological observation revealed no epithelial lining in any of the examined specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the sublingual gland combined with the ranula was the most reliable method among the above three used.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

[Intestinal motility after massive small bowel resection].

To evaluate intestinal motility after 80% massive distal small bowel resection (MSBR), we continuously monitored interdigestive and postprandial bowel motility using bipolar electrodes and/or contractile strain gage force transducers in conscious beagle dogs before, and at 0-4 weeks and 8-13 months after the surgery. Fasting duodenal migrating myoelectric (or motor) complexes (MMCs) occurred at longer intervals in the short-term after 80% MSBR than in controls, and were simulated in long-term that in controls. MMCs arising from the duodenum were often migrated to the proximal jejunum, the jejunum above the anastomosis, and to the terminal ileum beyond the anastomosis. The velocity of duodenal MMC propagation was slowed in every intestinal segment in the short-term, and had not recovered even long after the operation. The duration of the postprandial period without duodenal MMCs was prolonged significantly in the short-term, and still remained longer in the long-term than in controls. These findings suggest that changes in gut motility after MSBR tend to compensate for the shorter intestine and maintain small bowel absorption early postoperatively, and adaptations of motility would occur over the long-term to increased intestinal absorption.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Prompt decrease of circulating hepatitis C virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C after treatment with interferon.

Patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with interferon (IFN) and followed for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in serum. The response was correlated with decrease in serum levels of HCV RNA, as well as HCV genotypes and liver histopathology. Response to IFN, estimated by clearance of HCV RNA and normalization of aminotransferase levels at 6 months after the withdrawal of IFN, was observed in 11 (31%) of 35 patients infected with HCV of genotype II/1b, 13 (72%) of 18 with genotype III/2a, and 2 (33%) of 6 with genotype IV/2b; a single patient with genotype I/1a responded while the one doubly infected with HCV of genotypes II/1b and IV/2b did not. Response was seen in 10 (71%) of 14 patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, 14 (39%) of 36 with chronic active hepatitis 2A, and 3 (27%) of 11 with 2B. Response was achieved less often in patients with high than low pretreatment levels of HCV RNA. HCV RNA dropped sharply on a day after the start of IFN, and continued to decrease during the 2 weeks, irrespective of the response to IFN or HCV genotypes. In contrast, anti-HCV decreased more gradually and only in responders to IFN. These results support the rapid development of an IFN-mediated antiviral effect on HCV, and support therapeutic effects of IFN dependent on histopathology of liver as well as HCV RNA titers and genotypes.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1993

Functional roles of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate analogue in cerebral vasodilation.

1. Vasodilating effects of cyclic nucleotides in cerebral vasculature were examined using membrane permeable cyclic nucleotide analogues, 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) and 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP). 2. In isolated canine basilar artery (CBA), 8-Br-cGMP but not 8-Br-cAMP, significantly inhibited Ca(2+)-induced and agonist [serotonin(5-HT), prostaglandin(PG)F2 alpha or endothelin]-induced contraction, in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. When Ca2+ was depleted from intracellular store sites by pretreatment with A23187, 8-Br-cGMP but not 8-Br-cAMP strongly attenuated contractions induced by Ca(2+)-influx. 4. Neither 8-Br-cGMP nor 8-Br-cAMP modified contraction induced by caffeine which elicits Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ store. 5. 8-Br-cGMP lowered the high K(+)-induced sustained [Ca2+]i elevation. 6. These results suggest that, at least in CBA, cGMP exerts its inhibitory effect on the contraction induced by influx of Ca2+, by reducing the level of [Ca2+]i and reducing [Ca2+]i sensitivity of the contractile machinery.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1992

[Assessment of alveolar epithelial permeability in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) using 99mTc-DTPA (diethylene triamine penta acetate) aerosol inhalation].

To evaluate alveolar epithelial damage in PSS, we studied pulmonary epithelial permeability by measuring the clearance of inhaled 99mTc-DTPA aerosol and performing thin slice CT scan, pulmonary function tests and right heart catheterization in 28 patients with PSS. The 99mTc-DTPA clearance rate (kep value) in PSS was greater than in 11 non-smoking normal subjects (18.2 +/- 7.63 x 10(-3)/min vs. 9.12 +/- 0.77 x 10(-3)/min, p less than 0.01). In PSS, the kep value did not correlate with age, sex, duration of illness, dermal lesions, % vital capacity, or PaO2. In contrast, the kep value showed significant correlations with %DLco (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide), extent of interstitial lesions evaluated by CT scan (CT score), and mean pulmonary artery pressure. On the other hand, the kep value was high in some patients with normal CT scan and normal %DLco. These findings indicate that pulmonary interstitial lesions in PSS are accompanied by alveolar epithelial damage, and that the clearance of 99mTc-DTPA may be an early predictor of interstitial change.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1991

Phorbol 12,13-diacetate-induced contraction of the canine basilar artery: role of protein kinase C.

The pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of contractile responses to the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol-12,13-diacetate (PDA) were investigated in canine basilar arteries. In the normal medium, PDA elicited a strong, dose-related, and slow-developing sustained contraction. Among the constrictors examined, including serotonin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and endothelin, only PDA yielded contractions in a Ca2(+)-free medium. In both media, the PDA-induced contractions were virtually inhibited by either staurosporine, H-7, or quinacrine, while neither neurotransmitter blockades nor R24571 (calmidazolium) exerted significant effects. In addition, it was shown that 8-bromocyclic GMP, but not 8-bromocyclic AMP, markedly curtailed the PDA-induced contractions. Biochemical analysis, furthermore, showed that PDA induced increased phosphorylations of 27- and 96-kDa and proteins other than the myosin light chain (MLC) 20-kDa protein. Thus, the present results open up a novel mechanism of sustained cerebral artery contractions, where PKC activation rather than Ca2+/calmodulin/MLC system plays a key role that is regulated both by phospholipase A2 and by cyclic GMP.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1990

A case of pseudo-Bartter's syndrome associated with hypergastrinemia, thrombocytosis and increased serum thyroxine-binding globulin.

A housewife, 40 years of age, was admitted with dysesthesia of the extremities, muscle weakness, and attacks of adynamia and thirst. She had been taking a laxative for more than 20 years. On physical examination, blood pressure was 94/56 mmHg. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytosis, low serum K and marked increases in both plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone. Serum TBG was increased. Serum gastrin was also markedly increased and could not be enhanced by exogenous secretin. Both angiotensin 11 loading test and noradrenalin loading test failed to increase blood pressure. Ammonium chloride loading to examine the disturbance of urinary acidification was abnormal in the short term test and borderline in the long term test. Following a diagnosis of pseudo-Bartter's syndrome induced by long term intake of laxative and repeated diarrhea, the administration of laxative was interrupted and potassium, indomethacin and spironolactone were administered. However, serum K remained low. Hypergastrinemia, thrombocytosis and a high serum TBG level also persisted, the causes of which remain unknown. This is the first reported case of pseudo-Bartter's syndrome associated with hypergastrinemia, thrombocytosis and increased serum TBG.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Establishment of permanent atrial fibrillation and time course of the amplitude of the f wave].

Atrial fibrillation is one of the arrhythmias that increase with increasing age. In this study we compared transition intervals from sinus rhythm to permanent atrial fibrillation and the time course of the f wave amplitude immediately after the transition between 32 younger (less than 65 years) and 44 elderly patients (greater than or equal to 65 years) in whom transition from sinus rhythm to permanent atrial fibrillation was confirmed on serial ECG recordings. Each group was classified into three categories according their underlying diseases: hypertensive heart disease, valvular disease, and lone atrial fibrillation. In patients with hypertensive heart disease or lone atrial fibrillation, there was no significant difference in the transition intervals between the younger and the elderly groups. In both groups the transition intervals were significantly (p less than 0.05) longer in patients with lone atrial fibrillation than those in patients with hypertensive heart disease (44.6 vs. 12.5 months in younger and 26.8 vs. 12.9 months in elderly). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.58, p less than 0.01) was observed between the final P wave and the initial f wave amplitude on establishment of permanent atrial fibrillation in all patients. In the younger group, the initial f wave amplitude of patients with valvular disease (0.27 +/- 0.04 mV, mean +/- SE) was significantly larger than those of patients with hypertensive heart disease (0.15 +/- 0.03 mV, p less than 0.05) and of patients with lone atrial fibrillation (0.16 +/- 0.01 mV, p less than 0.05). The f wave amplitude of valvular disease was significantly decreased after 1 year (0.22 +/- 0.03 mV, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[A study of drinking habits of rural middle and old aged residents in Ibaraki Prefecture--relationship between problem drinking, depression and personality (Part 1). On male subjects].

Although there has been considerable research conducted regarding the relationship between alcohol dependency and clinical depression, there have been few reports which have investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and depression in the general populace of residents of rural communities in Japan. We investigated this correlation in a rural community located in Ibaraki Prefecture, the findings of which are described in this report. The subjects of this investigation were residents of the southern part of the town of K in Ibaraki Prefecture age 40 and over, all of whom had participated in a medical examination program. With respect to the men surveyed, the proportions of problem drinkers and severe problem drinkers were 10.4% and 25.7%, respectively. According to the results we obtained with respect to correlation with personality, problem drinkers were found most frequently in shut-in personality types (37.5%). In regard to the correlation with depression, 7% of the problem drinkers and severe problem drinkers exhibited an SDS score of 50 or higher. In addition, the non-drinking group demonstrated a significantly higher degree of depression in comparison to the normal drinker and severe problem drinker groups.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[A study of drinking habits of rural middle and old aged residents in Ibaraki Prefecture--relationship between problem drinking, depression and personality (Part 2). On female subjects].

In looking at the findings of the women subjects of this investigation, alcohol consumption decreased rapidly in younger women with the borderline being roughly at the age of 50 years. This is consistent with general trends in Japan. In terms of the correlation with personality, the proportion of drinkers in those groups consisting of syntonic, self-revelation, nervous and persistent personality types was high at 34-37%. 3 out of the 7 women who were severe problem drinkers were of the persistent personality type. As such, it is believed that depression contributes to problem drinking in middle-aged and elderly women residing in rural communities. According to the results of this investigation focused on women residing in rural communities, 30% of the severe problem drinkers were also suffering from depression. As this figure closely resembles the proportion noted in clinical investigations, it was suggested that in the process of alcoholism becoming involved with health care institutions, there are other contributing factors besides clinical depression.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Application of hepatitis B core particles produced by human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/342) propagated in nude mice to the determination of anti-HBc by passive hemagglutination.

Human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/342), carried by nude mice, produces hepatitis B core particles as well as hepatitis B surface antigen particles. Core particles purified form PLC/342 tumors displayed epitopes of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) but not epitopes of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) on their surface, unlike core particles prepared from Dane particles, derived from plasma of asymptomatic carriers, that expressed epitopes of both HBcAg and HBeAg. Core particles obtained from PLC/342 tumors were applied to the determination of antibody to HBcAg (anti-HBc) by passive hemagglutination. The assay detected anti-HBc not only in individuals with persistent infection with hepatitis B virus and in those who had recovered from transient infection, but also in patients with acute type B hepatitis, indicating that it can detect anti-HBc of either IgG or IgM class. A liberal availability of core particles from tumors carried by nude mice, taken together with an easy applicability of the method, would make the passive hemagglutination for anti-HBc a valuable tool in clinical and epidemiological studies, especially in places where sophisticated methods are not feasible.

Acute Disease↗