Biomedical subjects

T Hanawa

Publications and source records attributed to T Hanawa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Effect of the antiulcer polysaccharide fraction from Bupleurum falcatum L. on the healing of gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid in rats.

An antiulcer polysaccharide fraction (BR-2) from Bupleurum falcatum L. was examined for its effect on the healing of chronic ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats. When BR-2 was administered orally to the rats, it was shown to be effective in the healing of acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer. This result suggests that the use of herbal prescriptions containing B. falcatum L. may prove useful for the treatment of peptic ulcers.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed2001

Anxiolytic effect of Kami-Shoyo-San (TJ-24) in mice: possible mediation of neurosteroid synthesis.

We assessed the anxiolytic effect of Kami-Shoyo-San (Jia-wei-xiao-yao-san; TJ-24), one of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for the treatment of menopausal anxiety, by the social interaction (SI) test in male mice. Acute administration of TJ-24 (25-100 mg/kg, p.o.), as well as the gamma-amino-butyric acidA/benzodiazepine (GABA(A)/BZP) receptor agonist diazepam (1-3 mg/kg, i.p.), dose dependently increased the SI time, respectively. The GABA(A) receptor antagonist picrotoxin blocked the effects of TJ-24 and diazepam. TJ-24-induced SI behavior was significantly blocked by the GABA(A)/BZP receptor inverse agonist Ro 15-4513 and the GABA(A)/BZP receptor antagonist flumazenil. In addition, 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride potently blocked the effect of TJ-24 without attenuating the basal level by itself. These findings suggest that TJ-24 shows the anxiolytic effect through the neurosteroid synthesis followed by GABA(A)/BDZ receptor stimulations.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

An amebic lung abscess: report of a case.

Recently the number of amebiasis cases has increased in Japan. Pleuropulmonary amebiasis is a very rare complication of liver amebiasis. We report herein the case of a 54-year-old man presenting with an amebic lung abscess in his right lower lung. The diagnosis of lung amebiasis was established from a direct examination of the pus in which trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica were detected. After the oral administration of metronidazole, the laboratory findings improved and he thus underwent a right lower lobectomy. He was discharged without any relapse of infection 20 days after a thoracotomy. We conclude that a protozoan infection should thus be suspected in the case of a pleuropulmonary infection in which several types of antibiotics prove to be ineffective.

Amebiasis↗

PubMed2001

Disruption of the genes for ClpXP protease in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium results in persistent infection in mice, and development of persistence requires endogenous gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

The enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, similar to other facultative intracellular pathogens, has been shown to respond to the hostile conditions inside macrophages of the host organism by producing a set of stress proteins that are also induced by various environmental stresses. The stress-induced ClpXP protease is a member of the ATP-dependent proteases, which are known to be responsible for more than 90% of all proteolysis in Escherichia coli. To investigate the contribution of the ClpXP protease to the virulence of serovar Typhimurium we initially cloned the clpP and clpX operon from the pathogenic strain serovar Typhimurium chi3306 and then created insertional mutations in the clpP and/or clpX gene. The Delta clpP and Delta clpX mutants were used to inoculate BALB/c mice by either the intraperitoneal or the oral route and found to be limited in their ability to colonize organs of the lymphatic system and to cause systemic disease in the host. A variety of experiments were performed to determine the possible reasons for the loss of virulence. An oxygen-dependent killing assay using hydrogen peroxide and paraquat (a superoxide anion generator) and a serum killing assay using murine serum demonstrated that all of the serovar Typhimurium Delta clpP and Delta clpX mutants were as resistant to these killing mechanisms as the wild-type strain. On the other hand, the macrophage survival assay revealed that all these mutants were more sensitive to the intracellular environment than the wild-type strain and were unable to grow or survive within peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. In addition, it was revealed that the serovar Typhimurium ClpXP-depleted mutant was not completely cleared but found to persist at low levels within spleens and livers of mice. Interferon gamma-deficient mice and tumor necrosis factor alpha-deficient mice failed to survive the attenuated serovar Typhimurium infections, suggesting that both endogenous cytokines are essential for regulation of persistent infection with serovar Typhimurium.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2000

Investigation of the release behavior of diethylhexyl phthalate from the polyvinyl-chloride tubing for intravenous administration.

The release behavior of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) from a polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) tube, which is part of an intravenous administration set, was investigated with the coexistence of polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) in various solutions such as physiological saline (PS), distilled water for injection (DWI) and glucose solution (TZ). The cumulative amount of DEHP released after 5 h was in the following order; PS, DWI > 50% TZ. From a comparison of the amount of released DEHP and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of various solutions, the lower the CMC of the solution, the higher the amount of DEHP released from the PVC tubing. When the concentration of Tween 80 was kept constant at 1 mg/ml, the cumulative amount of DEHP released with a flow rate 90 ml/h was higher than that at 60 ml/h. These results suggest that the release of DEHP from the PVC tubing is closely correlated with the interaction of Tween 80 and DEHP such as the formation of micelles, the collision of micelles against the surface of the PVC tubing and the diffusion properties of DEHP and or Tween 80 in the liquid medium.

Diethylhexyl Phthalate↗

PubMed2000

Metal ion release from titanium with active oxygen species generated by rat macrophages in vitro.

The release of metal ions due to active oxygen species generated by macrophages (Mphi) phagocytosing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) particles was studied in vitro to investigate the mechanism behind the release of metal ions from titanium implants into nearby tissues in the absence of wear and fretting in vivo. To determine the effects of Mphis on metal ion release, titanium disks were immersed in different solutions and the titanium ions released from the titanium disks into each solution were quantified. The results revealed that active oxygen species generated by Mphis induced the metal ion release. In particular, the ion release was accelerated with HDPE because the Mphis that phagocytosed HDPE generated more active oxygen species than Mphis that did not phagocytose any HDPE. Metal ions were also released by organic species in the absence of Mphis. These are some of the causes for metal ion release from titanium implants in the absence of wear and fretting in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Effects of Kampo medicine, Toki-shakuyaku-san (Tang-Kuei-Shao-Yao-San), on choline acetyltransferase activity and norepinephrine contents in brain regions, and mitogenic activity of splenic lymphocytes in ovariectomized mice.

We investigated the effects of Toki-shakuyaku-san (TSS, Tang-Kuei-Shao-Yao-San in Chinese), Japanese traditional herbal medicine, on the nervous and immune systems in ovariectomized mice as a climacteric disorder model. Female C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and TSS was given daily through the drinking water for either 10 or 20 days from the day after ovariectomy. After completion of experimental sessions, animals were sacrificed and specific brain regions were assayed for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and norepinephrine contents. The mitogenic activities, alkaline phosphatase activity and 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H terazolium bromide (MTT) activity, in splenic lymphocytes has also measured. Furthermore, the effects of TSS on learning and memory ability were studied by the step-through type passive avoidance test. As the results, the administration of TSS significantly suppressed the decrease of ChAT activity in the cerebral cortex (CC) and the dorsal hippocampus (DH) of ovariectomized mice at 10 days after ovariectomy, however no significant effect was observed at 20 days after ovariectomy. Norepinephrine contents in OVX group were decreased at 10 and 20 days after ovariectomy in the CC and the ventral hippocampus (VH). The administration of TSS significantly suppressed the decrease of norepinephrine contents at 20 days after ovariectomy. The mitogenic activities of lymphocyte in spleen were increased at 10 days after ovariectomy, and decreased at 20 days after ovariectomy. However, the suppression of these changes was observed in the group given TSS. The mean latent period was also shortened in the passive avoidance test in the OVX group, but TSS treated group improved mean latency. From these observations, it is inferred that administration of TSS brings on the synthesis of acetylcholine and norepinephrine in the CC and hippocampus, and may improve the memory related behavior and the abnormalities in lymphocytes in the models of the climacteric disorder.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Potentiation of brain acetylcholine neurons by Kami-Untan-To (KUT) in aged mice: implications for a possible antidementia drug.

The effects of a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, Kami-Untan-To (KUT), on brain choline (Ch) and Acetylcholine (ACh) levels in aged mice were examined. Further, the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the medial septum (MS), the vertical limbs of the diagonal band of Broca (VDB), and the nucleus basalis Meynert (NBM) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Following an oral administration of KUT to the aged mice for 3 months, ACh levels in the cortex, striatum and hippocampus were increased significantly. The density of ChAT-immunoreactive cells located in MS, VDB, and NBM in the KUT-treated group was increased significantly as compared to the non-treatment group. The survival rate of aged mice was significantly higher in the KUT-treated group as compared to that in the nontreated group. Our results suggest that KUT potentiates the brain acetylcholinergic system, and may become a possible anti-dementia drug.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2000

New oral dosage form for elderly patients. III. Stability of trichlormethiazide in silk fibroin gel and various sugar solutions.

The hydrolysis of trichlormethiazide (TCM) in silk fibroin gel (SFG) prepared in various sugar solutions (such as ribose, fructose, mannose, and glucose solutions) was determined. The hydrolysis rate of TCM differed with the variety of sugars utilized in this study; that is, it decreased in the following order: ribose > fructose > mannose > glucose. To investigate the relationship between the hydrolysis rate of TCM and the physicochemical properties of the sugar molecule, the amount of unfrozen water of sugar molecules was calculated from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The amount of unfrozen water increased with an increase in the number of the equatorial OH groups n(e-OH) per sugar molecule that are able to hydrate favorably to the surrounding water molecules. The hydrolysis rate constant decreased with increase in n(e-OH); glucose, having a large n(e-OH) in this study could effectively stabilize TCM.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2000

Stability of the powdered dosage form prepared by unsealing the capsules: water vapor sorption and discoloration of the powdery contents of clorazepate dipotassium capsules.

The hygroscopicity of the contents of clorazepate dipotassium (Mendon) capsules (CM) was investigated by storage at various relative humidities (RHs). The CM adsorbed water vapor significantly at more than 75% RH. At the same time, a marked discoloration of CM from white to yellow was also observed during storage. On the basis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy, the discoloration seemed to be due to the change in clorazepate dipotassium to nordiazepam and other substances. It was found that, when opening of the Mendon capsule is necessary to prepare the powdered dosage form, the CM should be stored below 60% RH to avoid the adsorption of water vapor and discoloration.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

PubMed2000

[Development of patient-friendly preparations(II): Preparation and characterization of carrageenan gel containing polyethylene (oxide)].

The pharmaceutical utility of the allopurinol gel (APNgel) which consists of allopurinol (APN), carrageenan (kappa-CG or iota-CG) and polyethylene (oxide) (Alkox) was investigated as a possible material for an oral dosage preparation for ease in handling and/or swallowing. The gel formation was studied as a function of a variety of the concentration of Alkox and/or CG added. The APNgel gelled with kappa-CG was not appropriate to the oral dosage form because of its original taste and odor. In contrast, since iota-CG has no odor and/or taste, we added iota-CG as a gel material. From the investigation of the gelation behavior and the handling of the gelled material, the preferred composition of APNgel (Alkox: iota-CG% ratio) seemed to be that of 0.5:2.0, 1.0:2.0 and 2.0:2.0. The gel strength and the in vitro assessment of the adhesiveness of APNgels were evaluated using a creep meter. The gel strength of the APNgel was affected by the amount of the added Alkox. From the in vitro assessment of the adhesiveness of APNgels, the adhesiveness of APNgel increased with an increase in the amount of added Alkox. The release behavior of APN from APNgels was investigated by the paddle bead method, mimicking the chewing action in mouth. The APNgel was sheared by the beads and the release of APN completed within 480 s. From the results of the sensory test, APNgel consisting of 2.0% iota-CG and 1.0% Alkox seemed to be favorite to the jelly-like preparation.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Menopause and anxiety: focus on steroidal hormones and GABAA receptor].

In the menopause transition, around 35% of women will seek medical help for menopausal symptoms. At the climacteric, various symptoms such as forgetfulness, anxiety, depressive neurosis, abnormal sensation, hot flush and sleeplessness are often observed due to hypofunction of the ovaries. There is some indication that women become more anxious during times of relatively low level of estrogen and progesterone such as premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, maternity blues and menopausal state. The exact mechanism behind it is still unclear but is probably related to the decrease of ovarian hormones, which may be triggering psychiatric mood disorders. It is known that ovarian hormones act on specific areas of the brain and appear to act as anxiolytics. Certain progesterone metabolites are anesthetic and have antiepileptic and anxiolytic properties. These steroids modulate the type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)/benzodiazepine receptor. This may help explain the increased frequency of anxiety disorders and mood disorders in the early postmenopausal period. In addition, estrogen also improves memory and performance in patients with mild Alzheimer's dementia. These effects can be related to amplifying effects of estrogen on excitatory amino acids in the brain. This is suggested that gonadal steroidal hormones seemed to be one of the essential substances for the maintenance of the limbic system and forebrain function which regulated anxiety, mood, memory and cognitive functions in menopausal women.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗

PubMed2000

[A new interventional strategy for Alzheimer's disease by Japanese herbal medicine].

A Japanese herbal medicine termed "Kami-Umtan-To (KUT)" was first described in Japanese literature in 1626, KUT consists of 13 different herbs, and it has been used for a long time in the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric problems including neurosis and insomnia. Recently, Yabe et al. have demonstrated that KUT increased both choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nerve growth factor at the protein and mRNA levels in cultured rat brain cells. Moreover, the same research group has reported that KUT improved mean latency on passive avoidance test in both basal for brain lesioned and aged rats. KUT significantly improved the survival rate, and increased the number of ChAT-positive neurons in aged rats. Here, we report a 12-month open clinical trial of KUT and combination of estrogen, vitamin E and NSAID to aim at slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty AD patients (MMSE score: 18.6 +/- 5.8) received extracts from original KUT herbs, and 7AD patients (MMSE score: 21.3 +/- 2.8) were placed on the combination therapy. Rate of cognitive decline as measured by change in MMSE score per year was significantly slower (p = 0.04, ANOVA) in the KUT group (1.4 points) and the combination group (0.4 points) as compared to 4.1 points in 32 control AD patients (MMSE score: 20.8 +/- 5.6) who received no medicines for AD. Any of CSF measures including tau. and A beta 1-42 did not differ significantly after KUT therapy. The efficacy of the KUT therapy was most obvious at 3 months. Our results suggest that traditional Japanese herbal medicine(s) may serve a new interventional strategy for AD.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Cloning, sequencing, and transcriptional analysis of the dnaK heat shock operon of Listeria monocytogenes.

The complete dnaK operon of Listeria monocytogenes was isolated by chromosome walking using the previously cloned dnaK gene as a probe. Molecular analysis of the locus identified 6 genes in the order hrcA, grpE, dnaK, dnaJ, orf35, and orf29. Primer extension analysis revealed 3 transcription start sites-S1, S2, and S3-upstream of the hrcA, grpE, and dnaJ, respectively. The transcription from S1 was heat inducible. Analysis of the sequences revealed the consensus promoter sequences of gram-positive bacteria, P1 and P2 upstream of the hrcA and dnaJ, respectively. The hrcA gene and a regulatory sequence, designated CIRCE (controlling inverted repeat of chaperone expression), play a role in the regulation of expression of the dnaK locus in response to heat shock in several gram-positive bacteria. Their presence upstream of the dnaK locus in L. monocytogenes suggested a similar regulatory mechanism for the transcription initiated at the promoter, P1. Northern blot analysis led to the detection of 4 mRNA species of 4.9 kb, 3.6 kb, 3.6 kb, and 1.2 kb; the first 2 species were heat inducible. The current results indicate that 4 distinct transcripts directed by 3 promoters are involved in the expression of the dnaK operon of L. monocytogenes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

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Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Amount of metallic ions released from Ti-Ni alloy by abrasion in simulated bioliquids.

The current density of Ti-56mass%Ni (Ti-50at.%) alloy after abrasion in simulated bioliquids was measured using a potentiostat to estimate the amount of metallic ions released from the alloy during repassivation and maturation. The current density in saline, saline with and without N2 bubbling, and Hanks' solutions with and without proteins after abrasion was measured and the amount of released ion was calculated from the integrated current density with time, assuming that Ti4+ and Ni2+ are equivalently released. No difference in the amount of released ion was observed between saline with and without N2 bubbling. Also, no difference was observed between saline and pH 7.4 Hanks' solution. More Ti4+ and Ni2+ were released in bioliquids with proteins than in saline with and without N2 bubbling (p < 0.05). That is, dissolved oxygen and inorganic ions in Hanks' solution did not influence the amount of released ion, but proteins influenced it. The release of metallic ions from metals and alloys in biological systems can be estimated by the methodology employed in this study.

Alloys↗

PubMed1999

Surface treatments of titanium in aqueous solutions containing calcium and phosphate ions.

Immersion treatment of titanium in aqueous solutions containing various kinds of ion concentrations of calcium and phosphate (pH 5.8, 7.0, and 8.0) were attempted to accelerate calcium phosphate precipitation on titanium in body fluid. The performance was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Fourier transformed infrared absorption spectrometry with a reflection absorption spectrometer of the specimen immersed in Hanks' solution. Calcium phosphate precipitation on titanium in Hanks' solution is accelerated by the immersion treatment in aqueous solutions containing calcium and phosphate ions. The amount, composition, and shape of calcium phosphate precipitate vary according to the pH and ion concentrations of the solutions in which titanium is immersed. This method is effective for the surface treatment of inside pore narrow space of titanium materials.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1999

The Listeria monocytogenes DnaK chaperone is required for stress tolerance and efficient phagocytosis with macrophages.

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular pathogen which can escape bactericidal mechanisms and grow within macrophages. The intracellular environment of macrophages is one of the most stressful environments encountered by an invading bacterium during the course of infection. To study the role of the major stress protein, DnaK, of L. monocytogenes in survival under intracellular stress induced by macrophage-phagocytosis as well as under extracellular environmental stresses, we cloned, sequenced, and analyzed the dnaK locus from L. monocytogenes. Then we constructed an insertional mutation in the dnaK gene by homologous recombination and characterized it. Sequencing has revealed that the dnaK locus consists of four open reading frames in the order hrcA-grpE-dnaK-dnaJ. The mutant grows neither at temperatures above 39 degrees C nor under acidic conditions e.g. pH 3.0. Using the macrophage cell line JA-4, the ability of the dnaK mutant to grow intracellularly was examined. Immediately after phagocytosis, the number of viable dnaK mutant bacteria found within macrophages was significantly lower compared to that of intracellular wild type bacteria. However, following a 1-3 h latency period, the mutant multiplied in a similar fashion to the wild type within macrophage cells. A quantitative analysis of intracellular bacteria in macrophage cells by microscope and a binding assay of bacteria to the surface of macrophages by ELISA revealed that the lower number of viable dnaK mutant in macrophages after phagocytosis is due to the low efficiency of phagocytosis resulting from the reduced binding capacity of the dnaK mutant. These results demonstrate that DnaK of L. monocytogenes is essentially required for survival under high temperatures and acidic conditions. Though it does not largely contribute to the survival of L. monocytogenes in macrophage cells, it is essential for efficient phagocytosis. This is the first evidence that DnaK is required for the efficient phagocytosis of a facultative intracellular pathogen with macrophages.

Amino Acid Sequence↗