Helicobacter pylori dupA gene is not associated with clinical outcomes in the Japanese population

The dupA gene of Helicobacter pylori was suggested to be a risk factor for duodenal ulcer but protective against gastric cancer. The present study aimed to re-examine the role of dupA in H. pylori-infected Japanese patients. We found that dupA status was not associated with any gastroduodenal disease, histological score of chronic gastritis or with the extent of interleukin-8 production from gastric cell lines. These results indicate that dupA is unlikely to be a virulence factor of H. pylori in the Japanese population.

An RF hyperthermia electrode which generates no edge effect

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Background: For local hyperthermia cancer therapy, radio frequency (RF) capacitive heating with a pair of electrodes is one of the most effective methods. RF hyperthermia with a conventional 2-dimensional square plate electrode produces an ‘edge effect‘ - the focusing of the RF current resulting in focal overheating. We designed and propose a novel hemispherical-shaped RF capacitive heating electrode that generates no edge effect. Methods: A CAD simulation (COMSOL Multiphysics 3.4) was done, and current and specific absorbance ratio (SAR) distributions of both the hemispherical and the conventional square plate shape electrodes were obtained by a 3-D finite element method. Results: The hemispherical electrode generated no focusing of current distribution, nor overheating with SAR elevation, while the square plate electrode produced an edge effect with local SAR elevation. Conclusions: The hemispherical electrode showed no edge effect from focal overheating. Our new electrode may be useful for local heating in the oral or vaginal cavity in clinical use. Phantom studies with a prototype electrode should be carried out for further confirmation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA copy number alterations and gene expression in gastric cancer

Genomic copy number aberrations (CNAs) are believed to play a major role in the development and progression of human cancers. Although many CNAs have been reported in gastric cancer, their genome-wide transcriptional consequences are poorly understood. In this study, to reveal the impact of CNAs on genome-wide expression in gastric cancer, we analysed 30 cases of gastric cancers for their CNAs by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and 24 of these 30 cases for their expression profiles by oligonucleotide-expression microarray. We found that with the application of laser microdissection, most CNAs were detected at higher frequency than in previous studies. Notably, gain at 20q13 was detected in almost all cases (97%), suggesting that this may play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. By comparing the array CGH data with expression profiles of the same samples, we showed that both genomic amplification and deletion strongly influence the expression of genes in altered genomic regions. Furthermore, we identified 125 candidate genes, consisting of 114 up-regulated genes located in recurrent regions (>10%) of amplification and 11 down-regulated genes located in recurrent regions of deletion. Up-regulation of several candidate genes, such as CDC6, SEC61G, ANP32E, BYSL and FDFT1, was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, some candidate genes were localized at genomic loci adjacent to well-known genes such as EGFR, ERBB2 and SMAD4, and concordantly deregulated by genomic alterations. Based on these results, we propose that our list of candidate genes may contain novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of advanced gastric cancer.

Genome-wide microRNA expression profiling in renal cell carcinoma: significant down-regulation of miR-141 and miR-200c

We investigated expression profiles of microRNA (miRNA) in renal cell carcinoma [clear cell carcinomas (CCC) and chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (ChCC)] and in normal kidneys by using a miRNA microarray platform which covers a total of 470 human miRNAs (Sanger miRBase release 9.1). Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that CCC and ChCC were separable and that no subgroups were identified in CCCs. We found that 43 miRNAs were differentially expressed between CCC and normal kidney, of which 37 were significantly down-regulated in CCC and the other 6 were up-regulated. We also found that 57 miRNAs were differentially expressed between ChCC and normal kidney, of which 51 were significantly down-regulated in ChCC and the other 6 were up-regulated. Together, these observations indicate that expression of miRNAs tends to be down-regulated in both CCC and ChCC compared with normal kidney. We observed that miR-141 and miR-200c were the most significantly down-regulated miRNAs in CCCs. Indeed, in all cases of CCC analysed, both miR-141 and miR-200c were down-regulated in comparison with normal kidney. Microarray data and quantitative RT-PCR showed that these two miRNAs were expressed concordantly. TargetScan algorithm revealed that ZFHX1B mRNA is a hypothetical target of both miR-141 and -200c. We established by quantitative RT-PCR that, in CCCs in which miR-141 and miR-200c were down-regulated, ZFHX1B, a transcriptional repressor for CDH1/E-cadherin, tended to be up-regulated. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of miR-141 and miR-200c caused down-regulation of ZFHX1B and up-regulation of E-cadherin in two renal carcinoma cell lines, ACHN and 786-O. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that down-regulation of miR-141 and miR-200c in CCCs might be involved in suppression of CDH1/E-cadherin transcription via up-regulation of ZFHX1B.

High-resolution analysis of DNA copy number alterations and gene expression in renal clear cell carcinoma

We analysed chromosomal copy number aberrations (CNAs) in renal cell carcinomas by array-based comparative genomic hybridization, using a genome-wide scanning array with 2304 BAC and PAC clones covering the whole human genome at a resolution of roughly 1.3 Mb. A total of 30 samples of renal cell carcinoma were analysed, including 26 cases of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) and four cases of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChCC). In CCCs, gains of chromosomes 5q33.1-qter (58%), 7q11.22-q35 (35%) and 16p12.3-p13.12 (19%), and losses of chromosomes 3p25.1-p25.3 (77%), 3p21.31-p22.3 (81%), 3p14.1-p14.2 (77%), 8p23.3 (31%), 9q21.13-qter (19%) and 14q32.32-qter (38%) were detected. On the other hand, the patterns of CNAs differed markedly between CCCs and ChCCs. Next, we examined the correlation of CNAs with expression profiles in the same tumour samples in 22/26 cases of CCC, using oligonucleotide microarray. We extracted genes that were differentially expressed between cases with and without CNAs, and found that significantly more up-regulated genes were localized on chromosomes 5 and 7, where recurrent genomic gains have been detected. Conversely, significantly more down-regulated genes were localized on chromosomes 14 and 3, where recurrent genomic losses have been detected. These results revealed that CNAs were correlated with deregulation of gene expression in CCCs. Furthermore, we compared the patterns of genomic imbalance with histopathological features, and found that loss of 14q appeared to be a specific and additional genetic abnormality in high-grade CCC. When we compared the expression profiles of low-grade CCCs with those of high-grade CCCs, differentially down-regulated genes tended to be localized on chromosomes 14 and 9. Thus, it is suggested that copy number loss at 14q in high-grade CCC may be involved in the down-regulation of genes located in this region.

Absence of tyrosine kinase mutations in Japanese colorectal cancer patients

Tyrosine kinases, which are important regulators of intracellular signal-transduction pathways, have mutated forms that are often associated with oncogenesis and are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Recently, systematic mutational analyses of tyrosine kinases revealed that a minimum of 30% of colorectal cancer contain at least one mutation in the tyrosine kinases. To further explore these mutations, we examined all reported mutations of NTRK3, FES, KDR, EPHA3, NTRK2, JAK1, PDGFRA, EPHA7, EPHA8, ERBB4, FGFR1, MLK4 and GUCY2F genes in the 24 colorectal cancer cell lines. Unexpectedly, among 24 colorectal cancer cell lines, only two cell lines (LoVo and CaR1) harbored mutation C1408T (R470C) in MLK4 gene. The mutation rate was extremely low compared to that previously reported. Therefore, we analyzed mutations in 46 colorectal cancer samples resected from the same number of Japanese patients. Surprisingly, none of the 46 samples contained any of the mutations reported. Based on our study, we advise that a more comprehensive tyrosine kinase gene mutation assay is necessary in the future.

Expression of tumor-associated antigen RCAS1 and its possible involvement in immune evasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) is known to induce apoptosis in its receptor-positive cells. The authors investigated RCAS1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its association with the apoptosis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

METHODS

In 130 patients with oral SCC, the expression of RCAS1 in tumor cells was immunohistochemically examined and the apoptosis of TILs was examined by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining.

RESULTS

RCAS1 was detected both on the cytoplasm and the membrane of tumor cells in 41 of 130 cases (31.5%). Focusing on the expression at the invasive front interacting with host immune cells, RCAS1 was detected in 22 of 130 cases (16.9%). The percentage of TUNEL-positive TILs in cases with RCAS1-positive SCCs was significantly higher than in cases with RCAS1-negative SCCs (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

RCAS1 can be expressed on oral SCC cells and may be involved in the tumor escape from the host immune system by inducing the apoptosis of TILs.

Functional changes induced by chronic UVA irradiation to cultured human dermal fibroblasts

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces damage of the skin, and in particular, photoageing is known to be the result of chronic UV irradiation. Many investigations have attempted to clarify the mechanisms of photoageing induced by chronic UVA irradiation, but consensus has not been achieved yet by in vivo experiments, mostly due to differences among UV sources and animals used for experiments. In vitro experiments have shown that a single exposure to UVA irradiation causes overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases and denaturation of collagen, but the mechanisms of the photoageing effects of chronic UVA irradiation are still unclear. To examine the effects of chronic UVA irradiation, we used an in vitro fibroblast cellular ageing system as a model of photoageing. Chronic UVA irradiation of normal human fibroblasts induced shortening of the cellular life span and an increase of cellular diameter, in parallel with expression of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. Extracellular degradation enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) was overexpressed after repeated UVA irradiation, but tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) expression was hardly changed by chronic UVA irradiation. We conclude that chronic UVA irradiation of normal human fibroblasts induces cellular functional changes, leading to accelerated cellular ageing and MMP-1 overexpression.

Relationship between intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography findings and perfusion lung scintigraphy results on first postoperative day

BACKGROUND

Although intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) has been used to detect the occurrence of echogenic macro- and/or microembolic phenomena during total hip arthroplasty (THA), no direct correlation between macroembolism and the formation of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been conclusively determined in early postoperative periods after THA.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients scheduled for primary THA were enrolled in this study. Intraoperative TOE images were continuously recorded on videotape and the echogenic events were evaluated throughout surgery. Perfusion lung scintigraphy was performed on the first postoperative day (POD1).

RESULTS

Perfusion lung scintigraphy revealed the existence of PE in nine (15%) of the 62 patients who underwent THA: five (25%) of 20 patients with cemented THA and four (10%) of 42 patients with non-cemented THA. The grading score of intraoperative TOE findings, including the amount of echogenic particles in right atrium, the longest time of echogenesis and the diameter of the largest echogenic particles, did not differ between the groups with and without PE. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the detection of echogenic macroemboli for the prediction of the development of PE on POD1 were 0.78, 0.60, 0.25 and 0.94, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative TOE monitoring did not predict the occurrence of PE on POD1.

Beneficial effects of troglitazone on neutrophil dysfunction in multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes are at high risk of acquiring bacterial infections. However, conflicting results have been reported on neutrophil function in diabetes. We periodically evaluated neutrophil dysfunction in multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, and then evaluated the effects of troglitazone and other thiazolidinediones (TZDs) on the decline of neutrophil function. Zymosan was injected intraperitoneally and neutrophil infiltration and phagocytosis were evaluated. While phagocytosis of zymosan by peritoneal neutrophils was consistently reduced in diabetic mice, neutrophil infiltration was decreased on day 30, but increased on day 40 after STZ injection. The in vitro chemotactic and phagocytic activities of blood neutrophils in mice that did not receive zymosan were consistently reduced in diabetic mice. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated superoxide production by zymosan-induced peritoneal neutrophils and the levels of zymosan-induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta in peritoneal exudate fluids were also reduced in the diabetic mice. Treatment of the diabetic mice with troglitazone beginning 2 weeks after STZ injection did not improve hyperglycaemia but did prevent the decline of zymosan-induced neutrophil infiltration on day 30, and additionally promoted the increased infiltration on day 40. Troglitazone also promoted the chemotactic activity of blood neutrophils isolated from normal mice in vitro. Rosiglitazone but not pioglitazone induced a similar effect. Neutrophil phagocytosis was not enhanced by troglitazone either in vivo or in vitro. Taken together, neutrophil function is impaired by STZ-induced diabetes, but inflammatory infiltration does not always vary with the chemotactic disability or cytokine levels. Furthermore, troglitazone and rosiglitazone were suggested to improve at least neutrophil chemotactic activity in these animals.

Expression of RUNX3 protein in human gastric mucosa, intestinal metaplasia and carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Human runt-related transcription factor gene 3 (RUNX3) is considered as a possible candidate of tumour suppressor gene in human gastric carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the RUNX3 protein expression in human gastric mucosa and carcinoma, we generated a polyclonal antibody, AS251, which recognized amino acid sequences from 251 to 266 of human RUNX3. The AS251 antibody was immunoreactive with only RUNX3 protein, but not with RUNX1 and RUNX2. The AS251-antibody was available for Western blotting and immunohistochemistry using paraffin-embedded specimens.

RESULTS

Western-blot analysis revealed that three (MKN-1, -7 and -45) of six human gastric carcinoma cell lines variably expressed RUNX3 protein, consistent with the expression pattern of RUNX3 mRNA reported previously by Li et al. (Cell 2002;109:113-24). Immunohistochemistry disclosed RUNX3 protein in most chief cells and a few gastrin-containing G cells in normal mucosa, but not in intestinal metaplasia and carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that RUNX3 may play a physiologic role in chief cells and G cells in gastric mucosa, and that suppression of RUNX3 expression in intestinal metaplasia and carcinoma of human stomach may be implicated in gastric carcinogenesis.

A soundscape study: What kinds of sounds can elderly people affected by dementia recollect?

In this study, the kinds of sounds recollected by elderly people with dementia were investigated as a first step towards improving their sound environment. Onomatopoeias were presented to elderly people as keys to recollecting sounds, and they told what they imagined from each onomatopoeia. The results are summarized as follows. (1) Generally speaking, sounds from nature, such as the songs of birds and the sound of rain were recollected easily from onomatopoeias, regardless of gender. (2) Sounds of kitchen work were recollected by women only. (3) Sounds from old routines were recollected clearly. (4) Sounds that elicited feelings of nostalgia were also recollected intensely from onomatopoeias. These results show that elderly people suffering from dementia are able to recollect the sounds that had once occupied very important parts of their lives. However, these sounds in themselves are not unusual sounds in their daily lives. This suggests the importance of soundscape design in daily life.

Characterization of Oita virus 296/1972 of Rhabdoviridae isolated from a horseshoe bat bearing characteristics of both lyssavirus and vesiculovirus

Oita virus 296/1972 was isolated from the blood of a wild horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus cornutus (Temminck) in 1972. We investigated the pathogenicity of this virus in mice in relation to its histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics and the entire sequence of nucleoprotein gene. This virus caused lethal encephalitis in mice through intracerebral route. This susceptibility of mice was until 3 weeks of age. Immunohistochemical analysis using the convalescent sera obtained from survived adult mice after intracerebral inoculation revealed that many neurons were positive in the cytoplasm, besides no cross reactivity with normal and rabies virus-infected mouse brain tissues to this anti-sera. Ultrastructural analysis disclosed many bullet-shaped and enveloped virions in neurons. These morphological characteristics of the virions are consistent of that of viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae. Budding from endoplasmic membrane suggests that this virus has a similarity with lyssaviruses. Molecular analysis of cDNA coding a tentative nucleoprotein sequence revealed homology with those of viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae. Distance matrix analysis of this gene sequence with those of other rhabdoviruses isolated from mammals disclosed the discrete position of this virus in the phylogenic tree of rhabdoviridae infecting mammals and we renamed this virus as Oita rhabdovirus.

Centrosome hyperamplification and chromosomal instability in bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a common feature of malignant tumors. Centrosome hyperamplification (CH) occurs frequently in human cancers, and may be a contributing factor in CIN. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CH and CIN in bladder cancer.

METHODS

Clinical samples obtained by transurethral resection from 22 patients with bladder cancer were examined (histological grade G1, 5 cases; G2, 6 cases; G3, 11 cases). CH was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using anti-pericentrin antibody. CIN was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH probes for pericentromeric regions of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17 were hybridized to touch preparations of nuclei from frozen tissues. We also analyzed the centrosome replication cycle of bladder cancer by laser scanning cytometry (LSC).

RESULTS

Of the 22 cases examined, 18 (81.8%) had centrosome hyperamplification: CH 0, 4 cases (18.1%); CH I, 5 cases (22.7%); CH II, 5 cases (22.7%); CH III, 8 cases (36.4%). The grade of CH was directly proportional to the histological grade (p=0.03, chi(2) test). LSC analysis showed that the centrosome replication cycle was well regulated in pathologically low-grade bladder cancer, which did not have chromosomal instability. In contrast, we found marked variability of centrosomes in pathologically high-grade bladder cancer, which had chromosomal instability. CH and CIN were both detected in pathologically high-grade tumors. The grade of CH was directly proportional to the CIN grade (p=0.0079, chi(2) test).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that CH may be involved in CIN in bladder cancer.

Improved interactive medical and public health education in Japan and Korea

We have carried out case based comparative studies in Japan, US and Korea with special reference to the medical education programme using standardized patients (SPs). The schools in US we have visited are still in the process further reforming interactive medical education. In Daegu, Korea, five medical schools have jointly started a working group for the betterment of medical education on a regular basis from the year 1999. The emphasis is on cooperative research on standardized patient training and its application. In Japan, the substantial activities for training and implementing SPs were later followed by several citizens who are active in training and providing SPs to medical schools and hospitals in need. In comparison to the established research oriented framework and flexible application of SPs in US and new & dynamic developmental discussions of SPs in Korea, the Japanese reality is a bit behind with less opportunity for research oriented trials.

Nucleotide sequence of the precore/core gene and X gene of hepatitis B virus DNA in asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carriers who are negative for serum hepatitis B core antibody

A hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier who is positive for hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen but negative for hepatitis B core (HBc) antibody despite persistent HBV infection, is designated as having hepatitis B virus 2 (HBV2). HBV2 is reported to be induced by mild-grade hepatitis. Patients with HBV2 have been reported in Taiwan and Senegal. In the present study, we determined the nucleotide (nt) sequence of the precore/core gene coding region and X gene region of the HBV DNA sequence in 7 subjects who were positive for HBs antigen and negative for HBc antibody. HBV DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nested PCR was carried out to amplify the precore/core and X open reading frames (ORFs) of HBV DNA. The second PCR products were sequenced, followed by investigation of nt homology. There were no deletions nor insertions in the nt sequence of the precore/core and X ORFs in the HBV DNA of these 7 patients, and mutations were found only sporadically in the 7 patients. Also, there were no common amino acid substitutions in the examined regions of the amino acid sequence of HBV in the 7 patients, and we could not find a common mutation in the examined regions of HBV DNA that could potentially contribute to the development of negativity for HBc antibody. Thus, it is suggested that negativity for HBc antibody in patients with HBV2 is due to an immune response abnormality in the host.

Clinicopathological features of serum TTV DNA-positive non-A-G liver diseases in Japan

This study was undertaken to detect TTV DNA in serum samples from patients with non-A, non-B, non-C, non-E, and non-G (non-A-G) liver diseases and from blood donors, and to investigate the clinicopathological features of TTV infection including its prevalence and influence on liver disease. The study population consisted of 20 patients with non-A-G liver diseases (nine with chronic hepatitis (CH), six with liver cirrhosis (LC), and five with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as 47 blood donors. Detection of TTV DNA was conducted with 200 &mgr;l of serum by the nested polymerase chain reaction. The detection rate of TTV DNA by subject category was CH 55.9; LC 66.7; HCC 60%; and blood donors 28%. Regarding blood biochemistry, TTV DNA-positive patients tended to show higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as lower levels of platelet counts. Long-term follow-up revealed that TTV DNA-positive patients exhibited characteristic, multiple peaks of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The histologic findings in the livers of TTV DNA-positive patients with CH consisted of moderate necro-inflammatory reactions. In conclusion, it is possible that the TTV genotype 1b infection caused liver injury.

Role of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) on paraquat intoxication

The possibility of establishing a new method of treatment against pulmonary fibrosis caused by acute paraquat intoxication, which takes into consideration the role of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), was investigated in paraquat-exposed rat lung mitochondria. In polyacrylamide electrophoresis, mitochondrial protein bands appeared, especially in the range of molecular weight 60 kDa and higher, whereas protein bands disappeared in the 20-40 kDa range on the 4th day after paraquat exposure. The protein profile was normalized on the 7th day and no remarkable changes were seen thereafter up to the 56th day. The changes seen during the observation period were thought to reflect the course of paraquat-induced dysfunction and subsequent repair. The malondialdehyde concentration in mitochondria decreased until the 7th day but subsequently increased and recovered to normal levels by the 56th day. The relative density of HSP60 increased until the 7th day but subsequently decreased and recovered to normal levels by the 56th day. These two parameters therefore showed symmetrical changes. The change in the malondialdehyde concentration was thought to reflect the course of activation of the antioxidation function in mitochondria and the progression of repair. The change in the relative density of HSP60 was thought to have increased to repair the proteins affected by the paraquat radical and to have normalized with the progression of healing. These results suggest that HSP60 may play an important role in preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat.

Clinical value of thymidine kinase in patients with cervical carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the clinical value of thymidine kinase (TK), which is an important pyrimidine pathway enzyme involved in salvage DNA synthesis, in patients with cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

We examined TK mRNA expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 19 tissue specimens of invasive cervical carcinoma and 9 normal cervices and related it to thymidylate synthase (TS) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) mRNA expressions. Serum TK level was determined by radioenzymatic assay in 79 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma, 7 patients with microinvasive carcinoma, 21 patients with carcinoma in situ and 32 normal women.

RESULTS

TK mRNA expression was upregulated in invasive cervical carcinoma compared with the normal cervix (p < 0.05) and significantly correlated with TS mRNA expression (p < 0.0001) but not with TP mRNA expression. The serum TK level was significantly higher in patients with invasive carcinoma than in normal women and patients with carcinoma in situ (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). In patients with invasive cervical carcinoma, the serum TK level significantly correlated with TK mRNA expression (p < 0.05), but not with any conventional clinicopathologic factors. High serum TK levels significantly correlated with a poorer survival (p < 0.05), and multivariate analysis showed serum TK level to be an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TK may play an important role in influencing the malignant behavior of cervical carcinoma, and measurement of the serum TK level may be useful in predicting survival in patients with cervical carcinoma.

Identification of a novel human ankyrin-repeated protein homologous to CARP

We cloned a novel ankyrin repeat protein, Arpp, by immunoscreening a cDNA library constructed from a human esophageal carcinoma cell line, TE1, with an antibody directed to a hypothetical protein encoded by antisense p53 mRNA. Arpp protein is composed of 333 amino acids and contains four ankyrin-like repeat motifs in the middle portion of the protein, a PEST-like sequence and a lysine-rich sequence similar to a nuclear localization signal in the N-terminal region, and a proline-rich region containing consensus phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal region. Protein sequence analysis revealed that Arpp is homologous (52.7% identity) to Carp which is shown to be involved in the regulation of the transcription of the cardiac ventricular myosin light chain 2 gene. Arpp mRNA was found to be expressed in normal skeletal and cardiac muscle. Interestingly, Arpp expression was detectable in bilateral ventricles, but undetectable in bilateral atria and large vessels, suggesting that Arpp may play a specific function in cardiac ventricles as well as skeletal muscles.

Detection of reciprocal fusion 5'-BCL6/partner-3' transcripts in lymphomas exhibiting reciprocal BCL6 translocations

It has been believed that replacement of the endogenous promoter and the non-coding first exon of the BCL6 gene by a sequence derived from the translocational partner gene is a main mechanism of the BCL6 dysregulation resulting from translocation. In this study, we found that reciprocal BCL6 translocation led to the expression of not only the 5'-partner/BCL6-3' fusion transcripts but also the 5'-BCL6/partner-3' fusion transcripts, suggesting that reciprocal 5'-BCL6/partner-3' fusion genes are transcriptionally active. These findings raise the possibility that reciprocal BCL-6 translocation may lead to dysregulation of the partner gene as well as the BCL6 gene.

Detection of HGV RNA in digestive organs

The organ where the GB virus (GBV)-C/hepatitis G virus (HGV) localizes and proliferates is not known. We examined the digestive organs for HGV RNA to determine the localization of the HGV. Two cases of patients with serum-positive HGV RNA were investigated. We embedded surgically excised materials and digestive secretion materials from cases 1 and 2 in paraffin blocks. The tissue specimens investigated included lymph nodes No. 201 and 202, ascending colon (nontumor and tumor area), ileocecum, appendix, liver (nontumor and tumor area) and gall bladder. We made cDNA after extraction of total RNA from thin tissue sections and detected HGV RNA with a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. No HGV RNA was detected in liver, colon and gall bladder tissues. HGV RNA was only detected in the appendix tissue. Comparison of nucleotide sequences of PCR products from serum and appendix was almost the same. Homology between US type (PNF2161) and the serum and appendix PCR products was 92.6 and 93.6%, respectively. These results suggest that HGV proliferates in the appendix and is carried by the portal blood flow to the liver, and may cause a hepatitis reaction in the liver.

Detection of serum and intrahepatic human hepatocyte growth factor in patients with type C liver diseases

We determined hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in the serum and liver of patients with hepatitis C and assessed the relationship to histological findings of the liver and hepatitis C virus-related markers in the serum in patients with type C liver diseases. The subjects were 108 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH), 70 patients with liver cirrhosis C (LC), 38 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 20 patients with acute hepatitis (AH). As normal controls 20 subjects were studied. The serum HGF levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Intrahepatic HGF was investigated by immunoperoxidase staining using monoclonal HGF antibody. The serum HGF level was highest in patients with AH. The serum HGF levels tended to be higher in patients with LC and HCC than those with CH. Further, the serum HGF level was related to the degree of intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis, and intrahepatic HGF was noted primarily in the cell membrane of mesenchymal cells in focal necrosis. The degree of intrahepatic HGF expression tended to be higher in patients with high serum HGF levels. In patients with HCC, however, HGF showed little localization in cancer cells, but was noted in infiltrating mesenchymal cells in both cancerous and noncancerous regions. In conclusion, the measurement of serum HGF levels may be useful for estimating the degree of intrahepatic inflammatory reaction and fibrosis. Although further study is necessary, the high serum level of HGF revealed high carcinogenic states in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis type C.

Histopathologic impact of TT virus infection on the liver of type C chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in Japan

The present investigation compared the histological findings in the liver of chronic hepatitis C patients who were or were not co-infected with TT virus (TTV) to determine the histological and clinical characteristics of TTV infection. One hundred eighty patients with chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis type C were included in this study. Serum samples were tested for the presence of TTV DNA by a nested polymerase chain reaction. The liver biopsy specimen of each patient was examined, and scores were assigned to indicate the severity of each of the following features: inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal, parenchymal, and portal areas; fibrous stage; lymphoid reaction in the portal area; portal sclerotic change; perivenular fibrosis; pericellular fibrosis; damage of bile duct; and irregular regeneration of hepatocytes. Sixty-four (34.4%) of the 180 patients were positive for TTV DNA. The histological features of the liver and the blood biochemical parameters of the TTV DNA-positive and TTV DNA-negative patients, did not differ significantly except for the score of irregular regeneration (IR) of hepatocytes. Among those in the F4 stage of fibrosis, the score of IR of the TTV DNA-positive patients was significantly higher than that of the TTV DNA-negative patients. In conclusion, chronic TTV infection does not modify the biochemical features of chronic hepatitis type C patients. TTV may be a risk factor, however, for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with type C liver disease in the F4 stage.

Immunoglobulin G and M hepatitis C virus core antibody (JCC.2) response in chimpanzees infected experimentally with hepatitis C virus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antibodies after HCV infection in acute hepatitis C.

METHODS

Serum HCV RNA and IgM and IgG HCV core antibodies were investigated using sera sequentially sampled from three chimpanzees experimentally infected with HCV. Serum IgG HCV core antibody titer was measured using a JCC.2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Chemo-Sera-Therapeutic Research Center, Kumamoto, Japan). IgM core antibody titer was measured using horseradish peroxidase-labeled monoclonal anti-human IgM as the secondary antibody for the JCC.2 ELISA kit. Serum HCV RNA was detected using the 5' noncoding region as the primer according to the reverse transcriptase (RT) nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and competitive RT-PCR method.

RESULTS

IgM JCC.2 antibody was detected when alanine aminotransferase (ALT) peaked, showing the closest correlation with the changes in ALT. A period during which IgM JCC.2 antibody was positive but HCV RNA as determined by RT-nested PCR was negative was observed after the elevation of ALT level.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate the usefulness of detection of serum IgM JCC.2 antibody in making a definitive diagnosis of acute hepatitis C and the follow-up observation of hepatitis C.

Serum concentration of interferon-alpha: a comparison between once-a-day and twice-a-day administration

The aim of this study was to determine the possible mechanism of the antiviral activity of twice daily administration of interferon (IFN)-alpha for active hepatitis C and to evaluate serum concentrations of IFN-alpha with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty-seven patients with active hepatitis C received IFN-alpha intramuscularly for 24 weeks. They were divided into once-a-day and twice-a-day groups. Changes in serum IFN-alpha levels were assessed during the treatment period. Compared with twice-a-day treatment, the once-a-day group showed no increase in serum IFN-alpha at the end of daily treatment (p < 0.03). In contrast, one-third of the twice-a-day group showed increased IFN-alpha at the end of daily treatment (p < 0.02). In conclusion, measured with ELISA, twice-daily administration of IFN-alpha manifested prolonged elevation in serum levels when compared with once daily administration.

Chemical and nutritional properties of hypoallergenic wheat flour

The chemical and nutritional properties were investigated of hypoallergenic wheat flour (HWF) prepared by the cellulase-actinase treatment. HWF was composed mainly of oligopeptides and free amino acids, and its average molecular weight was lower than 1,000. Feeding tests on rats showed that, with respect to the PER, GOT and GPT activities and other nutritional indices, the HWF diet was almost equivalent to the control diet which had been prepared from normal wheat flour (NWF). No abnormality was apparent in the main organs after the HWF diet had been fed for 3 weeks. The small intestinal absorption of the HWF diet was found normal by measuring the free amino acid concentration in the intestinal tract and in the portal vein plasma. These data suggest that the absorption of amino acids from the HWF diet was comparable with or more efficient than that from a simulated free amino acid diet.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid change. A case report

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a newly established entity of renal neoplasm with histological and molecular biological features different from those of common RCCs. Chromophobe RCC shows characteristically cloudy and reticular cytoplasm and cellular features resembling distal nephron. Its prognosis has been reported to be more favorable than that of common RCCs. Recently, however, several cases have been reported which showed sarcomatoid change to present poor prognosis. Here we present a case of chromophobe RCC with sarcomatoid change which was once resected surgically. The surgically resected tumor was histologically composed of chromophobe epithelial cell sheets and sarcomatoid elements. The former showed positivity for colloid iron staining, and was immunohistochemically positive for E-cadherin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), whereas the latter was positive for vimentin instead of colloid iron and E-cadherin. EMA was focally positive in the sarcomatoid element. The patient died with systemic metastases 14 months after the operation. Histologically, the metastatic tumors were composed only of sarcomatoid element lacking epithelial element. Based on these findings and previous reports, this case supports the existence of a tumor progression pathway from chromophobe to sarcomatoid RCC. It is necessary to perform careful postoperative investigation of chromophobe RCC due to its possible histological progression to the sarcomatoid subtype.

Persistent TT virus infection does not contribute to the development of non-A to -G hepatocellular carcinoma. A case-control study of 19 patients in Japan

We tested the sera of patients with non-A, non-B, non-C, non-G (non-A to -G) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the presence of TT virus (TTV) DNA and clinicopathologically elucidated the relationship between TTV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. The study cohort consisted of 19 patients with non-A to -G HCC. Detection of TTV DNA was performed by the nested polymerase chain reaction according to a previously published method. TTV DNA was detected in the sera of 9 (47.4%) of the 19 patients with non-A to -G HCC. The clinical background factors and blood biochemical parameters of the TTV-DNA-positive and -negative HCC patients did not significantly differ. Three TTV-DNA-positive and 2 TTV-DNA-negative patients underwent surgical resection of the HCC. The histological findings in the non-cancerous liver tissue of the TTV-DNA-positive and -negative patients did not significantly differ. In conclusion, TTV infection does not affect the features of non-A to -G HCC.

The clinical features of chronic hepatitis C are not affected by the coexistence of hepatitis B virus DNA in patients negative for hepatitis B surface antigen

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has been detected in the sera of hepatitis patients who are negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The purpose of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis C who are negative for serum HBsAg and positive for HBV DNA. The subjects included 49 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were negative for serum HBsAg and 119 blood donors who served as healthy controls. Serum samples were tested for the presence of HBV DNA by the nested PCR method. Serum HBV DNA was detected in 18 (37.7%) of the 49 chronic hepatitis C patients and in none (0%) of the 119 blood donors. Among the hepatitis C patients, HBV DNA was detected in 20.7% of those who were negative for all HBV-associated markers and in 57.1% of those who were positive for one or more HBV-associated marker. The HBV DNA-positive rate among those in each F stage did not significantly differ. The liver function parameters of the HBV DNA-positive and the HBV DNA-negative chronic hepatitis C patients did not significantly differ. These results suggest that hepatitis C virus is frequently coinfected with serum HBsAg-negative HBV, and that the incidence of HBV infection in blood donors is low. However, it is considered that HBsAg-negative HBV infection does not modify the blood biochemical features of chronic hepatitis C.

Inhibition of PSA flare in prostate cancer patients by administration of flutamide for 2 weeks before initiation of treatment with slow-releasing LH-RH agonist

BACKGROUND

A prospective randomized study was designed to determine whether flutamide (FLU) administered before treatment with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LH-RHa) prevented prostate-specific antigen (PSA) flare in prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

Prostate cancer patients were randomized into two groups and received either FLU (n = 11) or no pretreatment (n = 13) for 2 weeks before the initial injection of LH-RHa. LH-RHa (every 4 weeks) and FLU (every day) were administered throughout the period of this study. Blood samples, for the determination of PSA, testosterone (T), and luteinizing hormone levels, were collected before FLU administration, and before and 2, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84 days after the first administration of LH-RHa.

RESULTS

Treatment with FLU prior to LH-RHa induced an early decline in PSA level. The mean PSA level showed no significant secondary rise after LH-RHa administration in those patients with FLU pretreatment. Patients in both groups showed T flare after the first LH-RHa administration. However, the number of patients with PSA flare was significantly lower in patients with prior FLU administration than in those with LH-RHa alone.

CONCLUSION

These results clearly demonstrate that, in patients with prostatic cancer, the administration of FLU for 2 weeks prior to the first LH-RHa administration is effective in preventing PSA flare, as well as in inducing an early decline in PSA levels.

Irregular regeneration of hepatocytes is an important factor in the hepatocarcinogenesis of liver disease

The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of irregular regeneration of hepatocytes (IR) and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined the liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), and the noncancerous liver tissue in the surgically resected specimens from patients with HCC. Liver tissues were obtained from 18 patients with B-viral CLD, 38 with C-viral CLD, and 5 with nonB-nonC (NBNC)-CLD who underwent liver biopsy, and 24 patients with B-viral HCC, 67 with C-viral HCC, and 17 with NBNC-HCC who underwent surgical resection. The IR score of the noncancerous region of the liver of the HCC patients and that of the liver biopsy specimens of the CLD patients, were compared. Of the 108 samples of noncancerous liver tissue from the HCC patients, 70% showed an IR score of moderate or higher (IR = 3 or 4), and only 1.9% showed an IR score of none or minimal (IR = 0 or 1). The degree of IR of hepatocytes in the HCC patients was significantly more severe than that in the CLD patients in each etiological type of CLD. High IR may reflect the histologic expression of genetic instability, namely a carcinogenic state, although prospective studies are needed to determine its relationship to the risk for developing HCC.

Participatory assessment of the environment from children's viewpoints: development of a method and its trial

To understand the actual viewpoints of children about daily life and the environment, the authors, adopting a participatory strategy, visited 21 classes of Japanese school children, improved in a stepwise process their ways of question-asking, and developed "WIFY"(what is important for you); a set of interactive questions composed of a basic question and three accompanying instructions. In applying WIFY, 59 fourth graders, 22 in Nagasaki, Japan and 37 in Beijing, China, reported their viewpoints in each of classroom settings. In both settings, when children were allowed to communicate with each other by the use of WIFY answering sheet, spontaneous exchanges arose and continued. WIFY itself is supposed to bring out and enhance mutual collaboration and spontaneous networking. In this instance, WIFY functioned as a communication tool. When answering sheets were collected and obtained responses were analyzed as cases, a rather materialistic view was suggested among Japanese children and a more disciplined view, which put much value on school and home, was suggested among Chinese children. Further studies are needed to confirm the changing environmental views of children from the collaborative research framework.

[Evaluation of MRSA identification with latex agglutination kit for the detection of penicillin-binding protein 2]

MRSA is one of the major nosocomial pathogens, and methicillin-resistance is associated with acquisition of the mecA gene coding for the penicillin-binding protein 2' (PBP2'). MRSA-screen test (Denka Seiken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) is a slide latex agglutination kit which can detect PBP2' within 15 min. MRSA-screen test was compared with PCR for detection of the mecA gene in order to detect MRSA. S. aureus strains isolated from April to October in 1999 in Gifu Red Cross Hospital were identified as 25 MRSA and 19 MSSA by susceptibility testing to oxacillin by the agar dilution method according to the recommendation of the National Comittee for the Clinical Laboratory Standards. The MRSA screen test and PCR for the mecA gene showed sensitivites of 92.0 and 96.0% and specificities of 89.5 and 94.7%, respectively. It is considered that MRSA-screen is a rapid and reliable test for discrimination of MRSA from MSSA colonies on agar plates.

Full-length nucleotide sequence of a simian TT virus isolate obtained from a chimpanzee: evidence for a new TT virus-like species

Recently, we identified TT virus (TTV) isolates from nonhuman primates and named them simian TTV (s-TTV). To characterize the genomic structure of these isolates in more detail, the full-length nucleotide sequence of the s-TTV isolate (designated s-TTV CH65-1), recovered from a chimpanzee born in West Africa, was amplified by nested PCR with inverted primers deduced from the untranslated region of s-TTV DNA. CH65-1 was composed of 3899 nucleotides (nt) and had two open reading frames (ORF) spanning 2295 nt (ORF1) and 402 nt (ORF2). The sequence had only 52.3% similarity to the prototype TA278 human isolate. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that CH65-1 was distinct from the human TTV isolates. These results suggested that s-TTV may represent a new TTV-like viral species or genus.

Hepatitis C virus core protein activates the MAPK/ERK cascade synergistically with tumor promoter TPA, but not with epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor alpha

Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the mechanism of HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. Recently, however, the close relationships between the development of HCC and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) cascade have been described. In the present study, we investigated the effects of HCV core protein on this MAPK/ERK cascade. HCV core protein significantly activated the MAPK/ERK cascade, including Elk1. We also examined whether HCV core protein acted synergistically along with hepatocyte mitogen-mediated MAPK/ERK activation. Interestingly, Elk-1 activities were further enhanced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), but not by hepatocyte mitogens (epidermal growth factor [EGF] and transforming growth factor alpha [TGF-alpha]) in NIH3T3 cells and HepG2 cells expressing HCV core protein. Moreover, the MAPK/ERK activation by HCV core protein was blocked in the presence of the specific MEK1 inhibitor, PD98059. These results indicate that ERK activation by HCV core protein may be independent of hepatocyte mitogen-mediated signaling but synergistic with TPA, and HCV core protein may function at MEK1 or farther upstream of that component.

CSF phosphorylated tau protein and mild cognitive impairment: a prospective study

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau protein phosphorylated at both Thr231 and Ser235 sites (CSF/phospho-tau(231-235)) and total tau (CSF/total-tau) were quantified by sandwich ELISA in 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who eventually developed AD on follow-up as well as seven memory complainers with no objective memory loss. 13/20 (65%) of the MCI patients had high CSF/total-tau and detectable levels of CSF/phospho-tau(231-235), whereas these markers were low and under a detectable level in all of the memory complainers. Although either a total-tau, phospho-tau measurement or a combination of these can help in predicting if MCI will develop AD, our results suggest that the pathogenic steps of AD may be at the stage that finally leads to an accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau and neuron death, at least in some brain areas, when MCI patients present with the earliest detectable clinical symptoms of dementia.

Hepatitis G virus coinfection influences the liver histology of patients with chronic hepatitis C

AIMS/BACKGROUND

The present investigation compared the histological features of the liver of chronic hepatitis C patients who are or are not coinfected with hepatitis G virus (HGV) to determine the histological and clinical characteristics of HGV infection.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study included 194 patients with chronic hepatitis C who visited our institution between 1993 and 1995. Detection of serum HGV RNA was performed by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Scores were assigned to indicate the severity of each of the following features on the liver biopsy of a patient: inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal, parenchymal, and portal area; fibrous stage; lymphoid aggregates in the portal area; portal sclerotic change; perivenular fibrosis; pericellular fibrosis; bile duct damage; bridging necrosis; and irregular regeneration of hepatocytes (IR).

RESULTS

HGV RNA was detected in the sera of 18 (9.3%) of the 194 patients. The histological features of the HGV RNA-positive patients show significantly more severe bile duct damage, perivenular fibrosis, pericellular fibrosis and IR than the liver of the HGV RNA-negative patients. The biochemical results in the two groups did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that chronic HGV coinfection worsens the histological features of liver disease.