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Biomedical subjects

T Horikoshi

Publications and source records attributed to T Horikoshi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase gene expression in human colon carcinoma cells: characterization of a mutation which modulates DT-diaphorase activity and mitomycin sensitivity.

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase; DTD) is an obligate two-electron reductase which may play a role in the bioactivation of antitumor quinones such as mitomycin C (MMC). We studied 10 colon carcinoma cell lines showing different levels of DTD activity (range, 0-3447 nmol/min/mg protein), as measured by the reduction of dichlorophenolindophenol. Expression of the NAD(P)H:quinone reductase gene (NQO1), which codes for the DTD enzyme, as measured by a polymerase chain reaction amplification technique was then correlated with enzymatic activity in all cell lines. HT-29 cells, which have intermediate DTD activity (769 +/- 144 nmol/min/mg protein, mean +/- SD) and are sensitive to MMC, showed high NQO1 expression relative to beta-actin (taken as 100% here for comparative purposes). BE cells which have no detectable DTD activity and are resistant to MMC showed moderate NQO1 expression (91% of HT-29). RNA single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and subsequent sequencing of BE complementary DNA revealed a C to T mutation in the NQO1 complementary DNA. This confers a proline to serine substitution in the amino acid sequence of the protein. Additionally, HCT-116 cells showed both moderate DTD activity (390 +/- 41 nmol/min/mg protein) and NQO1 expression (41% of HT-29), while resistant subclones of these cells, exposed to MMC during 11 and 44 weeks, showed low gene expression (5 and 9% of HT-29 respectively) and enzymatic activity (11 +/- 6 and 36 +/- 16 nmol/min/mg protein). These results support the ideas that reductive activation of MMC by DTD may be important in the cytotoxicity of MMC and that polymerase chain reaction may be a useful technique for quantitating the relative expression of genes in human tumors.

Actins

Detection of point mutations in human DNA by analysis of RNA conformation polymorphism(s).

RNA molecules were found to separate into numerous metastable conformational forms upon non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. The equilibration of the conformations was accelerated by heating or mild denaturing conditions. Single-base substitutions in the sequence of the RNAs caused changes in the conformational patterns, including mobility shifts of major and minor conformations, appearance of new conformations and loss of other conformations. This sequence-dependent RNA conformational polymorphism was used to detect point mutations in p53 and, dihydrofolate reductase genes. Sense and anti-sense RNA strands corresponding to the same segment of the p53 gene gave entirely different conformational patterns. To generate the RNA, short regions of the target genes (up to about 250 bp) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the resulting DNA segments transcribed to RNA by T7 RNA polymerase. The method is rapid, simple, amenable to non-radioactive visualization and was successful in several cases when DNA single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis (Orita et al. (1989) Genomics 5, 874-879) failed to detect the point mutation.

Base Sequence

Quantitation of thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and DT-diaphorase gene expression in human tumors using the polymerase chain reaction.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method was used to quantitate the expression levels of low abundance genes relevant to cancer drug activity. RNA from tumor samples as small as 20 mg was isolated and converted to cDNA using random hexamers. The 5' primers for the PCR contained a T7 polymerase promoter sequence, allowing the PCR-amplified DNA to be transcribed to RNA fragments. In each sample, the linear ranges of amplification of each cDNA of interest were established. Relative gene expressions were calculated by extrapolating the amounts of PCR products generated within the linear amplification regions of each gene to equal volumes of the cDNA solution. The method was accurate to less than a 2-fold difference in expression levels. Using beta 2-microglobulin and beta-actin gene expressions as internal reference standards and cDNA from HT-29 cells as an external linearity standard, we measured the relative expressions of thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and DT-diaphorase in a number of clinical tumor samples. The expressions of these genes varied from 50- to 100-fold among different tumors, although most of the values were grouped within about a 10-fold range. The amount of thymidylate synthase gene expression in tumor tissues was directly proportional to the content of thymidylate synthase protein. Those tumors with the lowest thymidylate synthase expression had the best response to both the 5-fluorouracil-leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil-cisplatin combinations.

Actins

Serum 5-S-cysteinyldopa (5-S-CD) as a marker of melanoma progression.

We previously reported that serum 5-S-cysteinyldopa (5-S-CD) tended to elevate earlier and reflect melanoma progression better than urinary 5-S-CD. In patients without metastatic melanomas, serum concentration and urinary excretion of 5-S-CD and 6-hydroxy-5-methoxy-indole-2-carboxylic acid (6H5MI2C) were within the upper limits of normal controls. In this report, we presented more precisely the changes in these melanin-related markers and clinical courses of four melanoma patients. Serum and 24-hour urine samples were serially collected and assayed every 1 to 4 months. Three of them developed stage IV malignant melanomas and died of metastatic disease. 6H5MI2C in serum and urine did not reflect the progression of disease. Among the 4 parameters considered, 5-S-CD in serum appeared to be the best biochemical marker for melanoma progression. Serum 5-S-CD over the upper limit of 10 nmol/L was suggested as a serious sign of the progression of melanoma.

Aged

Alteration of melanoma melanogenesis by phenotypic modifiers.

Human melanoma cells (MM96E) were incubated with a phenotypic modifier (L-ethionine) to compare its effects on phenotypic expression with those induced by sodium butyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide. In contrast to the latter agents, L-ethionine (8mM) failed to arrest the cell cycle at the G1 phase or to inhibit colony formation ability after 48 hr incubation. Tyrosinase activity changed in parallel with 5-S-cysteinyldopa (5-S-CD) content during treatment with sodium butyrate or dimethyl sulfoxide. Tyrosinase was inhibited in L-ethionine-treated cells, probably because of metabolism of L-ethionine to sulfhydryl compounds; this remains to be clarified. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity changed inversely with tyrosinase activity after sodium butyrate or dimethyl sulfoxide incubation, whereas L-ethionine did not significantly alter the enzyme activity. In addition, only sodium butyrate induced alkaline phosphatase activity. L-ethionine was less effective than sodium butyrate or dimethyl sulfoxide in inhibiting expression of the B8G3 melanosomal antigen, as determined by Western blotting. These results suggest that phenotypic modifiers (differentiation inducers) affect melanoma cells in various ways and that melanogenesis therefore reflects only one aspect of differentiation in pigment cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Inhibitory effect of human fibroblast interferon (HuIFN-beta) on the growth and invasive potential of cultured human melanoma cells in vitro.

The effect of HuIFN-beta on the invasive potential of melanoma cells was studied using an in-vitro model system with Transwell chambers equipped with matrigel-coated polycarbonate filters. When (10(2), 10(3) and 10(4) IU/ml) for 3 days and then grown in medium without HuIFN-beta for another 7 days. On day 7, the proliferation of melanoma cells was inhibited by 77 and 87%, respectively, when cells were treated with 10(2) and 10(4) IU/ml of HuIFN-beta. This antiproliferative effect was dose-dependent and more pronounced on day 11. The effect of HuIFN-beta on the invasive potential of melanoma cells was studied using an in-vitro model system with Transwell chambers equipped with Matrigel-coated polycarbonate filters. When cells were treated with HuIFN-beta (10(2), 10(3) and 10(4) IU/ml) for 24 h, the amount of tritiated thymidine incorporated into cells was increased, indicating that cell growth was not inhibited. However, the number of cells that invaded to the filter decreased significantly by 15-40%. HuIFN-beta did not have an inhibitory effect on the haptotactic migration of melanoma cells. These data indicate that the antiproliferative effect of HuIFN-beta occurs after 24 h and that the direct anti-invasive effect is independent of any effect on proliferation.

Cell Division

Monoclonal antibody analysis of phosphatidylserine and protein kinase C localizations in developing rat cerebellum.

Understanding the topographical relationships between phosphatidylserine (PS) and protein kinase C (PKC) within neurons can provide clues about the mechanism of translocation and activation of PKC. For this purpose we applied monoclonal antibodies (Abs) of PS and PKC to sections of developing rat cerebellum. The anti-PKC Ab immunohistochemical pattern showed homogeneous staining of Purkinje cells over various postnatal ages, whereas the anti-PS Ab staining showed a heterogeneous localization over these ages. Purkinje cells did not stain well between postnatal day 14 (PND 14) and PND 21, suggesting that the PS was lost from the membrane during preparation of the sections during this period. These data imply that interactions between PS and PKC vary in Purkinje cells during postnatal development.

Aging

Partial resection of the gyrus rectus in pterional approach to anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

The effect of partial resection of the gyrus rectus during the unilateral pterional approach on surgical outcome was evaluated in 194 consecutive patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Resection was performed more frequently in cases with poor clinical grade, in the acute stage, with superiorly directed aneurysms, and with high-positioned aneurysms. The surgical results were graded into three stages, and the follow-up results into five stages using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Outcomes for 52 patients receiving gyrus rectus resection were compared with those for 142 patients without resection. There were no apparent effects caused by gyrus rectus resection on outcome.

Adolescent

Giant aneurysm of the azygos anterior cerebral artery associated with acute subdural hematoma--case report.

A ruptured giant aneurysm of the azygos anterior cerebral artery (ACA) associated with an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) occurred in a 67-year-old male with two episodes of sudden severe headache and transient loss of consciousness. Neurologically, he had mild weakness of the left lower extremity. Computed tomography showed an elliptical heterogeneous hyperdense mass in the interhemispheric fissure in front of the corpus callosum and an acute SDH on the right. Angiography disclosed a giant aneurysm (2.8 x 2.0 cm) at the distal end of the azygos ACA. Removal of the SDH and aneurysmal neck clipping achieved a good outcome. Successive small bleedings may allow the aneurysmal dome to develop adhesions to the arachnoid membrane, and the final rupture will occur into the subdural space, resulting in a SDH.

Acute Disease

Oblique sagittal magnetic resonance imaging visualizing vascular compression of the trigeminal or facial nerve.

An oblique sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method was developed to provide better visualization of vascular compression of nerves. The MR images of 12 patients with trigeminal neuralgia and 24 with hemifacial spasm were analyzed. The oblique sagittal views were obtained along the nerve identified by the axial view at an angle of 105 degrees between the line along the dorsal brain stem and the line along the margin of the pontomedullary junction (in patients with hemifacial spasm) or by the midsagittal view through the midpons (in patients with trigeminal neuralgia). The T1- and T2-weighted, proton-density, and/or gradient-echo MR images were evaluated to optimize imaging conditions. The oblique sagittal gradient-echo MR image most clearly visualized vascular compression of the nerves as high-intensity lines in six patients with trigeminal neuralgia, which was confirmed intraoperatively in four. Fifteen (75%) of 20 oblique sagittal gradient-echo MR images demonstrated vascular compression of the facial nerves in patients with hemifacial spasm; 12 of these were confirmed intraoperatively. The control study used 15 oblique sagittal gradient-echo MR images of nonaffected contralateral and normal sites. Four false-positive findings were found. Oblique sagittal gradient-echo MR images are a useful planning aid, allowing differential diagnosis prior to microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

Adult

p53 gene mutation in primary human renal cell carcinoma.

We searched for possible mutations in the entire coding region of tumor suppressor gene p53 in primary human renal cell carcinomas using polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis of RNA. We found p53 mutations in 2 of 21 cases (10%). DNA sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products verified that the first case included a 17-base deletion at the beginning of exon 6. The second case showed a T to C transition at nucleotide 1328 in exon 7. No clinical or pathological similarity was found in the renal cell carcinomas containing the mutated p53 genes. Present results suggest that p53 mutation is involved at low frequency in human renal cell carcinomas.

Base Sequence

[Clinical effect of proton pump inhibitors on reflux esophagitis].

The clinical efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPI, omeprazole 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg), once daily, after breakfast, was studied in patients with erosive/ulcerative reflux esophagitis. The following results were obtained. 1) Twenty-four hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed before treatment and on 7th day of PPI medications. Omeprazole reduced the percent time pH less than 4 from 29.1 to 1.2 and lansoprazole from 68.0 to 2.4. 2) The cumulative disappearance rate of overall symptom was 52% after 1 week and 62% after 2 weeks with omeprazole these were 66% and 91%, and with lansoprazole respectively 3) The endoscopic healing rate was 63% was after 2 weeks and 76% after 4 weeks with omeprazole medication, and 76% and 97% respectively with lansoprazole. These results indicate that PPI medication inhibits the acid reflux almost completely and is a more useful therapeutic agent for GERD than H2-antagonists.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles

Inactivation of Tetrahymena rRNA self-splicing by cis-platin proceeds through dissociable complexes.

The anti-cancer drug cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cis-DDP) reacted with Tetrahymena self-splicing rRNA ribozyme, causing loss of self-splicing activity and formation of a number of platinated RNA species. The formation of one distinct platinated product, migrating at an apparent size of 2400 nt, was closely associated with ribozyme inactivation. This platinated RNA was resistant to T1 ribonuclease digestion, suggesting the presence of inter-strand Pt cross-links. The reaction rate of cis-DDP with the ribozyme followed first order kinetics and showed a saturation effect with increasing cis-DDP concentration, characteristic of an affinity-label type of interaction rather than bimolecular collision. The apparent KI for binding of cis-DDP to the ribozyme was 62 microM. Ribozyme treated with urea was not inactivated by cis-DDP, indicating that the native structure of the RNA is required for reaction with cis-DDP. Mg++, which binds to the ribozyme and causes conformational changes in the molecule, protected the ribozyme from inactivation by cis-DDP and also prevented the formation of platinated RNA. These results suggest that binding of cis-DDP to sites formed by certain secondary or tertiary structural elements of the RNA enhance the rate and the specificity of reaction of the reagent with the ribozyme.

Animals

Comparative efficacy of acid reflux inhibition by drug therapy in reflux esophagitis.

The advent of histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2-RA) has allowed the treatment of reflux esophagitis (RE) to be controlled over a relatively long term. The authors have experienced some cases resistant to H2-RA, but it was revealed that these cases can be successfully treated with proton pump inhibitors. It has been suggested that esophagogastric dysmotility can lead to RE. RE has been treated for many years by using GI-prokinetic agents, which theoretically inhibit acid reflux and improve esophageal acid clearance. In order to compare the effects on acid reflux of an H2-RA (famotidine), a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole) and a GI-prokinetic agent (cisapride), we measured the 24-hour pH in the esophagus and stomach simultaneously, before and after treatment in 17 patients with RE. It was found that the proton pump inhibitor was the most effective drug for inhibiting esophageal acidification, followed by famotidine and then cisapride. Furthermore, we found that cisapride often actually exacerbated acid reflux. The differences in inhibitory effects on acidification allowed us to draw conclusions regarding the treatment of RE. It was concluded that the stronger the inhibitory effect of a drug on acid secretion, the more useful it was in the treatment of RE. The GI-prokinetic drug did not inhibit acid reflux as much as we had expected.

Adult

Effects of famotidine on upper gastrointestinal motility in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.

The effects of famotidine on human upper gastrointestinal motility were investigated, together with the relationship of gastric alkalinization and serum gastrin levels to changes produced by famotidine. Intravenous famotidine (20 mg), at a dose level in which an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase activity is not recognized, was given to 13 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis but no other disorders. Gastric phasic motor activity was not changed significantly, but the lower esophageal sphincter pressure was elevated significantly in comparison with 15 controls given physiological saline, even when gastric phasic motor activity was taken into consideration. Gastric alkalinization with 7% sodium bicarbonate did not significantly increase the sphincter pressure in all 7 subjects so treated. No significant correlation was recognized between the serum gastrin level, the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and the gastric motility index in any of the 3 groups. It was, therefore, concluded that intravenous administration of famotidine affected upper gastrointestinal motility, especially the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, through an as yet unknown mechanism other than inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, gastric alkalinization, or elevation of serum gastrin levels.

Adult

Developmental assembly of calcium-mobilizing systems for excitatory amino acids in rat cerebellum.

The postnatal development of calcium-mobilizing systems was studied by both microfluorometric imaging analysis of Ca2+ on living rat cerebellar slices and immunohistochemical labeling of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding protein (IP3BP) in fixed rat cerebellum. Stimulation with quisqualate (QA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) enhanced the Ca2+ level only diffusely on postnatal day (PND) 3, but more discretely on PNDs 7 and 15. On PND 21, QA-induced responses were localized in the molecular layer especially, but not in the granular layer. By contrast, NMDA mobilized Ca2+ prominently in the granular layer, but only weakly in the molecular layer. Localized expression of PIP2 in the molecular layer paralleled QA-induced Ca2+ mobilization, but IP3BP was expressed more diffusely. The present study offers the first direct evidence that PIP2, but not IP3BP, is essential for QA-induced Ca2+ mobilization in the cerebellar cortex.

Amino Acids