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Volume 226 (2012)
- Issue 4 Pages 243-
- Issue 3 Pages 171-
- Issue 2 Pages 95-
- Issue 1 Pages 1-
Volume 226, Issue 2
February
Displaying 1-10 of 10 articles from this issue
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Review
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Akiyoshi Yamanaka, Fuminori Kimura, Akie Takebayashi, Nobuyuki Kita, K ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 95-99
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 14, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSEndometriosis is defined as the existence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, and it includes a chronic, inflammatory reaction associated with female infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis occurs in 7 to 10% of women. Although it has been studied for more than 50 years, the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis are still poorly understood. There is no curative therapy for endometriosis, which often recurs after surgical or medical treatment. There is a consensus that the adverse current of menstrual blood plays a crucial role in the development of endometriosis. This places a major limitation on research using rodent models of endometriosis, although these are still widely employed, because rodents do not menstruate and endometriosis does not occur spontaneously in these animals. In fact, menstruation and spontaneous endometriosis only occur in women and some non-human primates, making models that employ non-human primates the best animal models for research into the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, spontaneous onset, and treatment of endometriosis. This review assesses the effectiveness and potential of the non-human primate models of endometriosis. It also describes the current findings and theories on the pathogenesis of endometriosis that have been obtained by research using non-human primates.View full abstractDownload PDF (530K)
Regular Contributions
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Shinobu Tsurugano, Mutsuhiro Nakao, Takeaki Takeuchi, Kyoko Nomura, Ei ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 101-108
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 14, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSChronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The metabolic risk factors obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia are closely associated with renal dysfunction. As psychosocial stress affects these risk factors, here, we examined relationships between metabolic risk factors and renal function, and their association with job stress. The participants were 1,231 Japanese male office workers attending annual health examinations. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the equation recommended by the Japanese Society for Nephrology: eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) = 194× age−0.287 × Cr−1.094. Job stress was measured using the Job Content Questionnaire based on the job demand-control model. The job strain index equaled the job demand scores divided by the job control scores. The participants were classified into four ordinal groups of job strain index, based on previous studies (i.e., ≤ 0.4 the lowest, 0.4-0.5 lower, 0.5-0.6 higher, or ≥ 0.6 the highest). A significant correlation was found between lowered eGFR and each of the metabolic risk factors waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, job stress had an interactive effect on the relationships between eGFR and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, depending on the job strain index (highest vs. lowest) (p < 0.05). The highly stressed workers exhibited a close association of eGFR with metabolic risk factors like hypertension and dyslipidemia. Therefore, intensive management may be important for preventing the progression of renal dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in those experiencing stress.View full abstractDownload PDF (410K) -
Shung Han Choi, Dong Su Shin, Eul Sik Jung, Ae Jin Kim, Hyeonsu Park, ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 109-115
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 14, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSPatient with end stage renal disease have characteristics in common with heart failure patients, and volume overload in heart failure is associated with poorer outcomes. Fluid removal during the hemodialysis (HD) is the cornerstone of volume management in this population. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term prognostic effect of interdialytic fluid retention (IDFR) and its relationship with cardiovascular (CV) events in incident HD patients who newly started dialysis. IDFR is defined as the difference between the predialysis weight and the weight at the end of the previous dialysis session, and it mainly reflects the consequence of salt and water intake between two consecutive dialysis sessions. We retrospectively reviewed the 172 patients who newly started and maintained HD over 6 months at Gachon University Gil Hospital between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2008. The average data were collected for 3 months during the beginning period, including total IDFR and IDFR/dry weight (IDFR%), nutritional parameters, blood pressure, and other biochemical parameters. Patients were classified into 3 cohorts according to the tertile of IDFR%; low (T1; ≤ 3.21%), intermediate (T2; 3.21%-4.56%), and high (T3; ≥ 4.56%). The high IDFR% group showed higher prevalence of diabetes and better nutritional status. The adjusted odds ratio for CV events was 1.562 (95% confidence interval, 1.026-2.378) for high IDFR% group, compared with the low IDFR% group. In incident HD patients, greater IDFR% soon after HD initiation showed an independent association with higher risk for CV events.View full abstractDownload PDF (502K) -
Ryotaro Igusa, Tomohiro Sakakibara, Taizo Shibahara, Kazuhiro Sakamoto ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 117-120
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 17, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe pandemic of the swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) in 2009 demonstrated severe viral pneumonia followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although ARDS would be caused by the influenza virus pneumonia itself, it has remained unclear whether other respiratory viral or bacterial infections coexist with S-OIV pneumonia. We report an immunocompetent patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pneumonia secondary to S-OIV infection. A 57-year-old man previously without major medical illness was admitted to our hospital with severe pneumonia accompanied by ARDS due to S-OIV. In his clinical course, anti-influenza treatment was not effective. Sputum culture revealed the presence of MRSA, and HSV was isolated in broncho-alveoler lavage (BAL) fluid. Administration of an antiviral agent (acyclovir), an antibacterial agent (linezolid), and a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) successfully improved the pneumonia and ARDS. HSV pneumonia can scarcely be seen in healthy people. However recently it has been recognized as a ventilator-associated pneumonia. Although coexistence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and MRSA was reported in S-OIV pneumonia, secondary viral infection has not been reported. The present report is the first patient with HSV pneumonia secondary to S-OIV infection. We propose that a possibility of hidden HSV pneumonia should be taken into consideration in patients with prolonged severe pneumonia due to influenza infection.View full abstractDownload PDF (633K) -
Yong Zhang, Jimin Chen, Linyi Hu, Zhaodian Chen2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 121-128
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 21, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSSymptomatic late-onset hypogonadism, one of the most common elder diseases, is defined as a syndrome associated with a deficiency in serum testosterone. Recent studies have indicated that androgen deficiency in men is also associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder dysfunction. To determine the pathologic consequences of androgen deprivation in bladder histology and function, we addressed the underlying mechanism. Male rats were divided into 4 groups: emasculated rats (EMR), emasculated rats treated with testosterone, emasculated rats treated with anti- transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) neutralizing antibody, and sham surgery rats. TGF-β is a common profibrotic factor that mediates the pathologic process of fibrosis in multiple organs. Two months later, urodynamic evaluations were employed to determine the bladder function in vivo. And then rats were sacrificed, and the bladder tissues were collected. Histological studies were employed to determine the degree of bladder fibrosis. Real time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA level of pro-collagen I, a fibrotic marker. We demonstrate here that androgen deficiency induces bladder fibrosis and decreases the bladder maximal volume and compliance. Androgen replacement treatment completely prevented the histological and functional abnormalities induced by androgen deficiency. Subsequently, we identified that androgen deprivation induced the induction of TGF-β mRNA level. Importantly, treatment with anti-TGF-β antibody abolished androgen deprivation-induced bladder fibrosis and dysfunction. Our study reveals an essential role of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of androgen deprivation-induced bladder fibrosis and dysfunction and offers a potential target for prevention and treatment of bladder dysfunction associated with androgen deficiency.View full abstractDownload PDF (1390K) -
Chayanin Angthong, Wirana Angthong, Thos Harnroongroj, Thossart Harnro ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 129-135
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 26, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSLittle is known about the effect of a subsequent osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture on the survival rate of patients with a previous hip fracture. In this study, we aimed to compare the survival rates of hip fracture patients with and without subsequent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and determine the risk factors associated with subsequent fracture. During 2000-2008, 933 initial hip fracture patients were reviewed and divided into two groups: subsequent fracture group (160 patients) and single hip fracture group (i.e., no subsequent fracture; 773 patients). All information pertaining to their most recent fracture event(s), including mortality causes/rates, were recorded. Differences in mortality rates and hazard ratios (HRs) between the two groups were also analyzed. The 1-year and 1-to-5-year mortality rates were 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively, in the subsequent fracture group, and 4.7% and 1.4%, respectively, in the single hip fracture group, with no significant differences observed. Interestingly, the HR for mortality was significantly higher in the single hip fracture group than in the subsequent fracture group (p < 0.05). The significant risk factors for subsequent fractures were identified as knee osteoarthritis, neurological disease, and an initial hip fracture with intertrochanteric involvement. Our findings indicate that the occurrence of a vertebral compression fracture after an initial hip fracture does not greatly impact patient survival. Conversely, patients presenting with a single hip fracture have a significantly higher mortality-HR, indicating that single hip fracture patients without subsequent fracture should be provided with the same standard of care as patients with subsequent fractures.View full abstractDownload PDF (417K) -
Sanja Simic-Ogrizovic, Natasa Bogavac-Stanojevic, Maja Vuckovic, Viole ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 137-144
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 27, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe best treatment for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is kidney transplantation, but the renal transplant recipients still have a higher incidence of cardiovascular events compared with general population. Cardiovascular risk factors were imposed long before ESRD, as the majority of patients starting dialysis or kidney transplantation already have signs of advanced atherosclerosis. Artery calcification is an organized, regulated process similar to bone formation. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is found frequently in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and could be a useful marker of them. We evaluated the prevalence of CAC in 49 stable renal transplant recipients and in 48 age- and gender-matched patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in stages 2-5 not requiring dialysis to assess risk factors associated with CAC. Computed tomography was used for CAC detection and quantification (CAC score). The prevalence of CAC was 43.8% in transplant recipients and 16.7% in CKD patients (p < 0.001). Transplant recipients with CAC were significantly older and had longer duration of CKD and/or dialysis than recipients without CAC. In contrast, the serum levels of fetuin A (an inhibitor of vascular calcification) and albumin were significantly lower in CKD patients with CAC than those without CAC. During the observation period (30 months), 30 patients, including 23 CKD patients, began dialysis, and 4 transplant recipients and 2 CKD patients died. Independent predictors of mortality were age, serum amyloid A and the CAC score. In conclusion, the examination and prevention of risk factors associated with atherosclerosis should be started at the beginning of renal failure.View full abstractDownload PDF (485K) -
Sezgin Karasu, Arif Osman Tokat, Cihan Genco Çetinkanat, Jale K ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 145-150
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: January 27, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSPneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space. Pneumothorax may occur spontaneously (primary spontaneous pneumothorax, PSP). Chest tube drainage (CTD) is the most common choice for treatment of PSP. This study aimed to evaluate patients treated with CTD, regarding demographic and diagnostic characteristics, and to compare the effectiveness of apical and axillary approaches. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 217 patients with PSP regarding symptoms, duration of complaints, and treatment procedures. There were 196 (90.3%) male patients and mean age was 25.22 ± 5.37 years. The approach of CTD was determined randomly; being performed with the apical approach on 93 (42.9%) and axillary on 124 patients (57.1%). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, BMI, collapse size, and complaint duration. However, a statistically significant relationship was determined between collapse size and leading symptoms where the significance was related to dyspnea (p < 0.001). This led to the thought that dyspnea increases with the increase of collapse size. The patients who were admitted to hospital in the later term when compared with others, had a larger collapse size (p < 0.001). This also led to the thought that collapse increases in relation to time due to late admission of patients. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in patients who had apical CTD (p < 0.001). In conclusion, inserting the tube from the apex could shorten the treatment period.View full abstractDownload PDF (379K) -
Yumei Luo, Yong Fan, Borong Zhou, Zhiqiang Xu, Yaoyong Chen, Xiaofang ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 151-159
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: February 03, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSGeneration of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from somatic cells of patients represents a powerful tool for disease modeling, and they may have a wide range of applications in cell therapies. Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is a rare and debilitating neurologic disease of insidious onset, characterized by atrophy of the cerebellum pons and inferior olivary nuclei with concomitant ambulation deficits and dyscoordination. Here, we report the generation of iPS cells from skin fibroblasts of a 56-year-old female patient with familial OPCA. OPCA is classified in the autosomal dominant ataxia that is also named spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) 7. The disease allele of SCA7 gene of the patient contains 45 CAG trinucleotide repeats, the number of which is larger than the normal repeat number (4 to 36 CAG repeats). The OPCA-iPS cells were generated via ectopic expression of four transcription factors: OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC. The OPCA-iPS cells expressed the pluripotency markers, and they can be differentiated into various somatic cell types in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the iPS cells also can be committed to differentiate into neural cells. Therefore, the OPCA-iPS cells offer an unprecedented cell model to investigate disease mechanisms, discover novel drugs, and develop new therapies for OPCA.View full abstractDownload PDF (6124K) -
Mio Ohara, Chihaya Maesawa, Noriko Takebe, Toru Takahashi, Mitsuhiro Y ...2012 Volume 226 Issue 2 Pages 161-169
Published: 2012
Released on J-STAGE: February 11, 2012
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe C-857T promoter polymorphism of TNF-α gene is associated with obese type 2 diabetes, while the adiponectin G+276T gene polymorphism in intron 2 may influence the fat accumulation in the liver. In this study, we examined effects of these polymorphisms on clinical markers of insulin resistance and fatty liver (a liver/spleen CT ratio < 0.9). These polymorphisms were determined in 342 Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes. The liver/spleen CT ratio was lower in the subjects with the adiponectin +276G/G genotype than that in the subjects with the +276T allele (P < 0.05), indicating that fat accumulation in the liver is associated with the +276G/G genotype. Multiple comparisons among the 4 combinations of each polymorphism of the TNF-α and adiponectin genes revealed a significant difference in the liver/spleen CT ratio (P < 0.05) among the 4 groups, indicating that the gene combinations influence the degree of fat accumulation in the liver. The subjects carrying the TNF-α -857T allele (C/T or T/T genotype) and the adiponectin +276G/G genotype had greater risks for fatty liver and insulin resistance that was evaluated by higher levels of fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, as compared with the other groups. Therefore, Japanese subjects with the TNF-α -857T allele and the adiponectin +276G/G genotype may be more susceptible to insulin resistance and fatty liver. The present study provides the evidence for the interaction between TNF-α and adiponectin genes in the insulin resistance and fatty liver in Japanese subjects with type 2 diabetes.View full abstractDownload PDF (388K)
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