We have examined the effects of a stromal cell-derived cytokine designated interleukin 11 (IL-11) on the proliferation of murine hemopoietic progenitors in methylcellulose culture. COS cell-conditioned medium containing IL-11 supported formation of granulocyte/macrophage colonies and a small number of multilineage colonies including blast cell colonies in cultures of marrow cells from normal mice. When tested with marrow cells harvested 2 days after injection of 5-fluorouracil at 150 mg/kg, IL-11 enhanced interleukin 3-dependent colony formation, whereas IL-11 alone supported only scant colony formation. Serial observations (mapping studies) of cultures of post-5-fluorouracil spleen cells indicated that the mechanism of the synergistic effect of IL-11 is to shorten the dormant period of stem cells, an effect very similar to that of interleukin 6. When pooled blast cells were plated into medium containing IL-11 and erythropoietin, only macrophage colonies were observed. Thus, IL-11 can directly support the proliferation of committed macrophage progenitors and, and like interleukin 6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, act synergistically with interleukin 3 to shorten the Go period of early progenitors.
Although the Japanese diet is believed to be balanced and healthy, its benefits have been poorly investigated, especially in terms of effects on mental health. We investigated dietary patterns and physical and mental health in the Japanese population using an epidemiological survey to determine the health benefits of the traditional Japanese diet. Questionnaires to assess dietary habits, quality of life, sleep quality, impulsivity, and depression severity were distributed to 550 randomly selected middle-aged and elderly individuals. Participants with any physical or mental disease were excluded. Two-hundred and seventy-eight participants were selected for the final statistical analysis. We determined rice to be one of the most traditional foods in Japanese cuisine. Scores for each questionnaire were computed, and the correlations between rice intake and health indices were assessed. When analyzing the direct correlations between rice intake and health indices, we found only two correlations, namely those with quality of life (vitality) and sleep quality. Path analysis using structural equation modeling was performed to investigate the association between rice intake and health, with indirect effects included in the model. Additional associations between rice intake and health were explained using this model when compared to those using direct correlation analysis. Path analysis was used to identify mediators of the rice-health association. These mediators were miso (soybean paste) soup, green tea, and natto (fermented soybean) intake. Interestingly, these mediators have been major components of the Japanese diet since 1975, which has been considered one of the healthiest diets since the 1960s. Our results indicate that the combination of rice with other healthy foods, which is representative of the traditional Japanese diet, may contribute to improvements in physical and mental health.
A total of 117 cases with hematological malignancies were treated with MCNU at doses of 70-100 mg/m2. Following are the results obtained. 1. MCNU showed a marked depression of cells in the cases with CML, polycythemia vera and thrombocythemia. The low level of cells was maintained for 2 to 7 months. 2. A good response was observed in several cases with blastic crises of CML. 3. No response was observed in two cases with acute leukemia. 4. Although a fair response was observed in several cases with malignant lymphoma or multiple myeloma, moderate bone marrow suppression was observed in a majority of the cases.
Treatment guidelines for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have been changed recently due to the clinical application of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication but there has been no detailed multi-center analysis of the hematological effects of H. pylori eradication. The Clinical Hematology Forum consists of 11 large hematological departments and divisions in the Hokkaido area. We sent questionnaires to these 11 hematological departments and divisions in March 2003 to obtain information on current treatment strategies for patients with ITP and hematological results after the eradication of H. pylori. Questionnaires were returned by 9 (81.8%) of the 11 departments. Doctors in all hospitals had experience in diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection. Diagnostic examinations for H. pylori infection were performed in 54.3% of the registered cases. H. pylori infection was detected in 68.1% of the examined cases, and eradication treatment was performed in 87.7% of H. pylori-positive patients. H. pylori was eradicated in 52 (83.9%) of the 62 patients in whom the results of treatment could be evaluated. Among the patients whose platelet counts were less than 10.0 x 10(4)/microl, platelet recovery was observed in 48.8% of cases with successful eradication, a percentage similar to previously reported percentages in Japan. There was no prognostic factor to predict good responders before eradication treatment. Since the side effects of eradication treatment, including gastrointestinal symptoms and skin eruptions, were not serious, this method might become a front-line treatment for patients with ITP. Patient selection for eradication as an up-front treatment, analysis of the pathophysiology of platelet recovery after eradication and long-term effects should be investigated to make new treatment guidelines for newly diagnosed patients with ITP.
