Search

Background: There are many reports on the choice of treatment for and prognosis of left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer; however, few studies have focused on the prognostic factors of left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer. Therefore, we analyzed the prognostic factors using a post hoc analysis of a retrospective multicenter study in Japan. Methods: A total of 301 patients were enrolled in this study to investigate the prognostic factors for relapse-free survival. The relationships between sex, age, decompression for bridge to surgery, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, postoperative complications, adjuvant chemotherapy, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and relapse-free survival were examined. Results: No change in the decompression method, T3 cancer, negative postoperative complications (grades 0–1 of Clavien-Dindo classification), and adjuvant chemotherapy during Stage III indicated a significantly better prognosis in a Cox univariate analysis. Lymph node metastasis was not selected as a prognostic factor. Excluding patients with <12 harvested lymph nodes (possible stage migration), lymph node metastasis was determined as a prognostic factor. In a Cox multivariate analysis, change in the decompression method, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis (excluding N0 cases with <12 harvested lymph nodes), and adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic factors. Conclusions: Similar to those in nonobstructive colorectal cancer, depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis were prognostic factors in left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer, and patients with <12 dissected lymph nodes experienced stage migration. Stage migration may result in disadvantages, such as not being able to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common liver disease affecting high proportion of the population worldwide. NAFLD encompasses a large spectrum of conditions ranging from fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis and cancer. NAFLD is considered as a multifactorial disease in relation to the pathogenic mechanisms. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH and the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been suggested. Many studies show the association between the levels of lipid oxidation products and disease state. However, often neither oxidative stress nor ROS has been characterized, despite oxidative stress is mediated by multiple active species by different mechanisms and the same lipid oxidation products are produced by different active species. Further, the effects of various antioxidants have been assessed in human and animal studies, but the effects of drugs are determined by the type of active species, suggesting the importance of characterizing the active species involved. This review article is focused on the role of free radicals and free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH, taking characteristic features of free radical-mediated oxidation into consideration. The detailed analysis of lipid oxidation products shows the involvement of free radicals in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH. Potential beneficial effects of antioxidants such as vitamin E are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Masuyama H, Segawa T, Sumida Y, Masumoto A, Inoue S, Akahori Y, Hiramatsu Y. Different profiles of circulating angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia. BJOG 2010;117:314–320. Objective Circulating angiogenic factors have been shown to be important in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. Blood levels of adipocytokines differ in pre-eclampsia relative to controls and may also play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Differences in the circulating levels of these molecules were compared between matched normotensive controls and women with pre-eclampsia with onset before or at/after 32 weeks, and according to whether the women were of normal weight (18.5 < body mass index < 25) or overweight. Design A cross-sectional study of 110 pregnant Japanese women who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan. Setting Tertiary referral centre serving 2000 births. Methods Serum concentrations of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), adiponectin and leptin were measured in women with pre-eclampsia and in normotensive controls matched for age, gestational week, parity and body mass index. Main outcome measures Serum levels of sFlt-1, PlGF, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, sEng, adiponectin and leptin. Results The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in early-onset pre-eclampsia was significantly higher than that in late-onset pre-eclampsia (112.0 ± 30.2 versus 45.4 ± 43.8, P = 0.037). There was a significant elevation of leptin in both subtypes relative to controls (early: 58.6 ± 18.3 ng/ml versus 26.0 ± 6.7 ng/ml, P = 0.001; late: 39.5 ± 9.2 ng/ml versus 22.0 ± 4.3 ng/ml, P = 0.005), but adiponectin was increased only in late-onset pre-eclampsia (36.5 ± 13.4 μg/ml versus 12.0 ± 4.3 μg/ml, P = 0.003). Significant differences in angiogenic factors and adiponectin were found between normal and overweight women only in late-onset pre-eclampsia. Conclusions These data suggest that there are different profiles of angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between women who develop early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intractable disease; therefore new therapies need to be developed. CD4+ CD25high regulatory T cells (Treg) significantly ameliorate colitis in animal models. In active UC patients, although Treg are functionally preserved, their proportion in peripheral blood decreases. Thus Treg transfer therapy is expected to be efficacious for UC. During leukapheresis for UC, Treg are depleted, as well as colitogenic effector leukocytes. We therefore designed a leukapheresis/Treg transfer therapy in which Treg are isolated from leukapheresis products and transfused to patients, and studied large-scale germ-free methods of Treg preparation. Methods Using the CliniMACS cell selection system, we conducted Treg isolation experiments from leukapheresis products in which B and CD8+ T cells were depleted, followed by positive selection of CD25+ cells. In some experiments, isolated Treg or non-Treg were expanded with interleukin-2 (IL-2) ± transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Expression of a Treg-specific marker, FOXP3, and gut-homing receptors, and suppressor activity of isolated or cultured cells, were analyzed. Results CD4+ CD25high T cells were collected and efficiently enriched with a good recovery rate. Isolated cells preferentially expressed FOXP3 and significantly suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, isolated Treg could be efficiently expanded, and Treg could be induced from non-Treg with TGF-β1 in vitro. TGF-β1 significantly up-regulated αEβ7 and α4β7 integrins. Discussion We have established a method of Treg isolation from leukapheresis products that can be used clinically; therefore, Treg transfer therapy is feasible in combination with leukapheresis for UC. Expansion or induction of Treg in vitro may be another approach to Treg-based immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attenuated strain of Japanese yam mosaic virus (JYMV), designated T-3, was evaluated for its cross-protection efficacy against virulent (native) strains of JYMV in Chinese yam ( Dioscorea opposita) grown in farmers’ fields in Japan. Native strains of JYMV were detected by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay in all the Chinese yam plants grown from virus-free tubers in the first growing season in the fields. In contrast, the virus was detected in only one of fifty plants grown from tubers preinoculated with T-3 during the experiments for 6 years, suggesting that T-3 consistently cross-protected against native JYMV in Chinese yam in the field. Chinese yam plants preinoculated with T-3 produced significantly greater yield of tubers per plant compared with non-inoculated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Cytokines secreted by T cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of lung injury and fibrosis, and the transcription factors nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1 are involved in the expression of cytokines from T cells during lung injury.Objectives: We assessed the potential therapeutic effect of SP100030, a specific inhibitor of T-cell NF-kappaB and AP-1 in lung fibrosis.Methods: The effect of SP100030 was evaluated using a mouse model of chronic lung fibrosis.Measurements and Main Results: Mice treated with SP100030, as compared with untreated mice, had significantly less cachexia and less lung injury and had decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, decreased activation of coagulation activation, and decreased collagen deposition in the lung. The inhibitory activity of SP100030 was dose dependent and was effective in acute and chronic phases of lung fibrosis. SP100030 inhibited the activation of the protein kinase C-isoform in T-cell lines and suppressed NF-kappaB-driven cytokine expression in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.Conclusions: These results suggest that the specific inhibition of NF-kappaB could be useful for the treatment of lung fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Activated protein C (APC) is a key regulator of the clotting system and immune responses. We studied the relationship between the degree of atherosclerosis as measured by the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and APC generation in Type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Eighty-seven Type 2 diabetic patients and 35 control subjects participated. APC generation was assessed by the plasma APC–protein C inhibitor complex (APC-PCI) levels and the mean IMT of carotid artery was measured by ultrasonography. The plasma levels of the thrombin–anti-thromobin complex (TAT) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results Plasma TAT levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients [2.03 (1.12, 2.56) ng/ml, median (25th, 75th percentile)] compared with control subjects [0.85 (0.55, 2.08) ng/ml, P < 0.01]. Plasma APC-PCI levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients [0.93 (0.74, 1.22) ng/ml], than in control subjects [1.66 (1.25, 2.36) ng/ml, P < 0.001]. The mean IMT was significantly increased in diabetic patients (0.881 ± 0.242 mm; mean ± sd) compared with control subjects (0.669 ± 0.140 mm; P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed a significant and inverse correlation between plasma APC-PCI levels and mean IMT ( r = –0.32, P < 0.005), and multivariate regression analysis confirmed the independent correlation ( P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma APC-PCI levels significantly and inversely correlated with plasma PDGF levels in diabetic patients ( r = –0.30, P < 0.01). Conclusions These results suggest that decreased APC generation is associated with vascular atherosclerotic changes in Type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impairment of gastric emptying is well recognized in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), especially long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause of delayed gastric emptying in DM patients.Methods: In 16 controls, 16 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients and 23 IDDM patients, gastric emptying was studied using the (13)C octanoic acid breath test. Breath samples were taken before a test meal labeled with 100 mg of (13)C octanoic acid, and at 15-min intervals over a 300-min period postprandially.Results: In all DM patients, the gastric emptying coefficient was lower than that in the controls (P < 0.05), and lag time and half-emptying time were significantly longer (P < 0.05). Both NIDDM and IDDM patients showed delayed (13)CO(2) excretion compared with the controls, but IDDM patients showed more delayed gastric emptying than NIDDM patients (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in sex, HbA1c level, or the rate of neuropathy between the two groups.Conclusions: IDDM patients showed delayed gastric emptying compared with NIDDM patients, and the (13)C octanoic acid breath test is useful for evaluating DM patients with delayed gastric emptying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No consensus exists as to the best endoscopic treatment for Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Endoscopic band ligation is a readily available and easily learned technique. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation therapy for Mallory-Weiss syndrome.Methods: From August 1998 to June 2005, a clinical trial assessed 37 patients with a diagnosis of Mallory-Weiss syndrome who had active bleeding, exposed vessels, or both. Their lesions were treated using endoscopic band ligation.Results: Endoscopic band ligation was successful in 36 of 37 cases, with a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 24 months. The remaining patient had severe liver failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The patient bled again at 12 h and subsequently died. Except for this case, no recurrent bleeding, perforation, or other complications occurred.Conclusions: The study results suggest that endoscopic band ligation is an effective, safe, and easily learned procedure for treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to Mallory-Weiss syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic blood flow was associated with degree of hepatic damage. Measurements of blood flow using ultrasonography (US) may vary due to any observer's and patient's conditions. The utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flowmetry in portal and hepatic veins was assessed. Patients and methods: Using the phase-contrast method, the mean flow velocity of portal (PVF) and hepatic vein (HVF) were determined by MRI and US in 75 consecutive patients with liver diseases, including 58 patients undergoing hepatectomy. The correlations between these parameters and clinicopathological findings were examined. Results: PVF and HVF measured by MRI flowmetry were 12.8±4.5 and 14.7±5.3 cm/s, respectively. There was no significant correlation of both flows between MRI and US. PVF correlated significantly with portal pressure ( r=−0.722; P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between HVF and histological activity index score ( r=−0.366; P<0.05). PVF and HVF were lower in patients with cirrhosis and higher staging score (2–4) and PVF was lower in patients with higher grading score (2–3; P<0.05). PVF and HVF were not significantly associated with postoperative complications. Conclusions: Our results suggest that MRI flowmetry is a potentially useful tool for measurement of hepatic blood flow and recommend its use for estimation of liver cirrhosis-associated impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic–ischemic reperfusion injury causes either necrosis or apoptosis, and the influx of ionized calcium into cells is the major cause of both types of cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the serum ionized calcium concentration in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) could be used to predict their outcome.Serum samples were obtained shortly after birth from 20 HIE neonates who had not urinated or received treatment with calcium. Serum ionized calcium concentrations were adjusted for pH using a correction formula. Twelve neonates without any disease were selected as a control. The results were compared between nine HIE neonates who made a full recovery, 11 who died or had neurologic deficits, and 12 normal neonates.Considered together, the two HIE groups had lower serum ionized calcium concentrations (1.05 ± 0.10 mmol/L) than the control group (1.22 ± 0.07 mmol/L;P < 0.0001). Moreover, serum ionized calcium concentrations in the group with the poor outcome (0.99 ± 0.07 mmol/L) were lower than those in the group that made a full recovery (1.13 ± 0.06 mmol/L;P = 0.0016).The serum ionized calcium concentrations shortly after birth were significantly lower in neonates with HIE who had a poor outcome. Low concentrations may reflect multiple organ damage, particularly involving the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The relationship between patient prognosis and various tumor biological factors has been reported previously, and prognostic factors of tumor biology may improve predictions of prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and may contribute to a new staging classification. This study was designed to provide an immunohistochemical analysis of tumor biological factors in patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC. METHODS: Factors analyzed included p53 overexpression, microvessel counts, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and expression of nm23. We examined 81 HCCs from patients with chronic liver diseases. RESULTS: In patients who underwent chemoembolization before surgery, or those a who had confluent multinodular tumor, p53 expression tended to be higher than in patients without chemoembolization (33% vs 11%) or those with a simple nodular tumor (28% vs 10%), but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.051 and P = 0.092, respectively). A lower tumor microvessel count and negative nm23 expression were significantly associated with poor disease-free survival by univariate analysis ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). A lower tumor microvessel count was found to be a significant prognostic factor for disease-free and overall survivals (risk ratios, 2.44 and 3.13, respectively; P << 0.05), in addition to tumor size, vascular invasion, and longterm ascites, by Cox's multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor microvessel count appears to be a useful prognostic marker for predicting HCC recurrence and patient survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the usefulness of the homeostasis model assessment as an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for evaluating the clinical course of patients with type 2 diabetes.Research Design and Methods: The usefulness of HOMA-IR and its relationship with insulin resistance assessed by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study (clamp IR) were evaluated in 55 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes before and after treatment. The patients were subjected to diet (approximately 1,440-1,720 kcal/day) and exercise therapy (walking 10,000 steps daily) for 6 weeks during their hospitalization.Results: Univariate regression analysis disclosed a significant correlation between log-transformed HOMA-IR and log-transformed clamp IR before (r = -0.613, P < 0.0001) and after ( = -0.734, P < 0.0001) treatment. Neither the slopes (-0.71 +/- 0.12 vs. -0.79 +/- 0.09, F = 0.25, P = 0.61) nor the intercepts (y-intercept = 1.67 vs. 1.70, x-intercept = 2.36 vs. 2.15, F = 0.02, P = 0.88) of the regression lines between HOMA-IR and clamp IR were significantly different before and after treatment. There was a significant correlation between the decrease in log-transformed HOMA-IR and the increase in clamp IR during treatment (r = -0.617, P < 0.0001).Conclusions: HOMA-IR may constitute a useful method not only for diagnosing insulin resistance, but also for follow-up during the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The role of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) in obesity has been well-documented. However, circulating α-MSH concentrations in obese men and their relationship with clinical indicators of obesity and glucose metabolism have not as yet been evaluated. METHODS: We measured the plasma concentrations of α-MSH in 15 obese and 15 non-obese male subjects. The relationship of the plasma concentrations of α-MSH with body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (measured by bioelectric impedance), body fat distribution (measured by computed tomography), insulin levels, insulin resistance (assessed by the glucose infusion rate (GIR) during an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study) and with the serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-α were also evaluated. RESULTS: In obese men, the plasma α-MSH concentrations were significantly increased compared with those in non-obese men (P<0.02). The plasma levels of α-MSH were positively correlated with BMI (r=0.560, P<0.05), fasting insulin levels (r=0.528, P<0.05) and with visceral fat area (r=0.716, P<0.01), but negatively correlated with GIR (r=-0.625, P<0.02) in obese male subjects. There were significant correlations between plasma concentrations of α-MSH and visceral fat area (r=0.631, P<0.02), and GIR (r=-0.549, P<0.05) in non-obese male subjects. Circulating concentrations of α-MSH were not significantly correlated with the serum concentrations of leptin and TNF-α in both obese and non-obese men. CONCLUSION: Circulating concentrations of α-MSH are significantly increased and correlated with insulin resistance in obese men. International Journal of Obesity (2000) 24, 1260–1264 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the relationship between multidrug resistance protein (MRP) and clinicopathologic features, the influence of adjuvant chemotherapy, and prognosis of patients who underwent resection of metastatic liver carcinomas originating from colorectal carcinomas, we examined the expression of MRP in tumor tissues by immunostaining. Specimens of 38 primary colorectal tumors and 44 metastatic liver tumors of colorectal origin were examined (metastatic group). We also examined 28 nonmetastatic colorectal carcinomas. The percentages of nonmetastatic tumors and of primary and metastatic tumors of the metastasis group that expressed MRP were similar. MRP expression in primary and metastatic tumors did not correlate with any clinicopathologic features. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy after operation for primary colorectal carcinomas was associated with increased MRP expression among metastatic liver tumors. Expression of MRP in the tumor did not influence the prognosis or survival rate after resection of primary or metastatic tumors. Our data suggest that MRP expression in metachronous liver metastases from colorectal carcinomas may be induced by administration of anticancer drugs but is not associated with clinicopathologic features of the tumor, liver metastasis, or prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 54-year-old man, who had no clinical symptoms, underwent a routine health checkup at our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed a well demarcated tumor containing a solid portion occupying the dilated left hepatic duct and a cystic portion expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe, with mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. These findings were later confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a complete defect at the level of the left hepatic duct, while drip infusion cholangiographic-CT (DIC-CT) disclosed a defect of the left hepatic duct only, with the distal portions of the left intrahepatic ducts being visualized on the image. Hepatic angiography revealed light stains in the solid portion in the parenchymal phase. At left lobectomy, a multiloculated polyp-like tumor was found arising from the left hepatic duct and expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe. Microscopically, all the lining cells in the cysts and the tumor cells in the solid portion showed the features of papillary adenocarcinoma. In this patient with extrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma, DIC-CT was useful in identifying the site of origin of the tumor, and hepatic angiography was also useful in differentiating this rare malignant tumor from benign cystadenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SummaryAim To determine the relationship of the polymorphism at codon 54 of the intestinal fatty acid binding protein gene (FABP2) with insulin resistance and susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Japanese population. Methods We evaluated the polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 150 Type 2 DM patients and 147 healthy control subjects. The frequency of alleles encoding threonine (Thr54) and alanine (Ala54) at codon 54 of FABP2 in Type 2 DM patients was compared with that of healthy controls. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp in Type 2 DM patients with Ala54 homozygotes, Ala54/Thr54 heterozygotes and Thr54 homozygotes and by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in the nondiabetic group. Results The frequency of alleles encoding Ala54 and Thr54 was 0.59 and 0.41 in Type 2 DM patients, respectively, similar to that observed in nondiabetic controls (0.64 for Ala54 and 0.36 for Thr54). Insulin sensitivity was not significantly different between subjects with and without Thr54 allele either within the DM group or healthy controls. Conclusions The allele encoding threonine in the FABP2 does not predispose to Type 2 DM or insulin resistance in the Japanese population Diabet. Med. 16, 119–124 (1999). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced activation of the clotting system has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus. Abnormalities of the anticoagulant system may constitute a potential trigger factor for the haemostatic activation observed in diabetic subjects. The current study aimed to evaluate anticoagulant activity in diabetic patients by assessing the plasma levels of activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex; and by measuring the anticoagulant response to exogenous thrombomodulin. This study comprised 61 patients (34 men, 27 women) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of whom 22 showed microalbuminuria and 39 normoalbuminuria. Data obtained in 31 non-obese and non-diabetic subjects were available for comparison. The plasma levels of fibrinogen ( p < 0.02), prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 ( p < 0.05), fibrin monomer ( p < 0.0001), protein C antigen ( p < 0.005), total protein S antigen ( p < 0.02), soluble thrombomodulin ( p < 0.005) and soluble E-selectin ( p < 0.005) were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in healthy subjects. The plasma level of activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (7.4 ± 3.8 vs 3.0 ± 0.4 pmol/l) was significantly higher ( p < 0.0001) and the anticoagulant response to exogenous thrombomodulin (23.4 ± 2.6 vs 35.3 ± 3.0 ng/ml) was markedly lower ( p = 0.005) in all diabetic patients than in healthy subjects. Cases with microalbuminuria presented low plasma levels of activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (5.5 ± 0.6 vs 8.6 ± 0.7 pmol/l, p < 0.05) and significantly decreased values of the anticoagulant response to exogenous thrombomodulin (16.5 ± 2.9 vs 23.4 ± 2.6 %, p = 0.03) as compared to those with normoalbuminuria. The present study suggests that the hyper-coagulable state in NIDDM is associated with an increased activation of protein C but with a poor plasma reactivity to the anticoagulant effect of thrombomodulin. [Diabetologia (1996) 39: 1455-1461] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass spectral fragmentation of N-arylsulphonyliminopyridinium betaines has been rationalized using high resolution mass spectrometry as well as deuterium labelling. The most characteristic features are a very facile NS bond cleavage and skeletal rearrangements accompanied by the expulsion of SO2 from the molecular ion and the [M1] ion to the corresponding ionized N-aryliminopyridinium betaines and azacarbazoles, respectively. The presence of methyl substituents at the α-position of the pyridine ring has a significant effect on the mode of the fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study on the associations of levels of atrial natriuteric peptide and brain natriuteric peptide with renin activity in diabetic patients. Mechanisms which may affect renin release; Results; Indication of the study results.

SummaryWe evaluated the effect of troglitazone (given orally 400 mg/day) on glucose intolerance and on the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in 12 obese patients with type 2 diabetes for 12 weeks. Troglitazone significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, serum C-peptide, serum insulin and HbA1c levels. Plasma levels of TNF-α were significantly reduced by troglitazone administered for 8 and 12 weeks. Troglitazone administration significantly improved insulin resistance, but did not affect pancreatic β-cell function as evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). In the present study, we reported for the first time that troglitazone administration significantly reduces plasma levels of TNF-α in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the colonisation with Bifidobacterium breve of the bowels of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.Methods: The adverse effects of B breve were examined in 66 VLBW infants (preliminary study). A prospective randomised clinical study of 91 VLBW infants was also completed and these infants were followed up for three years. Precise viable bacterial counts of serial stool specimens were examined for the first eight weeks after birth in 10 infants. The colonisation rates of administered bacteria were examined using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens with a B breve specific monoclonal antibody.Results: In the preliminary study there were no side effects attributable to the bacteria. Immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens showed that the colonisation rates of the administered bacteria were 73% at 2 weeks of age, but only 12% in the control group. Early administration of B breve significantly decreased aspirated air volume from the stomach and improved weight gain.Conclusions: B breve can colonise the immature bowel very effectively and is associated with fewer abnormal abdominal signs and better weight gain in VLBW infants, probably as a result of stabilisation of their intestinal flora and accelerated feeding schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabet. Med. 29, e41-e46 (2012) Abstract Aims Dehydroepiandrosterone exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship of dehydroepiandrosterone with the anticoagulant factor activated protein C, generated by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex on vascular endothelial cells, remains unknown. This study aimed at studying the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone and activated protein C generation in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods Sixty-two male patients with Type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this study. Data obtained from 40 healthy male subjects were used as controls. The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasonography. Results The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (5.15 ± 2.81 vs. 3.76 ± 2.16 ng/ml; P < 0.005) and the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex (1.90 ± 1.07 vs. 1.02 ± 0.51 ng/ml; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in normal subjects. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation of the plasma level of dehydroepiandrosterone with that of the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex ( r = 0.48, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( r = −0.30, P < 0.05) and with the mean intima-media thickness ( r = −0.28, P < 0.05) in patients with diabetes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the plasma level of dehydroepiandrosterone is significantly correlated with the plasma levels of the activated protein C-protein C inhibitor complex ( F = 18.06) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( F = 4.94). There was no correlation between the plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Conclusions These results suggest that lower circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone are associated with decreased activated protein C generation and higher intima-media thickness in patients with Type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 52 year old man with chronic pancreatitis. He was initially treated with antibiotics and with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and was subjected to an abdominal computed tomography scan which revealed a large pancreatic pseudocyst in the lesser sac region. The patient has been diagnosed with a ruptured and infected pseudocyst following the infection within the cyst cavity.