Shigehiko Morikawa

Increased mitochondrial damage by lipid peroxidation in trophoblast cells of preeclamptic placentas

Lipid peroxides and their related free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction in preeclampsia. Recent studies suggest that the placenta is a source of the increased lipid peroxides in the maternal circulation of women with preeclampsia. We examined intracellular localization of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE: a major aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation)‐modified proteins in human placentas by immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. The trophoblast layer of the chorionic villi showed intense immunoreactivity for HNE‐modified proteins in 4 of 12 preeclamptic placentas, whereas no staining was observed in 12 normal placentas. Immunoblotting revealed that three immunoreactive proteins with apparent molecular mass of 110 kDa, 75 kDa, and 70 kDa were localized in the mitochondrial fraction. The present results indicate that the damage to mitochondrial proteins by lipid peroxidation byproducts and subsequent dysfunction of trophoblasts contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.

Hepatocyte growth factor in human amniotic fluid promotes the migration of fetal small intestinal epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE Previously we reported on the abundant existence of hepatocyte growth factor in amniotic fluid. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of hepatocyte growth factor in amniotic fluid on fetal intestinal epithelial cells. STUDY DESIGN Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from 22 cases at various gestational ages. The effects of amniotic fluid and recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor on proliferation, migration, and morphogenesis of intestine 407 cells (a cell line derived from fetal intestinal epithelial cells) were investigated. RESULTS The mobility of intestine 407 cells was stimulated by amniotic fluid in proportion to the concentration of hepatocyte growth factor in amniotic fluid with the same effect observed with recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor. This activity was neutralized by addition of antihuman hepatocyte growth factor antibody. Neither increased deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis nor morphogenesis in response to amniotic fluid was identified under the conditions used. CONCLUSION Amniotic fluid stimulates intestinal epithelial cell migration by way of hepatocyte growth factor in amniotic fluid during development of the fetal intestine.

A Prospective Study on the Relationship between Intrapartum Maternal Group‐B Streptococcal Concentration and Signs of Infection in Neonates*

Objective: Our purpose was to examine the effects of intrapartum vaginal Group‐B streptococcal (GBS) colonization on neonatal signs of infection.

Carbon ion radiotherapy for recurrent malignant transformation from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is the most common tumor of the ovary; malignant transformation (MT) of squamous cell carcinoma is a rare disorder. A 78‐year‐old woman with stage IIc MT‐MCT (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy; there was residual tumor in the pelvis. The patient was treated with six courses of paclitaxel and carboplatin, but the recurrent tumor grew. The patient was then treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT). The recurrent tumor shrank and the patient has been free of clinical disease for 53 months. CIRT can be considered as a treatment for recurrent MT‐MCT.

Variability of peripartum vaginal group B streptococcal colonization

Objectives: Our purpose was to examine the change in peripartum vaginal group B streptococcal concentration. Methods: From 1989 to 1993, 251 pregnant women who delivered over 48 h after admission were included in this study. Group B streptococcal quantitative culture of vaginal specimens was performed within 24 h before delivery and on the previous day, and the GBS concentrations compared. Results: A statistical difference between positive rates for group B Streptococcus on the delivery day and that on the previous day was found (14 vs. 22%). In 20/58 (34%) of the cases between the two time points the vaginal group B streptococcal colonization increased. Conclusions: This study suggests the existence of major variation in peripartum vaginal group B streptococcal concentrations. We conclude that the rate and the concentration of perinatal vaginal group B streptococcal colonization even one day before delivery cannot be used to predict that at delivery.

Timing of insults causing abnormal outcome in preterm infants 1989–1992

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of timing of brain insults causing abnormal outcome in preterm infants. Methods: One hundred and thirty‐one preterm infants were examined. The timing of brain insult was estimated from EEG or clinical findings. Development was assessed until a corrected age of 48 months. Results: 39% and 4% of infants, respectively, born before and after the 28‐week time point subsequently died (P < 0.05). Abnormal development was observed in 16% of the first group and 13% of the second (N.S.). None of those born before 28 weeks showed intrauterine injuries while nine of the infants which were born after this time showed intrauterine injuries (P < 0.05). Fetal distress was noted in all infants suffering neonatal death born after 28 weeks. Conclusion: Intrauterine brain insult was concluded to be the cause of neonatal death or abnormal development in many infants born after 28 weeks.