Detection of decay-accelerating factor in stool specimens of patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colorectal cancers have an increased expression of decay-accelerating factor (DAF). The aim of this study was to determine whether stool specimens of patients with colorectal cancer contain increased amounts of DAF.

METHODS

DAF was measured using an immunoassay in the stool specimens of 40 persons with colorectal cancer, 18 with colorectal adenomatous polyps, 13 with upper gastrointestinal cancer, and 41 without gastrointestinal disease.

RESULTS

Stool DAF concentrations in patients with colorectal cancer (0-9.8 ng/g stool; median, 1.6 ng/g) were significantly higher than those in patients with adenoma (0-6.4 ng/g; median, 0 ng/g) (P < 0.05), patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer (0-3.1 ng/g; median, 0 ng/g) (P < 0.05), and subjects without gastrointestinal disease (0-3.4 ng/g; median, 0 ng/g) (P < 0.01). Resection of colorectal cancers caused a marked decrease in stool DAF concentrations. The stool DAF test was positive in a substantial portion of patients with colorectal cancer whose tumors were small ( < 2 cm), at an early TNM stage, or unassociated with fecal occult blood positivity. The sensitivity of the test for colorectal cancer was 55%, and the specificity was 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of stood DAF deserves evaluation as a test for detection of colorectal cancer.

Functional masticatory evaluation in hemifacial microsomia

The features of hemifacial microsomia with unilateral condylar hypoplasia in a 9-year-old female patient were analysed in a multidisciplinary fashion. Cephalometric roentgenograms revealed malformation of the mandible, with the right condylar process being smaller than the left. In addition, the right maxillary alveolar process was underdeveloped. Closed view radiography with oblique lateral transcranial projection (by modified Schüller's method) of the temporomandibular joint revealed an anterior dislocation of the condyle on the unaffected side. Computed tomography (CT) of the masticatory muscles demonstrated that the medial pterygoid muscle on the affected side, unlike the other muscles, was larger than that on the unaffected side. The surface electromyographic activities of the temporal and masseter muscles and reduction of the maximum bite force on the affected side during clenching corresponded with the CT findings. The hypertrophy of the medial pterygoid muscle on the affected side was considered likely to be a compensatory adjustment to keep the mandible centred. A three-dimensional study of the movement of the mandible revealed that the condyle on the affected side moved vertically and that the rotational centre was located antero-inferior to the condylar process during maximum jaw opening and closing movements. These findings suggested lack of articular guidance. Moreover, the unaffected condylar process showed considerable backward movement during retrusion and ipsilateral excursion of the mandible. The mandibular head on the unaffected side showed obvious protraction during all jaw movements, which might have induced the overgrowth of the condylar head on the unaffected side in this growing child.

Pathogenic significance of interleukin-6 in a patient with antiglomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis with multinucleated giant cells

We report a patient with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease who developed renal failure associated with systemic manifestations, including acute-phase inflammatory reactions and plasmacytosis. Renal tissue obtained by an open surgical biopsy showed circumferential cellular crescents, multinucleated giant cells, and exudation of fibrin in all glomeruli. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated deposition of immunoglobulin G, C3, and membrane attack complex along glomerular capillary walls. Multinucleated giant cells were suggested to be macrophage-monocyte lineage because they were CD68 positive. Bone marrow aspiration showed an increase of plasma cells. Immunostaining showed intensive expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in practically every part of the renal sites involving multinucleated cells, crescents, tubules, and infiltrating cells, suggesting that one of the sources of systemically elevated IL-6 was the kidney. Serum IL-6, anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody, and acute-phase proteins were markedly elevated, and returned dramatically to the normal level after corticosteroid therapy and plasmapheresis. We believe that IL-6 played an important role in the development of many symptoms in the present case.

TGF-beta accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow cells induced by collagen matrix

Bone marrow cells have multipotency for differentiation. Recently we found that type I collagen matrix induced the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow cells. In this study we showed that TGF-beta enhanced the effect of collagen matrix on bone marrow cells and accelerated the osteogenic differentiation. These results imply that TGF-beta might play a crucial role in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow cells during embryogenesis and the repair of bone.

Redox regulation of NF-kappa B DNA binding activity by dihydrolipoate

NF-kappa B transcription factor regulates a wide variety of cellular and viral genes including the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Here, we demonstrate that dihydrolipoate/alpha-lipoate redox couple which is a cofactor for mitochondrial dehydrogenases reactions, influences the DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B. The elimination of dithiothreitol in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay protocol resulted in the inability to detect DNA binding activity of activated NF-kappa B. The DNA binding activity was restored by the addition of dihydrolipoate in the binding reaction mixture. Inhibition of NF-kappa B DNA binding activity by in vitro exposure to a sulfhydryl oxidizing agent, diamide was also blocked by dihydrolipoate. In contrast, the addition of the oxidized form, alpha-lipoate inhibited the NF-kappa B DNA binding activity. Coincidentally, preincubation of Jurkat cells with dihydrolipoate potentiated and alpha-lipoate inhibited the okadaic acid-induced NF-kappa B activation as detected by assessing its DNA binding activity. These results suggest the redox exchange between lipoate and NF-kappa B molecules. Furthermore, since the inhibition of AP-1 DNA binding activity by diamide was also blocked by dihydrolipoate, this natural reductant may participate in the redox regulation of transcription factors by enhancing the DNA-protein interactions.

Growth inhibition of intracerebral rat glioma by transfection-induced human interferon-beta

In our previous study on liposome-mediated transfection of the human interferon-beta (HuIFN-beta) gene into subcutaneously implanted human gliomas in nude mice, we found that HuIFN-beta was produced and secreted by the tumor cells and that the growth of solid tumors was completely inhibited. The present study investigated the growth-inhibitory effect of liposomes containing the HuIFN-beta gene inserted into a vector (pSV2IFN-beta) on T9 rat glioma implanted into the brains of rats. Tumor cells and liposomes containing pSV2IFN-beta or other additives were simultaneously injected into the brains of rats. HuIFN-beta was detected in solid gliomas growing in the brains of rats injected with liposomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that tumor growth was inhibited. In addition, the latent period until the appearance of neurological symptoms was significantly prolonged in rats treated with liposomes containing pSV2IFN-beta. However, the survival time of the treated rats was not significantly increased.

Expression of ICAM-I on M cells covering isolated lymphoid follicles of the human colon

To clarify the immunological function of 'M' (microfold or membranous) cells in the large intestine, we examined the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and HLA-class II antigens immunohistochemically in M cells and follicle-associated epithelia (FAE) covering isolated lymphoid follicles of the human colon in comparison with their expression in Peyer's patches of the small intestine. In Peyer's patches of the small intestine, ICAM-1 was not expressed on the epithelial cells covering the lymphoid follicles, but their cell surfaces were stained positively for HLA-DR. In contrast, colonic M cells expressed ICAM-1 on their cell surfaces but were negative for HLA class II antigens. By immunoelectron microscopy, ICAM-1 was seen to be distributed on the surface of microfolds, on the membranes of apical vesicles and on part of the basolateral plasma membranes of M cells, but was not expressed on adjacent FAE. These findings imply that the M cells in the colon and in Peyer's patches have different immunological roles. In addition, identification of ICAM-1 expression on the colonic M cells should help elucidate the pathogenesis of some inflammatory colonic diseases which appear to start in the lymphoid follicles of the colonic mucosa.

Transient overexpression of catalase does not inhibit TNF- or PMA-induced NF-kappa B activation

H2O2 has been proposed as a second messenger involved in cell signaling for NF-kappa B activation. In the present study, this hypothesis was tested by transiently overexpressing catalase, a specific scavenger of H2O2, in COS-1 cells. A mammalian expression vector was constructed by incorporating catalase gene from pCAT10 clone into the unique EcoRI site of the pSG5 vector which contains the SV-40 promoter. Transient transfection of the catalase expression vector by the DEAE-dextran method led to a four-fold increase in catalase activity and catalase content as detected by immunoblot analysis. This level of increase was detected in both nuclear/mitochondrial- and cytosolic/microsomal fractions. Overexpression of catalase, however, did not block TNF- or PMA-induced NF-kappa B activation. These results weaken the hypothesis that H2O2 is a second messenger for TNF- and PMA-signaling for NF-kappa B activation.

Stimulation by bone sialoprotein of calcification in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) containing an Arg-Gly-Asp cell-binding sequence was purified from bovine bone 4 M guanidine-HCl extract after HCl demineralization by a series of chromatographic procedures. When this protein was coated on culture dishes in the presence of type I collagen, it increased both DNA content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and stimulated calcification in the cells, whereas fibronectin, another cell-binding protein, showed a marked increase in the DNA content but had little effect on the ALP activity. These findings suggest that BSP is mitogenic for preosteoblasts and differentiating the cells into osteoblasts, thereby stimulating bone calcification.

Enhanced expression of decay accelerating factor and CD59/homologous restriction factor 20 on the colonic epithelium of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

The complement system is thought to be one of the factors involved in damaging the colonic mucosa in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several membrane-bound factors that regulate complement activation have been identified.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

To elucidate alteration(s) of the complement regulatory proteins and to add to the understanding of the role of the complement-related immune responses in the pathogenesis of UC, we immunohistochemically examined the distribution of decay accelerating factor (DAF), CD59/homologous restriction factor 20 (HRF20), and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) in colonic mucosa with UC and compared it with that in normal and inflammatory control mucosae.

RESULTS

In normal colonic epithelia, the cell surface distribution of DAF and CD59/HRF20 was confined to the apical domain, whereas MCP was present on the basolateral surface. Although MCP expression in active UC was not significantly different from normal mucosa, DAF and CD59/HRF20 expression on epithelial cells of UC was markedly enhanced in relation to the severity of mucosal inflammation. In the colonic epithelia of active UC, DAF and CD59/HRF20 were not only overexpressed on the apical surface but also were distributed to the basolateral membrane. The altered cell surface distribution of these molecules was also confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. The enhanced expression of DAF and CD59/HRF20 was not specific to UC but was observed in colonic mucosa of inflammatory controls, such as ischemic colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that altered regulation of complement activation is present in UC mucosa, but whether it may play a causal role in the immunologic disorders leading to UC remains to be elucidated.

Genotype distribution in Nagoya and new genotype (genotype 3a) in Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus

We evaluated hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution among Japanese patients in the city of Nagoya and the possible existence of any other genotype not determined by Okamoto's method. Eighty-five of 93 (91.4%) anti-HCV-positive patients had detectable HCV RNA. The genotype of the HCV isolate was determined in 84 of 85 (98.8%) of these HCV RNA-positive patients by Okamoto's method but determination was not possible in one (1.2%). Genotype 1b was detected in 58 of the 85 patients (68.2%), genotype 2a in 20 (23.5%), genotype 2b in 3 (3.5%), and genotype 1b + 2a in 3 (3.5%). In the remaining 1 patient in whom the genotype could not be determined, we determined the nucleotide sequence of the core region in HCV RNA extracted from this patient and evaluated it by molecular evolutionary analysis. This HCV isolate was then classified as genotype 3a. These results suggest that genotype 3a is rare among Japanese patients with HCV; thus, when classifying Japanese isolates, we should take more care because genotype 3a is not determined by current typing systems.

Surgical treatment for Crohn's disease

The medical records of 16 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease surgically treated in our department from 1978 to 1993 were retrospectively reviewed. The indication for surgery was obstructive symptoms due to Crohn's strictures that were unresponsive to conservative therapy. The types of operations performed were classified into five categories. Nine patients (56.3%) had small bowel resection only, 4 (25.0%) underwent an ileocolonic resection, 1 (6.3%) had a total colectomy, 1 (6.3%) had Mile's operation and 1 (6.3%) had subtotal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy and antral mucosectomy. Of these 16 patients, 13 (81.3%) had resection with a single anastomosis and strictureplasty was concomitantly performed in only 2 cases (12.5%). Crohn's disease recurred in 3 patients (18.8%), 1 of whom required a second operation.

Changes of intracellular electrolyte contents in rat skeletal muscle during body suspension

The CNS-mediated inhibition of active Na(+)-K+ transport in both "type S" muscle, soleus (SOL), and "type FF" muscle, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was investigated in rats suspended horizontally. Plasma Na+ and K+ contents did not change during the suspension period. The relative wet weight of SOL decreased more than that of EDL by suspension. There was significant intracellular Na+ accumulation and K+ loss in both SOL and diaphragm of suspended rats. However, cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongate, ventricle, liver, pancreas, kidney, intestine, aorta and EDL were spared from the intracellular Na+ accumulation and K+ loss. Sciatic nerve sectioning or cervical spinal cord transection recovered the Na+ and K+ contents in the SOL of suspended rats. The results indicate the existence of neural inhibition of the active Na(+)-K+ transport in skeletal muscle of the suspended rats.

Complete nucleotide sequence of a skin element excised by DNA rearrangement during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

As part of the Bacillus subtilis genome sequencing project, we have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a skin element which is located between spoIVCB and spoIIIC. The entire sequence of this element is 48,032 bp in length, and contains 57 ORFs with putative ribosome-binding sites. Two of them correspond to previously sequenced and characterized genes, cwIA and spoIVCA. Furthermore, seven ORF products identified in this element show interesting similarities with known proteins present in data banks, including the phi 105 immunity repressor, the phi 105 Cro-like protein and the SPP1 terminase. These results indicate the possibility that the skin element is a cryptic remnant of an ancestral temperate phage.

Endoscopic detection of ectopic multiple minute sebaceous glands in the esophagus. Report of a case and review of the literature

This case report describes a patient with a rare form of ectopic sebaceous glands. The patient was a 53-year-old woman complaining of prolapse of a polyp through the anus who was admitted for polypectomy of the rectal polyp. After polypectomy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed to detect other lesions. Although she had no symptoms from an upper gastrointestinal series, such as dysphagia, heartburn, or epigastric pain, multiple yellow rounded elevated lesions arranged in rows, 0.5 mm in diameter and more than 100 in number were observed in the middle and lower esophagus. Histological examination of the biopsied specimens taken from the lesions endoscopically revealed a structure with the characteristics of a sebaceous gland including an excretory duct.

Two distinctive BMP-carriers induce zonal chondrogenesis and membranous ossification, respectively; geometrical factors of matrices for cell-differentiation

A partially purified BMP preparation was combined with a fibrous glass membrane (FGM) or porous particles of hydroxyapatite (PPHAP), and then implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rats. As a control of these new carriers, a conventional carrier of insoluble bone matrix (IBM) was also used. These new geometrically different solid-state carriers induced tissues in quite different manners. FGM/BMP implants induced cartilage formation within the entire inner area of the membrane accompanied by a small amount of bone formation on the surface of the membrane. In contrast, PPHAP/BMP implants induced only bone within the pores of PPHAP without any detectable cartilage formation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the type II collagen content in FGM/BMP was six times higher than that in IBM/BMP, while there was no detectable type II collagen in PPHAP/BMP. The results were explained by the geometric properties of the two distinctive carriers.

Neuro-otological and neuropathological findings in two cases with Machado-Joseph disease

We report chronological changes of neuro-otological findings and associated neuropathological findings in 2 patients. Concerning gaze limitation, upward gaze was primarily disturbed, followed by downward gaze and abduction. Adduction tended to be preserved although convergence was disturbed at the early stage. And, upward gaze limitation was followed by loss of oculocephalic responses (OCRs). Bell's phenomenon was preserved until the late stage of the disease. Caloric nystagmus was absent at the early stage. One patient showed dissociation between nystagmus and vestibulo-collic reflex in the caloric test at the early stage of the disease. Neuropathological examination revealed gliosis in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal and the MLF as well as neuronal loss and gliosis in the oculomotor nuclei. The vestibular nuclei also showed gliosis and atrophy of nerve cells.

Therapeutic effects of lansoprazole on peptic ulcers in elderly patients

We studied the effects of lansoprazole on ulcer healing and Helicobacter pylori infection in elderly patients with peptic ulcers. In a group of 24 patients with gastric ulcers, the H. pylori infection rate was 100%. In the course of gastric ulcer healing with famotidine or lansoprazole alone, the H. pylori infection showed no signs of decline. The ulcer healing rates after 8 weeks were similar between the H2-receptor antagonist famotidine (73%), and the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole (82%). When eradication of H. pylori infection was attempted by concomitant administration of lansoprazole and amoxicillin 500 mg b.i.d. for 2 weeks, the eradication rate was 33% in the group given lansoprazole 30 mg q.d. plus ampicillin 500 mg b.i.d., whereas it was 77% in the group given lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d. plus ampicillin 500 mg b.i.d. Lansoprazole is considered to be a useful agent for the treatment of patients with peptic ulcers and H. pylori infection and its effectiveness in H. pylori eradication is improved by b.i.d. administration along with ampicillin.

Reinforced cytotoxicity of lymphokine-activated killer cells toward glioma cells by transfection of the killer cells with the gamma-interferon gene

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes incubated with recombinant interleukin-2 were transfected with the human gamma-interferon (HuIFN-gamma) gene by means of liposomes having a positive charge on their surface. The cells secreted significant amounts of HuIFN-gamma (reaching more than 5 U/ml) into the culture medium. The HuIFN-gamma produced by the cells induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and enhanced the expression of Fas antigen on the surface of human glioma cells. Also, LAK cells transfected with HuIFN-gamma gene exhibited reinforcement of cytotoxicity toward human glioma cell lines (U251-MG and SK-MG-1). Furthermore, the reinforcement was significantly quenched by anti-ICAM-1 and/or anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody.