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1.
Endocrinology ; 2024 May 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38781447

Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is a protein initially isolated as a neutrophil chemotactic factor. We previously found that LECT2 is an obesity-associated hepatokine that senses liver fat and induces skeletal muscle insulin resistance. In addition, hepatocyte-derived LECT2 activates macrophage pro-inflammatory activity by reinforcing the LPS-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Based on these findings, we examined the impact of LECT2 deletion on NAFLD/NASH caused by bacterial translocation. We created the bacterial translocation-mediated NAFLD/NASH model using LECT2 knockout mice (LECT2 KO) with 28 times a low-dose LPS injection under high-fat diet feeding conditions. LECT2 deletion exacerbated steatosis and significantly reduced p38 phosphorylation in the liver. In addition, LECT2 deletion increased macrophage infiltration with decreased M1/M2 ratios. LECT2 might contribute to protecting against lipid accumulation and macrophage activation in the liver under pathological conditions, which might be accomplished via p38 phosphorylation. This study provides novel aspects of LECT2 in the bacterial translocation-mediated NAFLD/NASH model.

2.
IJU Case Rep ; 7(2): 131-135, 2024 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38440705

Introduction: Patients with translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) have a poor prognosis without standardized treatment. Case presentation: The first case was of a 72-year-old woman who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for a left renal tumor and was pathologically diagnosed with tRCC. Recurrence was observed in the left retroperitoneal soft tissue. After treatment with avelumab-axitinib, continued progression-free survival was confirmed at the 90-week follow-up. The second case was of a 41-year-old woman referred to our hospital and presented with translocation renal cell carcinoma metastasis to a para-aortic lymph node. After treatment with avelumab-axitinib, continued progression-free survival was confirmed at the 43-week follow-up. Conclusion: The outcomes of these cases indicate that avelumab-axitinib therapy has a long-term antitumor effect in some patients with tRCC.

3.
Intern Med ; 2024 Jan 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38171868

An 84-year-old Japanese woman presented with left hemiplegia 8 months after completing chemotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion extending from the right parietal lobe to the left parietal lobe. Compared with these MRI results, 18F-THK5351 PET revealed more extensive accumulation. A brain biopsy showed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Immunohistochemistry and John Cunningham virus (JCV) DNA-polymerase chain reaction indicated JCV infection. Therefore, a diagnosis of PML was made. 18F-THK5351 PET, indicative of activated astrocytes, clearly depicted PML lesions composed of reactive and atypical astrocytes. 18F-THK5351 PET may capture fresh progressive PML lesions better than MRI.

4.
J Interv Card Electrophysiol ; 67(3): 579-587, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37688692

BACKGROUND: The superior transseptal approach (STA) for mitral valve surgery is associated with a higher risk of developing macroreentrant incisional atrial flutter (AFL) than the left atrial approach. This study aimed to describe the linear lesions for the complex AFL circuit after the STA and to propose an option for the linear ablation target site. METHODS: Of the 26 patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for AFL after mitral valve surgery, data from seven patients with STA incisions were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All patients who had undergone the STA had incisional AFL rotated in a long loop within the right atrium (RA) and cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent AFL. The linear lesions were created in the CTI, the superior RA vestibule, and between the RA-free wall incision or the septal incision and the inferior vena cava. Procedural success was achieved with dual linear lesions in the CTI and superior RA vestibule. Two of seven patients had AFL recurrence during a mean observation period of 22.5 ± 16.7 months. The circuits of recurrent AFL were CTI-dependent AFL and perimitral AFL, respectively. No AFL recurrence was noted with reconduction of the superior RA vestibular lesion. CONCLUSION: Dual linear lesions in the CTI and superior RA vestibule are an effective treatment option for RA macroreentrant AFL after the STA.


Atrial Flutter , Catheter Ablation , Humans , Atrial Flutter/diagnostic imaging , Atrial Flutter/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Mitral Valve/diagnostic imaging , Mitral Valve/surgery , Heart Atria/surgery , Treatment Outcome
6.
Jpn J Clin Oncol ; 54(4): 489-497, 2024 Apr 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38157885

OBJECTIVE: The companion diagnosis for olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor for prostate cancer, aims to detect BRCA1/2 gene variants. In clinical practice, the frequency of germline BRCA1/2 variants in patients receiving castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of germline BRCA1/2 variants and their relationship to prognosis and treatment efficacy in castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS: Between June 2021 and 2023, 92 patients receiving castration-resistant prostate cancer treatment were examined for germline BRCA1/2 variants using BRACAnalysis CDx®. Furthermore, the associations between BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 92 patients referred for genetic testing, 6 (6.5%) carried germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2. The BRCA2 variant was the most frequent (n = 5), followed by BRCA1 variant (n = 1). Among the five variants in BRCA2, the p.Asp427Thrfs*3 variant was identified for the first time in prostate cancer. Overall survival from castration-resistant prostate cancer for patients with BRCA1/2 variants was significantly shorter than for patients without BRCA1/2 variants (P = 0.043). Progression-free survival of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors for patients with BRCA1/2 variants was significantly shorter than for those without (P = 0.003). Progression-free survival of taxane chemotherapy was significantly shorter in patients with BRCA1/2 variants than in those without (P = 0.0149). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, 6.5% of patients treated with castration-resistant prostate cancer carried germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. Japanese castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutants have a poor prognosis and may be less responsive to treatment with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors and taxane-based chemotherapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer.


Antineoplastic Agents , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant , Male , Humans , BRCA1 Protein/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , Receptors, Androgen/therapeutic use , Prevalence , Japan/epidemiology , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Taxoids/therapeutic use , Germ Cells
7.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1274494, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38023224

We report the case of a 68-year-old man who developed a sigmoidorectal fistula after marked response to enfortumab vedotin for advanced bladder cancer. The patient had undergone radical cystectomy with ileal conduit after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Six months after surgery, local recurrence in the pelvic cavity and multiple lung metastases were found, and the patient was administered pembrolizumab as second-line therapy. Due to worsening local recurrence and suspected invasion of the sigmoid colon and rectum, enfortumab vedotin was initiated as third-line therapy and comprehensive genomic profiling was simultaneously performed. Enfortumab vedotin was remarkably effective, the lung metastases disappeared, and the local recurrent lesion shrank in volume although a sigmoidorectal fistula was found to form through the tumor cavity. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor specimens exhibited increased nectin-4 expression. This rare case of metastatic bladder cancer with sigmoidorectal fistula associated with effective enfortumab vedotin therapy suggests that nectin-4 expression and comprehensive genomic profiling might be useful in predicting treatment response to enfortumab vedotin.

8.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 19457, 2023 11 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37945672

Treatment using docetaxel (DOC) and ramucirumab (RAM) is an effective regimen in second or later line advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treatment. However, it induces severe adverse effects, resulting in treatment reduction such as dose reduction and/or discontinuation. This study aimed to reveal the factor(s) associated with treatment reduction in DOC + RAM. We retrospectively evaluated patients with advanced NSCLC (n = 155). Treatment reduction of the second course due to severe adverse effects was conducted in 25.8% of the participants, and relative dose intensity at the second course was 95.7 ± 8.4% for DOC and 91.9 ± 24.8% for RAM. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified that baseline anemia and prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration are preventive factors for the reduction (adjusted odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.66; P = 0.004 for baseline anemia, 0.18; 0.08-0.42; P < 0.0001 for prophylactic G-CSF administration). The primary cause of the reduction was febrile neutropenia, and the same factors were identified. Our study revealed that patients with baseline anemia and prophylactic G-CSF administration have less risk for treatment reduction in DOC + RAM for NSCLC treatment.


Anemia , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Docetaxel/therapeutic use , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Anemia/etiology , Ramucirumab
9.
IJU Case Rep ; 6(6): 349-352, 2023 Nov.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37928301

Introduction: Most congenital ureteral strictures occur at the ureteropelvic or ureterovesical junction in children. Mid-ureteral stricture is very rare and can cause congenital hydronephrosis. Only a few studies have reported on coexisting mid-ureteral stricture with ipsilateral atrophic kidney in young adults. Case presentation: A 16-year-old girl presented with repeated urinary tract infection. Computed tomography revealed a right atrophic kidney and hydroureter. Retrograde pyelography showed a mid-ureteral stricture. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was performed, and histological examination revealed mid-ureteral stricture with hyperplasia of the fibrous connective tissue and an atrophic kidney. Conclusion: Mid-ureteral stricture in a young adult is extremely rare. Appropriate imaging studies including retrograde pyelography are necessary for accurate diagnosis of mid-ureteral stricture.

10.
Cell Rep ; 42(11): 113420, 2023 11 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37955987

The aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, to recapitulate the PDAC TME ex vivo, we cocultured patient-derived PDAC cells with mesenchymal and vascular endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create a fused pancreatic cancer organoid (FPCO) in an air-liquid interface. FPCOs were further induced to resemble two distinct aspects of PDAC tissue. Quiescent FPCOs were drug resistant, likely because the TME consisted of abundant extracellular matrix proteins that were secreted from the various types of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from hiPSCs. Proliferative FPCOs could re-proliferate after anticancer drug treatment, suggesting that this type of FPCO would be useful for studying PDAC recurrence. Thus, we generated PDAC organoids that recapitulate the heterogeneity of PDAC tissue and are a potential platform for screening anticancer drugs.


Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Humans , Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Endothelial Cells/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology , Stromal Cells/metabolism , Organoids/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment
11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37930505

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that high-resolution activation mapping during sinus rhythm (SR) in Koch's triangle (KT) can be used to describe the most delayed atrial potential around the atrioventricular node and evaluated whether ablation targeting of this potential is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, observational study using high-resolution activation mapping from the sinus node to KT with a PENTARAY or OCTARAY catheter using the CARTO 3 cardiac mapping system (Biosense Webster) during SR in 62 consecutive patients (22 men; age [mean ± standard deviation] = 55 ± 14 years) treated for typical AVNRT at our institution from August 2021 to March 2023. RESULTS: In all cases, the most delayed atrial potential was observed near the His potential within KT. Ablation targeting of this potential helped successfully treat each case of AVNRT, with a junctional rhythm observed at the ablation site. Initial ablation was deemed successful in 55/62 patients (89%); in the remaining seven patients, lesion expansion resolved AVNRT. One procedural complication occurred, namely, a transient atrioventricular block lasting 45 s. One patient experienced a transient tachycardic episode by the 1-month follow-up, but no further episodes were noted up to the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Activation mapping at KT during SR with the high-resolution CARTO system clearly revealed the most delayed atrial potential near the His potential within KT. Targeting this potential was a safe and effective treatment method for patients with typical AVNRT in our study.

12.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 17126, 2023 10 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37816823

The occurrence of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) has decreased with advancements in supportive care. In contrast, we reported that baseline diabetes mellitus (DM) complications significantly worsen CIN. This study aimed to determine further risk factors associated with CIN development in DM patients. Patients with thoracic cancer requiring DM pharmacotherapy, who received CDDP (≥ 60 mg/m2)-containing regimens using the short hydration method (n = 140), were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter observational study. The primary endpoint of the present study was the elucidation of risk factors (patient factors, DM medication influence, and treatment-related factors) associated with CIN development in patients with DM. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity occurred in 22.1% of patients with DM. The median worst variation of serum creatinine levels and creatinine clearance (worst level - baseline level) was 0.16 mg/dL (range: - 0.12-1.41 mg/dL) and - 15.9 mL/min (- 85.5-24.3 mL/min), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified female sex as the singular risk factor for CIN development in the DM population (adjusted odds ratio; 2.87, 95% confidence interval; 1.08-7.67, P = 0.04). Diabetes mellitus medication and treatment-related factors did not affect CIN development. In conclusion, our study revealed that female sex is significantly associated with CIN development in patients with DM and thoracic cancer.


Diabetes Mellitus , Kidney Diseases , Neoplasms , Renal Insufficiency , Humans , Female , Cisplatin/adverse effects , Risk Factors , Renal Insufficiency/complications , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Creatinine , Contrast Media/adverse effects , Kidney Diseases/chemically induced
13.
Mov Disord Clin Pract ; 10(10): 1525-1529, 2023 Oct.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37868925

Background: Distinguishing multiple system atrophy from other parkinsonian syndromes is challenging. Objectives: To evaluate vagus nerve ultrasonography for differentiating parkinsonian syndromes. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, observational study assessed 85 consecutive adult patients with de novo parkinsonism between June 2020 and December 2022, using 12 MHz ultrasonography of the vagus nerve cross-sectional area. Results: Bilateral vagus nerves were smaller in multiple system atrophy than in other parkinsonian syndromes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for differentiating multiple system atrophy was 0.79 on the right side and 0.74 on the left. The cut-off values to diagnose multiple system atrophy were 0.71 and 0.86 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively, with sensitivities of 82.6% and 87.0%, specificities of 74.2% and 64.5%, positive predictive values of 54% and 47.6%, and negative predictive values of 92.0% and 93.0%. Conclusions: Vagus nerve ultrasonography may differentiate multiple system atrophy from other parkinsonian syndromes.

14.
Nephron ; 147 Suppl 1: 53-60, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37531946

Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for the development of a malignant neoplasm. Polyomavirus-associated urothelial carcinoma is a rare tumor that occurs in renal transplant recipients, with approximately 41 cases reported since 2002. It accounts for 27-31% of all post-transplant urothelial carcinomas and develops at an average of 8.5 years after transplantation. Histologically, it shows high-grade urothelial carcinoma (95.1%) with a high frequency of glandular differentiation and micropapillary structures (58.5%) and positive immunohistochemistry for polyomavirus large T antigen, p53 (92.9%), and p16 (100%). We encountered a case of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-associated urothelial carcinoma of the bladder diagnosed 54 months after kidney transplantation. Histologically, it was a high-grade urothelial carcinoma with micropapillary features, and immunohistochemically, it was diffusely positive for polyomavirus large T antigen, p16, and p53. BKPyV DNA and mRNA for BKPyV large T antigen have been identified in tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The same sequence of the BKPyV VP1 genome hypervariable region was detected in both transplanted kidney tissue with polyomavirus nephropathy and urothelial carcinoma tissue, suggesting that polyomavirus-associated urothelial carcinoma developed in a background of persistent polyomavirus nephropathy. This case showed typical histological features and was detected and treated at an earlier stage than has been reported. It is important to keep in mind that polyomavirus-associated urothelial carcinoma can develop early after transplantation and might be associated with polyomavirus nephropathy. Because of its rapidly progressive nature, careful follow-up with urine cytology and cystoscopy is necessary. We report this case with a literature review.


BK Virus , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell , Kidney Transplantation , Nephritis, Interstitial , Polyomavirus Infections , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/complications , BK Virus/genetics , Urinary Bladder/pathology , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 , Nephritis, Interstitial/complications , Polyomavirus Infections/complications , Antigens, Viral, Tumor , Transplant Recipients
15.
Int Heart J ; 64(2): 164-171, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37005312

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) triaged as life-threatening are transferred to our emergency medical care center (EMCC). However, data on these patients remain limited. We aimed to compare the characteristics and AMI prognosis of patients transferred to our EMCC with those transferred to our cardiovascular intensive care unit (CICU) using whole and propensity-matched cohorts.We analyzed the data of 256 consecutive AMI patients transferred from the scene to our hospital by ambulance between 2014 and 2017. The EMCC and CICU groups comprised 77 and 179 patients, respectively. There were no significant between-group age or sex differences. Patients in the EMCC group had more disease severity score and had the left main trunk identified as the culprit more frequently (12% versus 0.6%, P < 0.001) than those in the CICU group; however, the number of patients with multiple culprit vessels did not differ. The EMCC group had a longer door-to-reperfusion time (75 [60, 109] minutes versus 60 [40, 86] minutes, P< 0.001) and a higher in-hospital mortality (19% versus 4.5%, P < 0.001), especially from non-cardiac causes (10% versus 0.6%, P < 0.001), than the CICU group. However, peak myocardial creatine phosphokinase did not significantly differ between the groups. The EMCC group had a significantly higher 1-year post-discharge mortality than the CICU group (log-rank, P = 0.032); this trend was maintained after propensity score matching, although the difference was not statistically significant (log-rank, P = 0.094).AMI patients transferred to the EMCC exhibited more severe disease and worse overall in-hospital and non-cardiac mortality than those transferred to the CICU.


Aftercare , Myocardial Infarction , Humans , Male , Female , Patient Discharge , Myocardial Infarction/complications , Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Prognosis , Hospitals , Hospital Mortality , Retrospective Studies
16.
Viruses ; 15(4)2023 04 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37112948

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a devastating demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV), predominantly affecting patients with impaired cellular immunity. PML is a non-reportable disease with a few exceptions, making national surveillance difficult. In Japan, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for JCV in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is performed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases to support PML diagnosis. To clarify the overall profile of PML in Japan, patient data provided at the time of CSF-JCV testing over 10 years (FY2011-2020) were analyzed. PCR testing for 1537 new suspected PML cases was conducted, and 288 (18.7%) patients tested positive for CSF-JCV. An analysis of the clinical information on all individuals tested revealed characteristics of PML cases, including the geographic distribution, age and sex patterns, and CSF-JCV-positivity rates among the study subjects for each type of underlying condition. During the last five years of the study period, a surveillance system utilizing ultrasensitive PCR testing and widespread clinical attention to PML led to the detection of CSF-JCV in the earlier stages of the disease. The results of this study will provide valuable information not only for PML diagnosis, but also for the treatment of PML-predisposing conditions.


JC Virus , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal , Humans , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal/diagnosis , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal/epidemiology , Japan/epidemiology , JC Virus/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction , DNA, Viral
17.
Endocrinology ; 164(6)2023 04 17.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37103220

Muscle atrophy is the cause and consequence of obesity. Proteasome dysfunction mediates obesity-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and insulin resistance in the liver and adipose tissues. However, obesity-associated regulation of proteasome function and its role in the skeletal muscles remains underinvestigated. Here, we established skeletal muscle-specific 20S proteasome assembly chaperone-1 (PAC1) knockout (mPAC1KO) mice. A high-fat diet (HFD) activated proteasome function by ∼8-fold in the skeletal muscles, which was reduced by 50% in mPAC1KO mice. mPAC1KO induced unfolded protein responses in the skeletal muscles, which were reduced by HFD. Although the skeletal muscle mass and functions were not different between the genotypes, genes involved in the ubiquitin proteasome complex, immune response, endoplasmic stress, and myogenesis were coordinately upregulated in the skeletal muscles of mPAC1KO mice. Therefore, we introduced an immobilization-induced muscle atrophy model in obesity by combining HFD and immobilization. mPAC1KO downregulated atrogin-1 and MuRF1, together with their upstream Foxo1 and Klf15, and protected against disused skeletal muscle mass reduction. In conclusion, obesity elevates proteasome functions in the skeletal muscles. PAC1 deficiency protects mice from immobilization-induced muscle atrophy in obesity. These findings suggest obesity-induced proteasome activation as a possible therapeutic target for immobilization-induced muscle atrophy.


Muscular Atrophy , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex , Mice , Male , Animals , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism , Mice, Obese , Muscular Atrophy/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Obesity/metabolism
18.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab ; 324(6): E542-E552, 2023 06 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36947851

The quality of skeletal muscle is maintained by a balance between protein biosynthesis and degradation. Disruption in this balance results in sarcopenia. However, its underlying mechanisms remain underinvestigated. Selenoprotein P (SeP; encoded by Selenop in mice) is a hepatokine that is upregulated in type 2 diabetes and aging and causes signal resistances via reductive stress. We created immobilized muscle atrophy model in Selenop knockout (KO) mice. Immobilization (IMM) significantly reduced cross-sectional areas and the size of skeletal muscle fibers, which were ameliorated in KO mice. IMM upregulated the genes encoding E3 ubiquitin ligases and their upstream FoxO1, FoxO3, and KLF15 transcription factors in the skeletal muscle, which were suppressed in KO mice. These findings suggest a possible involvement of SeP-mediated reductive stress in physical inactivity-mediated sarcopenia, which may be a therapeutic target against sarcopenia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Selenoprotein P (SeP) is a hepatokine that is upregulated in type 2 diabetes and aging and causes signal resistances via reductive stress. Immobilization (IMM) significantly reduced skeletal muscle mass in mice, which was prevented in SeP knockout (KO) mice. IMM-induced Foxos/KLF15-atrogene upregulation was suppressed in the skeletal muscle of KO mice. These findings suggest that SeP-mediated reductive stress is involved in and may be a therapeutic target for physical inactivity-mediated muscle atrophy.


Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Sarcopenia , Mice , Animals , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism , Selenoprotein P/genetics , Selenoprotein P/metabolism , Sarcopenia/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Muscular Atrophy/genetics , Muscular Atrophy/prevention & control , Muscular Atrophy/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Tripartite Motif Proteins
19.
Pulm Circ ; 13(1): e12198, 2023 Jan.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36788940

Treprostinil is a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin, and inhaled treprostinil was developed to deliver the effects directly to the pulmonary vasculature while minimizing systemic side effects. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy on hemodynamics and exercise capacity, safety, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of inhaled treprostinil in Japanese patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Inhaled treprostinil was administered at three breaths (18 µg)/session four times daily, and the dose was gradually increased to a maximum of nine breaths (54 µg)/session. Endpoints included change in pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) as primary, other efficacy parameters, safety, and PK. Seventeen PAH patients, the majority of whom (76.5%) had been receiving both an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) and a phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitor/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, received inhaled treprostinil. At Week 12, PVRI statistically decreased by -39.4 ± 25.5% (95% confidence interval: -52.6 to -26.3). The most frequently reported adverse events related to treprostinil were headache, cough, throat irritation, and hot flush. Regarding PK, there were no notable differences in the geometric mean C max and AUClast between Japanese and non-Japanese patients. Treatment with inhaled treprostinil using the dosing regimen approved in the United States resulted in significant improvement in hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and symptoms with a favorable tolerability and safety profile in Japanese patients. Inhaled treprostinil could be a valuable therapeutic option for Japanese patients with PAH, including those receiving a combination therapy with an ERA and a PDE5 inhibitor/sGC stimulator. Trial registration: JAPIC Clinical Trials Information [JapicCTI-194651].

20.
BMC Neurol ; 23(1): 52, 2023 Feb 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36726087

BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a devastating demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system caused by opportunistic infection of the JC virus (JCV). CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for aphasia. She had a 5-year history of untreated sarcoidosis and was a human T cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) carrier. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, lysozyme, and calcium levels were elevated. JCV-DNA was not detected in cerebrospinal fluid by PCR testing. Skin biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma formation. Bilateral multiple nodular lesions were present on chest X-ray. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed left frontal and temporal lesions without gadolinium enhancement. As we suspected that systemic sarcoidosis had developed into neurosarcoidosis, we started steroid and infliximab administration. After treatment, the chest X-ray and serum abnormalities ameliorated, but the neurological deficits remained. At 1 month after immunotherapy, she developed right hemiparesis. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for prototype (PML-type) JCV on repeated PCR testing. Brain biopsy revealed demyelinating lesions with macrophage infiltration, atypical astrocytes, and JCV antigen-positive cells. We diagnosed her with PML and started mefloquine, leading to partial remission. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcoidosis and HTLV-1 infection both affect T cell function, especially CD4+ T cells, and may developped the patient's PML. The comorbidity of sarcoidosis, PML, and HTLV-1 infection has not been reported, and this is the world's first report of PML associated with HTLV-1 infection and sarcoidosis.


Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , JC Virus , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal , Sarcoidosis , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal/drug therapy , Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal/diagnosis , Contrast Media , Gadolinium , Brain/pathology , Sarcoidosis/drug therapy , Sarcoidosis/complications , Sarcoidosis/pathology , Immunotherapy/adverse effects
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