Preneoplastic prostate lesions: an opportunity for prostate cancer prevention

Environmental factors, especially the diet, play a prominent role in the epidemic of prostate cancer (PCA), in the United States. Many candidate dietary components have been proposed to influence human prostatic carcinogenesis, including fat, calories, fruits and vegetables, anti-oxidants, and various micronutrients, but the specific roles dietary agents play in promoting or preventing PCA remain controversial. We have collected evidence to suggest that GSTP1, the gene encoding the pi-class glutathione S-transferase (GST), may serve a "caretaker" function for prostatic cells. Although GSTP1 can be detected in normal prostatic epithelium, in almost all PCA cases, PCA cells fail to express GSTP1 polypeptides, and lack of GSTP1 expression most often appears to be the result of somatic "CpG island" DNA methylation changes. Loss of GSTP1 function also appears to be characteristic of prostatic epithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, thought to represent PCA precursors. We have recently learned that a new candidate early PCA precursor lesion, proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA), characterized by proliferating prostatic cells juxtaposed to inflammatory cells, contains epithelial cells that express high levels of GSTP1. These findings have formed the basis for a new model of prostatic carcinogenesis, in which prostatic cells in PIA lesions, subjected to a barrage of inflammatory oxidants, induce GSTP1 expression as a defense against oxidative genome damage. When cells with defective GSTP1 genes appear amongst the PIA cells, such cells become vulnerable to oxidants and electrophiles that inflict genome damage that tends to promote neoplastic transformation to PIN and PCA cells. Subsequently, PIN and PCA cells with defective GSTPI genes remain vulnerable to similar stresses tending to promote malignant progression. This new model for prostatic carcinogenesis has implications for the design of new prostate cancer prevention strategies. Rational prevention approaches might include: (i) restoration of GSTPI expression via treatment with inhibitors of CpG methylation, (ii) compensation for inadequate GSTPI activity via treatment with inducers of general GST activity, and (iii) abrogation of genome-damaging stresses via avoidance of exogenous carcinogens and/or reduction of endogenous carcinogenic (particularly oxidant) stresses.

GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation is responsible for the absence of GSTP1 expression in human prostate cancer cells

GSTP1 CpG island hypermethylation is the most common somatic genome alteration described for human prostate cancer (PCA); lack of GSTP1 expression is characteristic of human PCA cells in vivo. We report here that loss of GSTP1 function may have been selected during the pathogenesis of human PCA. Using a variety of techniques to detect GSTP1 CpG island DNA hypermethylation in PCA DNA, we found only hypermethylated GSTP1 alleles in each PCA cell in all but two PCA cases studied. In these two cases, CpG island hypermethylation was present at only one of two GSTP1 alleles in PCA DNA. In one of the cases, DNA hypermethylation at one GSTP1 allele and deletion of the other GSTP1 allele were evident. In the other case, an unmethylated GSTP1 allele was detected, accompanied by abundant GSTP1 expression. GSTP1 CpG island DNA hypermethylation was responsible for lack of GSTP1 expression by LNCaP PCA cells: treatment of the cells with 5-azacytidine (5-aza-C), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases, reversed the GSTP1 promoter DNA hypermethylation, activated GSTP1 transcription, and restored GSTP1 expression. GSTP1 promoter activity, assessed via transfection of GSTP1 promoter-CAT reporter constructs in LNCaP cells, was inhibited by SssI-catalyzed CpG dinucleotide methylation. Remarkably, although selection for loss of GSTP1 function may be inferred for human PCA, GSTP1 did not act like a tumor suppressor gene, as LNCaP cells expressing GSTP1, either after 5-aza-C treatment or as a consequence of transfection with GSTP1 cDNA, grew well in vitro and in vivo. Perhaps, GSTP1 inactivation may render prostatic cells susceptible to additional genome alterations, caused by electrophilic or oxidant carcinogens, that provide a selective growth advantage.

Mixture effects of JP-8 additives on the dermal disposition of jet fuel components

Aliphatic and aromatic components in formulated jet fuels can cause occupational dermatitis. However, the influence of JP-8 performance additives (DIEGME, 8Q21, and Stadis450) on the dermal disposition of fuel components is not well understood. These additives are formulated with commercial Jet-A to form military JP-8 fuel. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of these additives on the dermal disposition of marker aromatic and aliphatic components, naphthalene and dodecane, respectively. Porcine skin sections in an in vitro system were used to characterize chemical-biological interactions that modulate diffusion of jet fuel components and isolated perfused porcine skin flaps (IPPSFs) were used to evaluate diffusion in a viable skin model with an intact microvasculature. In these 5-h studies, Jet-A, Jet-A + DIEGME, Jet-A + 8Q21, and Jet-A + Stadis450, Jet-A + DIEGME + 8Q21, Jet-A + DIEGME + Stadis450, Jet-A + 8Q21 + Stadis450, and JP-8 mixtures were tested. In general, naphthalene absorption (0.76-2.39% dose) was greater than dodecane absorption (0.10-0.84% dose), while the IPPSFs alone demonstrated that dodecane absorption was significantly greater in JP-8 than in Jet-A. Synergistic interactions with 8Q21 + Stadis450 appear to enhance systemic absorption of either naphthalene or dodecane, while DIEGME + Stadis450 increased naphthalene (1.88% dose) and dodecane (2.02% dose) penetration into the skin and fat tissues of IPPSFs. These findings were supported by the fact that 8Q21 + Stadis450 significantly increased dodecane flux and permeability in porcine skin sections, but 8Q21 alone reduced marker diffusion in both membrane systems. Furthermore, dodecane is more likely than naphthalene to remain in the stratum corneum and skin surface at 5 h, and DIEGME mixtures played a significant role in skin and surface retention of both markers. In summary, the data suggest that various combinations of these three performance additives in JP-8 can potentially alter the dermal disposition of aromatic and aliphatic fuel components in skin. More importantly, products of two-factor interactions were not predictable from single-factor exposures and, by extension, cannot be extrapolated to three-factor interactions.

Potent induction of phase 2 enzymes in human prostate cells by sulforaphane

Two population-based, case-control studies have documented reduced risk of prostate cancer in men who consume cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferae contain high levels of the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is known to bolster the defenses of cells against carcinogens through up-regulation of enzymes of carcinogen defense (phase 2 enzymes). Prostate cancer is characterized by an early and near universal loss of expression of the phase 2 enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST)-pi. We tested whether sulforaphane may act in prostatic cells by increasing phase 2 enzyme expression. The human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP, MDA PCa 2a, MDA PCa 2b, PC-3, and TSU-Pr1 were treated with 0.1-15 microM sulforaphane in vitro. LNCaP was also treated with an aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts. Quinone reductase enzymatic activity, a surrogate of global phase 2 enzyme activity, was assayed by the menadione-coupled reduction of tetrazolium dye. Expression of NQO-1, GST-alpha, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase-heavy and -light chains, and microsomal GST was assessed by Northern blot analysis. Sulforaphane and broccoli sprout extract potently induce quinone reductase activity in cultured prostate cells, and this induction appears to be mediated by increased transcription of the NQO-1 gene. Sulforaphane also induces expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase light subunit but not the heavy subunit, and this induction is associated with moderate increases in intracellular glutathione levels. Microsomal and alpha-class glutathione transferases were also induced transcriptionally. Sulforaphane induces phase 2 enzyme expression and activity significantly in human prostatic cells. This induction is accompanied by, but not because of, increased intracellular glutathione synthesis. Our findings may help explain the observed inverse correlation between consumption of cruciferae and prostate cancer risk.

Mixture component effects on the in vitro dermal absorption of pentachlorophenol

Interactions between chemicals in a mixture and interactions of mixture components with the skin can significantly alter the rate and extent of percutaneous absorption, as well as the cutaneous disposition of a topically applied chemical. The predictive ability of dermal absorption models, and consequently the dermal risk assessment process, would be greatly improved by the elucidation and characterization of these interactions. Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a compound known to penetrate the skin readily, was used as a marker compound to examine mixture component effects using in vitro porcine skin models. PCP was administered in ethanol or in a 40% ethanol/60% water mixture or a 40% ethanol/60% water mixture containing either the rubefacient methyl nicotinate (MNA) or the surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or both MNA and SLS. Experiments were also conducted with 14C-labelled 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB). Maximal PCP absorption was 14.12% of the applied dose from the mixture containing SLS, MNA, ethanol and water. However, when PCP was administered in ethanol only, absorption was only 1.12% of the applied dose. There were also qualitative differences among the absorption profiles for the different PCP mixtures. In contrast with the PCP results, absorption of TCB or PCB was negligible in perfused porcine skin, with only 0.14% of the applied TCB dose and 0.05% of the applied PCB dose being maximally absorbed. The low absorption levels for the PCB congeners precluded the identification of mixture component effects. These results suggest that dermal absorption estimates from a single chemical exposure may not reflect absorption seen after exposure as a chemical mixture and that absorption of both TCB and PCB are minimal in this model system.

Factors influencing attachment of thermophilic bacilli to stainless steel

AIMS

This project aimed to investigate the mechanism of attachment of the vegetative cells and spores of thermophilic bacilli to stainless steel with a view to devising strategies to limit biofilm development and survival.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Spores and vegetative cells of bacterial isolates were exposed to protein denaturing agents (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and trypsin) and polysaccharide removing agents (sodium metaperiodate, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and lysozyme). Treatment with sodium metaperiodate, TCA and lysozyme increased the number of vegetative cells attaching in many of the strains studied, while SDS and trypsin decreased attachment. Spores attached to stainless steel in greater numbers than vegetative cells, and the various treatments had less effect on this attachment than for vegetative cells. Viability of the cells or spores was not an important factor in attachment, as cells and spores rendered non-viable also attached to stainless steel in similar numbers. Coating the stainless steel with skim milk proteins decreased the attachment of both vegetative cells and spores. There was no correlation between the degree of attachment and the amount of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) produced by each strain, surface hydrophobicity or zeta potential of vegetative cells or spores, though spores were found to be more hydrophobic than vegetative cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that biofilm formation by these thermophilic bacilli is probably a multifactorial process, and that cell-surface proteins play a very important role in the initial process of attachment during the formation of biofilms by these bacteria.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This information will provide direction for developing improved cleaning systems to control biofilms of thermophilic bacilli in dairy manufacturing plants.

Prevention of prostate cancer

Strategies for reducing the occurrence of prostate cancers will be critical in limiting the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The long latency period of prostate tumors and improved understanding of prostate carcinogenesis suggest opportunities for effective preventive measures. Because androgen is integral to prostatic carcinogenesis, several preventive strategies under investigation target the androgen axis. Epidemiologic and basic studies implicate dietary factors in prostate cancer development and suggest that altering diet may influence prostate cancer risk and progression. Many of the micronutrients with preventive potential have antioxidant properties; cellular defenses against oxidative stresses are likely to be crucial in reducing prostate carcinogenesis. This article summarizes the current status and opportunities in prostate cancer prevention.

Rapid detection of Bacillus stearothermophilus using impedance-splitting

An impedance splitting method was used to detect Bacillus stearothermophilus in suspension and attached to stainless steel surfaces. The effects of bacterial metabolism on the impedance of the culture medium and the ionic layers of the measuring electrodes were recorded using the BacTrac 4000 microorganism growth analyser. Impedance changes were measured at 55 degrees C. Seven of the eight media produced changes in the electrode impedance (E-value) and all media produced negligible changes in the impedance of the culture medium (M-value). Good correlations were obtained between cell numbers and the E-value measured over 18 h (r > 0.9) for the two strains of B. stearothermophilus tested in trypticase soy broth. The E-value correlations were used to estimate the numbers of both vegetative and spore forms of B. stearothermophilus as either planktonic or adhered cells. For the detection of B. stearothermophilus using impedance, only methods where the E-value impedance is recorded, can be used.

Role of cytologic criteria in the histologic diagnosis of Gleason grade 1 prostatic adenocarcinoma

Gleason grade 1 prostatic adenocarcinoma is defined by its gland architecture, which resembles that of benign prostate more than any other grade. It is characterized by closely spaced glands and expansile tumor border. Cytoplasm is clear to pale, superficially identical to benign nodular hyperplasia (BPH). However, there is recent evidence that prostatic "clear-cell carcinoma," including grade 1, has cytoplasm whose composition is distinctively different from BPH, being filled with lipid rather than with the protein-rich granules that characterize benign secretory cells or the nongranular protein matrix of other prostate cancers. We reasoned that grade 1 cancer might also have additional distinctive cellular features; we tested this hypothesis by observations on 17 grade 1 carcinoma foci found as components of transition zone clear-cell cancers. Unlike BPH secretory cells, cells of grade 1 cancer were uniformly large with even, straight borders laterally and luminally. Nuclei appeared sometimes benign but were fixed in a basal row dissimilar to the uneven distribution in BPH. Nuclear pyknotic foci, blue-tinged cytoplasm, and abundant dense luminal secretion were distinctively common. Immunostain for glutathione-S transferase was negative in grade 1 cancer but lightly positive in BPH secretory cells. These cytologic findings were proposed to be useful as diagnostic clues, especially in small-needle biopsy samples, in which architecture may be difficult to interpret. HUM PATHOL 32:441-446.

New molecular approaches for identifying novel targets, mechanisms, and biomarkers for prostate cancer chemopreventive agents

Recently developed complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray technology allows simultaneous assessment of expression on many hundreds or thousands of genes simultaneously. This technology holds great promise for providing new insights into prostate carcinogenesis that will reveal new targets for preventive intervention strategies. In addition, this technology will deepen understanding of the means by which putative preventive compounds exert their effects, generating molecular genetic biomarkers of treatment efficacy. Several putative preventive agents are currently under investigation, and development of novel preventive strategies poses significant challenges. High throughput approaches, such as cDNA microarrays, will speed discovery and progress in prostate cancer chemoprevention.

Use of methyl salicylate as a simulant to predict the percutaneous absorption of sulfur mustard

Exposure to chemical vesicants such as sulfur mustard (HD) continues to be a threat to military forces requiring protectant strategies to exposure to be evaluated. Methyl salicylate (MS) has historically been the simulant of choice to assess HD exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare the percutaneous absorption and skin deposition of MS to HD in the isolated perfused porcine skin flap (IPPSF). The HD data were obtained from a previously published study in this model wherein 400 microg cm(-2) of ](14)C[-MS or ](14)C[-HD in ethanol were topically applied to 16 IPPSFs and experiments were terminated at 2, 4 or 8 h. Perfusate was collected at increasing time intervals throughout perfusion. Radioactivity was determined in perfusate and skin samples. Perfusate flux profiles were fitted to a bi-exponential model Y(t) = A(e(-bt) - e(-dt)) and the area under the curve (AUC), peak flux and time to peak flux were determined. Sulfur mustard had more pronounced and rapid initial flux parameters (P < 0.05). The AUCs determined from observed and model-predicted parameters were not statistically different, although the mean HD AUC was 40--50% greater than MS. The HD skin and fat levels were up to twice those seen with MS, but had lower stratum corneum and residual skin surface concentrations (P < 0.05). Compared with other chemicals studied in this model, HD and MS cutaneous disposition were very similar, supporting the use of MS as a dermal simulant for HD exposure.

GSTP1 CpG island DNA hypermethylation in hepatocellular carcinomas

Glutathione S-transferases, enzymes that defend cells against damage mediated by oxidant and electrophilic carcinogens, may be critical determinants of cancer pathogenesis. We report here that the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common cancers in the world, frequently involves an accumulation of somatic <CpG island> DNA methylation changes at GSTP1, the gene encoding the pi-class glutathione S-transferase. For our study, Hep3B HCC cells and a cohort of 20 HCC tissue specimens were subjected to analysis for GSTP1 expression and for somatic GSTP1 alterations. GSTP1 <CpG island> DNA hypermethylation in HCC DNA was assessed by Southern blot analysis, via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and by using a genomic sequencing approach. Hep3B HCC cells failed to express GSTP1 mRNA or GSTP1 polypeptides. Similarly, HCC cells in 19 of 20 HCC cases were devoid of GSTP1 polypeptides. By Southern blot analysis, DNA from Hep3B HCC cells displayed abnormal GSTP1 <CpG island> hypermethylation. Treatment of Hep3B HCC cells in vitro with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-deoxycytidine both reversed GSTP1 <CpG island> DNA hypermethylation and restored GSTP1 expression. Using a PCR assay, somatic GSTP1 <CpG island> DNA hypermethylation was also detected in HCC DNA from 17 of 20 HCC cases. Genomic sequencing analyses, undertaken to map 5-methyldeoxycytidine nucleotides located at the GSTP1 transcriptional regulatory region, frequently detected somatic DNA hypermethylation near the gene promoter in HCC DNA. The data indicate that GSTP1 <CpG island> DNA hypermethylation changes appear frequently in human HCC. In addition, the data raise the possibility that somatic GSTP1 inactivation, via <CpG island> hypermethylation, may contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC.

Dermatoxicokinetic modeling of p-nitrophenol and its conjugation metabolite in swine following topical and intravenous administration

The development of a dermatotoxicokinetic (dTK) model for p-nitrophenol (PNP), a common metabolite from a variety of compounds and a biomarker of organophosphate (OP) insecticide exposure, may facilitate the kinetic modeling and risk assessment strategy for its parent compounds. In order to quantify and then clarify in vivo-in vitro correlation of PNP disposition, multicompartment kinetic models were formulated. Female weanling pigs were dosed with [14C]PNP intravenously (150 microg in ethanol, n = 4) or topically onto non-occluded abdominal skin (300 microg/7.5cm2 in ethanol, n = 4). PNP and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucuronide (PNP-G) profiles were determined in plasma and urine in addition to total 14C quantitation in many other samples. Disposition parameters (rate constants, Ftop, T12, T1/2Ka, AUC, Vss, Clp, MAT, and MRT) and the simulated chemical mass-time profiles on the dosed skin surface and in the local, systemic, and excretory compartments were also determined. Total recoveries of 97.17 +/- 4.18% and 99.80 +/- 2.41% were obtained from topical and intravenous experiments, respectively. Ninety-six hours after topical and intravenous application, 70.92 +/- 9.72% and 98.65 +/- 2.43% of the dose were excreted via urine, and 0.55 +/- 0.16% and 0.51 +/- 0.10% via the fecal route, respectively. Peak excretion rate and time were also determined. It was suggested by experimental observation and modeling that urinary 14C excretion correlates with the systemic tissue depletion profile well and may be used as a biomarker of PNP exposure. This study also supports the strategy of using urinary PNP as a biomonitoring tool for OP pesticide exposure, although some precautions have to be taken. The strategy used in this study will be useful in comprehensive dTK modeling in dermal risk assessment and transdermal drug delivery.

Comparative in vitro percutaneous absorption of nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE-4 and NPE-9) through human, porcine and rat skin

The purpose of this study was to assess the percutaneous absorption of nonylphenol (NP) and the nonylphenol ethoxylates, NPE-4 and NPE-9, in human, porcine and rat skin. In vitro studies with the NPEs were conducted for 8 h in flowthrough diffusion cells using topical solutions of 0.1, 1.0 and 10% in PEG-400 or 1% in water (NPE-9 only). NP absorption was assessed as a 1% solution in PEG-400. All compounds were 14C ring-labeled and radioactivity in perfusate was monitored over time. Skin deposition was measured at the termination of the experiment. Absorption into perfusate and total penetration (compound absorbed plus compound sequestered in skin) were calculated. Absorption of NPE-4, NPE-9 and NP was similar across all species at less than 1% of the applied dose over 8 h. Penetration was generally below 5% of applied dose, the majority located in the stratum corneum. In all species and for both NPEs, the fraction of dose absorbed was highest for the lowest applied dose. Absorptions expressed as actual mass absorbed over 8 h were similar (approximately 0.3 microg/cm2) across all concentrations. Penetration, but not absorption, was greater from a water vehicle compared to a PEG-400 vehicle, particularly in rat skin. These studies suggest that NP, NPE-4 and NPE-9 were minimally absorbed across skin from all three species. Fractional absorption was concentration-dependent, making the actual absorbed flux constant across all doses.

Dermal absorption and distribution of topically dosed jet fuels jet-A, JP-8, and JP-8(100)

Dermal exposure to jet fuels has received increased attention with the recent release of newer fuels with novel performance additives. The purpose of these studies was to assess the percutaneous absorption and cutaneous disposition of topically applied (25 microl/5 cm(2)) neat Jet-A, JP-8, and JP-8(100) jet fuels by monitoring the absorptive flux of the marker components 14C naphthalene and (3)H dodecane simultaneously applied nonoccluded to isolated perfused porcine skin flaps (IPPSF) (n = 4). Absorption of 14C hexadecane was estimated from JP-8 fuel. Absorption and disposition of naphthalene and dodecane were also monitored using a nonvolatile JP-8 fraction reflecting exposure to residual fuel that might occur 24 h after a jet fuel spill. In all studies, perfusate, stratum corneum, and skin concentrations were measured over 5 h. Naphthalene absorption had a clear peak absorptive flux at less than 1 h, while dodecane and hexadecane had prolonged, albeit significantly lower, absorption flux profiles. Within JP-8, the rank order of absorption for all marker components was (mean +/- SEM % dose) naphthalene (1.17 +/- 0.07) > dodecane (0.63 +/- 0.04) > hexadecane (0.18 +/- 0.08). In contrast, deposition within dosed skin showed the reverse pattern. Naphthalene absorption into perfusate was similar across all fuel types, however total penetration into and through skin was highest with JP-8(100). Dodecane absorption and total penetration was greatest from JP-8. Absorption of both markers from aged JP-8 was lower than other fuels, yet the ratio of skin deposition to absorption was greatest for this treatment group. In most exposure scenarios, absorption into perfusate did not directly correlate to residual skin concentrations. These studies demonstrated different absorption profiles for the three marker compounds, differential effects of jet fuel types on naphthalene and dodecane absorption, and uncoupling of perfusate absorption from skin disposition.

Streptococcus waius sp. nov., a thermophilic Streptococcus from a biofilm

Thermophilic streptococci were isolated from biofilms on stainless steel samples exposed to pasteurized skimmed milk and from dairy products from a dairy manufacturing plant. The phenotypic characters of these isolates were distinct from those of other thermophilic streptococci of dairy origin (Streptococcus thermophilus and Streptococcus bovis). Genotypic data [restriction endonuclease analysis, ribotyping, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles, DNA-DNA hybridization and G + C contents] support the classification of these isolates as a new species. The sequence of the 16S rRNA was compared with that of 29 species of streptococci and shown to be significantly different. The sequence of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region also differed from published sequences of closely related species. A fluorescent in situ hybridization probe prepared to a specific part of the 16S rRNA gene sequence was able to distinguish the unknown isolates from reference isolates of S. thermophilus and S. bovis. It is proposed that these thermophilic streptococcal isolates from a dairy environment be classified in the genus Streptococcus as a new species, Streptococcus waius (from waiu, the New Zealand Maori word for milk). The type strain is 3/1T (= NZRCC 20100T).

CG island methylation changes near the GSTP1 gene in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is a purported prostate cancer precursor lesion and a candidate biomarker for efficacy assessment in prostate cancer chemoprevention trials. Loss of expression of the pi-class glutathione S-transferase enzyme GSTP1, which is associated with the hypermethylation of deoxycytidine residues in the 5'-regulatory CG island region of the GSTP1 gene, is a near-universal finding in human prostate cancer. GSTP1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 60 high-grade PIN samples adjacent to and distant from prostate adenocarcinoma. Whereas abundant enzyme polypeptide expression was evident in all normal prostatic tissues, all samples of high-grade PIN and adenocarcinoma were completely devoid of GSTP1. DNA from 10 high-grade PIN lesions was analyzed for GSTP1 CG island methylation changes using a PCR technique targeting a polymorphic (ATAAA)n repeat sequence in the promoter region of the GSTP1 gene. Somatic GSTP1 CG island methylation changes were detected in DNA from 7 of the 10 PIN lesions. Allele discrimination was possible for 5 of the 10 DNA samples: 2 of the 5 samples exhibited DNA methylation changes at both alleles; whereas 3 samples displayed no DNA methylation changes at either allele. GSTP1 CG island methylation changes were present in each of the five homozygous samples. Hypermethylation of the 5'-regulatory region of the GSTP1 gene may serve as an important molecular genetic biomarker for both prostate cancer and PIN. The finding of frequent GSTP1 methylation changes in PIN and prostate cancer supports a role for PIN lesions as a prostate cancer precursor and may provide insight to the molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer.

Male pelvic anatomy reconstructed from the visible human data set

PURPOSE

To improve understanding of the male pelvic anatomy pertinent to urological surgery we performed computer generated, 3-dimensional reconstruction of the male pelvis from the Visible Human data set.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 discrete anatomical structures, including the prostate, bladder, urethra, rectum and pelvic musculature, was segmented from the Visible Human cross-sectional data obtained from the National Library of Medicine. Using high speed computing and rendering software, 3-dimensional models of each structure were generated and assembled into composite figures.

RESULTS

These reconstructions offer a revised view of pelvic anatomy as it has been traditionally depicted. The lateral surfaces of the levator ani muscle are oriented vertically in the pelvis and directly applied to the entire lateral surface of the prostate. The bladder rests primarily anterior to the prostate rather than directly above it, as has been commonly depicted. In the cross-sectional data and reconstructions the trigone and anterior fibromuscular stroma of the prostate appear as a single unit in continuity, which may have functional implications for understanding the mechanisms of continence at the bladder neck. The striated urethral sphincter appears circular with abundant tissue posteriorly. This sphincteric muscle has greater length anteriorly than posteriorly.

CONCLUSIONS

These 3-dimensional reconstructions provide unique insights into male pelvic anatomy. They are a useful teaching tool for investigation and virtual reality modeling of the male pelvis.

Pentachlorophenol dermal absorption and disposition from soil in swine: effects of occlusion and skin microorganism inhibition

Residue of the environmentally relevant biocide pentachlorophenol (PCP) is found mainly in soil, making dermal contact one of the primary routes for PCP exposure. To quantify exposure effects on dermal absorption and systemic disposition, [14C-UL]PCP was dosed nonocclusively or occlusively at 40 micrograms/cm2 in a soil-based mixture in an in vivo swine model. Additionally, antibiotics were also codosed with occlusive PCP in soil to examine the impacts of skin microbial PCP biodegradation on total dermal absorption. Under nonocclusive, occlusive, and occlusive-antibiotic conditions, total radiolabel absorption by 408 hr was 29.08, 100.72, and 86.21% dose, respectively. Tissue accumulation of PCP and its labeled metabolite(s) was very significant in swine since one-half to two-thirds of the absorbed dose was still present in tissues by 17 days after PCP dermal exposure. High 14C concentrations were found in liver, kidney, lung, ovary, and uterus. Urine and fecal routes were equally important for label excretion from the body. Occlusion enhanced total dermal absorption and changed the shape of the absorption profiles in the blood and plasma. Skin microorganism inhibition retarded 14C dermal absorption, altered local and systemic tissue distribution, and increased plasma/blood concentration ratios, suggesting skin microbial PCP degradation might play an important role in the altered absorption and disposition by occlusion. This study demonstrated significant dermal absorption and extensive tissue persistence of PCP after soil exposure. Occlusion and skin microflora growth may greatly impact dermal absorption, cutaneous disposition, and systemic toxic input. Therefore, exposure-specific PCP absorption and disposition profiles must be taken into consideration in risk analysis.

Differentiation of colonic metaplasia from adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder

Colonic metaplasia and primary bladder adenocarcinoma are relatively uncommon entities that can have similar gross clinical appearances. Examples of colonic metaplasia histologically mimicking cancer have only rarely been reported. We retrospectively analyzed 38 cases of cystitis glandularis (18 cases of colonic metaplasia), 12 cases of adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder (two well-differentiated, WDA), and one in situ adenocarcinoma from the surgical pathology files of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nine patients with colonic metaplasia had widespread lesions. Two showed superficial muscularis propria involvement, mimicking adenocarcinoma; one of these cases had been diagnosed as infiltrating WDA at both an academic center and a community hospital. Dissecting mucin pools were focally seen in four cases of widespread colonic metaplasia, also mimicking cancer. One of the nine cases showed minimal cytological atypia, but no cases showed mitoses or signet ring cells. Distinguishing WDA from colonic metaplasia was the finding in WDA of infiltrative architectural pattern (two of two), extensive muscle invasion (two of two), moderate anaplasia (one of two), mitotic figures (two of two), and extensive mucinous pools (one of two). The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ was based on anaplasia. Clinically, colonic metaplasia may resemble cancer. Histologically, colonic metaplasia may mimic cancer based on extensive involvement of the lamina propria, focal mucinous pools, focal muscularis propria involvement, focal mild cytological atypia, and rare mitoses. Despite overlapping features with colonic metaplasia, the diagnosis of WDA is based on the greater degree and extent of these atypical findings in cancer.

The influence of cell surface properties of thermophilic streptococci on attachment to stainless steel

The quality of milk products is threatened by the formation of biofilms of thermophilic streptococci on the internal surfaces of plate heat exchangers used in milk processing. Although attachment to stainless steel surfaces is one of the first stages in the development of a biofilm, the mechanisms involved in attachment have not been reported. The cell surface properties of 12 strains of thermophilic streptococci were examined to determine their importance in attachment to stainless steel surfaces. Hydrophobicity, extracellular polysaccharide production and cell surface charge varied between the different strains but could not be related to numbers attaching. Treating the cells with sodium metaperiodate, lysozyme or trichloroacetic acid to disrupt cell surface polysaccharide had no effect on attachment. Treatment with trypsin or sodium dodecyl sulphate to remove cell surface proteins resulted in a 100-fold reduction in the number of bacteria attaching. This result suggests that the surface proteins of the thermophilic streptococci are important in their attachment to stainless steel.

Use of the Malthus conductance growth analyser to determine numbers of thermophilic streptococci on stainless steel

The use of the Malthus conductance growth analyser for the detection of Streptococcus bovis attached to stainless steel surface was evaluated. A comparison between the results from acridine orange epifluorescence direct counts, swab recovery viable count and conductance estimates of attached cell concentrations, based on calibrations for planktonic cells, showed that the conductance results were up to 2 log10 greater than the epifluorescence results and the swab counts. The growth rates of planktonic and attached cells were similar over 16 h using the Malthus technique. This suggests that the Malthus technique detects more attached cells of Strep. bovis than epifluorescence microscopy or swab recovery.