Biomedical subjects

Yuichi Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to Yuichi Watanabe.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

In vivo imaging of lymph node metastasis with telomerase-specific replication-selective adenovirus.

Currently available methods for detection of tumors in vivo such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are not specific for tumors. Here we describe a new approach for visualizing tumors whose fluorescence can be detected using telomerase-specific replication-competent adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (OBP-401). OBP-401 contains the replication cassette, in which the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter drives expression of E1 genes, and the GFP gene for monitoring viral replication. When OBP-401 was intratumorally injected into HT29 tumors orthotopically implanted into the rectum in BALB/c nu/nu mice, para-aortic lymph node metastasis could be visualized at laparotomy under a three-chip color cooled charged-coupled device camera. Our results indicate that OBP-401 causes viral spread into the regional lymphatic area and selectively replicates in neoplastic lesions, resulting in GFP expression in metastatic lymph nodes. This technology is adaptable to detect lymph node metastasis in vivo as a preclinical model of surgical navigation.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2005

Augmentation of fatality of influenza in mice by inhibition of phagocytosis.

Influenza virus-infected cells undergo apoptosis and become susceptible to phagocytosis by macrophages, and this leads to the inhibition of virus propagation in vitro. To assess if this were also true in vivo, mice infected with influenza A/WSN (H1N1) virus were administered with phagocytosis inhibitors and examined for the progress of influenza. Administration of the inhibitors caused a decrease in the level of phagocytosis observed with bronchoalveolar lavage cells. We found that both the lethality in mice and the extent of inflammation in the lung were augmented in those mice. These results suggest that phagocytosis of virus-infected cells helps suppress the progress of influenza in mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Proteome analysis of a rat liver nuclear insoluble protein fraction and localization of a novel protein, ISP36, to compartments in the interchromatin space.

A rat liver nuclear insoluble protein fraction was analyzed to investigate candidate proteins participating in nuclear architecture formation. Proteins were subjected to two-dimensional separation by reversed-phase HPLC in 60% formic acid and SDS/PAGE. The method produced good resolution of insoluble proteins. One hundred and thirty-eight proteins were separated, and 28 of these were identified. The identified proteins included one novel protein, seven known nuclear proteins and 12 known nuclear matrix proteins. The novel 36 kDa protein was further investigated for its subnuclear localization. The human ortholog of the protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and antibodies were raised against the recombinant protein. Exclusive localization of the protein to the nuclear insoluble protein fraction was confirmed by cell fractionation followed by immunoblotting. Immunostaining of mouse C3H cells suggested that the 36 kDa protein was a constituent of an insoluble macromolecular complex spread throughout the interchromatin space of the nucleus. The protein was designated 'interchromatin space protein of 36 kDa', ISP36.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

[Bladder stone at an ureterovesical anastomotic site after renal transplantation: a report of three cases].

Three cases of bladder stones at the ureterovesical anastomotic site after renal transplantation (RT) are reported. The three patients were successfully treated with kidney grafts. The method used for the ureter bladder anastomosis in all patients was the extravesical technique with polyglyconate (Maxon) for case 1 and a polydioxanone suture (PDSII) for cases 2 and 3. Calculi formation was found between 3 to 15 months after RT. Endoscopic vesicolithotripsy was performed and the stones adherent to the ureterovesical anastomotic site were removed successfully in all cases. Stone analysis revealed uric acid (case 1), CaOx and CaP (case 2). Stone analysis was not done in case 3. The patients' symptoms improved and no bladder stones could be discerned postoperatively.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Stimulation of phagocytosis of influenza virus-infected cells through surface desialylation of macrophages by viral neuraminidase.

Cells infected with influenza A virus undergo apoptosis and become susceptible to phosphatidylserine-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages. This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism underlying our previous finding that the activity of viral neuraminidase (NA) is required for efficient phagocytosis. Treatment of macrophages, not influenza virus-infected cells, with Arthrobacter ureafaciens NA or virus-infected cells expressing viral NA augmented the level of phagocytosis of virus-infected cells but not of latex beads or cells undergoing Fas-induced apoptosis. Oligosaccharides, including sialyllactose, bound to influenza virus-infected cells and inhibited phagocytosis by macrophages. These results indicate that surface desialylation of macrophages by influenza virus NA modulates the mode of association between macrophages and target virus-infected cells and stimulates phosphatidylserine-mediated phagocytosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Hydronephrosis due to ureteral endometriosis treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolysis.

Ureteral obstruction secondary to endometriosis is relatively uncommon. We present a 43-year-old multiparous woman who suffered from periodic left loin pain in the terminal period of her menstruation. Excretory urogram demonstrated left hydronephrosis and hydroureter and obstruction of the lower left ureter just inferior to the left sacroiliac joint without urolithiasis. An enhanced computed tomography scan showed soft tissue density mass around the left ureter at the level of the stenosis. She underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolysis and adhesiotomy of the left ureter under the diagnosis of ureteral endometriosis. Because blueberry spots were clearly observed on the pelvic brim, the fibrous tissue surrounded the ureter was removed with peritoneal bleeding spots. Histological examination of the surrounding tissue confirmed the ectopic endometriosis. Even though retroperitoneoscopy is frequently used for ureteral lesion, transperitoneal laparoscopy has an advantage for resection of ectopic endometriosis surrounding the ureter.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Change in parameters before and after alpha-1-blocker therapy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms using color doppler ultrasound urodynamics: possible application for prediction of clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION: We previously developed a noninvasive video urodynamic study using color Doppler ultrasonography. We sought the best flow velocity-related parameter which would allow prediction of an improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after alpha 1-blocker treatment. METHODS: Twenty-two men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with a nonselective alpha 1-blocker (urapidil) were included. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before and after alpha 1-blocker treatment. We measured the flow velocities using a transperineal ultrasound technique in the distal prostatic urethra just proximal to the external urethral sphincter (V1) and in the sphincteric urethra (V2), and used them to obtain the velocity ratio (VR=V1/V2). The corresponding functional cross-sectional areas of the urethra at these two sites (A1 and A2) were calculated as Q(max)/V. All these parameters obtained by the velocity-flow urodynamics were compared before treatment and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: After treatment, V1 and VR were decreased, and A1 was increased. V2 correlated best with the change in IPSS before and after alpha 1-blocker therapy, with Spearman's rho of 0.584. All men with V2 exceeding 50 cm/s did not show an improvement in the LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum flow velocity at the sphincteric urethra (V2) can predict the subjective outcome of alpha 1-blocker treatment. The velocity-flow parameters changed after alpha 1-blocker treatment. We confirmed that the transperineal ultrasound urodynamic study is not only noninvasive but also informative.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed2004

[Renal transplantation surgery is closely linked with treatment for bilateral synchronous renal cell carcinomas or renal tumors in solitary kidney].

We describe 4 cases of bilateral synchronous renal cell carcinoma and 3 of renal tumor in solitary kidney. One of the 3 patients with renal tumor in solitary kidney underwent partial nephrectomy. The remaining 2 patients, who had renal tumors greater than 7 cm located in the central region, underwent extracorporeal surgery. Development of acute renal failure and renal bleeding after ex vivo surgery occurred in 1 female patient, who required autograftectomy and temporary dialysis but subsequently underwent a re-operative procedure for renal transplantation with a kidney donated by her 82-year-old mother. Two of the 4 patients underwent partial nephrectomy, 1 with multiple bone and lung metastases had all carcinoma foci extracted at the second stage and was administered UFT and IFN alpha, and the remaining 2 patients, who both had hereditary renal cell carcinoma with multiple tumors in both kidneys, received living-donor related renal transplantation soon after bilateral nephrectomy. In the period of follow-up, ranging from 2 to 14 years, all the patients are well with no relapse and have good renal function. These results indicate kidney transplant procedures may have been linked with the options of bilateral synchronous renal cell carcinoma and renal tumor in solitary kidney.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Intra-arterial docetaxel chemotherapy with high-dose calcitriol in relapsing metastatic prostate cancer].

Ten patients with hormone relapsing metastatic prostate cancer who had been previously treated with extensive radiotherapy for metastasis and chemotherapy including docetaxel and platinum compounds were evaluated to determine the safety and efficacy of docetaxel with high-dose calcitriol and platinum compound combination intra-arterial chemotherapy. Nine patients with ECOG performance status 3 or greater, and 9 with 12-month survival probability less than 0.5 in the CALGB prognostic model, including 3 aged over 80, were assessable for therapeutic results, adverse events and clinical benefit response. Improvement of QOL and relief of the bone pain were seen immediately after the intra-arterial chemotherapy treatment. Considering that high-dose calcitriol and platinum compound combination intra-arterial chemotherapy is easily administered without major toxic events even to outpatients, it will be a treatment option for the clinical benefit of relapsing prostate cancer patients with poor prognoses.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Multidisciplinary treatment for advanced bladder cancer--a case report].

The patient was a 63-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer with renal dysfunction and bilateral bulky pulmonary metastasis. Initially, the primary lesion was resected and the implantation of an infusion catheter and port system was performed. Following surgery, she received intermittent intra-arterial (IA) low-dose CDDP chemotherapy via the infusion port and concurrent bronchial arterial infusion and radiation (40 Gy for the left lung). About 3 months later, the right and left lung metastases were reduced 63% and 91%, respectively, and a right lower lobectomy was performed. CDDP was administered through the outpatient clinic ever since. From January 2001, we began to use docetaxel (TXT) for CDDP because of continuous grade 2 nausea and appetite loss. There were no adverse effects by TXT. Repeated IA chemotherapy was discontinued from June 2001 because of neurological symptoms. In September 2001, a left skull base metastasis was detected and was treated by radiation 40 Gy. In November 2002, a left patella metastasis appeared and was treated by IA chemotherapy with angiotensin II and radiation 30 Gy. We confirmed that multidisciplinary treatment contributed to her approximately 3-year survival with good QOL. The cancers in both lungs could be kept under control until her death.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2004

[Urachal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy: a case report].

A 43-year-old man visited our clinic with gross hematuria. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated a tumor at the bladder dome. Cold punch biopsy revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and stage III A urachal carcinoma was diagnosed. Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy with cisplatin, adriamycin and angiotensin II was performed and 40% reduction of tumor size was noted 3 weeks after this therapy. En bloc segmental resection was performed. Augmentation ilealcystoplasty was subsequently performed to secure bladder capacity. Adjuvant chemotherapy (UFT) was given for 1 year. Cystolithotomy and closure of ventral hernia were required 10 years after radical surgery for postoperative complications. The patient has survived 12 years with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

PubMed2003

Three-dimensional treatment planning using electrocardiographically gated multi-detector row CT.

PURPOSE: Information concerning the amount and nature of target motion is essential for the determination of internal margin size. However, there are few published reports outlining the motion with heart and aortic pulsation. We introduce a method for three-dimensional radiation treatment planning (3D-RTP) by using electrocardiographically (ECG) gated spiral scanning with a four-section CT system. We describe a new approach to visualize internal organ motion resulting from cardiac motion with ECG gated multidetector row CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with lung or liver tumors were studied with a multidetector row CT system under shallow inspiration breath-holding. With retrospective ECG gating, only data acquired within a predefined interval of the cardiac cycle are used for image reconstruction. All reconstructed image data at diastolic and systolic phases of the cardiac cycle were transferred to the 3D-RTP system. The shift of the internal organs between the cardiac cycles was evaluated. RESULTS: Cardiac contraction influences anterior thorax, pulmonary peripheral vessels, and liver position, in addition to locations near the heart. Apparent movements more than 5 mm between diastolic and systolic phases were observed in the left ventricle, right atrium, and superior vena cava. Two-phase imaging was useful for showing the movement of internal organs during cardiac contraction under breath-holding. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial information using ECG-gated CT has the potential to determine the planning target volume of moving lung and liver tumors more precisely than conventional CT planning.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed2002

Role of phosphatidylserine exposure and sugar chain desialylation at the surface of influenza virus-infected cells in efficient phagocytosis by macrophages.

HeLa cells infected with influenza A virus undergo typical caspase-dependent apoptosis and are efficiently phagocytosed by mouse peritoneal macrophages in a manner mediated by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine, which is translocated to the surface of virus-infected cells during apoptosis. However, the extent of phagocytosis is not always parallel with the level of phosphatidylserine externalization. Here we examined the involvement of influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) in efficient phagocytosis of virus-infected cells. HeLa cells infected with an influenza virus strain expressing temperature-sensitive NA underwent apoptosis and produced viral proteins, including the defective NA, at a non-permissive temperature to almost the same extent as cells infected with the wild-type virus. The cells were, however, phagocytosed by macrophages with reduced efficiency. In addition, phagocytosis of cells infected with the wild-type virus was severely inhibited when the cells had been maintained in the presence of the NA inhibitor zanamivir. On the other hand, the binding of sialic acid-recognizing lectins to the cell surface declined after infection with the wild-type virus. The decrease in the extent of lectin binding was greatly attenuated when cells were infected with the mutant virus or when wild-type virus-infected cells were maintained in the presence of zanamivir. These results indicate that sugar chains are desialylated by NA at the surface of virus-infected cells. We conclude that the presence of both phosphatidylserine and asialoglycomoieties on the cell surface is required for efficient phagocytosis of influenza virus-infected cells by macrophages.

HeLa Cells↗