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Biomedical subjects

T Hong

Publications and source records attributed to T Hong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Hepatoprotective effects of Inula britannica on hepatic injury in mice.

Inula britannica, a Kampo medicine, is prepared from the heads of Compositae plants such as Inula britannica L., which has been used clinically as a remedy for nausea, hiccup and excessive sputum. Here it is shown that administration of Inula britannica improves the survival rate of mice with hepatic injury induced by LPS/PA. It is also suggested that administration of Inula britannica significantly reduces the fluctuation in the amount of cytokine in the spleen of mice with hepatic injuries, and that the Th1/Th2 control effect is related to the inhibitory action of Inula britannica against hepatic injury. In vitro testing suggests that Inula britannica suppresses Th1 differentiation and induces Th2 differentiation by inhibiting the production of macrophage IL-12 and promoting the production of IL-10, thus showing the immunological effect of hepatic injury inhibition by affecting the balance between Th1 and Th2.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2000

Effects of Astragali root and Hedysari root on the murine B and T cell differentiation.

It has traditionally been known in Asian countries that the Astragali and Hedysari roots have similar beneficial effects. They have been applied in clinical practice for immunological diseases, we investigated their effects on specific antibody production, B cells and T cells in BALB/c mice immunized with ovalbumin (OVA). Both the Astragali and Hedysari roots reduced the production of IgG2a in the primary response to OVA. Hedysari root reduced the production of IgG2a in the secondary response. Both reduced the production of IgM, suppressed IL-6 production in spleen cells. It was presumed that the suppression of IgG2a production was induced by the suppression of IL-6, which is an antibody production inducer. It was found that the Hedysari root increased the B cells and activated them, and the Astragali root also tended to increase them. In addition, Hedysari root decreased the proportions of IFN-gamma-producing cells in splenic CD4(+) T lymphocytes. It was shown that the Astragali and Hedysari roots could act as a growth factor of B cells by increasing the proportion of the total B cells and activated B cells. In conclusion, both the Astragali and Hedysari roots showed the same actions, but the latter was more effective.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Preventive effect of Ninjin-to (Ren-Shen-Tang), a Kampo (Japanese traditional) formulation, on spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice.

We previously found that ingestion of an extract of Ninjin-to (NJT; Ren-Shen-Tang) suppressed the development of autoimmune diabetes in C57BL/KsJ mice induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin. To verify this effects on spontaneous autoimmune diabetes, the effects of NJT on NOD mice were investigated in the present study. NJT, provided in drinking water (0.25%, 450 mg/kg/day) from 6 weeks of age, significantly prevented the incidence of spontaneous diabetes in female NOD mice at 30 weeks of age (2/10) compared with that of the controls (7/10), with no effects on body growth or food intake. Even in non-diabetic mice, the blood glucose levels of the NOD controls gradually increased with age, while such increase in NJT-treated mice was significantly suppressed by preventing any deficiency of glucose tolerance. NJT also significantly suppressed the progression of insulitis, which causes insulin deficiency and diabetes. It is well known that NOD mice develop insulitis and diabetes because of their Th1-dominant autoimmune response. IFN-gamma production from splenic T lymphocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies was increased, whereas IL-4 production was decreased in NOD controls compared to age- and sex-matched normal ICR mice. NJT-treatment reduced these deviations of cytokine production in NOD mice. These data all suggest that NJT can prevent spontaneous insulitis and diabetes by the modification of deviated cytokine production in NOD mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The effects of verapamil SR and bisoprolol on reducing the sympathetic nervous system's activity.

To assess the response of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to the handgrip test in essential hypertensive patients and to evaluate the effects of verapamil SR and bisoprolol on the reduction of the SNS's activity. Seventy eight essential hypertensive patients (50 receiving verapamil SR treatment and 28 receiving bisoprolol treatment) took the handgrip test while the SBP, DBP, and HR were measured on three occasions during the test (before test, 3 min after the patients squeezed the handgrip, and 2 min after the handgrip was released). Before and after the patients received Verapamil SR or Bisoprolol treatment, the plasma concentrations of epinephrine(E), norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin-II (AII), aldosterone (ALD), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and renin activity (RA) were measured post-test. 1) In about 70% of the essential hypertensive patients, SNS activity was above normal. Their HR and BP exceeded 20% when responding to stress. 2) In these patients, the baseline plasma concentrations of E, NE, AII, ET-1, ALD, and RA were higher than those whose SNS's activity was normal. 3) After 6 weeks of treatment, all the patients' BPs decreased remarkably. Verapamil SR could reduce the plasma concentrations of NE, AII, and ET-1 and increase RA. Bisoprolol could reduce E and RA. These two antihypertension drugs can both decrease BP and reduce the activity of SNS through different mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The Epstein-Barr virus is rarely associated with esophageal cancer.

The Epstein-Barr virus is an agent that causes African Burkitt's lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis, and Hodgkin's disease. It is also related to nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the Epstein-Barr virus in esophageal cancer. Polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization were used to detect the Epstein-Barr virus. We detected 103 Epstein-Barr virus positive cells out of 107 of KYSE 273 cells using first standard-PCR. Epstein-Barr virus DNA could not be detected in 30 of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and 2 of the Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Out of 77 esophageal cancer patients, 3 cases were found positive for Epstein-Barr virus DNA using polymerase chain reaction. However, by in situ hybridization we found signals in only 1 of the 3 cases, the signal was located in the infiltrating lymphocytes. The Epstein-Barr virus is rarely associated with esophageal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

PTEN/MMAC1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

The PTEN/MMAC1 gene at 10q23.3 is a novel tumor suppressor gene candidate. Various kinds of tumors have mutations in this gene. However, in some cancers PTEN/MMAC1 gene may be inactivated by mechanisms other than gene deletion and mutation, including promoter methylation or translational modification. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are abnormalities in the expression of PTEN/MMAC1 gene in esophageal cancer. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to examine PTEN/MMAC1 expression in human esophageal squamous cell lines and normal cultured esophageal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out to detect PTEN/MMAC1 expression in surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and normal esophageal epithelium. All 30 esophageal cancer cell lines (KYSE series) and normal cultured esophageal epithelial cells expressed PTEN/MMAC1 mRNA. Western blot analysis confirmed that all the cell lines expressed PTEN/MMAC1 protein and there was no difference in expression level. Immunohistochemical study showed that the PTEN/MMAC1 protein was localized dominantly in the cytoplasm and strongly stained in all 42 surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and normal esophageal epithelium. PTEN/MMAC1 is rarely associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma carcinogenesis.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1999

Motility-related protein (MRP-1/CD9) and KAI1/CD82 expression inversely correlate with lymph node metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Although the mechanisms of action of the transmembrane superfamilies, motility-related protein-1 (MRP-1/CD9) and KAI1/CD82, are not well known, they are reported to suppress the metastasis of several kinds of cancers. The suppression of cell motility by MRP-1/CD9 may cause suppression of the metastasis. As we could not find any reports concerning the expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 in oesophageal cancers we investigated their expression in oesophageal specimens. We conducted immunohistochemical staining for MRP1/CD9 against 108 cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma using anti-MRP-1/CD9 monoclonal antibody M31-15, and for KAI1/CD82 against 104 cases using anti-KAI1/CD82 monoclonal antibody C33. To investigate the gradual expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82, 24 oesophageal dysplasias were immunohistochemically stained using the same method and then investigated. The expression of both MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 were positive on the cell membranes of normal oesophageal epithelial cells, but reduced or negative in the cancer cells. Reduced MRP-1/CD9 expressions significantly correlated to tumour depth (P = 0.0009). We found a significantly greater number of reduced or negative expression of MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 in lymph node metastatic cases (P = 0.0003 and P= 0.0129, respectively), but not in distant metastatic cases. The 5-year survival rate of MRP-1/CD9-negative and reduced patients was significantly worse than those of positive patients (n = 108, curative cases, RO). Few cases remained KAI1/CD82-positive (9.6%; 10/104) in oesophageal cancer. Twenty (83.3%) and twenty-two (91.7%) cases out of 24 dysplasias were defined as KAI1/CD82-positive and MRP1/CD9-positive, respectively. The decrease in MRP-1/CD9 and KAI1/CD82 expression may facilitate lymph node metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Knowing the status of the expression of MRP-1/CD9 appears helpful in predicting the prognosis for each patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Restricted expression of the gap junctional protein connexin 43 in the arterial system of the rat.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) has been reported to be expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Evidence for possible variations in Cx43 distribution within different parts of the vascular system is limited. We have therefore investigated the expression of Cx43 in the endothelia and media of 11 vessels of different size and function in the rat, using immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that punctate Cx43 staining was abundant in the endothelia and media of all of the 5 elastic arteries examined. In the media, the amount of Cx43 staining decreased as the size of the elastic arteries became smaller. In the 6 muscular arteries examined, 2 different patterns of Cx43 staining were observed. In the first type, Cx43 expression was high in the endothelium but virtually absent from the media. Mesenteric resistance, hepatic and tail arteries were examples. In the second type, Cx43 staining was absent from both the media and the endothelia. The coronary, basilar, and middle cerebral arteries showed this appearance. The results suggest that expression of Cx43 is largely restricted to elastic arteries in the arterial system of the rat. The lack of immunodetectable Cx43 from the media of all muscular arteries examined, and from the endothelia of some of these arteries, raises the possibility of significant differences in the form of expression of Cx43 in these vessels or the presence of other connexins.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

In vitro and in vivo studies of a polyester arterial prosthesis with a warp-knitted sharkskin structure.

The present study was undertaken to assess the performance of a new knitted and gelatin-sealed polyester vascular graft that is believed to have greater dimensional stability than current commercial devices. Samples of the uncrimped, crimped, and sealed prosthesis were submitted to a series of in vitro and in vivo trials. Four commercial polyester knitted devices were included as controls for the in vitro tests, which included measurements of the textile and yarn structure and physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the graft, such as water permeability, dilatation, suture retention strength, melting point, and crystallinity index. The in vivo evaluation involved implanting the prototype device as a canine thoraco-abdominal bypass for periods ranging from 4 h to 1 year and assessing the biocompatibility, biofunctionality, and biostability of the explanted specimens. The warp-knitted structure of the prototype device has a unique sharkskin stitch that confers a superior dilatation resistance and suture retention strength to the prosthesis. The animal trial demonstrated that the gelatin ensures initial hemostasis without preclotting. The gelatin is bioresorbed during the first 2 weeks of implantation, which generates a temporary, moderate, acute inflammatory response. An external capsule of granulomatous tissue and an internal collagen capsule are formed between the first and third month. Analysis of the textile and physical properties of the explanted prostheses confirmed there was neither dilatation nor significant changes in structure or mechanical performance during implantation, thus confirming the biostability of this new prototype device and opening the way for clinical trials.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1997

N-terminal sequences from Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus envelope proteins ODV-E66 and ODV-E25 are sufficient to direct reporter proteins to the nuclear envelope, intranuclear microvesicles and the envelope of occlusion derived virus.

Baculovirus occlusion-derived virus (ODV) derives its envelope from an intranuclear membrane source. N-terminal amino acid sequences of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) envelope proteins, ODV-E66 and ODV-E25 (23 and 24 amino acids, respectively) are highly hydrophobic. Recombinant viruses that express the two N-terminal amino acid sequences fused to green fluorescent protein (23GFP or 24GFP) provided visual markers to follow protein transport and localization within the nucleus during infection. Autoflourescence was first detected along the cytoplasmic periphery of the nucleus and subsequently localized as foci to discrete locations within the nucleus. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that these foci predominantly contained intranuclear microvesicles and the reporter fusion proteins were also detected in cytoplasmic membranes near the nucleus, and the outer and inner nuclear membrane. Therefore, these defined hydrophobic domains are sufficient to direct native and fusion proteins to induced membrane microvesicles within a baculovirus-infected cell nucleus and the viral envelope. In addition, these data suggest that movement of these proteins into the nuclear envelope may initiate through cytoplasmic membranes, such as endoplasmic reticulum, and that transport into the nucleus may be mediated through the outer and inner nuclear membrane.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

A sensitive ocular perfusion apparatus measuring outflow facility.

PURPOSE: To build an improved apparatus for measuring outflow facility by one- and two-level, constant pressure perfusion. METHODS: A computer-controlled and -monitored tower adjusts the height of a fluid reservoir by a stepper motor every 5 min, to keep intraocular pressure (IOP) constant at one or two desired pressure levels (e.g. 2.5 and 12.0 mm Hg above the spontaneous IOP). The fluid flow rate is calculated by the equation Q = (Pres - IOP)/R, where Pres is the pressure of the reservoir as calculated by the term "pgh," h being the height of the reservoir, measured by the rotation of stepper motor, g, the gravity constant, and p, the fluid density. IOP is measured by the transducer, and R is the resistance of 180 microns tubing. Outflow facility is calculated by delta Q/ delta P. delta Q is the difference between flow rate at the two pressure levels, and delta P is the intraocular pressure difference. Perfusion was performed on live albino rat eyes by the two-level constant pressure technique, and on artificial steel eyes at a single constant pressure perfusion (20 mm Hg). RESULTS: Outflow facility of albino rat eyes and artificial steel eyes perfused for 40 and 30 min, respectively was 0.0507 +/- 0.0039 microliter/min/mm Hg and 0.3546 +/- 0.0034 microliter/min/mm Hg (mean +/- SD), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our perfusion apparatus is highly stable, sensitive, and capable of measuring subtle changes in outflow facility in vivo and in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Operative treatment of displaced acetabular fractures through the ilioinguinal approach].

To reduce the incidence of ectopic ossification and improve hip joint function after the operative treatment of displaced acetabulum fractures. We surgically treated 12 acetabular fractures which involved anterior column or both anterior and posterior column fractures through the ilioinguinal approach. 10 patients were judged postoperatively to have an anatomic reduction, and 2 had a satisfactory reduction. An average of 3-year follow-up showed excellent results in 8 patients (67%) and good in 4 (33%). Radiographic results indicated excellent results in 8 (67%), patients good in 3 (25%), fair in 1 (8%). The results suggested that the ilioinguinal approach appears to diminish many of the problems associated with utilization of an extrapelvic approach, including the disturbances of the hip abductor system, heterotopic ossification, sciatic palsy, the slow recovery of hip mobility. We conclude that it is not only good for an operative treatment of anterior column fractures but also good for some of posterior column fractures.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed1996

Direct application of Etest to gram-positive cocci from blood cultures: quick and reliable minimum inhibitory concentration data.

The Etest was applied directly to 100 Gram-positive bacterial strains from blood cultures to measure their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results showed 100% concordance of MIC data between a direct Etest method and the standard Etest method for Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and viridans group streptococci. In addition, direct Etest for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staphylococci, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus faecalis showed 83 to 100% correlation with standard Etests. These data indicate that the Etest is useful to obtain MIC data on Gram-positive cocci (especially streptococci) directly from positive blood cultures. The advantages of a direct Etest are two fold: MIC results can be obtained 24 hours earlier than standard methods and a more representative population of the bacterial isolate is tested.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1996

[The protective effect of nicotinamide on interleukin-1 beta induced damage to rat islets of Langerhans and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of nicotinamide (NA) on newborn rat islets of Langerhans. METHODS: Newborn rat islets were isolated by digestion of collagenase V. The effects of IL-1 beta and/or NA on insulin release and nitric oxide (NO) production and 3H-thymidine incorporation were studied. RESULTS: NA had no effects on both accumulated insulin release and insulin release at an acute glucose challenge, but increased 3H-thymidine incorporation. 25 mmol/L of NA reduced the inhibition of accumulated insulin release and 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by 40/ml of IL-1 beta. However. NA was not able to reverse the reduced ability of IL-1 beta-treated islets to respond to an acute glucose challenge. NA dose-dependently reduced NO production induced by IL-1 beta. CONCLUSION: There is the protective effect of NA on IL-1 beta-induced damage to islets of Langerhans. The mechanism of this effect might be related to that NA stimulates islet cells replication and reduces NO production induced by IL-1 beta.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Coronary angiographic characteristics of patients with unstable angina].

In order to study the characteristics of coronary lesions of patients with unstable angina, coronary angiograms and clinical manifestations were analysed on 388 patients. The results were as follows: single vessele disease was more common in new onset effort angina (69.64%) than in other groups (P < 0.05). Triple vessele disease and left main coronary artery lesion appeared more frequently in patients with rest angina than in other groups (72.34% and 27.66% respectively, P < 0.05), so did complex lesions and type C lesions (36.07% and 60.64% respectively, P < 0.05). More than half of the culprit lesions in early postinfarction angina was subtotal or total occlusions (53.12%), being more frequently found in this than in other groups (P < 0.05). Most of the patients with Prinzmetal variant angina had mild coronary lesions only. Coronary thrombi were found in 10.45% of the 388 patients; they were was more frequent in patients with early postinfarction angina (20.00%) than in the groups of new onset effort angina, aggravated effort angina and Prinzmetal variant angina (4.26%, 7.53% and 0% respectively, P < 0.05). Coronary thrombi were also more frequent in the patients with chest pain at rest (16.39%) than in the groups of new onset effort angina and Prinzmetal variant angina (P < 0.05). It is suggested that patients with angina at rest should be treated more intensively. Strengthened anticoagulation treatment should be given to patients with early postinfarction angina and angina at rest.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Microsurgical treatment of cavernous sinus tumor].

We studied 25 cases of cavernous sinus tumors who underwent microsurgical operation. The tumors were mainly composed of neurinomas and meningiomas. The tumors of 8 of 9 cases of the former, and 4 of 6 cases of the latter were totally removed. None of the patients died. We discussed the operative, method, preoperative preparation and postoperative complication.

Adolescent↗