Biomedical subjects

Y Etoh

Publications and source records attributed to Y Etoh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Melatonin therapy for REM sleep behavior disorder.

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia with clinical symptoms that include punching, kicking, yelling and leaping out of bed in sleep. Polysomnographic (PSG) finding showed REM sleep without muscle atonia. Clonazepam is generally used for treating RBD symptoms but melatonin was reported to be effective so we reconfirmed the effect of melatonin on RBD patients in the present study. We used melatonin (3-9 mg/day) which could ameliorate problem sleep behaviors remarkably, as well as %tonic activity in PSG variables. In the present study, melatonin was reconfirmed to be effective in RBD symptoms, especially for patients with low melatonin secretion, while its mechanism was not clearly known in the present study.

Electromyography↗

PubMed2001

Acute hepatitis C among Japanese hemodialysis patients: a prospective 9-year study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this prospective survey were to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of newly acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients after the start of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) screening for blood products in Japan in 1989. METHODS: In serial serum samples from 269 hemodialysis patients who were followed over a mean period of 6.6 yr (+/- 2.1 yr) from 1990 to 1998, HCV RNA and anti-HCV were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and second generation ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: During the observation period, newly acquired HCV infection was found in 26 (15.4%) of the 169 hemodialysis patients without anti-HCV or HCV RNA at entry, an annual incidence rate of 2.59%. Of these 26, only four had a history of blood transfusion, one of whom had received the blood transfusion after 1992, the year in which screening of blood products for anti-HCV by second-generation ELISA was introduced in Japan. Persistent HCV viremia was found in 17 (65.4%) of the 26 patients; the other nine (34.6%) had transient HCV infection. The mean period of continuous ALT abnormality was significantly longer in the former (12.4+/-13.6 months) than in the latter (1.9+/-3.5 months) (p = 0.0067). However, only three (17.6%) of 17 patients with chronic HCV viremia had continuous ALT abnormality for more than 24 months; in all of them, ALT eventually normalized. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that newly acquired HCV infection has continued to occur in hemodialysis patients after the initiation of anti-HCV screening of blood products and that the abnormal ALT found in these patients is related to HCV chronicity.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

[A case of diffuse panbronchiolitis with SLE complicated by fungal infection].

We report a patient who developed SLE during the course of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and had candidiasis later. The patient fulfilled the criteria for diagnosis of SLE after appearance of fever and general peripheral arthritis. Regarding serum virus antibody values at the time of SLE diagnosis, IgG and IgM of human Parvovirus B19 (B19) were positive by the EIA test and also by the serum PCR test. For continuously Pseudomonas aeruginozae in sputum cultures because of existing DPB, immunosuppressasnt therapy with prednisolone and mizoribine was given while suppressing proliferation of bacterial infections with antibiotics. As a result, the intensity of SLE decreased smoothly. About 1 month after beginning of the treatment, the chest X-ray revealed infiltrative densities in the lingual area of the left lobule and in S3 of the right lobule. Judging from the clinical course and various examination findings, concurrence of candidiasis was suspected. Fungal infection in this patient was progressive, so various antifungal agents were used concurrently. Furthermore, immunoglobulin therapy was supplemented while determining serum immunoglobulin levels, and doses of prednisolone and mizoribine were reduced rapidly. Afterward the patient followed a satisfactory clinical course. About 2 years later SLE recurred, aspergillosis developed concurrently and the disease progressed rapidly to its termination. DPB itself is difficult to control and often complicated with various diseases. Therefore, immunosuppresant therapy for complications is sometimes used in addition to the treatment of DPB. More careful observations on the clinical course are necessary in dealing with this disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[A boy diagnosed SLE after Staphylococcus aureus infection over a long period].

We encountered a 13-year-old boy with SLE who showed specific pathophysiology. The affected child was hospitalized because of long-standing cutaneous empyesis considered to be Staphylococcus aureus infection, followed by manifestation of meningoencephalitis-like symptoms. On a close check up, the patient was diagnosed as having SLE complicated with interstitial lupus nephritis and verrucosis of the left ventricle. Besides the findings, the blastogenesis of the patient's lymphocyte was low against stimulation of sac-1 which connects with the Fc portion of lgG, one of the constituent proteins of Staphylococcus. Moreover, anti-phospholipid antibodies turned positive during immunosuppressive therapy and subcutaneous abscess due to Pseudomonas aeruginosae developed concurrently at about the same time, which posed difficulties in the treatment. The affected child had had Staphylococcus aureus infections over a long period of time before diagnosis of SLE and was susceptible to bacterial infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosae during the treatment. The clinical course of this case was considered important in presuming the complex immunologically abnormal condition of SLE in childhood.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

A relationship between the evolution of hepatitis C virus variants, liver damage, and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C viremia.

To clarify the mechanism of liver damage induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to determine whether the damage is related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HCV RNA levels were measured serially, and HCV genome mutations were analyzed from serum of 274 Japanese patients with chronic HCV viremia during 1993-1998. All patients had alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels measured during 1986-1998. Patients with consistently normal ALT levels had identical and highly conserved HCV core regions; however, those with consistently abnormal ALT levels had quasi species, and the population of the quasi species changed over time. HCV RNA levels did not change in the 274 patients. HCC developed in 31% of 80 patients with consistently abnormal ALT levels and in 4% of 92 patients with intermittently abnormal ALT levels but never in 102 patients with ALT levels consistently normal during 1993-1998. In patients with chronic HCV viremia, persistent liver damage plays an important role in the development of HCC.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Lower hepatitis G virus infection prevalence compared to hepatitis B and C virus infection prevalences.

To more accurately determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection, we surveyed antibody to HGV (anti-E2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HGV RNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 298 residents of a hepatitis C virus (HCV)-endemic area of Japan and in 225 hemodialysis patients. We then compared these findings with known HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalences. Anti-E2 and HGV RNA prevalences were 32 (10.7%) and 5 (1.7%) in the residents and 24 (10.7%) and 10 (4.4%) in the hemodialysis patients, respectively. Anti-E2 and HGV RNA concurrence was found in two of the hemodialysis patients. Total HGV marker (anti-E2 and/or HGV RNA) prevalences [37 (12.4%) in residents and 32 (14.2%) in hemodialysis patients], were significantly lower than the prevalences of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA [59 (19.8%) and 96 (42.7%)], and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) [87 (29.2%) and 101 (44.9%)] (P<0.05). The anti-HCV prevalence in subjects with total HGV marker was significantly higher than in those without total HGV marker. There was no significant difference in anti-HBc prevalence between those with and without total HGV marker. The viremic rate was highest in HCV infection (HCV RNA by PCR/anti-HCV) (83.2%), with HGV infection (HGV RNA/total HGV marker) (21.7%) intermediate, and HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen by RIA/anti-HBc) (5.3%) lowest (P<0.05). These findings indicate that HGV infection was less endemic than HCV and HBV. HGV was eliminated naturally more frequently than HCV infection and less frequently than HBV infection.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Seroepidemiology of TT virus infection and relationship between genotype and liver damage.

TT virus (TTV) has been identified in patients with posttransfusion hepatitis of unknown etiology and is thought to be a new hepatitis virus. We determined the extent of TTV infection in the Japanese general population and the relationship between TTV DNA genotype and liver damage. In 1998, we tested 847 serum samples for TTV. TTV DNA was assayed by a nested polymerase chain reaction and classified into three different genotypes and eight subtypes. TTV DNA was detected in 25.3% and 32.4% of the inhabitants of the two areas studied, respectively. The genotype distribution was similar in both areas. G1, G2, and G3 were 60%, 20%, and 5%, respectively. Of the 20 subjects with TTV DNA alone and elevated serum ALT levels, 18 were G1, one was G2, and one was G3. TTV infection is endemic in the Japanese general population studied. The main TTV genotype, G1, may be related to the ensuing liver damage.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Liver damage in hemodialysis patients with hepatitis C virus viremia: a prospective 10-year study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major problem associated with hemodialysis. The extent of liver damage in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection has not been thoroughly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate liver damage of hemodialysis patients infected with HCV. A total of 233 hemodialysis patients were categorized into two groups at entry: group X, 80 positive for serum HCV RNA, and group Y, 153 negative for serum HCV RNA. All were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serially from 1989 to 1998, and serum hyaluronic acid (HA), serum type-IV collagen (IV-C), platelet counts, and ultrasonographic examination of the liver was done in 1998. In group X, 61.3% had continuously abnormal ALT levels for over six months followed by normal ALT levels. Of the group X patients, 11.3% had abnormal ALT levels in 1998, and in three, hepatocellular carcinoma occurred. Mean HA and IV-C levels in group X (648.8 and 188.7 ng/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than in group Y (213.1 and 165.5 ng/ml, respectively) (P < 0.05). Ultrasonographic findings significantly correlated with serum HA level and platelet counts and showed significantly more abnormalities in group X than in group Y (P < 0.05). From these findings, a combined examination with ultrasonography and serum fibrogenesis markers is useful for detection of liver damage in hemodialysis patients with HCV viremia.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Maintenance hemodialysis decreases serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major complication among hemodialysis patients the world over. To determine the natural course of HCV viremic levels in patients on maintenance hemodialysis, we prospectively quantified the HCV RNA levels in serial blood samples from hemodialysis patients and compared them with those in nonuremic subjects. METHODS: The population studied included 98 hemodialysis patients and 228 nonuremic subjects with chronic HCV infection. HCV RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the levels were determined by branched DNA probe assay. HCV RNA genotypes were determined by PCR using type-specific primers. RESULTS: HCV RNA levels were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients (median, 0.4x10(6) genome equivalent [Meq]/ml) than in nonuremic subjects (median, 3.0 Meq/ml) (p<0.05). HCV of genotype 1b was prevalent in the hemodialysis patients (81.6%) and nonuremic subjects (88.6%). HCV RNA levels in 20 hemodialysis patients with genotype 1b were significantly reduced after each hemodialysis procedure (p<0.05). The 3-yr prospective observation from 1995 to 1998 showed a significant decrease of HCV RNA levels in 47 hemodialysis patients with genotype 1b (median, 1.9-0.9 Meq/ml, p<0.05), whereas levels in 155 nonuremic subjects with genotype 1b did not decrease (median, 2.6-3.0 Meq/ml). There were no patients or nonuremic subjects with undetectable HCV RNA by a PCR assay during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that maintenance hemodialysis decreases the HCV RNA levels in hemodialysis patients with chronic HCV infection, but does not produce clearance of the viremia.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Heterosexual transmission of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus infection to non-intravenous drug-using female prostitutes in Fukuoka, Japan.

To determine if GB virus C (GBV-C) or hepatitis G (HGV) infection can be transmitted by heterosexual intercourse, we tested serum samples from 234 non-drug-injecting female prostitutes for GBV-C/HGV. We used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to test for GBV-C/HGV RNA and ELISA for GBV-C/HGV-E2 antibody. The prevalence of total GBV-C/HGV marker (GBV-C/HGV RNA and/or GBV-C/HGV-E2 antibody) was 58/234 (24.8%) in the prostitutes, and 7/71 (8.9%) in matched controls. The GBV-C/HGV RNA and GBV-C/HGV-E2 antibody concurrence rate was 12.5% for the prostitutes, but was nil in matched controls. Total GBV-C/HGV marker was significantly higher in the prostitutes than in matched controls. Additionally, total GBV-C/HGV marker was associated with the number of years engaged in prostitution after adjusting for age. We found hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections in prostitutes to be associated with syphilis infection, but GBV-C/HGV infection was not. Thus, it seems likely that GBV-C/HGV can be transmitted by heterosexual intercourse, even in the absence of syphilis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Clinical course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection is not influenced by concurrent hepatitis G virus infection.

To determine the effects of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection on chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and to evaluate HGV response to interferon, we investigated HGV RNA by polymerase chain reaction in 247 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection (166 men and 81 women; 124 had chronic hepatitis and 26 cirrhosis, and 97 hepatocellular carcinoma). HGV RNA was detectable in 22 (8.9%) patients, among whom 21 were men: this male predominance was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There were no differences in age, aminotransferase level, stage of liver disease, HCV RNA level by competitive polymerase chain reaction, genotype, or interferon response to HCV RNA between patients with HCV infection alone or with HCV/HGV coinfection. Sustained elimination of HGV RNA was found in 28.6% of the 14 treated patients with HCV/HGV coinfection. In the 14 treated patients, sustained elimination of both viruses was seen in two, HCV alone was eliminated in two, and HGV alone was eliminated in two. Aminotransferase level improvement by interferon treatment was associated with clearance of HCV, but not of HGV. Thus, HGV infection had no apparent effects on HCV infection, and the sensitivity of HGV to interferon is comparable to but independent of HCV.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed1999

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis.

In spite of many references to carcinoma arising from endometriosis at extrauterine sites, there are few documented cases of carcinoma developing in association with adenomyosis. We present 2 rare cases of adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis. The relationship between prior frequent estrogen use and carcinogenesis and the possible effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy are reviewed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1998

Effect of a newly developed bisphosphonate, YH529, on osteolytic bone metastases in nude mice.

YH529, [1-hydroxy-2-(imidazo [1,2-a] pyridin-3-yl) ethylidene]-bisphosphonic acid monohydrate, is a newly developed third-generation bisphosphonate with a potent inhibitory activity toward osteoclastic bone resorption. The primary cellular mechanism of osteolysis associated with metastatic cancer is osteoclast-mediated. It is likely that bisphosphonates would be efficacious in this situation. In the present study, we examined the effect of YH529 in a nude mice bone metastasis model, in which the intracardiac injection of a human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231), leads to osteolytic bone metastases. To examine whether YH529 would prevent such bone metastasis, we administered YH529 s.c. to nude mice simultaneously with cancer cell inoculation through the entire experimental period (protocol 1) or performed short-term prophylactic administration before inoculation of the MDA-231 cells (protocol 2). In addition, to examine the possible therapeutic effects of the drug on established bone metastases, we injected YH529 after radiographically small but distinct osteolytic bone metastases had been detected (protocol 3). In all protocols, YH529 (2 microg/mouse/day) markedly inhibited bone metastases as well as the progression of established metastatic foci that were quantified on the radiographs. Histological examination and histomorphometrical analysis revealed that YH529 markedly reduced the number of osteoclasts and the size of the tumor at the metastatic bone sites. Our results suggest that YH529 may suppress metastasis formation and tumor growth in bone through inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Hepatitis G virus in the general population and in patients on hemodialysis.

To determine the routes of transmission of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and the relationship between HGV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, we tested for HGV RNA by polymerase chain reaction and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in 494 hemodialysis patients, 638 inhabitants of two HCV endemic areas, and in 400 blood donors in Japan. HGV RNA was detected in 6.9% of hemodialysis patients, in 1.4% of inhabitants, and in 0.8% of donors, and anti-HCV was detected in 39.3%, 12.4%, and 1.8%, respectively. Of HGV RNA-positive hemodialysis patients, and HGV RNA-positive inhabitants, 64.7% and 11.1%, respectively, had been given blood transfusions. The prevalences of HGV RNA and anti-HCV significantly increased with the duration of hemodialysis. Of all HGV RNA positives, 74.4% were coinfected with HCV and subjects with HGV RNA alone had normal liver function. In conclusion, HGV is transmitted by blood transfusion and within the hemodialysis unit itself. HGV does not seem to injure hepatocytes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Hepatitis C viral RNA status at two weeks of therapy predicts the eventual response.

We investigated the timing of the disappearance and reappearance of serum hepatitis C viral (HCV) RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C during interferon treatment and follow-up. Serum samples were tested for HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction in 62 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-alpha for 24 weeks. We found that 17 patients obtained complete response, with absence of serum HCV RNA for 6 months after the treatment. Twenty-nine patients had a partial response, with reappearance of serum HCV RNA within 6 months of follow-up, and 16 patients were nonresponders who were positive for serum HCV RNA throughout the observation period. HCV RNA disappeared within 2 weeks of treatment in 31 patients, including all 17 (100%) complete responders and 14 (48.3%) of the 29 partial responders. The patients remaining positive for HCV RNA at the second week were 15 (51.7%) of the 29 partial responders and the 16 nonresponders. In all of the 29 partial responders, viremia recurred within 1 month after the treatment. These results indicate that the status of HCV RNA at the second week of treatment is a useful predictor of effective treatment, whereas status at the first month after cessation of treatment is useful for assessing the effectiveness of interferon itself.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Intervening sequences in 16S rRNA genes of Campylobacter sp.: diversity of nucleotide sequences and uniformity of location.

We found and sequenced intervening sequences (IVSs) in the PCR-amplicons of 16S rRNA genes of 3 strains of Campylobacter rectus, 2 strains of C. curvus and 2 strains of C. sputorum. The lengths of the IVSs were 140 to 233 bp. The IVSs of C. rectus were identical and had a sequence homology of 55 to 79% against those of C. curvus and C. helveticus. The IVSs of C. sputorum were 97.9-100% homologous but poorly homologous to the other IVSs. In spite of the diversities of the lengths and the nucleotide sequences, all of the IVSs were located at the same position in the 16S rRNA genes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Increased serum concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in uterine cervical cancer.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the serum concentration of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in women with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Serum samples were obtained from 38 Japanese women with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix before initial treatment (12 in stage 0, 7 in stage I, 5 in stage II, 9 in stage III and 5 in stage IV), 7 patients with a recurrence of this cancer, and 18 healthy female volunteers. Serum sVCAM-1 was measured with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum concentrations (means+/-SD) of sVCAM-1 in the healthy volunteers, the patients with cervical cancer in stages 0-IV and in the patients with recurrent tumors were 597.2+/-151.4, 690.1+/-214.2, 1,234.8+/-466.1, 1,159.8+/-825.8, 1,529.6+/-662.0, 1,053.0+/-228.8, and 1,134.8+/-211.3 ng/ml, respectively. Values for patients with stages I-IV or recurrent cervical cancer were significantly increased compared to those for healthy volunteers (p < 0.05). Results suggest that sVCAM-1 is shed from endothelial cells in the cancerous tissue.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1997

Hepatitis C viral quasispecies and liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

To clarify the virological differences in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with and without liver damage, we assessed HCV markers in 306 patients from a rural area of Japan. Genotypes of HCV RNA were determined by polymerase chain reaction, and levels of RNA were determined by branched DNA signal-amplification assay. All patients had undergone annual tests for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels from 1986 to 1995. Patients were categorized into three groups: group A, 121 patients (39.5%) with normal ALT levels on all occasions for 10 years; group B, 127 patients (41.5%) with intermittently abnormal ALT levels; and group C, 58 patients (19.0%) with consistently abnormal ALT levels. There were no significant differences in serum RNA levels or distribution of genotypes among the three groups. We selected 10 patients from group A with normal ALT levels and 10 from group C with abnormal levels for sequence analysis of the HCV core region (nt 169-378) of five clones from each patient. More mutations were found in the 50 clones from the 10 patients from group C than in the 10 patients from group A. In group A, all mutations were synonymous so that the deduced amino acid sequences were identical among clones from each patient, whereas in group C 16 of 57 mutations were nonsynonymous so that the deduced amino acid sequences showed differences in the five clones of eight of 10 patients. In conclusion, the HCV core region was highly conserved in patients with normal liver biochemical test results but not in those with abnormal results. Our results suggest that abnormal liver biochemical test results in patients with chronic HCV infection may be associated with high degrees of virus quasispecies diversity.

Aged↗