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Biomedical subjects

Takeshi Yamada

Publications and source records attributed to Takeshi Yamada.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic Surgery Is Associated With Reduced Small Bowel Obstruction Risk After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study of 5458 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a major complication following colorectal cancer surgery, yet evidence-based prevention strategies remain unclear. We aimed to clarify site-specific risk factors for SBO and evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery and adhesion prevention materials (APMs) in preventing SBO after colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 5458 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery at 32 Japanese institutions between 2012 and 2014. The primary endpoint was the 5-year risk of SBO. We evaluated the effects of laparoscopic surgery, APM use, and stoma creation on SBO risk. Clinical variables included demographics, tumor site, operative approach, operative details, and postoperative complications. Hospital-level clustering was addressed using mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall SBO incidence was 5.2% (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;283). Rectal cancer had the highest risk, whereas all colonic sites except the descending colon showed significantly lower odds. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a 42% reduction in odds (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.45-0.74; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), with significant reductions in ascending (NNT&#x2009;=&#x2009;22.2, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001) and sigmoid colon surgery (NNT&#x2009;=&#x2009;30.2, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003). APMs showed no protective effect (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.78-1.32; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.94). Stoma creation significantly increased SBO risk (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.35-2.51; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Secondary analysis identified reoperation and postoperative ileus as additional independent risk factors. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic surgery was associated with reduced long-term SBO risk, with significant benefits in ascending and sigmoid colon surgery. APMs showed no measurable benefit. Stoma creation increased SBO risk, with no observed difference between ileostomy and colostomy.

adhesion prevention material↗

Efficient asymmetric synthesis of novel 4-substituted and configurationally stable analogues of thalidomide.

The preparation of new thalidomide derivatives 4-methyl-(3S,4R)-3a and 4-phenyl-(3S,4S)-3b starting from pyroglutamic acids (2R,3R)-7a and (2R,3S)-7b, possessing an inappropriate stereochemistry, was successfully realized due to stereochemically complete epimerization at the alpha-stereogenic center upon formation of the corresponding N-phthaloyl anhydrides 9a,b. The demonstrated conformational stability of these new thalidomide derivatives provides solid experimental evidence for practical feasibility of the approach described here to overcome the inherent problem of configurational instability of thalidomide by introducing an alkyl or aryl group in the C4 position. [reaction: see text].

Indicators and Reagents↗

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new generation of modular nucleophilic glycine equivalents for the efficient synthesis of sterically constrained alpha-amino acids.

A new generation of modular achiral glycine equivalents have been evaluated with respect to their synthetic utility for the production of tailor-made, sterically constrained alpha-amino acids, which proved to be the most efficient approach developed to date for the synthesis of symmetrical alpha,alpha-disubstituted-alpha-amino acids. Among the new series of achiral glycine equivalents, one was found to be a superior glycine derivative for the Michael additions with various (R)- or (S)-N-(E-enoyl)-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones representing a general and practical synthesis of sterically constrained beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids. In particular, the application of these complexes allowed for the preparation of several beta-substituted pyroglutamic acids which include electron-releasing and sterically demanding substituents in the structure thus increasing the synthetic efficiency and expanding the generality of these Michael addition reactions.

Amino Acids↗

Potent antitumor activity of 3,4-seco-8betaH-Ferna-4(23),9(11)-dien-3-oic acid (EC-2) and 3,4-seco-Oleana-4(23),18-dien-3-oic acid (EC-4), evaluated by an in vitro human cancer cell line panel.

3,4-seco-8beta H-Ferna-4(23),9(11)-dien-3-oic acid (EC-2) (1) and 3,4-seco-oleana-4(23),18-dien-3-oic acid (EC-4) (2) isolated from the whole herb of Euphorbia chamaesyce L. were evaluated for their anti-tumor activities using a panel including 39 human cancer cell lines (HCC) coupled with a drug sensitivity database. Compounds 1 and 2 showed strong cytotoxicity against the HCC panel, even though alcohols 1A and 2A and methyl esters 1B and 2B were inactive.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Structure determination of inonotsuoxides A and B and in vivo anti-tumor promoting activity of inotodiol from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus.

Two new lanostane-type triterpenoids, inonotsuoxides A (1) and B (2) along with three known lanostane-type triterpenoids, inotodiol (3), trametenolic acid (4), and lanosterol (5), were isolated from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus (Pers.: Fr.) (Japanese name: Kabanoanakake) (Russian name: Chaga). Their structures were determined to be 22R,25-epoxylanost-8-ene-3beta,24S-diol (1) and 22S,25-epoxylanost-8-ene-3beta,24S-diol (2) on the basis of spectral data including single crystal X-ray analysis. These compounds except for 2 were tested for their inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), as a test for potential cancer chemopreventive agents. The most abundant triterpene, inotodiol (3), was investigated for the inhibitory effect in a two-stage carcinogenesis test on mouse skin using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) as an initiator and TPA as a promoter. Compound 3 was found to exhibit the potent anti-tumor promoting activity in the in vivo carcinogenesis test.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Lamin B1 duplications cause autosomal dominant leukodystrophy.

Adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) is a slowly progressive neurological disorder characterized by symmetrical widespread myelin loss in the central nervous system, with a phenotype similar to chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. In this study, we identify a genomic duplication that causes ADLD. Affected individuals carry an extra copy of the gene for the nuclear laminar protein lamin B1, resulting in increased gene dosage in brain tissue from individuals with ADLD. Increased expression of lamin B1 in Drosophila melanogaster resulted in a degenerative phenotype. In addition, an abnormal nuclear morphology was apparent when cultured cells overexpressed this protein. This is the first human disease attributable to mutations in the gene encoding lamin B1. Antibodies to lamin B are found in individuals with autoimmune diseases, and it is also an antigen recognized by a monoclonal antibody raised against plaques from brains of individuals with multiple sclerosis. This raises the possibility that lamin B may be a link to the autoimmune attack that occurs in multiple sclerosis.

Animals↗

An improved method for Southern DNA and Northern RNA blotting using a Mupid-2 Mini-Gel electrophoresis unit.

An improved method for Southern DNA and Northern RNA blotting using the Mupid-2 Mini-Gel System is described. We get sharp and clear bands in Southern and Northern blotting after only 30 min short gel electrophoresis instead of the several hours large gel electrophoresis of conventional methods. The high electrical voltage with a pulse-like current of the Mupid-2 Mini-Gel System also allows reduction of the amount of formaldehyde, a harmful reagent, from the gel running buffer in RNA blotting. This minor modification of DNA and RNA blotting technique enables us to perform the complete experimental procedure more quickly economically in less space, than conventional Southern and Northern blotting, as well as using an extremely small amount of formaldehyde in RNA blotting.

Blotting, Northern↗

HIV-1 Vpr induces G2 cell cycle arrest in fission yeast associated with Rad24/14-3-3-dependent, Chk1/Cds1-independent Wee1 upregulation.

Viral protein R (Vpr), an accessory protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), induces the G2 cell cycle arrest in fission yeast for which host factors, such as Wee1 and Rad24, are required. Catalyzing the inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc2, Wee1 is known to serve as a major regulator of G2/M transition in the eukaryotic cell cycle. It has been reported that the G2 checkpoint induced by DNA damage or incomplete DNA replication is associated with phosphorylation and upregulation of Wee1 for which Chk1 and Cds1 kinase is required. In this study, we demonstrate that the G2 arrest induced by HIV-1 Vpr in fission yeast is also associated with increase in the phosphorylation and amount of Wee1, but in a Chk1/Cds1-independent manner. Rad24 and human 14-3-3 appear to contribute to Vpr-induced G2 arrest by elevating the level of Wee1 expression. It appears that Vpr could cause the G2 arrest through a mechanism similar to, but distinct from, the physiological G2 checkpoint controls. The results may provide useful insights into the mechanism by which HIV-1 Vpr causes the G2 arrest in eukaryotic cells. Vpr may also serve as a useful molecular tool for exploring novel cell cycle control mechanisms.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

Correlation between plasma levels of glutamate, alanine and serine with severity of depression.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of using plasma levels of amino acids as an indicator of the severity of depression. The samples were collected from 23 depressed patients receiving antidepressant medication, and were compared to 31 healthy subjects. The plasma levels of amino acids were determined using HPLC with fluorometric detection. The severity of depression was evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores. Plasma levels of glutamate, glutamine, glycine and taurine were significantly increased in the depressed patients compared to the controls. Statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation between glutamate and alanine levels and HAM-D scores and a negative correlation of L-serine with HAM-D scores. The results indicate that plasma level of glutamate, alanine and L-serine could reflect the severity of depression rather than glutamine, glycine and taurine.

Adult↗

Active digestion of sperm mitochondrial DNA in single living sperm revealed by optical tweezers.

In almost all eukaryotes, mitochondrial (mt) genes are transmitted to progeny mainly from the maternal parent. The most popular explanation for this phenomenon is simple dilution of paternal mtDNA, because the paternal gametes (sperm) are much smaller than maternal gametes (egg) and contribute a limited amount of mitochondria to the progeny. Recently, this simple explanation has been challenged in several reports that describe the active digestion of sperm mtDNA, down-regulation of mtDNA replication in sperm, and proteolysis of mitochondria triggered by ubiquitination. In this investigation, we visualized mt nucleoids in living sperm by using highly sensitive SYBR green I vital staining. The ability to visualize mt nucleoids allowed us to clarify that the elimination of sperm mtDNA upon fertilization is achieved through two steps: (i) gradual decrease of mt nucleoid numbers during spermatogenesis and (ii) rapid digestion of sperm mtDNA just after fertilization. One notable point is that the digestion of mtDNA is achieved before the complete destruction of mitochondrial structures, which may be necessary to avoid the diffusion and transmission of potentially deleterious sperm mtDNA to the progeny.

Animals↗

Plasma levels of homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and cortisol, and serotonin turnover in depressed patients.

Plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol and monoamines were examined in 23 depressed patients and 31 healthy subjects. Patients showed increased plasma cortisol levels, but not plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. The plasma levels of a dopamine metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were significantly decreased in the patients. In contrast, the plasma levels of a serotonin (5-HT) metabolite, hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-HT turnover (5-HIAA/5-HT) were increased in the depressed patients. Therefore, plasma levels of HVA and 5-HIAA are proven to be dissociable. Furthermore, plasma levels of 5-HIAA and L-DOPA have positive relationships with severity of depression. On the basis of this and the previous studies, we speculate that an increase in the plasma 5-HIAA levels might be a compensatory mechanism for stress, whereas 5-HT turnover might reflect depressive state. Taken together, plasma levels of HVA and 5-HIAA, and 5-HT turnover (5-HIAA/5-HT) could be good markers for evaluating depression.

Adult↗

A study on medicinal plants from Malaysia focused on Acalypha siamensis Oliv. ex Gage. isolation and structure of a new tetraterpene, acalyphaser A.

As a part of our chemical studies on Malaysian medicinal plants, five Malaysian plant species were evaluated by cytotoxicity assays using P388 murine leukemia cells. Since Acalypha siamensis exhibited the strongest growth inhibition, its constituents were studied as the object of search for bioactive materials. A novel tetraterpene, acalyphaser A (1), was isolated in the course of the purification. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques, and mass spectrometry.

Animals↗

Effect of clonidine premedication on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness after total intravenous anesthesia.

To determine the effect of oral clonidine premedication on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness, we evaluated the incidence and severity of each of these complications in patients who underwent elective surgery in the supine position. The subjects were 82 patients, American Society of Anesthiologists (ASA) status I-III, aged 15-82 years. They were premedicated with either 150 microg oral clonidine and 20 mg raftidine (clonidine group; n = 41) or with 20 mg raftidine only (control group; n = 41) 2 h before anesthesia induction. General anesthesia was maintained with propofol, ketamine, fentanyl, and vecuronium, with or without epidural anesthesia. Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness were evaluated immediately after surgery and on the day after surgery. The incidences of sore throat and hoarseness tended to be higher in the clonidine group than in the control group; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance. There were no significant differences in the severity of these symptoms between the two groups. In conclusion, oral premedication with 150 microg clonidine did not prevent postoperative sore throat or hoarseness, and may have exacerbated these symptoms.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

Usefulness of the polarity in high-density wide range-filtered bipolar mapping to detect isthmus block during radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter.

BACKGROUND: The atrial activation sequence around the tricuspid annulus (TA) cannot always be used to establish whether complete block has been achieved across the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) during radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) for typical counterclockwise atrial flutter (CCW-AFL). AIM: We examined whether a change in the polarity of the atrial high-density wide range-filtered bipolar electrograms recorded near the ablation line is an accurate indicator of complete CTI block. METHODS: Nineteen patients with CCW-AFL underwent RFCA. Electrograms were recorded around the TA with duodecapolar conventional (2mm x 8mm x 2mm spacing) and high-density (2-mm spacing) Halo catheters. The bipolar electrograms on the high-density Halo catheter recorded from a series of adjacent electrode pairs positioned just lateral to the ablation line were filtered at a bandpass setting of 0.05-500 Hz. The activation sequence on the conventional Halo catheter during coronary sinus pacing (CSp) and inferolateral TA pacing, and the bipolar electrograms on the high-density Halo catheter during CSp were determined before and after RFCA. The final complete CTI block was verified by the presence of widely split double electrograms > or =100 msec along the ablation line. RESULTS: The final complete CTI block was achieved in all the 19 patients. Before RFCA, the polarity of bipolar electrograms was predominantly negative during CCW-AFL and positive during CSp. In 18 of the 19 patients, the bipolar electrograms exhibited the CCW activation and a negative polarity during CSp only after complete CTI block. In one of those 18 patients, additional applications of RFCA changed the polarity of bipolar electrograms positive to negative although the conventional Halo electrogram activation sequence suggested complete CTI block during CSp. In seven patients, who had transverse conduction across the crista terminalis during CSp, the conventional Halo electrogram activation sequence suggested an incomplete CTI block. However, in six of those seven patients, the CCW activation had a predominantly negative polarity of the bipolar electrograms. In one of those seven patients, complete CTI block was unable to be detected even using the high-density Halo catheter. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the high-density wide range-filtered mapping can identify the CTI block in undetectable cases of complete CTI block or incomplete CTI block by the conventional method. The polarity of the bipolar electrograms recorded just lateral to the ablation line during CSp after RFCA of AFL may be used as a simple and an accurate indicator of complete CTI block.

Adult↗

Nitric oxide produced during sublethal ischemia is crucial for the preconditioning-induced down-regulation of glutamate transporter GLT-1 in neuron/astrocyte co-cultures.

In the brain, prior sublethal ischemia (preconditioning, PC) produces tolerance of neurons to subsequent lethal ischemia. This study aims at elucidating whether and how nitric oxide (NO) produced during PC is involved in the PC-induced ischemic tolerance of neurons in neuron/astrocyte co-cultures. The rise in the extracellular concentration of glutamate during ischemia caused by the reversed uptake of glutamate (Glu) by the astrocytic Glu transporter GLT-1 was markedly suppressed by the prior PC treatment, but the suppression was reversed by treatment with an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) during PC. Immunocytochemical and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the expression of GLT-1 was down-regulated after the PC insult, and this down-regulation was also antagonized by treatment with NOS inhibitors during PC. Here we show that nNOS-derived NO produced during PC was crucial for the down-regulation of astrocytic GLT-1, and this down-regulation coincided with an increased survival rate of neurons.

Animals↗

The transcription factor MEF/ELF4 regulates the quiescence of primitive hematopoietic cells.

The transcriptional circuitry that regulates the quiescence of hematopoietic stem cells is largely unknown. We report that the transcription factor known as MEF (or ELF4), which is targeted by the t(X;21)(q26;q22) in acute myelogenous leukemia, regulates the proliferation of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells at steady state, controlling their quiescence. Mef null HSCs display increased residence in G0 with reduced 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in vivo and impaired cytokine-driven proliferation in vitro. Due to their increased HSC quiescence, Mef null mice are relatively resistant to the myelosuppressive effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Thus, MEF plays an important role in the decision of stem/primitive progenitor cells to divide or remain quiescent by regulating their entry to the cell cycle.

Animals↗

Antineoplastic agents. 551. Isolation and structures of bauhiniastatins 1-4 from Bauhinia purpurea.

Bioassay-guided (P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line) separation of extracts prepared from the leaves, stems, and pods of Bauhinia purpurea, and, in parallel, its roots, led to the isolation of four new dibenz[b,f]oxepins (2a, 3-5) named bauhiniastatins 1-4, as well as the known and related pacharin (1) as cancer cell growth inhibitors. The occurrence of oxepin derivatives in nature is quite rare. Bauhiniastatins 1-4 were found to exhibit significant growth inhibition against a minipanel of human cancer cell lines, and bauhiniastatin 1 (2a) was also found to inhibit the P388 cancer cell line. Structures for these new cancer cell growth inhibitors were established by spectroscopic techniques that included HRMS and 2D NMR.

Animals↗