Correlation between optimal tacrolimus doses and the graft weight in living donor liver transplantation

The optimal doses of tacrolimus (FK) needed to reach and maintain a target blood level vary among cases of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). One hundred and twenty four LDLTs in 122 patients were included in this study. Tacrolimus was administered by continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 2.5 microg/kg/h just after the operation. The time needed to reach the target blood level and the dose needed to maintain this level for 1 week (17-18 ng/mL) were defined as the initial duration (ID) and secondary dose (SD), respectively. In the first 100 LDLTs, the correlations between ID or SD and some clinical factors were examined and equations for predicting ID or SD were derived. In the latest 24 LDLTs, FK was administered using these equations and the actual and calculated ID and SD values were compared. A multiple regression analysis revealed that only the graft weight/recipient standard liver volume (GW/SLV) ratio (%) correlated with ID or SD. Stepwise regression analysis led to the equations ID (h) = 0.4 x GW/SLV ratio + 0.2; SD (microg/kg/h) = 0.02 x GW/SLV ratio - 0.4. Simple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the actual and calculated ID and SD values (p < 0.0001). Initial duration and SD can be estimated from equations using the GW/SLV ratio.

[Reoperation for metachronous pulmonary or tracheal lesions after pneumonectomy]

Although aggressive reoperation for metachronous multiple primary lung cancer or intrathoracic recurrence without distant metastases have been recommended to the patients of primary lung cancer and metastatic lung tumor, surgical indication after a previous pneumonectomy is restricted because of residual pulmonary function. We report about 3 reoperated cases for metachronous pulmonary or tracheal lesions after left pneumonectomy. Case 1: A 61-year old male who underwent left pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer was reoperated for tracheal cancer 41 months after the pneumonectomy. Case 2: A 61-year old male who underwent left pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer was reoperated for metachronous multiple primary lung cancer 59 months after the pneumonectomy. Case 3: A 59-year old male who underwent left pneumonectomy for metastatic lung tumor from rectal cancer was re-operated for intrathoracic recurrence 28 months after the pneumonectomy. All cases are alive without recurrence.

In-vivo effects of Glu298Asp endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase catalyses the formation of the vasodilator nitric oxide, a major regulator of vascular tone. The Asp298 polymorphism of the nitric oxide synthase gene is associated with altered function and expression of the enzyme in vitro and myocardial infarction and coronary artery spasm in vivo. We examined the effect of the Glu298Asp polymorphism on: (1) local vascular responses to phenylephrine, acetylcholine, glyceryl trinitrate and prostaglandin E1 in the dorsal hand vein; (2) changes in forearm blood flow during mental stress, a measure of nitric oxide-mediated effect on resistance vessels; (3) excretion of urinary nitrite/nitrate as a measure of total body nitric oxide production; and (4) F2-isoprostane metabolite, a measure of oxidative stress, in healthy Glu298 (n = 12) and Asp298 (n = 13) homozygotes. There were no significant differences in acetylcholine dose responses (P = 0.29) in Glu298 and Asp298 homozygotes. Responses to glyceryl trinitrate, prostaglandin E1 and the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine did not differ by genotype. Forearm blood flow was similar at rest and increased significantly (from 7.5 ml/min/100 ml to 12.2 ml/min/100 ml; P = 0.003), but similarly (P = 0.2), during mental stress in both genotypes. Asp298 homozygotes excreted significantly less nitrate/nitrite than Glu298 homozygotes (nitrate + nitrite/creatinine ratio 0.05 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.09 +/- 0.01, respectively; P < 0.005). Urinary F2-isoprostane metabolite excretion did not differ (Glu298, 2.04 +/- 0.25 ng/mg creatinine; Asp298, 1.85 +/- 0.37 ng/mg creatinine; P = 0.7). We conclude that in healthy volunteers the Glu298Asp polymorphism affects endogenous nitric oxide production without affecting nitric oxide-mediated vascular responses. This polymorphism may only have clinical significance in the presence of endothelial dysfunction.

Higher intracerebral concentration of tacrolimus after intermittent than continuous administration to rats

Neurotoxicity associated with tacrolimus after liver transplantation is a serious problem. The optimal way to administer tacrolimus to reduce neurotoxicity remains to be clarified. Three groups of rats were administered tacrolimus for 2 weeks: group C, continuous intravenous infusion (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/d); group I, intermittent intravenous bolus injection twice daily (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/d); and group O, oral administration twice daily (5 mg/kg/d; n = 12 each). Rats were killed either day 7 or 14 to measure whole-blood and intracerebral trough concentrations of tacrolimus. The area under the whole-blood concentration-time curve (AUC) was determined day 7. The relative risk ratio of neurotoxicity was evaluated on the basis of the brain to blood concentration ratio (Kp) and intracerebral concentration to AUC ratio (R(AUC)). The whole-blood concentration of tacrolimus and AUC value were greater in group C than group I. Conversely, the intracerebral concentration and Kp and R(AUC) values were significantly greater in group I than group C. The difference in Kp values between groups C and I significantly increased with the dose and duration of administration. Whole-blood and intracerebral concentrations in group O were similar to those at the 0.25-mg/kg/d dose in group I. In conclusion, the intracerebral concentration of tacrolimus was greater after intermittent than continuous administration of the drug. Continuous administration of tacrolimus might be more advantageous than the intermittent method to reduce the intracerebral concentration and neurotoxicity.

[A case of Hirayama's disease successfully treated by anterior cervical decompression and fusion]

The authors report the case of a 16-year-old boy with Hirayama's disease(juvenile muscular atrophy of unilateral upper extremity). The present history began about 6 months previously, when he noticed slowly progressive weakness with atrophy of the left hand and forearm. Neurological examination on admission revealed diffuse distribution of muscular atrophy including the left hypothenar, thenar, forearm, and triceps muscles. However, EMG studies identified neurogenic changes in both upper extremities. There was no long tract sign of objective sensory impairment. Plain spinal radiograms showed abnormal kyphosis of the cervical vertebrae. Cervical MR images in the neutral position demonstrated focal atrophy of the cervical cord at the C 5-6 vertebral levels. When the neck was flexed, the cervical cord was displaced anteriorly and was compressed over the posterior surface of the C 5-6 vertebral bodies. He was diagnosed to have Hirayama's disease(cervical flexion myelopathy). Via an anterior approach, he underwent a C 5 vertebrectomy followed by fixation of C 4-6 vertebral bodies using iliac bone and plate system. He recovered from surgery without any complications and has been well for the past 6 months with remarkable improvement of muscle strength. Application of cervical collar for 3 to 4 years has been generally advocated for the treatment of Hirayama's disease because progression of signs and symptoms is usually expected to cease within several years. However, some patients were reported not to response to conservative treatment for more than 5 years after their onsets. To these patients surgery seems to be beneficial, because it can give rise to permanent stable fixation with much shorter period of external cervical immobilization compared with cervical collar therapy, in which long-term application is frequently unbearable in many patients. In conclusion, the present case emphasizes the importance of surgical treatment in Hirayama's disease not only to improve neurological deficits but regain better quality of life.

Diastereoselective synthesis of (2R,4R)-2-aryl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine: preparation of the side chain of novel carbapenem

Improved synthesis of the trans-3,5-disubstituted pyrrolidin-3-ylthio side-chain of the novel carbapenem 1 was achieved via stereoselective reduction of the 1-aryl-1-butanone derivative 5 and successive intramolecular cyclization of the resulting chiral alcohol 6. The 1-aryl-1-butanone derivative 5 was obtained by a coupling reaction of protected 4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone with aryl-Grignard reagent.

A study of factors influencing prognosis after resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal and gastric carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the absolute contraindication for hepatic resection for colorectal metastases and investigate the value of hepatectomy for gastric metastases by comparing it with the results of colorectal metastases performed with the same criteria.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal (n = 64) and gastric (n = 17) carcinomas. Common predictive factors for both metastases were analyzed by the stratified Cox proportional hazard model. In this model, the different baseline hazard was set for each disease, whereas the risk of each covariate was assumed to be equal in both gastric and colorectal metastases.

RESULTS

Overall 1-, 2-, and 5-yr survival rates after hepatectomy for colorectal and gastric metastases were 90%, 73%, 42%, and 47%, 22%, 0%, respectively. Factors controlling prognosis were as follows: age > or = 60, extrahepatic metastases, serosal invasion, grade of lymph node metastases, tumor cell differentiation of the primary lesion(s), carcinoembryonic antigen level, tumor-exposed surgical margin, and blood transfusion. In particular, presence of extrahepatic metastases showed the markedly high-risk ratio among these eight variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy, if possible, is indicated in patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma if there are no extrahepatic metastases and if the primary disease is controlled. It is indicated only in carefully selected patients with metastases from gastric carcinoma.

Identification of the catalytic residue of Thermococcus litoralis 4-alpha-glucanotransferase through mechanism-based labeling

Thermococcus litoralis 4-alpha-glucanotransferase (TLGT) belongs to family 57 of glycoside hydrolases and catalyzes the disproportionation and cycloamylose synthesis reactions. Family 57 glycoside hydrolases have not been well investigated, and even the catalytic mechanism involving the active site residues has not been studied. Using 3-ketobutylidene-beta-2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl maltopentaoside (3KBG5CNP) as a donor and glucose as an acceptor, we showed that the disproportionation reaction of TLGT involves a ping-pong bi-bi mechanism. On the basis of this reaction mechanism, the glycosyl-enzyme intermediate, in which a donor substrate was covalently bound to the catalytic nucleophile, was trapped by treating the enzyme with 3KBG5CNP in the absence of an acceptor and was detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry after peptic digestion. Postsource decay analysis suggested that either Glu-123 or Glu-129 was the catalytic nucleophile of TLGT. Glu-123 was completely conserved between family 57 enzymes, and the catalytic activity of the E123Q mutant enzyme was greatly decreased. On the other hand, Glu-129 was a variable residue, and the catalytic activity of the E129Q mutant enzyme was not decreased. These results indicate that Glu-123 is the catalytic nucleophile of TLGT. Sequence alignment of TLGT and family 38 enzymes (class II alpha-mannosidases) revealed that Glu-123 of TLGT corresponds to the nucleophilic aspartic acid residue of family 38 glycoside hydrolases, suggesting that family 57 and 38 glycoside hydrolases may have had a common ancestor.

Splenic and pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma: report of a case

We report herein the case of a patient in whom pulmonary and splenic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were successfully treated by surgical excision. A 69-year-old man who underwent left nephrectomy for RCC 17 months before was suspected to have a pulmonary metastasis based on computed tomography (CT) findings. Partial resection of the left lower lobe was performed with thoracoscopic assistance. However, 4 months later, a splenic tumor, 6 cm in diameter, was detected by CT and ultrasonography, and a splenectomy was performed. Histologically, both resected specimens were diagnosed as metastasis from RCC. A second pulmonary metastasis of the left upper lobe was resected 4 years 8 months later. The patient was in good health when last seen 11 months after his last operation. Malignant neoplasms rarely metastasize to the spleen and most cases are found at autopsy, or feature multiple distant metastases. Only four other cases of splenic metastases from RCC have been reported. The prognosis associated with splenic metastasis is favorable when only a solitary lesion exists.

Two cases of bronchial asthma after treatment with amiodarone

Amiodarone is a highly effective antiarrhythmic agent for the prevention of life-threatening arrhythmias. Two cases are described of patients who developed bronchial asthma after treatment with amiodarone. The bronchial asthma resolved after the dose of amiodarone was decreased in both patients. To our knowledge, an association between amiodarone and severe bronchial asthma has previously been reported only once in the medical literature. Physicians should note that amiodarone may cause bronchospasm in susceptible patients.

[Thrombosis of the abdominal aorta in a patient with nephrotic syndrome]

Nephrotic syndrome frequently causes thromboembolic complications in veins. Arterial thrombosis, however, is relatively rare. We report the case of a 47-year-old male with nephrotic syndrome complicated with abdominal aortic thrombosis. The patient complained of pain in the bilateral lower extremities 2 weeks after the development of nephrotic syndrome. The aortogram revealed complete occlusion of the abdominal aorta just below the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. Necrosis of the legs extended rapidly, and he eventually lost his legs. Among various predisposing factors, hypercoagulability associated with nephrotic syndrome seemed to be responsible for the development of thrombosis. Thrombotic complications are sometimes serious in the nephrotic patient. Assessment for the risk factors is required to warrant prophylactic anticoagulation.

[The significance of neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer by different methods]

For neoadjuvant intra-arterial (IA) chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer patients, Seldinger's methods were found to be convenient and had the same effect and outcome as conventional methods. The prognosis of the patients in whom IA chemotherapy was locally effective and had fewer than n 1 lymph node metastases was comparatively favorable. However, several patients who underwent IA chemotherapy later experienced local recurrence, and the cause of these patient's death was distant metastases in almost all cases. We recommend neoadjuvant IA and systemic chemotherapy, and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy.

[A case of locally advanced breast cancer successfully treated with wide resection and reconstruction of chest wall with A-O metallic plates]

A 63-year-old female with locally advanced breast cancer was treated with preoperative chemotherapy using docetaxel. The therapeutic regimen was comprised of four cycles at 3-week intervals. One cycle consisted of 80 mg of docetaxel which was administered on day 1. A remarkable response was confirmed. The side effects such as leukopenia, general fatigue and alopecia were moderate and had no influence on the patient's QOL. After preoperative chemotherapy, a full thickness chest wall resection was performed. Chest wall defect was reconstructed with orthopedic A-O metallic plates, Marlex mesh and rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. These metal plates were very useful because it was easy to bend and twist them manually to fit the defect at the time of operation. Moreover, the curved metal plates preserved the cone form of the chest cage. The postoperative course was favourable without frail chest or wound infection.

A morphologic study of Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts in the mitral position exhibiting primary tissue failure in adults in comparison with Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the durability and mechanism of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft in the mitral position in comparison with that of the Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft.

METHODS

A total of 284 patients who received the Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft in the mitral position between 1980 and 1984 and 84 patients who received the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft in the mitral position between 1984 and 1999 were included in the study. The freedom from reoperation rates for both graft types were determined. For morphologic study, the pathologic findings of 23 valves of 123 explanted Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts with structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both were determined and compared with those of 20 explanted Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts with structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both. Each pathologic finding was graded and assigned a score. Both types were matched for age at reoperation (50-75 years) and duration of valve function (8-11 years).

RESULTS

Freedom from reoperation caused by structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both was significantly better for Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts than for Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts at 8 years after the operation (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts: 91.3% vs Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts: 71.9%, P =.0061), but it was similar for both types at 12 years (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts: 43.6% vs Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts: 43.6%, P =.2865). No severe leaflet tears were seen among Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts. The mean area percentage of tissue overgrowth was 15.3% in Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts and 3.4% in Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts (P =.0001). The mean calcification area percentage was 13.6% in Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts and 31.5% in Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts (P =.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue overgrowth on the atrial surface, ventricular surface, or both was the cause of structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both of Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts in adults. This was different from Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft failure, which resulted from severe calcification and leaflet tears. Organized thrombi on cusps, in addition to valve design, may have contributed to such tissue overgrowth on Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts.

Living-related liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis has improved since the introduction of transplantation. However, there has been limited experience with living-related liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1996 and October 2000, 105 patients underwent living-related liver transplantation at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Eighteen of these patients with primary biliary cirrhosis were the subjects of this study. The risk scores in the conventional and updated Mayo models ranged from 5.9 to 11.6 and 6.9 to 13.7, respectively.

RESULTS

The graft weight ranged from 330 to 533 g, corresponding to 33 to 55% of the recipient's standard liver volume. Two patients died of pneumonia, 1 died due to sepsis, and the remaining 15 patients survived. The risk scores for the conventional and updated Mayo models correlated well with the duration of hospitalization (P=0.01, R=0.67 for both). The scores of the dead patients by the two models were more than 10 and 12, respectively. The postoperative courses of all of the donors were uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk score in the Mayo model adequately reflected the outcome of the patients. To achieve the best possible outcome, further therapeutic tactics are necessary for patients with conventional or updated Mayo risk scores of more than 10 or 12, respectively.

Generation of methoxide from methane and oxygen under mild conditions over an Sm2O3 catalyst investigated by in situ IR spectroscopy

The generation of methoxide over an Sm2O3 catalyst was clearly observed under a CH4-O2 atmosphere at 323 K by in situ Fourier transform IR spectroscopy.

Risk factors for acute rejection in pediatric living related liver transplantation: the impact of HLA matching

The influence of HLA compatibility on acute rejection in cadaveric liver transplantation is not clearly defined, and that in living related liver transplantation (LRLT) has only been poorly examined. Few studies have focused solely on a pediatric population. Fifty-eight cases of pediatric LRLT were analyzed. Patient and graft survival rates and postoperative complications were assessed. The relationship between the incidence of acute rejection and HLA matching and some preoperative and intraoperative transplant recipient factors, including age, preoperative aspartate aminotransferase level, total bilirubin level, prothrombin time, ascites, donor-recipient blood group type and sex match, donor age, surgical time, anhepatic phase duration, volume of blood loss, and graft weight to standard liver volume, was examined. Patients with HLA-A zero mismatching (P =.04) or a greater volume of blood loss per body weight (P =.004) had a significantly lower chance of rejection within 6 weeks after LRLT. Our results show that in LRLT, a graft from an HLA-A zero-mismatched donor may be advantageous because it provides a lower chance of early acute rejection.

Increased lymphoid MxA expression in acute asthma exacerbation in children

BACKGROUND

Although the association between acute asthma exacerbation and viral infection has been well documented, virus identification rates vary. It has recently been reported that the expression of MxA protein in lymphocytes, inducible by type I interferons, can serve as a sensitive marker for viral infection in the host. The objective was to determine the contribution of viral infection to precipitation of asthma attacks in children.

METHODS

We studied 186 asthmatic children, aged 0-12 years, over a 1-year period to evaluate MxA protein levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes by using a flow cytometric analysis in whole blood.

RESULTS

Of all the subjects, 80 (47%) exhibited significantly elevated levels of MxA expression in lymphocytes, presumably indicating the states of viral infection. The association of viral infections with acute asthma exacerbation seemed to be marked in younger children: enhanced MxA expression was seen in 73.3% of infants (aged 0-1 year), 49.5% of toddlers (aged 2-5 years), and 26% of schoolchildren (aged 6-12 years). Seasonal changes in the frequency of viral infection associated with deterioration were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Flow cytometric assay of MxA protein expression in whole blood appears to be an easy and useful method to evaluate viral infections in acute asthma exacerbation.

Effects of bisphenol A and its derivatives on the response of GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

To study the effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) known to have estrogenic actions, and its derivatives, 3,5-dimethylphenol (DMP) and p-t-butylphenol (TBP), on ionotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, GABA(A) receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injecting both poly(A)+ RNA prepared from rat whole brain and cRNAs synthesized from cloned cDNAs of alpha1 and beta1 subunit of the bovine receptors, and their electrical responses were measured by the voltage clamping method. BPA caused the potentiation and inhibition of the former receptor-responses, while it caused only inhibition of the latter ones. In the presence of low concentrations of GABA, DMP and TBP potentiated the responses of both receptors. DMP and TBP also increased the rate of decay of the response, possibly by desensitization of the receptors when GABA solution was continuously bath-applied. Diethyl terephthalate (DTP), which is also known to have estrogenic actions, had little effect on both the responses and the decay of both receptors.

Fulminant eosinophilic endomyocarditis in an asthmatic patient treated with pranlukast after corticosteroid withdrawal

Several cases of eosinophilic conditions including Churg-Strauss syndrome have been reported in association with the use of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, including zafirlukast, montelukast, and pranlukast, in asthmatic patients. The case of a 26 year old woman with a three year history of asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps is reported in whom eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltrates, and fulminant eosinophilic endomyocarditis accompanied by cardiogenic shock developed during pranlukast treatment after corticosteroid withdrawal. Acute necrotising eosinophilic endomyocarditis was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. The patient recovered after intensive treatment, including mechanical assistance involving intra-aortic balloon pumping and steroid pulse therapy, along with the discontinuation of pranlukast. It is recommended that careful attention must be paid to signs of a systemic eosinophilic condition or even fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis in asthmatic patients who have begun treatment with antileukotriene drugs following withdrawal of steroids.

Src tyrosine kinase is the trigger but not the mediator of ischemic preconditioning

The signal cascade that triggers and mediates ischemic preconditioning (IPC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the role of the Src family of tyrosine kinases in IPC. Isolated and buffer-perfused rat hearts underwent IPC with three cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion, followed by 30-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion. The Src tyrosine kinase family-selective inhibitor PP1 was administered between 45 and 30 min before ischemia (early PP1 treatment) or for 15 min before IPC [early PP1-preconditioning (PC) treatment]. PP1 was also administered for 5 min before the sustained ischemia (late PP1 treatment) or after IPC (late PP1-PC treatment). Src kinase was activated after 30 min of ischemia in both the membrane and cytosolic fractions. Src kinase was also activated by IPC but was attenuated after the sustained ischemia. Early and late PP1 treatment inhibited Src activation after the sustained ischemia and reduced infarct size. Early PP1-PC inhibited Src activation after IPC but not after the sustained ischemia and blocked cardioprotection afforded by IPC. Late PP1-PC treatment abrogated IPC-induced activation of Src and protein kinase C (PKC)-epsilon in the membrane but not in the cytosolic fraction. This treatment modality abrogated Src activation after the sustained ischemia and failed to block cardioprotection afforded by IPC. These results suggest that Src kinase activation mediates ischemic injury but triggers IPC in the position either upstream of or parallel to membrane-associated PKC-epsilon.