Publications by authors named "Toya Okawa"

The second messenger 2'3'-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is thought to be transmitted from brain carcinomas to astrocytes via gap junctions, which functions to promote metastasis in the brain parenchyma. In the current study, we established a method to introduce cGAMP into astrocytes, which simulates the state of astrocytes that have been invaded by cGAMP around tumors. Astrocytes incorporating cGAMP were analyzed by metabolomics, which demonstrated that cGAMP increased glutamate production and astrocyte secretion.

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The role of astrocytes in the periphery of metastatic brain tumors is unclear. Since astrocytes regulate central nervous metabolism, we hypothesized that changes in astrocytes induced by contact with cancer cells would appear in the metabolome of both cells and contribute to malignant transformation. Coculture of astrocytes with breast cancer cell supernatants altered glutamate (Glu)-centered arginine-proline metabolism.

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Extract of Cyclolepis genistoides D. Don (vernacular name Palo azul; Palo) are traditionally consumed in the Republic of Paraguay in South America for the treatment of diabetes and kidney disease, and is sold in Japan as dietary supplement. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of anti-diabetes activity of Palo, especially focused on insulin resistance.

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