Preparation of platinum(II) complexes with L-serine using KI. X-ray crystal structure, HPLC and 195Pt NMR spectra.

The preparation of platinum(II) complexes containing L-serine using K(2)[PtCl(4)] and KI as raw materials was undertaken. The cis-trans isomer ratio of the complexes in the reaction mixture differed significantly depending on whether KI was present or absent in the reaction mixture. One of the two [Pt(L-ser-N,O)(2)] complexes (L-ser=L-serinate anion) prepared using KI crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit cell dimensions a=8.

Dissection of the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and class II gene polymorphisms within the MHC on murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Gene(s) in the MHC of the NZW strain (H-2z) up-regulate(s) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in (NZB x NZW) F1 mice. So far, two plausible mechanisms have been implicated: (i) unique mixed haplotype class II molecules formed in the F1 mice act as a restriction element for self-reactive T cells and (ii) a unique polymorphism in the H-2-linked NZW tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha allele which down-regulates TNF-alpha is contributory. Because of the difficulty in dissecting these alleles within the H-2 complex, it has not been determined which is indeed the case.

5-fluorouracil and low-dose recombinant interferon-alpha-2a in patients with hormone-refractory adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Background: The effectiveness of a chemotherapy regimen including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and recombinant interferon-alpha-2a (rIFN-alpha-2a) was evaluated in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients.

Methods: Patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU at 600 mg/m2/day for 5 days (D1-D5), followed by a bolus injection of 5-FU on D15 and D22. Patients received intramuscular injection of rIFN-alpha-2a at 3 million IU on D1, D3, D5, D15, and D22.

A case of lupus nephritis showing good clinical course and apoptosis in glomerular cells detected by the nick end labeling method.

We report here an adult patient with lupus nephritis who had a good clinical course under long-term observation. Apoptotic bodies in the glomeruli were determined in serial renal biopsy specimens by the nick end labeling method. Apoptotic bodies in the proliferated glomerular cells were detected in the 3rd renal biopsy but not in the 2nd biopsy.

[5-Fluorouracil and alpha-2a interferon in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer].

Background: Hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer remains a disease for were limited therapeutic options are available. Therefore, the establishment of newly, more effective chemotherapy is expected. Experimental data suggest that PC-3, a human hormone refractory prostate cancer cell line, showed a 2-fold increase in 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) sensitivity in the presence of alpha-2a Interferon (IFN alpha 2a) at 100 IU/ml, compared to that without IFN alpha 2a.

Binding capacity of serum IgA to jacalin in patients with IgA nephropathy using jacalin-coated microplates.

Binding capacity of serum IgA to jacalin in 22 patients with IgA nephropathy, 14 patients with diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (non-IgA nephropathy) and 20 age-matched healthy adults was examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) using jacalin-coated microplates. In contrast to previous findings, the binding capacity of serum IgA to jacalin in patients with IgA nephropathy measured by ELISA using jacalin-coated microplates was significantly higher than that in healthy adults. The ratio of serum IgA levels measured by this method to those obtained by single radial immunodiffusion was significantly increased in patients with IgA nephropathy.

[A 78-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, right hemiparesis, and renal failure].

We report a 78-year old woman with 30 years history of rheumatoid arthritis and nephrotic syndrome, who developed right hemiparesis and renal failure recently. The patient was diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis in 1965, and had been treated with gold -sol, steroid hormone, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intermittently. Later on her clinical course was complicated by nephrotic syndrome, however, her renal function was well compensated.

A case of thin basement membrane syndrome associated with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

A 59-year-old woman has had persistent microscopic hematuria for 10 years. A few days after the onset of upper respiratory tract infection, edema and severe proteinuria appeared. In renal biopsy, an electron micrograph revealed electron dense deposits in the subepithelial regions with diffuse thinning of the glomerular basement membrane.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and infiltration of lymphocytes in glomeruli of patients with IgA nephropathy.

Using immunofluorescence, we studied 19 patients with IgA nephropathy to determine whether the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in glomeruli might reflect the disease activity. The relationship between the expression of ICAM-1 and the infiltration of lymphocytes, monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in glomeruli of IgA nephropathy cases was examined. The expression of ICAM-1 in patients in the advanced stage was significantly higher than that in patients in the mild stage.

Detection of glycosylated protein in glomeruli of STZ-induced diabetic rats using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction.

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal tissues was determined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction. The glycosylation of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components such as laminin and fibronectin was examined in vitro using the same method. Immunofluorescence staining of laminin or type IV collagen was also performed in renal tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Effect of monoclonal antibody CD4 on expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in renal tissues of ddY mice: a spontaneous animal model of IgA nephropathy.

Immunofluorescence studies were performed to determine whether the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in ddY mice, a model for IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), is influenced by treatment with a rat monoclonal antibody to murine CD4 molecules. The ddY mice were initially treated with intravenous injections, followed by weekly intraperitoneal injections of monoclonal antibody CD4. Using immunofluorescence, the mean intensity of IgA deposits in renal glomerular mesangial areas and capillary walls of the treated ddY mice was significantly lower than that in saline-treated control ddY mice of comparable ages.

IgA deposits might not influence the production of extracellular matrix in glomeruli of ddY mice, a spontaneous animal model for IgA nephropathy.

Immunofluorescence studies were carried out to determine whether the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in glomeruli of ddY mice, a model for IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), is influenced by treatment with a rat monoclonal antibody to murine CD4 molecules (mAb CD4). This mAb CD4 showed a selective decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of ddY mice as described previously. The ddY mice were initially treated with intravenous injections, followed by weekly intraperitoneal injections of mAb CD4.

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal tissues and dermal vascular vessels in the microalbuminuric stage of diabetic nephropathy using the nitro blue tetrazolium reaction.

Detection of glycosylated protein in renal and dermal tissues was performed in patients in the microalbuminuric stage of diabetic nephropathy using the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) reaction. The intensity of NBT staining in glomeruli and dermal vascular vessels was marked in the microalbuminuric stage as well as in the overtly proteinuric stage. The NBT staining in the renal and dermal vascular walls in both stages was significantly stronger than in the samples of control autopsy patients.

A case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy.

We report here an adult case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and diabetic nephropathy. To clarify the etiology of the nephrotic syndrome, we performed a renal biopsy and obtained the histological findings of hepatic glomerulosclerosis, glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial expansion. Electron dense deposits and deposits of IgA and C3 were also noted in the glomerular mesangial areas.

Immunofluorescent analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in glomeruli of the hepatic glomerulosclerosis.

An immunofluorescence study was carried out to evaluate alterations in the distribution and/or intensity of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, immunoglobulins and complement (C3) in the glomeruli of 7 autopsy patients with hepatic glomerulosclerosis. As compared with the findings in normal renal tissues, an increase in type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was observed in expanded glomerular mesangial areas and along glomerular capillary walls. Depositions of IgA, mainly IgA1, and C3 in glomeruli were in parallel with those of the ECM components.

Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with hepatitis C virus-like particles in paramesangial dense deposits in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus hepatitis.

A 62-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection developed proliferative glomerulonephritis with IgM and C3 deposits. Electron microscopy showed HCV-like particles in the paramesangial dense deposits, which are similar in shape to HCV previously described. These findings suggest HCV-related proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Detection of activated platelets in urinary sediments by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibody to human platelet GMP-140 in patients with IgA nephropathy.

The presence of activated platelets in the urinary sediments was studied by indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antigranular membrane protein (GMP)-140 antibody. GMP-140 is generally expressed on the activated-platelets and -vascular endothelial cells. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the presence of activated platelets in the urinary sediments is correlated with glomerular injuries in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Urinary levels of interleukin-6 and disease activity in patients with IgA nephropathy.

We studied, using ELISA, 27 patients with IgA nephropathy to determine if levels of urinary interleukin-6 (IL-6) might reflect the disease activity. The levels of urinary IL-6 in patients with the advanced stage were significantly higher than those in patients with the mild stage of the disease or in healthy adults. The results showed a significant correlation between the levels of urinary IL-6 and the disease activity, i.

[A transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with a high level of serum CA 19-9--a case report].

Reported is the case of a 72 year-old man who was hospitalized because of abdominal pain and gross hematuria. A subsequent laboratory examinations revealed a high level of serum CA 19-9, and abdominal computed tomography showed a mass lesion behind the urinary bladder and multiple lymphadenopathy. Examination of the digestive organs revealed no abnormality, however cystoscopy showed a submucosal a tumor with a partly ruddy surface.

[A case of prostatic hemangiopericytoma].

One case of prostatic hemangiopericytoma is reported. The patient was a 38-year-old man who visited us complaining of difficulty in urination for 6 months duration. Before he came to us, he had undergone open prostatectomy under the suspicion of prostatic abscess++ at a previous hospital with failure because of very severe adhesion.