Expression of zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis: a tissue microarray and clinicopathological analysis

Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) is a novel transcriptional repressor. ZHX2 protein expression and its clinicopathological significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze ZHX2 protein expression in a range of liver tissues obtained from cholangitis, cirrhosis, adjacent non-tumorous tissues, primary HCC tissues, and matched metastatic lesions by using Tissue microarray (TMA) technology and compare our findings with clinicopathological parameters. ZHX2 protein expression was detected only in HCC tissues. ZHX2 expression was associated with clinical stage of the disease. The rate of ZHX2 expression was approximately twice as high in stage III-IV (31.25%) compared with stage I-II (16.5%). These results demonstrated that ZHX2 protein may take part in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and HCC progression. In addition, ZHX2 expression in primary lesions with metastasis was significantly higher than without metastasis. ZHX2 expression in metastatic lesions (45.5%) was as approximately twice as higher than that in primary lesions (24.2%) from the same patient. According to these results, ZHX2 was associated with metastasis in HCC.

Robust Parametric Modeling Approach Based on Domain Knowledge for Computer Aided Detection of Vertebrae Column Metastases in MRI

This study evaluates a robust parametric modeling approach for computer-aided detection (CAD) of vertebrae column metastases in whole-body MRI. Our method involves constructing a model based on geometric primitives from purely anatomical knowledge of organ shapes and rough variability limits. The basic intensity range of primary 'simple' objects in our models is derived from expert knowledge of image formation and appearance for certain tissue types. We formulated the classification problem as a multiple instance learning problem for which a novel algorithm is designed based on Fisher's linear discriminant analysis. Evaluation of metastases detection algorithm is done on a separate test set as well as on the training set via leave-one-patient-out approach.

High-dose cytosine-arabinoside and cisplatin regimens as salvage therapy for refractory or relapsed AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

No effective salvage regimen has been defined for patients with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) who do not respond to first-line chemotherapy that contains anthracycline. Combined dexamethasone, cytosine arabinoside, and cisplatin (DHAP) and etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytosine arabinoside, and cisplatin (ESHAP) have shown good response rates in HIV-negative patients with relapsed lymphomas. We retrospectively analyzed patients with refractory or relapsed AIDS-NHL who had been treated with either DHAP or ESHAP to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these regimens. Twenty-six patients with refractory or relapsed AIDS-NHL were treated between 1990 and 1999 either with DHAP ( n = 13) or with ESHAP ( n = 13). Only 1 patient from each group (8%) had achieved complete remission with any previous therapy, and most had progressive disease after the regimen immediately preceding DHAP or ESHAP. In the ESHAP group, 4 patients (31%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 3 patients (23%) attained partial remission (PR) for an overall response rate of 54%. The median survival was 7.1 months (range, 1-58.9+ months) from the time ESHAP was begun. Among the 3 patients with primary refractory lymphoma, there was 1 CR, 1 PR, and one patient with stable disease. In contrast, only 1 PR (7%) was observed with DHAP; the median survival was 3 months. Myelosuppression was the most significant toxicity with grade 4 neutropenia occurring in all who received ESHAP and in 54% of patients treated with DHAP. Neutropenic fever occurred in 8 (62%) ESHAP-treated and 6 (46%) DHAP-treated patients. Although hematologic toxicity is profound, ESHAP appears to be an active salvage regimen for patients with relapsed or refractory AIDS-NHL.

[Transcatheter arterial embolization of aneurysmal-type renal arteriovenous fistula: a case report]

We report a case of aneurysmal-type renal arteriovenous fistula, which was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). A 73-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of an incidental abnormal renal mass detected by computed tomography (CT). CT scan showed a round mass (4 x 3 x 3 cm) in the right kidney. Magnetic resonance (MR)-angiography and angiography revealed an aneurysmal type renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The patient was treated with TAE using detachable coils. CT, MR-angiography and angiography are useful means for the diagnosis of renal arteriovenous fistula. TAE is a powerful treatment for renal arteriovenous fistula.

Upregulation of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I expression by ethanol

Acute and chronic ethanol ingestion cause embryopathy similar to that of hyper- or hypovitaminosis A. Experimental data have suggested interaction between vitamin A and alcohol signaling pathways at the level of metabolic interference, which ultimately affects the concentration of retinoic acid (RA) in animals. The present study was set up to examine the possible effects of alcohol on cellular RA binding protein I (CRABP-I) expression during embryonic development by using transgenic mouse embryos and P19 embryonal carcinoma cells as experimental models. It was found that expression of the mouse CRABP-I gene was elevated in developing embryos at mid-gestation stages as a result of ethanol consumption by the mothers. Specific elevation of this gene was detected in the limb bud and the gut. In the P19 model, the CRABP-I gene was directly upregulated by ethanol, which was not blocked by a protein synthesis inhibitor. Furthermore, the regulation of the CRABP-I gene by ethanol was mediated by the 5' upstream regulatory region of the CRABP-I gene promoter. A potential interaction of vitamin A and ethanol at the level of CRABP-I gene expression is discussed.

Regulation of mouse kappa opioid receptor gene expression by retinoids

The effect of retinoids on the expression of kappa opioid receptor (KOR) gene was examined in normal and transgenic animals. KOR-lacZ transgene expression was specifically elevated in KOR-positive areas of the developing CNS by depleting vitamin A from animal diets. The endogenous KOR mRNA species, including all three isoforms, were also upregulated by depleting vitamin A in developing animals. Change in the expression of isoforms a and b is similar in prenatal stages but differs during postnatal development. Interestingly, upregulation of isoform c is most significant postnatally. The regulation of KOR gene by vitamin A was substantiated in a mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 culture system in which retinoic acid (RA), the most potent ingredient of vitamin A, was able to suppress the expression of all the three KOR isoforms and KOR protein. The RA-mediated suppression was blocked by an RA receptor antagonist and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. By using a reporter transfection assay in P19 cells, the potential genetic element responsible for RA-mediated suppression of KOR gene expression was located to intron 1 of the mouse KOR gene, which could also be blocked by HDAC inhibitor. Furthermore, suppression of KOR gene expression by RA in P19 cells appeared to be an indirect event and required protein synthesis. A role of RA in KOR gene regulation during developmental stages was discussed.

An intronic Ikaros-binding element mediates retinoic acid suppression of the kappa opioid receptor gene, accompanied by histone deacetylation on the promoters

The mouse kappa opioid receptor (KOR) gene is constitutively expressed in mouse embryonal carcinoma P19 stem cells and suppressed by retinoic acid (RA) in cells undergoing neuronal differentiation. A negative regulatory element is located within intron 1 of the KOR gene, which contains an Ikaros (Ik)-binding site (GGGAAgGGGAT). This sequence is an Ik-1 respondive, functionally negative element as demonstrated in the context of both natural KOR and heterologous promoters. The two underlined G residues of the second half-site are critical for Ik-1 binding and Ik-mediated repression of the KOR gene. RA induces Ik-1 expression within 1 day of treatment and suppresses KOR expression between 2 and 3 days. Overexpression of Ik-1 in P19 suppresses endogenous KOR gene expression, accompanied by increased binding of Ik-1 to the Ik-binding site and chromatin histone deacetylation on KOR promoters. It is proposed that in an RA-induced P19 differentiation model, RA elevates Ik-1 expression, which recruits histone deacetylase to intron 1 of the KOR gene and silences KOR gene promoters.

[Ectopic osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells induced by bone morphogenetic protein]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ectopic osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) induced by bone morphogenetic protein(BMP) in vitro and in vivo, providing the experimental evidence for making an artificial bone with its own capacity of bone formation.

METHODS

MSC were separated and cultured from bone marrow of Wistar rats, MSC were co-cultured with BMP in vitro (cultured in plate and diffuse chamber). Artificial coral hydroxyapatites (CHA) with MSC and BMP were implanted into dorsal muscles of Wistar rats, their bone formation were observed by morphological examination, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Only cartilaginous matrix were produced by MSC in vitro (cultured in plate and diffuse chamber), and both cartilaginous and bone matrix production within the combined grafts were seen. The bone formation of experimental groups (CHA + BMP + MSC) was stronger than that of control A(CHA + MSC) and control B(CHA).

CONCLUSION

It may be possible to produce an artificial bone with its own capacity of bone formation by combined graft (CHA + BMP + MSC). There may be multiple factors as well as BMP inducing bone formation both in the whole body and the location of the implantation. Further research on these factors will have the significance for making the ideal artificial bone.

A clinical study of yi zhi capsules in prevention of vascular dementia

The raised score in the revised Hasegawa dementia scales (HDS) demonstrated that the effect of Yi Zhi Capsules (YZC) in treating loss of intellectual function after cerebrovascular diseases was significantly better than that of the western drug Piracetam [symbol: see text] (P < 0.01). The morbidity of vascular dementia was much lower in the treatment group than that of the control group (P < 0.05) after a one-year follow-up; and the blood lipid level and some indexes in rheological examinations were also improved significantly (P < 0.05, or < 0.01). The data indicate that YZC is a relatively good preparation for prevention of vascular dementia.

Post-transcriptional regulation of mouse kappa-opioid receptor expression

Three mRNA variants are generated from the mouse kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) gene. The expression patterns of these KOR mRNA variants in adult animal tissues and during developmental stages are examined. Furthermore, the biological significance of generating these variants is demonstrated with respect to two post-transcriptional mechanisms, i.e., mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Variants A and B are both transcribed from promoter 1 of the KOR gene and expressed from early developmental stages through adult life. Although their sequences differ only at a 30-nucleotide insertion for variant B, these two variants are distinct with regard to their expression patterns, mRNA stability, and translation efficiency. Variant A is expressed ubiquitously in all the tissues examined and has a longer t(1/2) (12 h), whereas variant B is more specific to the central nervous system both pre- and postnatally and has a t(1/2) of approximately 8 h. Variant C is transcribed from promoter 2 of the KOR gene and is most specifically expressed, being detected only in the brain stem, spinal cord, and thalamic/hypothalamic areas of postnatal animals. With regard to protein translation, variants B and C are significantly more efficient than variant A. This study provides the evidence for multiple levels of KOR regulation. The biological implication of the generation of KOR mRNA variants is discussed.

Characterization, chromosomal assignment, and tissue expression of a novel human gene belonging to the ARF GAP family

We have identified and characterized a novel human ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein (ARFGAP1) gene that is related to other members of the ARF GAP family. The full-length cDNA for human ARFGAP1 was cloned following the identification of an EST obtained by large-scale cDNA library sequencing through a Blast search of public databases. Structurally, ARFGAP1 encodes a polypeptide of 516 amino acids, which contained a typical GATA-1-type zinc finger motif (CXXCX(16)CXXC) with the four cysteine residues that are highly conserved among other members of the ARF GAP family. The conserved ARF GAP domain may emphasize the biological importance of this gene. The ARFGAP1 gene, which contained 16 exons ranging from 0.5 to 9.3 kb, was mapped to human chromosome 22q13.2-q13.3 using radiation hybridization and in silico analyses. ARFGAP1 is strongly expressed in endocrine glands and testis. Interestingly, the expression of ARFGAP1 in testis is about sixfold higher than that in ovary, indicating a possible role of ARFGAP1 in the physiological function of sperm. Expression of ARFGAP1 in four human fetal tissues and seven cancer cell lines was also detected.

Advances in the diagnosis and management of thyroid neoplasms

Thyroid cancers are still the most common endocrine cancers. They are dominated by well-differentiated carcinomas, including papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma, and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Diagnosis is based on fine-needle aspiration cytologic examination. Recently, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection of cancer-specific mRNA was shown to be a useful adjunct in both initial diagnosis and detection of recurrent disease. In addition, positron emission tomography has become a valuable tool for staging and surveillance of thyroid cancer. Given the gradual perfection of surgical technique and reduction in complication rates, near-total and total thyroidectomy should be offered to patients with well-differentiated carcinoma. For medullary thyroid carcinoma, near-total and total thyroidectomy with routine central and bilateral functional neck dissection are recommended. So far, no effective treatment exists for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Effect of cytokines on in vitro bone resorption by cells isolated from giant cell tumor of bone

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of cytokines on in vitro bone resorption by cells isolated from giant cell tumor of bone.

METHODS

Mononuclear stromal cells and multinucleated giant cells (MGC) were isolated from 11 cases of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) and their bone resorption capability in an in vitro cell-bone resorption model were tested. Expressions of some cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting analysis and Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) in the GCT.

RESULTS

The results showed that MGCs of GCT had capability to resorb bone matrix directly. Fibroblast-like stromal cells (FC) could not only resorb bone matrix directly, but also secret unknown factors to facilitate bone resorption of MGC. Exogenous TNF-alpha could significantly increase the bone resorption by both kinds of stromal cells, while exogenous IL-1 did not. Expression rate of M-CSF and level of TNF-alpha in GCT were higher than in osteosarcoma and normal serum.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristic bone resorption behavior of GCT might be caused by its three major cell components. The M-CSF and TNF-alpha could promote their bone resorption capability.

[Experimental and ultrastructural study of synapses in the substantia gelatinosa after electrical acupuncture]

Ultrastructural changes of synapses in the rat substantia gelationsa of the spinal caudal trigeminal nucleus were quantitatively examined following electrical acupuncture at "Sibai" for 30 minutes. Various structural changes were observed: Spherical synaptic vesicles were clustered toward the presynaptic membrane, the number of the vesicles tended to decrease, the width of the postsyiincreased and mitochondria were also increased in the bouton. These various types of synaptic alterations related to boutons are interpreted as the morphological changes induced by the acupuncture in the region corresponding to "Sibai".

Strong intensification of mouse hepatic tamoxifen DNA adduct formation by pretreatment with the sulfotransferase inhibitor and ubiquitous environmental pollutant pentachlorophenol

Although negative in assays for mutagenicity, the clinically important antiestrogen tamoxifen induces hepatic DNA adduct formation in mice, rats and hamsters, as indicated by 32P-postlabeling, and is a potent hepatocarcinogen in rats. Both phenolic and alcoholic metabolites of tamoxifen have been reported. As these metabolites are potential candidates for sulfate conjugation, we examined whether the sulfotransferase inhibitor pentachlorophenol, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, modulates hepatic tamoxifen adduct formation in vivo. Female ICR mice were given tamoxifen (45 mg/kg) daily per os for up to 4 days, with and without i.p. pretreatment with pentachlorophenol (20 mg/kg) 1 h before dosing with tamoxifen. At days 1, 2 and 4, liver DNA was analyzed 5 h after tamoxifen administration by a modified monophosphate version of the 32P-postlabeling assay. At day 4, pentachlorophenol pretreatment led to a large increase (13- to 17-fold) of the levels of four tamoxifen adduct fractions, while two adducts appeared unaffected, resulting in an approximately 7-fold enhancement of overall adduct formation. Significant pentachlorophenol related increases were also observed at day 1 and day 2. The mechanism of this effect has not yet been determined, but may involve the inhibition of sulfation of a tamoxifen metabolite(s) involved in the detoxication of the drug to nonelectrophilic derivatives. It was also apparent that there are two pathways of metabolic activation of tamoxifen, one being sensitive and the other resistant to pentachlorophenol.