Biomedical subjects

Yasuhiro Ito

Publications and source records attributed to Yasuhiro Ito.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Encapsulated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma without invasive phenotype with favorable prognosis: report of a case.

We herein report a case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in a 77-year-old woman with long-term disease-free survival. The tumor measured 7.5 x 6.0 cm in size and was diagnosed to be anaplastic carcinoma. We investigated the biological aggressiveness of this carcinoma by means of immunohistochemistry and found it have a high cell-proliferating activity, a disruption in the mechanism of apoptosis, and a high potential of cell spreading, similar to that observed in usual anaplastic carcinomas. The only unique point was that this tumor was encapsulated and no invasion of carcinoma cells beyond the capsule was microscopically observed. To avoid an obstruction of the trachea, a lobectomy without lymph node dissection was performed as a "palliative operation." Although neither adjuvant chemotherapy nor radiotherapy was carried out due to her age, she has nevertheless survived with no evidence of recurrence for 57 months after surgery. The presence of such a type of anaplastic carcinoma should thus be noted by surgeons and pathologists, even though the occurrence of such cases seems to be very rare.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Direct retroperitoneal open drainage via a long posterior oblique incision for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: report of three cases.

Although several surgical approaches have been advocated for patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis, there is still a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. We used a new approach of direct retroperitoneal open drainage after various other treatments, for three patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and extended infection with multiple-organ failure. Long oblique incisions were made from the root of the 12th rib to the anterior superior spina iliaca on the left or right side of the back, or both, to approach the retroperitoneal area of infected necrosis. The necrotic tissue was removed bluntly and the wound was laid open. Lavage and debridement were done repeatedly after the operation. The patients recovered from multiple-organ failure within 2 weeks, and control of local infection was achieved within 3-4 weeks. All three patients were discharged and are now well. Therefore, we propose that this method is appropriate for patients with spreading infected necroses, who are in poor general condition.

Debridement↗

PubMed2003

A linkage map of the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus based on random amplified polymorphic DNAs and restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

A genetic linkage map of the basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus was constructed on the basis of the segregation of 219 RAPD markers, 28 RFLP markers and the A and B mating-type loci among 40 random basidiospore progeny from a single cross between a wild-type homokaryon, KF(3)#2, and an AmutBmut strain, #326. Thirteen linkage groups covering a total of 1346cM were identified and correlated to the 13 chromosomes of this fungus by hybridization of RFLP and RAPD marker probes to CHEF blots. These probes also revealed chromosome length polymorphisms (CLP), which could be associated with haplotype plots of the progeny. The average kb/cM ratio in this cross was approximately 27.9kb/cM. The AmutBmut strain undergoes sexual development without mating, because of mutations in both A and B mating-type loci, and has been used to identify mutations affecting developmental processes such as dikaryosis, fruit body morphogenesis, and meiosis. The markers in the map, especially the RAPD ones, would facilitate mapping of genes responsible for such mutations induced in the AmutBmut strain.

Chromosome Mapping↗

PubMed2003

Y-box binding protein expression in thyroid neoplasms: its linkage with anaplastic transformation.

Recent studies have demonstrated that Y-box binding protein (YB-1) regulates the transcription of genes linked to carcinoma progression. In this study, we investigated the expression of this protein in thyroid neoplasms to elucidate its significance. The expression of YB-1 was immunohistochemically investigated using the monoclonal antibody for various thyroid neoplasms. Normal follicles did not overexpress YB-1, and only moderate overexpression of YB-1 was observed in some follicular tumors and papillary carcinoma, especially those of a larger size. In contrast, 92.9% of anaplastic carcinoma strongly overexpressed YB-1. YB-1 immunoreactivity was seen in both cytoplasms and cell nuclei, but the former was more predominant. These findings suggest that YB-1 plays a role in regulating the transcription as well as translation of genes contributing to the anaplastic transformation of thyroid carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2003

KAI1 expression in thyroid neoplasms: its linkage with clinicopathologic features in papillary carcinoma.

KAI1 is a metastasis suppressor gene located on human chromosome 11p11.2. Previous studies have shown that the down-regulation of KAI1 mRNA and decreased expression of its gene product are significantly linked to carcinoma progression, including metastatic ability. In this study, we investigated KAI1 protein expression in thyroid neoplasms. KAI1 overexpression was observed in 64.0% of papillary carcinoma cases, and the incidence was significantly higher than in cases of follicular carcinoma (20.0%) (p = 0.0001). In papillary carcinomas, decreased KAI1 expression was frequently observed in cases invading beyond the thyroid capsule (p = 0.001), as well as in lymph node metastases (p = 0.0047) and poorly differentiated lesions (p = 0.0299). Furthermore, in anaplastic carcinoma, the incidence of KAI1 overexpression was lower than in papillary carcinoma (p < 0.0001), and only 4.2% of the cases overexpressed this gene. These results suggest that KAI1 down-regulation is significantly related to the progression of papillary carcinoma, including lymph node metastasis, and its anaplastic transformation.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2003

Cdc2 expression in primary thyroid lymphoma: its relationship with biological aggressiveness and G2 cyclins.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the G2-M modulators contribute to the progression of human neoplasms. In this study, we investigated the expression of these modulators, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (cdc2), and G2 cyclins, cyclin A and cyclin B1, in primary thyroid lymphoma. Cdc2 immunoexpression was observed in 51.0% of the 49 cases examined and was related to grade of malignancy, high Ki-67 labeling index, and aberrant p53 expression. The incidences of immunoexpression of cyclin A and cyclin B1 were 63.3% and 40.9%, respectively, and they were also related to the above three parameters. Furthermore, a correlation was found between the immunoexpression of cdc2 and G2 cyclins. These findings suggest that the cdc2 and G2 cyclins play an important role in the progression of thyroid malignant lymphoma.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2003

An observation trial without surgical treatment in patients with papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid.

The recent prevalence of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy has resulted in a marked increase in the number of patients with papillary microcarcinoma (maximum diameter, </= 10 mm) of the thyroid detected by this sophisticated tool. On the other hand, it is debatable whether patients with papillary microcarcinoma should always undergo surgery after diagnosis, because a high incidence of occult papillary carcinoma has been observed in autopsy studies. Thus, we proposed observation without surgical therapy as a treatment option in 732 patients diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma by the above technique from 1993 to 2001. One hundred sixty-two patients chose observation and were classified as the observation group. During the follow-up period for patients in the observation group, more than 70% of tumors either did not change or decreased in size compared to their initial size at diagnosis. They enlarged by more than 10 mm in 10.2%, and lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartments appeared in only 1.2% of patients during follow-up. On the other hand, 570 patients chose surgical treatment at diagnosis and 56 patients in the observation group who underwent surgery after a period of follow-up were classified as the surgical treatment group. Of these 626 patients, lymph node dissection was performed in 594 patients, and metastasis was confirmed histologically in 50.5%. Multiple tumor formation was seen in 42.8% of patients. In this group, the rate of recurrence was 2.7% at 5 years and 5.0% at 8 years after surgery. Our preliminary data suggest that papillary microcarcinomas do not frequently become clinically apparent, and that patients can choose observation while their tumors are not progressing, although they are pathologically multifocal and involve lymph nodes in high incidence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Overexpression of human tumor-associated antigen, RCAS1, is significantly linked to dedifferentiation of thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Counterattack by RCAS1 on carcinoma to cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells has been suggested as a contribution to carcinoma progression, because RCAS1 can inhibit their proliferation and induce apoptosis. In this study, we examined RCAS1 expression in various thyroid neoplasms in order to clarify its clinical significance. METHODS: We studied RCAS1 expression by means of immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal antibody against RCAS1 for normal thyroid epithelium, follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, papillary carcinoma and undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma. RESULTS: Normal epithelium and follicular adenoma did not express or only faintly expressed RCAS1. In thyroid carcinomas. RCAS1 overexpression was more frequently observed in anaplastic (undifferentiated) carcinomas than papillary (p < 0.0001) and follicular carcinomas (p = 0.0018). In follicular carcinoma, the widely invasive type more frequently overexpressed RCAS1 than the minimally invasive type (p = 0.0488). Furthermore, the incidences of RCAS1 overexpression increased with carcinoma dedifferentiation (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RCAS1 may contribute to the progression of thyroid carcinoma with high biological aggressiveness.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2003

Expression profiling of translation-associated genes in sporulating Bacillus subtilis and consequence of sporulation by gene inactivation.

A DNA microarray technique was used to demonstrate global changes in the transcription pattern of translation-associated genes that encode fifty-four ribosomal proteins including a putative ribosomal gene, and eleven translation factors in sporulating B. subtilis. We found that the mRNA levels of nine genes involved in the translation system, which include the genes for three ribosomal proteins (rpmA, rpmGB, and ctc) and two translation factors (efp, and frr), were maintained at a high level at the onset of sporulation. The ypfD gene, which encodes the ribosomal protein S1 homologue, was also found to be expressed significantly during the early sporulation stage. In order to demonstrate the significance of these genes for sporulation, mutants were constructed using the pMutinT3 disruption vector. We detected an impaired sporulation in the mutants of rpmA (gene for the ribosomal protein L27), efp (elongation factor P), frr (ribosome recycling factor), and ypfD. The effect was especially pronounced in the efp mutant, sporulation of which was entirely abolished without affecting growth. The reduced expression of rpmGB (ribosomal protein L33) resulted in an impaired sporulation only at a high temperature (47 degrees C). Only the rplI mutant, which encodes the ribosomal protein L9, could not be obtained, implying that its function is essential for viability. Thus, we successfully demonstrated the significance of several translation-associated genes in sporulation by using the results of the gene expression profiling.

Bacillus subtilis↗

PubMed2003

Changes in serum TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) values in patients with Graves' disease after total or subtotal thyroidectomy.

TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) are generally regarded as mediators of thyroid stimulation in Graves' disease. In addition, a high serum TRAb value during pregnancy is one of the risk factors for intrauterine death, prematurity, and fetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism. Recently, correlations between a high serum TRAb value and endocrine opthalmopathy were also suggested. Surgical resection of the thyroid is usually followed by a reduction of serum TRAb levels in variable degrees. The relation between the extent of the thyroidectomy and the degree of reduction is still controversial. In addition, the changes in the TRAb value after total thyroidectomy (TT) over a long period of time have never been studied. We studied the changes in serum TRAb values after TT and subtotal thyroidectomy (ST) for more than 7 years. Forty-one patients with Graves' disease underwent TT, and 99 patients underwent ST. The serum TRAb values and the ratio of the patients who achieved normal values among each group (normalization rates of TRAb) at 3 and 6 months, 1, 3, 5 and 7 years after surgery were compared between the TT group and ST group. The mean preoperative TRAb values were not significantly different between the TT and ST groups, and the mean TRAb values measured 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery were not significantly different between the groups. However, the TRAb values measured 3, 5 and 7 years after surgery were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the TT group than in the ST group (16.7 +/- 3.3% vs 28.0 +/- 2.6%, 12.6 +/- 3.4% vs 29.3 +/- 3.8%, 5.6 +/- 0.9% vs 25.4 +/- 4.1%, respectively). The normalization rates of TRAb were not significantly different between the groups until 1 year after surgery. However, the normalization rates 3, 5 and 7 years after surgery were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the TT group than in the ST group (65.7% vs 42.4%, 77.3% vs 46.7%, 100% vs 59.1%, respectively). The surgical complication rates of TT were similar to ST except for permanent hypoparathyroidism. TT is a treatment option for Graves' disease, especially in patients with a high TRAb value who wish to have children or who have Graves' opthalmopathy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Pain-related differential expression of NGF, GDNF, IL-6, and their receptors in human vasculitic neuropathies.

OBJECTIVE: Pain-related differential expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and their receptors were investigated in human vasculitic neuropathies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA levels of pain-related neurotrophic factors, NGF, GDNF and IL-6, were examined in the sural nerves of 22 painful and non-painful patients with acute necrotizing vasculitic neuropathies, together with their concomitant soluble receptors (p75, GFR(alpha)-1 and IL-6R(alpha)). RESULTS: The mRNAs for these factors and receptors in the lesioned nerves were up-regulated to a variable extent in both groups. NGF mRNA expression was more closely correlated with that of p75 in painful neuropathy with relatively preserved large fiber density, compared with non-painful neuropathy, though the NGF mRNA level in painful neuropathy was lower than that in non-painful neuropathy. GDNF was closely associated with GFR(alpha)-1 in mRNA levels regardless of the pain state, but IL-6 was not associated with IL-6R(alpha). CONCLUSION: The differential expression of neurotrophic factors and their cognate soluble receptors in human vasculitic neuropathy suggests that NGF, which was effectively transferred to sensory axons with p75, may induce pain.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Semantic processing of Arabic, Kanji, and Kana numbers: evidence from interference in physical and numerical size judgments.

Two experiments were conducted with the following objectives (1) to replicate the finding of similar semantic representation of Arabic and written-word (Kanji and Kana) numbers with a direct numerical task, (2) to investigate the automatic semantic processing of Arabic and written-word numbers, and (3) to verify whether the assumption of a common semantic representation is valid in an indirect numerical task. Subjects were asked to judge which of two numbers (e.g, 6-8) was larger either in its numerical size (Experiment 1) or in its physical size (Experiment 2) using the three notations. Effects of two factors were analyzed: the congruity between numerical and physical size and the numerical distance. The effects of these factors were very similar across the three notations in Experiment 1, but were drastically different in Experiment 2. The results of Experiment 2 demonstrated the nonsemantic processing of Kana numbers, and suggest that there may be separate semantic representations for Arabic and Kanji numbers.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[A case with poorly differentiated follicular carcinoma of the thyroid produced and secreted CEA].

Detection of thyroglobulin, CEA, and calcitonin in serum and tissue is very useful to make differential diagnosis among papillary, follicular, and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. The case was a 70-year-old woman with a nodule of the thyroid, presenting elevated serum level of thyroglobulin and CEA (22.0 ng/ml). Both serum level of thyroglobulin and CEA decreased after surgery. One year and nine months after surgery, she died from systemic metastases of thyroid carcinoma. Histological examination of the tumor presented to be poorly differentiated type of follicular carcinoma, presenting positive of both thyroglobulin and CEA, and negative of calcitonin in the cytoimmunochemistry. This case was identified to be a rare case that tumor cells of poorly differentiated follicular carcinoma produced and secreted both thyroglobulin and CEA.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

PubMed2002

Neuropilin-1 on hematopoietic cells as a source of vascular development.

Neuropilin-1 (NP-1) is a receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF165) and acts as a coreceptor that enhances the function of VEGF165 through VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Studies using transgenic and knock-out mice of NP-1 indicated that this molecule is important for vascular development as well as neuronal development. We recently reported that clustered soluble NP-1 phosphorylates VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells with a low dose of VEGF165 and rescues the defective vascularity of the NP-1-/- embryo in vitro and in vivo. Here we show that NP-1 is expressed by CD45+ hematopoietic cells in the fetal liver, can bind VEGF165, and phosphorylates VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells. CD45+NP-1+ cells rescued the defective vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the NP-1-/- P-Sp (para-aortic splanchnopleural mesodermal region) culture, although CD45+NP-1- cells did not. Moreover, CD45+NP-1+ cells together with VEGF165 induced angiogenesis in an in vivo Matrigel assay and cornea neovascularization assay. The extracellular domain of NP-1 consists of "a," "b," and "c" domains, and it is known that the "a" and "c" domains are necessary for dimerization of NP-1. We found that both the "a" and "c" domains are essential for such rescue of defective vascularities in the NP-1 mutant. These results suggest that NP-1 enhances vasculogenesis and angiogenesis exogenously and that dimerization of NP-1 is important for enhancing vascular development. In NP-1-/- embryos, vascular sprouting is impaired at the central nervous system (CNS) and pericardium where VEGF is not abundant, indicating that NP-1-expressing cells are required for normal vascular development.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Regulation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis by EphB/ephrin-B2 signaling between endothelial cells and surrounding mesenchymal cells.

Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing angiogenesis are only beginning to be understood, signaling through endothelial-restricted receptors, particularly receptor tyrosine kinases, has been shown to play a pivotal role in these events. Recent reports show that EphB receptor tyrosine kinases and their transmembrane-type ephrin-B2 ligands play essential roles in the embryonic vasculature. These studies suggest that cell-to-cell repellent effects due to bidirectional EphB/ephrin-B2 signaling may be crucial for vascular development, similar to the mechanism described for neuronal development. To test this hypothesis, we disrupted the precise expression pattern of EphB/ephrin-B2 in vivo by generating transgenic (CAGp-ephrin-B2 Tg) mice that express ephrin-B2 under the control of a ubiquitous and constitutive promoter, CMV enhancer-beta-actin promoter-beta-globin splicing acceptor (CAG). These mice displayed an abnormal segmental arrangement of intersomitic vessels, while such anomalies were not observed in Tie-2p-ephrin-B2 Tg mice in which ephrin-B2 was overexpressed in only vascular endothelial cells (ECs). This finding suggests that non-ECs expressing ephrin-B2 alter the migration of ECs expressing EphB receptors into the intersomitic region where ephrin-B2 expression is normally absent. CAGp-ephrin-B2 Tg mice show sudden death at neonatal stages from aortic dissecting aneurysms due to defective recruitment of vascular smooth muscle cells to the ascending aorta. EphB/ephrin-B2 signaling between endothelial cells and surrounding mesenchymal cells plays an essential role in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vessel maturation.

Actins↗

PubMed2002

Prospective trial of unilateral surgery for nonhereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma in patients without germline RET mutations.

Although sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tends to be unicentric and confined to one lobe, total thyroidectomy is usually performed because of the risk of a hereditary or bilateral process. Germline RET mutation analysis can discriminate hereditary MTC and truly sporadic, nonhereditary MTC. We analyzed 72 of 94 patients with MTC to establish the genetic nature and the clinical features of nonhereditary MTC. Since 1996 we have prospectively treated 15 patients with nonhereditary MTC (prospective study group, or PSG) according to a unilateral surgery policy. A group of 22 previously operated patients in whom the nonhereditary nature was established served as controls (retrospective study group, or RSG). Systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection was performed in both groups. Outcome was assessed using postoperative stimulated serum calcitonin levels; a normal value was considered a biochemical cure. All 24 hereditary MTC patients carried germline RET mutations: 8 of 48 patients with apparently sporadic MTC had the mutations, and 6 of the 8 had bilateral MTC. All 40 patients without mutations had a unilateral tumor. In the RSG group 15 of 22 (68%) patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and the biochemical cure rate was 68%. Although only 3 of 15 (20%) of the PSG patients underwent total thyroidectomy, 12 of the 15 (80%) achieved biochemical cure. Univariate analyses revealed that pathologic node involvement- high T and N stages-was adversely related to biochemical cure. The extent of thyroid resection was not related to biochemical cure. Of 20 patients with node involvement, 10 achieved biochemical cure, indicating the importance of systematic neck dissection. Hemithyroidectomy with systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection is appropriate surgery for nonhereditary MTC.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Parallel expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

The mRNA levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined in sural nerves of 22 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The mRNAs for NGF, GDNF, LIF, and IL-6 were upregulated, whereas CNTF mRNA was downregulated significantly in the nerves. The NGF, GDNF, and CNTF, but not LIF mRNA expressions were parallel to those of the cognate receptors, suggesting that these cognate soluble receptors effectively present these factors to maintain and regenerate the axons. Furthermore, IL-6 mRNA expression was significantly parallel to both binding and signal-transducing receptor expression, implying a role of the IL-6 signal for non-neuronal cells in CIDP. These findings indicate that multiple neurotrophic growth factors and cytokines are expressed cooperatively with their concomitant receptors in the nerve lesions of CIDP and play an important role particularly in nerve repair.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Longitudinal MRI study of multiple system atrophy - when do the findings appear, and what is the course?

Several investigators have revealed features of multiple system atrophy (MSA) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For use in clinical diagnosis, we determined the exact time when two main features of pontine and putaminal intensity changes appeared. Furthermore, in order to reveal the course from when the disorder first appeared and how it spread, we also investigated the course of MRI findings and differences between clinical subtypes. The cranial MRI of 42 patients with MSA were longitudinally studied including comments on the so called "cross sign" of pontine T2 high intensity, which was divided into 6 stages, and also on the linear T2 high intensity of the dorsolateral side of the putamen ("putaminal slit") which was divided into 4 stages. Patients were classified as 16 MSA-C, 7 autonomic dominant type (MSA-A), and 19 MSA-P. The age at onset ranged from 41 to 74 years (mean, 55 +/- 9). The duration of the disease in the MRI study ranged from 1 to 24 years. The pontine "cross sign" was completed (shows Cross, stage IV) earlier in MSA-C mainly before 5 years, later in MSA-P and even much later in MSA-A. Regarding the "putaminal slit", MSA-P shows earlier bilateral changes (stage II), mostly before 3 years, compared with MSA-C, which requires 4 years to reveal even a unilateral change (stage I), or MSA-A which requires even more time. MRI findings showed a tendency to relate to clinical findings, since MSA-C exhibits "cross sign" completion earlier than bilateral "putaminal slit"; however, MSA-P shows bilateral "putaminal slit" earlier than "cross sign", and MSA-A requires much more time to show both. Clinically, MSA-C, MSA-A, or MSA-P showed different MRI courses so that three subtypes could be defined also with MRI findings. Therefore these observations are useful not only for diagnosis of MSA itself, but also to distinguish clinical subtypes (MSA-C, MSA-A, or MSA-P) which have different rates of lesion progression.

Adult↗