岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 136 3 2024 令和５年度岡山医学会賞　胸部・循環研究奨励賞（砂田賞） 97 99 EN Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1661-6596 25 15 2024 Increased Oxidative Stress and Decreased Citrulline in Blood Associated with Severe Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Adult Patients 8370 EN Mitsuru Tsuge Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Eiki Ichihara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kou Hasegawa Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kenichiro Kudo Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Yasushi Tanimoto Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Kazuhiro Nouso Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital Naohiro Oda Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Sho Mitsumune Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Goro Kimura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Haruto Yamada Department of Infectious Disease, Okayama City Hospital Ichiro Takata Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kohei Tsukahara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toshiyuki Aokage Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hideharu Hagiya Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University This study investigated the correlation between oxidative stress and blood amino acids associated with nitric oxide metabolism in adult patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. Clinical data and serum samples were prospectively collected from 100 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between July 2020 and August 2021. Patients with COVID-19 were categorized into three groups for analysis based on lung infiltrates, oxygen inhalation upon admission, and the initiation of oxygen therapy after admission. Blood data, oxidative stress-related biomarkers, and serum amino acid levels upon admission were compared in these groups. Patients with lung infiltrations requiring oxygen therapy upon admission or starting oxygen post-admission exhibited higher serum levels of hydroperoxides and lower levels of citrulline compared to the control group. No remarkable differences were observed in nitrite/nitrate, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and arginine levels. Serum citrulline levels correlated significantly with serum lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein levels. A significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of citrulline and hydroperoxides. Levels of hydroperoxides decreased, and citrulline levels increased during the recovery period compared to admission. Patients with COVID-19 with extensive pneumonia or poor oxygenation showed increased oxidative stress and reduced citrulline levels in the blood compared to those with fewer pulmonary complications. These findings suggest that combined oxidative stress and abnormal citrulline metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 pneumonia. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 18 10 2023 A randomized controlled trial of teprenone in terms of preventing worsening of COVID-19 infection e0287501 EN Eiki Ichihara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kou Hasegawa Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenichiro Kudo Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Yasushi Tanimoto Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Kazuhiro Nouso Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital Naohiro Oda Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Sho Mitsumune Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Haruto Yamada Department of Infectious Disease, Okayama City Hospital Ichiro Takata Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Hideharu Hagiya Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiharu Mitsuhashi Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kohei Tsukahara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiyuki Aokage Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Some COVID-19 patients develop life-threatening disease accompanied by severe pneumonitis. Teprenone induces expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) that protect against interstitial pneumonia in preclinical models. We explored whether teprenone prevented worsening of COVID-19 infections. Methods This open-label, randomized, pilot phase 2 clinical trial was conducted at five institutions in Japan. We randomized patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with fever to teprenone or noteprenone groups in a 1:1 ratio. We stratified patients by sex, age < and >= 70 years and the existence (or not) of complications (hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease and active cancer). No limitation was imposed on other COVID-19 treatments. The primary endpoint was the intubation rate. Results One hundred patients were included, 51 in the teprenone and 49 in the no- teprenone groups. The intubation rate did not differ significantly between the two groups: 9.8% (5/51) vs. 2.0% (1/49) (sub-hazard ratio [SHR] 4.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-42.1; p = 0.140). The rates of intra-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission did not differ significantly between the two groups: intra-hospital mortality 3.9% (2/51) vs. 4.1% (2/ 49) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95%CI: 0.11-5.62; p = 0.809); ICU admission 11.8% (6/51) vs. 6.1% (3/49) (SHR 1.99, 95%CI: 0.51-7.80; p = 0.325). Conclusion Teprenone afforded no clinical benefit. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2077-0383 12 16 2023 Switching to Dupilumab from Other Biologics without a Treatment Interval in Patients with Severe Asthma: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study 5174 EN Hisao Higo Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Hirohisa Ichikawa Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital Yukako Arakawa Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital Yoshihiro Mori Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital Junko Itano Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoru Senoo Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Goro Kimura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Yasushi Tanimoto Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Kohei Miyake Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Himeji Medical Center Tomoya Katsuta Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital Mikio Kataoka Department of Respiratory Medicine, Onomichi Municipal Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (ORDSG) Background: Dupilumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin4 and interleukin-13 signals. Several large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with severe asthma. However, few studies have examined a switch to dupilumab from other biologics. Methods: This retrospective, multi-center observational study was conducted by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. Consecutive patients with severe asthma who were switched to dupilumab from other biologics without a treatment interval between May 2019 and September 2021 were enrolled. Patients with a treatment interval of more than twice the standard dosing interval for the previous biologic prior to dupilumab administration were excluded. Results: The median patient age of the 27 patients enrolled in this study was 57 years (IQR, 45-68 years). Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS)/chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) was confirmed in 23 patients. Previous biologics consisted of omalizumab (n = 3), mepolizumab (n = 3), and benralizumab (n = 21). Dupilumab significantly improved FEV1 (median improvement: +145 mL) and the asthma control test score (median improvement: +2). The overall response rate in patients receiving dupilumab for asthma as determined using the Global Evaluations of Treatment Effectiveness (GETE) was 77.8%. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the GETE-improved group vs. the non-GETE-improved group. ECRS/CRSwNP improved in 20 of the 23 patients (87.0%). Overall, 8 of the 27 patients (29.6%) developed transient hypereosinophilia (>1500/ mu L), but all were asymptomatic and able to continue dupilumab therapy. Conclusions: Dupilumab was highly effective for the treatment of severe asthma and ECRS/CRSwNP, even in patients switched from other biologics without a treatment interval. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

American Thoracic Society Acta Medica Okayama 1044-1549 67 6 2022 Neuropeptide Y Antagonizes Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis through IL-1β Inhibition 654 665 EN Junko Itano Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoru Senoo Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noboru Asada Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Yuka Gion Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Yuria Egusa Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Lili Guo Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Naohiro Oda Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kota Araki Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuharu Sato Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36 amino acid residue polypeptide distributed throughout the nervous system, acts on various immune cells in many organs, including the respiratory system. However, little is known about its role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study was performed to determine the effects of NPY on pulmonary fibrosis. NPY-deficient and wild-type mice were intratracheally administered bleomycin. Inflammatory cells, cytokine concentrations, and morphological morphometry of the lungs were analyzed. Serum NPY concentrations were also measured in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and healthy control subjects. NPY-deficient mice exhibited significantly enhanced pulmonary fibrosis and higher IL-1 beta concentrations in the lungs compared with wild-type mice. Exogenous NPY treatment suppressed the development of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and decreased IL-1 beta concentrations in the lungs. Moreover, IL-1 beta neutralization in NPY-deficient mice attenuated the fibrotic changes. NPY decreased IL-1 beta release, and Y1 receptor antagonists inhibited IL-1 beta release and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human alveolar epithelial cells. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis had lower NPY and greater IL-1 beta concentrations in the serums compared with healthy control subjects. NPY expression was mainly observed around bronchial epithelial cells in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lungs. These data suggest that NPY plays a protective role against pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing IL-1 beta release, and manipulating the NPY-Y1 receptor axis could be a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying disease progression. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

JAPAN SOC INTERNAL MEDICINE Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 61 3 2022 Pulmonary Aspergilloma and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Following the 2018 Heavy Rain Event in Western Japan 379 383 EN Eri Ando Center for Graduate Medical Education, Okayama University Hospital Takamasa Nakasuka Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Toshio Kubo Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Akihiko Taniguchi Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kiichiro Ninomiya Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Kato Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Eiki Ichihara Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kadoaki Ohashi Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kammei Rai Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Katsuyuki Hotta Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Masaomi Yamane Departments of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Masahiro Tabata Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital A 16-year-old boy with asthma participated in recovery volunteer work following the 2018 heavy rains in Japan. One month later, he experienced chest pain and dyspnea. Chest computed tomography revealed a cavity with a fungal ball, and Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in his bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. He was treated with voriconazole, but new consolidations appeared rapidly. He also experienced allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. After prednisolone prescription, the consolidations improved; however, his asthma worsened. He underwent partial lung resection to avoid allergens, and his symptoms improved. We must recognize cases of infection after a disaster, especially in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1465-993X 23 1 2022 Identification of targetable kinases in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 20 EN Hisao Higo Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Shuta Tomida Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Sachi Okawa Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Hiromasa Yamamoto Department of Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Seiichiro Sugimoto Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital Satoru Senoo Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Go Makimoto Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kiichiro Ninomiya Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Takamasa Nakasuka Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Kazuya Nishii Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Toshio Kubo Center for Clinical Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Eiki Ichihara Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Katsuyuki Hotta Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Background Tyrosine kinase activation plays an important role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we analyzed the expression of 612 kinase-coding and cancer-related genes using next-generation sequencing to identify potential therapeutic targets for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods Thirteen samples from five patients with IPF (Cases 1-5) and eight samples from four patients without IPF (control) were included in this study. Six of the thirteen samples were obtained from different lung segments of a single patient who underwent bilateral pneumonectomy. Gene expression analysis of IPF lung tissue samples (n = 13) and control samples (n = 8) was performed using SureSelect RNA Human Kinome Kit. The expression of the selected genes was further confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Gene expression analysis revealed a correlation between the gene expression signatures and the degree of fibrosis, as assessed by Ashcroft score. In addition, the expression analysis indicated a stronger heterogeneity among the IPF lung samples than among the control lung samples. In the integrated analysis of the 21 samples, DCLK1 and STK33 were found to be upregulated in IPF lung samples compared to control lung samples. However, the top most upregulated genes were distinct in individual cases. DCLK1, PDK4, and ERBB4 were upregulated in IPF case 1, whereas STK33, PIM2, and SYK were upregulated in IPF case 2. IHC revealed that these proteins were expressed in the epithelial layer of the fibrotic lesions. Conclusions We performed a comprehensive kinase expression analysis to explore the potential therapeutic targets for IPF. We found that DCLK1 and STK33 may serve as potential candidate targets for molecular targeted therapy of IPF. In addition, PDK4, ERBB4, PIM2, and SYK might also serve as personalized therapeutic targets of IPF. Additional large-scale studies are warranted to develop personalized therapies for patients with IPF. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2076-3921 10 10 2021 Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidative Defense in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 1537 EN Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsuru Tsuge Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Academic Field of Health Sciences Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences The respiratory system is continuously exposed to endogenous and exogenous oxidants. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to the destruction of lung parenchyma (emphysema) and declining pulmonary function. It is increasingly obvious that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) contribute to the progression and amplification of the inflammatory responses related to this disease. First, we described the association between cigarette smoking, the most representative exogenous oxidant, and COPD and then presented the multiple pathophysiological aspects of ROS and antioxidative defense systems in the development and progression of COPD. Second, the relationship between nitric oxide system (endothelial) dysfunction and oxidative stress has been discussed. Third, we have provided data on the use of these biomarkers in the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in COPD and its progression and presented an overview of oxidative stress biomarkers having clinical applications in respiratory medicine, including those in exhaled breath, as per recent observations. Finally, we explained the findings of recent clinical and experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of antioxidative interventions for COPD. Future breakthroughs in antioxidative therapy may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of COPD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-2466 21 1 2021 The effects of inhaling hydrogen gas on macrophage polarization, fibrosis, and lung function in mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury 339 EN Toshiyuki Aokage Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mizuki Seya Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahiro Hirayama Department of Disaster Medicine and Management, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tsuyoshi Nojima Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masumi Iketani Department of Biological Process of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Michiko Ishikawa Department of Emergency, Disaster and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine Yasuhiro Terasaki Department of Analytic Human Pathology, Nippon Medical School Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ikuroh Ohsawa Department of Biological Process of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background : Acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is caused by acute lung injury, is a destructive respiratory disorder caused by a systemic inflammatory response. Persistent inflammation results in irreversible alveolar fibrosis. Because hydrogen gas possesses anti-inflammatory properties, we hypothesized that daily repeated inhalation of hydrogen gas could suppress persistent lung inflammation by inducing functional changes in macrophages, and consequently inhibit lung fibrosis during late-phase lung injury. Methods : To test this hypothesis, lung injury was induced in mice by intratracheal administration of bleomycin (1.0 mg/kg). Mice were exposed to control gas (air) or hydrogen (3.2% in air) for 6 h every day for 7 or 21 days. Respiratory physiology, tissue pathology, markers of inflammation, and macrophage phenotypes were examined. Results : Mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury that received daily hydrogen therapy for 21 days (BH group) exhibited higher static compliance (0.056 mL/cmH(2)O, 95% CI 0.047-0.064) than mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury exposed only to air (BA group; 0.042 mL/cmH(2)O, 95% CI 0.031-0.053, p = 0.02) and lower static elastance (BH 18.8 cmH(2)O/mL, [95% CI 15.4-22.2] vs. BA 26.7 cmH(2)O/mL [95% CI 19.6-33.8], p = 0.02). When the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined 7 days after bleomycin administration, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4 and IL-13 were significantly lower in the BH group than in the BA group. There were significantly fewer M2-biased macrophages in the alveolar interstitium of the BH group than in the BA group (3.1% [95% CI 1.6-4.5%] vs. 1.1% [95% CI 0.3-1.8%], p = 0.008). Conclusions The results suggest that hydrogen inhalation inhibits the deterioration of respiratory physiological function and alveolar fibrosis in this model of lung injury. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 17 2021 Marginal Zone Lymphoma and Lung Adenocarcinoma with an EGFR Exon 19 E746-S752del Mutation in a Patient with IgG4-related Disease 2831 2837 EN Sachi Okawa Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kammei Rai Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuharu Fujii Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Gion Division of Pathophysiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Kiichiro Ninomiya Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Kato Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshio Kubo Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eiki Ichihara Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Hotta Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahiro Tabata Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 68-year-old man presented with a solid mass at the left renal pelvis and ureter with multiple systemic lymphadenopathies and a mass with a cavity in the right lower lobe of the lung. While a transbronchial lung biopsy revealed no malignancy, a biopsy of the renal pelvis showed marginal zone lymphoma with polyclonal IgG4-positive cells. The serum IgG4 level and presence of a bilateral orbital mass suggested Mikulicz disease. The lesions shrank following the administration of steroids. A rebiopsy confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, and its background showed IgG4-positive cells a year later. IgG4-related diseases require careful follow-up because they can be complicated by malignancy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library of Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 15 8 2020 Nintedanib can be used safely and effectively for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with predicted forced vital capacity <= 50%: A multi-center retrospective analysis e0236935 EN Satoru Senoo Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naohiro Oda Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Junko Itano Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hisao Higo Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naofumi Hara Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromi Watanabe Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hirohisa Kano Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshimitsu Suwaki Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama City Hospital Yasuko Fuchimoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety Okayama Rosai Hospita Kazuhiro Kajimoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kobe Hospita Hirohisa Ichikawa Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital Kenichiro Kudo Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Takuo Shibayama Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Yasushi Tanimoto Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Shoichi Kuyama Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Arihiko Kanehiro Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety Okayama Rosai Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (ORDSG) Background Nintedanib is a multi-kinase inhibitor approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, its efficacy and safety for patients with IPF and restricted pulmonary function remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of nintedanib for patients with IPF and forced vital capacity (FVC) ≤ 50%. Methods This was a multi-center retrospective study performed by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. Patients were allocated into FVC ≤ 50% and FVC > 50% groups based on their predicted FVC. The primary endpoints were FVC changes from baseline after 6 and 12 months. Results 45 patients were eligible for the study. 18 patients had FVC ≤ 50%, and 27 patients had FVC > 50%. Overall, 31 and 19 patients underwent pulmonary function tests at 6 and 12 months after initiating nintedanib, respectively. FVC changes from baseline at 6 and 12 months after initiating nintedanib were comparable between the two groups. Adverse events were seen in all patients, and the rates of patients who discontinued nintedanib were also comparable (38.9% vs. 37.0%, p = 1.000). Multiple regression analysis showed that age and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/FVC were negatively correlated with changes in FVC at 6 months after initiating nintedanib. Conclusions Our data suggest that nintedanib can be a useful agent for IPF patients, including those with a low FVC, and that age and FEV1/FVC are predictive markers for changes in FVC following nintedanib treatment. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 22125345 58 3 2020 Deterioration of high-resolution computed tomography findings predicts disease progression after initial decline in forced vital capacity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients treated with pirfenidone 185 189 EN Hisao Higo Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Okayama University Hospital Akihiko Taniguchi Okayama University Hospital Satoru Senoo Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Junko Itano Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromi Watanabe Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naohiro Oda Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroe Kayatani National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Hirohisa Ichikawa KKR Takamatsu Hospita Takuo Shibayama National Hospital Organization Okayama Medical Center Kazuhiro Kajimoto Kobe Red Cross Hospital Yasushi Tanimoto National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Arihiko Kanehiro Okayama Rosai Hospital Yoshinobu Maeda Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Okayama University Hospital OKAYAMA respiratory disease study group (ORDSG) Background Pirfenidone suppresses the decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, IPF progresses in some patients despite treatment. We analyzed patients with meaningful FVC declines during pirfenidone treatment and explored the factors predictive of disease progression after FVC decline. Methods This study was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study conducted by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. We defined initial decline in %FVC as 5% or greater per 6-month period during pirfenidone treatment. IPF patients who were treated with pirfenidone and experienced an initial decline from December 2008 to September 2017 were enrolled. Results We analyzed 21 patients with IPF. After the initial decline, 4 (19.0%) patients showed improvement in disease, 11 (52.4%) showed stable disease, and 6 (28.6%) showed progressive disease. There was no significant correlation between %FVC reduction on initial decline and subsequent %FVC change (p = 0.475). Deterioration of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings on initial decline was observed significantly more often in the progressive versus improved/stable disease groups (100% vs 20.0%, p = 0.009). Conclusions We revealed that deterioration of HRCT findings may predict disease progression after the initial decline in %FVC in IPF patients treated with pirfenidone. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2213-0071 28 2019 Long-term spontaneous remission with active surveillance in IgG4-related pleuritis: A case report and literature review 100938 EN Go Makimoto Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kohei Taniguchi Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Junichi Soh Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Shinichi Toyooka Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Pleural effusion is a relatively rare feature of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Here, we report a case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with pleural effusion. Although the pleural adenosine deaminase level was increased, surgical biopsy of the pleura and left inguinal lymph node indicated that the effusion was due to IgG4-RD. Active surveillance was initiated because serum IgG4 and pleural effusion naturally decreased and then completely disappeared. The patient has shown no recurrence for >4 years. This case suggests that pleural biopsy can be used to distinguish IgG4-RD from tuberculosis; moreover, some cases with pleural effusion could improve without treatment. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2213-0071 28 2019 A case of axillary lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare in an immunocompetent patient 100947 EN Junko Itano Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kadoaki Ohashi Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Satoru Senoo Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Naohiro Oda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuya Nishii Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Medical Technology, Okayama University Graduate School of Health Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Axillary lymphadenitis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria is rare and has been reported in immunocompromised hosts. Herein, we report the case of a 67-year-old man without immunodeficiency who developed right axillary lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare and showed a small nodular shadow in the left pulmonary apex. Biopsy of the right axillary lymph node revealed several epithelioid granulomas, and the culture of the lymph node aspirate yielded Mycobacterium intracellulare. The lymph node lesion and left lung apex shadow resolved spontaneously after careful outpatient monitoring. This case suggests that axillary lymphadenitis could be caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare in an immunocompetent patient. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2213-0071 26 2019 Heat-not-burn cigarettes induce fulminant acute eosinophilic pneumonia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 87 90 EN Toshiyuki Aokage Department of Geriatric Emergency Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kohei Tsukahara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasushi Fukuda Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital Fumiaki Tokioka Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Although the cause of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) has not yet been fully clarified, cigarette smoking is reported to be a risk factor for developing AEP. The heat-not-burn cigarette (HNBC) was developed to reduce the adverse effects of smoke on the user's surroundings. However, the health risks associated with HNBCs have not yet been clarified. We report a successfully treated case of fatal AEP presumably induced by HNBC use. Presentation of case A 16-year-old man commenced HNBC smoking two weeks before admission and subsequently suffered from shortness of breath that gradually worsened. The patient was transferred to emergency department and immediately intubated because of respiratory failure. Computed tomography showed mosaic ground-glass shadows on the distal side of both lungs with a PaO2/FIO2 ratio of 76. The patient required veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe respiratory failure. He was diagnosed with AEP by clinical course and detection of eosinophils in sputum; thus, methylprednisolone was administrated. The patient was weaned off ECMO four days after initiation and extubated the day after. He fully recovered without sequelae. Conclusion As far as we know, our patient is the first case of AEP induced by HNBC use successfully treated with ECMO. Emergency physicians must be aware that HNBCs can induce fatal AEP. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 71 5 2017 Protective Effects of Bisoprolol against Acute Exacerbation in Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 453 457 EN Akihiko Taniguchi Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Nobuaki Miyahara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Naohiro Oda Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Morichika Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Eiki Ichihara Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Isao Oze Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute Yasushi Tanimoto National Hospital Organization Minami-Okayama Medical Center Hirohisa Ichikawa Department of Respiratory Medicine, KKR Takamatsu Hospital Utako Fujii Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Mitsune Tanimoto Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Arihiko Kanehiro Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Katsuyuki Kiura Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Clinical Study Protocol 10.18926/AMO/55446 Although recent retrospective studies suggested that the use of β-blockers appears to help improve the mortality rate and decrease the rate of exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with heart failure, the effects of β-blockers on COPD patients without heart failure have not been established. Based on previous reports, we have launched a multicenter, prospective, single-arm phase II study to evaluate the preventive effect of the cardioselective β-blocker bisoprolol in COPD exacerbation, in Japanese individuals with moderate-to-severe COPD who do not have heart failure but do have hypertension requiring the use of medication. The primary endpoint is the rate of mild-to-severe COPD exacerbation. The results of this study will clarify whether bisoprolol can prevent exacerbation in COPD patients without heart failure. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Biomed Central Ltd Acta Medica Okayama 1465-993X 14 2013 IL-17A is essential to the development of elastase-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema in mice EN Etsuko Kurimoto Nobuaki Miyahara Arihiko Kanehiro Koichi Waseda Akihiko Taniguchi Genyo Ikeda Hikari Koga Hisakazu Nishimori Yasushi Tanimoto Mikio Kataoka Yoichiro Iwakura Erwin W. Gelfand Mitsune Tanimoto Background: Pulmonary emphysema is characterized by alveolar destruction and persistent inflammation of the airways. Although IL-17A contributes to many chronic inflammatory diseases, it's role in the inflammatory response of elastase-induced emphysema remains unclear. Methods: In a model of elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema we examined the response of IL-17A-deficient mice, monitoring airway inflammation, static compliance, lung histology and levels of neutrophil-related chemokine and pro-inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Results: Wild-type mice developed emphysematous changes in the lung tissue on day 21 after elastase treatment, whereas emphysematous changes were decreased in IL-17A-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Neutrophilia in BAL fluid, seen in elastase-treated wild-type mice, was reduced in elastase-treated IL-17A-deficient mice on day 4, associated with decreased levels of KC, MIP-2 and IL-1 beta. Elastase-treated wild-type mice showed increased IL-17A levels as well as increased numbers of IL-17A+ CD4 T cells in the lung in the initial period following elastase treatment. Conclusions: These data identify the important contribution of IL-17A in the development of elastase-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema. Targeting IL-17A in emphysema may be a potential therapeutic strategy for delaying disease progression. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 67 4 2013 Septic Pulmonary Embolism Induced by Dental Infection 253 258 EN Yutaro Shiota Akihiko Taniguchi Syota Yuzurio Naokatsu Horita Shinobu Hosokawa Yoichi Watanabe Hidetoshi Tohmori Tetsuya Ono Original Article 10.18926/AMO/51070 Dental infection can be an important source for septic pulmonary embolism (SPE), but only a few cases of SPE accompanying dental infection have been reported. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical features of SPE induced by dental infection. Patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria described in the text were recruited in a retrospective fashion. All 9 patients were men, with a median age of 59 years (range:47 to 74 years). Eight patients had chest pain (88.9%), 5 had a preceding toothache (55.6%) and 3 had preceding gingival swelling (33.3%). Blood cultures obtained from 7 patients were negative. Periodontitis was found in all of the cases, periapical periodontitis in 5 cases, and gingival abscess in 3 cases. The median duration of hospitalization was 15 days, and symptoms were mild in some cases. In addition to antimicrobial therapy, tooth extraction was performed in 3 cases, tooth scaling in 6. SPE induced by dental infection has prominent clinical characteristics such as male preponderance, chest pain, preceding toothache, and mild clinical course. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.