Spinal cord compression injury in lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor-null mice promotes maladaptive pronociceptive descending control

BACKGROUND

Although activation of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) is known to mediate pronociceptive effects in peripheral pain models, the role of this receptor in the modulation of spinal nociception following spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown.

AIM

In this study, LPA1 regulation of spinal excitability mediated by supraspinal descending antinociceptive control systems was assessed following SCI in both wild-type (WT) and maLPA1-null receptor mice.

METHODS

The effect of a T8 spinal compression in WT and maLPA1-null mice was assessed up to 1 month after SCI using histological, immunohistochemical and behavioural techniques analysis including electrophysiological recording of noxious toes-Tibialis Anterior (TA) stimulus-response reflex activity. The effect of a T3 paraspinal transcutaneous electrical conditioning stimulus on TA noxious reflex temporal summation was also assessed.

RESULTS

Histological analysis demonstrated greater dorsolateral funiculus damage after SCI in maLPA1-null mice, without a change in the stimulus-response function of the TA noxious reflex when compared to WT mice. While T3 conditioning stimulation in the WT group inhibited noxious TA reflex temporal summation after SCI, this stimulus strongly excited TA reflex temporal summation in maLPA1-null mice. The functional switch from descending inhibition to maladaptive facilitation of central excitability of spinal nociception demonstrated in maLPA1-null mice after SCI was unrelated to a general change in reflex activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the LPA1 receptor is necessary for inhibition of temporal summation of noxious reflex activity, partly mediated via long-tract descending modulatory systems acting at the spinal level.

Cloning and characterization of a SnRK2 gene from Jatropha curcas L

Although the SnRK2 class of Ser/Thr protein kinases is critical for signal transduction and abiotic stress resistance in plants, there have been no studies to examine SnRK2 in Jatropha curcas L. In the present study, JcSnRK2 was cloned from J. curcas using the rapid amplification of cDNA end technique and characterized. The JcSnRK2 genomic sequence is 2578 base pairs (bp), includes 10 exons and 9 introns, and the 1017-bp open reading frame encodes 338 amino acids. JcSnRK2 was transcribed in all examined tissues, with the highest transcription rate observed in the roots, followed by the leaves and stalks; the lowest rate was observed in flowers and seeds. JcSnRK2 expression increased following abscisic acid treatment, salinity, and drought stress. During a 48-h stress period, the expression of JcSnRK2 showed 2 peaks and periodic up- and downregulation. JcSnRK2 was rapidly activated within 1 h under salt and drought stress, but not under cold stress. Because of the gene sequence and expression similarity of JcSnRK2 to AtSnRK2.8, primarily in the roots, an eukaryotic expression vector containing the JcSnRK2 gene (pBI121-JcSnRK2) was constructed and introduced to the Arabidopsis AtSnRK2.8 mutant snf2.8. JcSnRK2-overexpressing plants exhibited higher salt and drought tolerance, further demonstrating the function of JcSnRK2 in the osmotic stress response. J. curcas is highly resistant to extreme salt and drought conditions and JcSnRK2 was found to be activated under these conditions. Thus, JcSnRK2 is potential candidate for improving crop tolerance to salt and drought stress.

Economic and Psychosocial Impact of Problem Gambling in South Korea

The study examined the harmful effects of casino gambling in Korean society from economic and psychosocial perspectives. Interviews with gambling addicts were conducted in order to gain insight into the impacts of pathological gambling. Using snowball sampling, 12 gambling addicts were recruited in Kohan, South Korea. Findings of the study suggest that gambling addicts suffer various harmful effects, including an increased susceptibility to financial and employment problems, such as debt and accumulated interest, bankruptcy, job loss, and decreased productivity. Participants in the study complained of physiological problems, including headaches, high blood pressure, arthritis, indigestion, a stomach disorder, and rapid weight loss. Common psychological problems reported included symptoms of high-level stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. For some interviewees who smoked and drank alcohol, consumption of these substances increased in response to their gambling. All participants reported disrupted relationships with their immediate family, relatives and friends. Moreover, they experienced stigma, discrimination, and feelings of alienation. With regard to criminal and legal problems, they were exposed to increased risk of litigation and violence. Clinical and political attention should be paid to the issue of gambling addiction in Korea, with a view to the prevention and treatment of gambling disorders. Management of gambling problems needs to consider economic and financial wellbeing, employment, physical and psychological health, interpersonal relationships, and the risk of criminal involvement and other legal issues.

Factors associated with perceived health among Korean adolescents

This study examined the influences of personal, social, and environmental-structural factors on the perceived health of Korean adolescents. Using a two-stage generalized hierarchical logistic linear multilevel model, this study found that general high school enrollment, younger age, normal weight, and frequent exercise increased the likelihood of a positive self-perception of health. Higher levels of parental concern and quality of school life also contributed to the likelihood of students perceiving themselves as healthy. In contrast, psychological symptoms and negative self-esteem decreased the likelihood that students perceived themselves as healthy. The results provide implications for disease prevention and health promotion programs.

Abstract P5-15-02: Beyond the learning curve: Surgical judgment in the approach to breast conserving surgery

Background: Inadequate lumpectomy margins are associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery for malignant disease. Second surgical procedures are often required to achieve acceptable margins. The purpose of this study was to examine the practice of breast conserving surgery by experienced practitioners, focusing on the approach to margins at the time of primary lumpectomy procedure.

Methods: The NYU Langone Medical Center Breast Cancer Database was queried for patients who underwent breast conserving surgery from 1/2010-1/2013 by experienced breast surgeons. Variables of interest, segregated by surgeon, included: characteristics of additional margins taken at primary lumpectomy surgery, re-excision rates, and rates of conversion to mastectomy. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-Square Test, Spearman's correlation, and descriptive analyses.

Results: During the study period, 988 patients opted for breast conserving surgery for invasive and intraductal breast cancer, including 260 patients who underwent at least 1 re-excision procedure. We excluded 31 patients who had initial surgery outside of NYU, yielding a study cohort of 229 patients. Stage 0 disease was associated with an increased frequency of re-excision procedures (p<0.0001). Re-excision rates differed widely among surgeons (10-36%). The average number of additional margins excised did not correlate with surgeons’ re-excision rates (p = 0.18). Additional margins taken at primary lumpectomy surgery included both false positives and true positives (Table 1). Of note, the number of false positive margin excisions was double the number of true positives. Patients who went on to mastectomy after unsuccessful primary lumpectomy surgery (45 of a total of 59 who converted to mastectomy) frequently did so based on their preference (19/45 = 42%). However, patients who converted to mastectomy after multiple excisions generally did so out of concern for extent of disease.

Conclusions: In our study, patients with pure intraductal carcinoma represented a particular challenge as surgeons’ margin assessment was less accurate than in cases of invasive cancer. Re-excision rates varied by surgeon, and did not correlate with the average number of additional margins taken at the primary lumpectomy procedure. The rate of false positive margins excised exceeded the true positive rate, reflecting the limitations of surgeons’ ability to assess margins intraoperatively. We documented a significant number of patients who opted for conversion to mastectomy after a single unsuccessful lumpectomy procedure, underscoring the need for better methods of intraoperative margin assessment to support the practice of breast conserving surgery.

Table 1: Re-excision rates and approach to margins at primary lumpectomy surgerySurgeonPatients undergoing Re-excision - N (%)Avg Additional Margins Taken (per patient) in Primary LumpectomyFalse Positives - N (%)True Positives - N (%)A67 (23%)139 (10%)26 (6%)B53 (10%)4147 (45%)60 (18%)C14 (19%)217 (20%)6 (7%)D11 (31%)01 (1%)3 (5%)E8 (36%)15 (10%)3 (6%)F27 (11%)118 (11%)10 (6%)G20 (15%)335 (29%)26 (22%)H29 (32%)237 (21%)24 (14%)Total229 (16%)2299 (22%)158 (11%)

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-15-02.

Fear extinction and acute stress reactivity reveal a role of LPA(1) receptor in regulating emotional-like behaviors

LPA1 receptor is one of the six characterized G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6) through which lysophosphatidic acid acts as an intercellular signaling molecule. It has been proposed that this receptor has a role in controlling anxiety-like behaviors and in the detrimental consequences of stress. Here, we sought to establish the involvement of the LPA1 receptor in emotional regulation. To this end, we examined fear extinction in LPA1-null mice, wild-type and LPA1 antagonist-treated animals. In LPA1-null mice we also characterized the morphology and GABAergic properties of the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, the expression of c-Fos protein in the amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex, and the corticosterone response following acute stress were examined in both genotypes. Our data indicated that the absence of the LPA1 receptor significantly inhibited fear extinction. Treatment of wild-type mice with the LPA1 antagonist Ki16425 mimicked the behavioral phenotype of LPA1-null mice, revealing that the LPA1 receptor was involved in extinction. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed a reduction in the number of neurons, GABA+ cells, calcium-binding proteins and the volume of the amygdala in LPA1-null mice. Following acute stress, LPA1-null mice showed increased corticosterone and c-Fos expression in the amygdala. In conclusion, LPA1 receptor is involved in emotional behaviors and in the anatomical integrity of the corticolimbic circuit, the deregulation of which may be a susceptibility factor for anxiety disorders and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these diseases.

Abstract P1-09-03: Chemoprevention in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancers

Background: Chemoprevention (including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and exemestane) is a strategy to reduce breast cancer incidence in high risk women. Studies have shown at least a 50% decrease in the incidence of breast cancer in users of these drugs. Despite this benefit, the majority of high risk, unaffected women who are offered chemoprevention decline the therapy. However, there is a growing population of women who have used these agents for primary prevention, and a larger population of survivors who have used these drugs as part of their systemic treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify a cohort of women with newly diagnosed breast cancers who had utilized chemoprevention and describe their patterns of disease.

Methods: The Breast Cancer Database of NYU Langone Medical Center was queried for patients who used chemopreventive drugs and developed breast cancer between 1/2010-1/2012. Patients were divided into primary and secondary chemoprevention groups (no previous history of breast cancer and previous history of breast cancer, respectively). Descriptive statistics were utilized.

Results: In the study period, 24 (2%) of 996 patients had used a chemopreventive agent. For 16 of the 24 (67%), the drug was part of systemic therapy for prior breast cancer, with a median of 12 years from the initial diagnosis to the diagnosis of a second breast cancer. The primary chemoprevention group included women with risk based on family history and atypical hyperplasias. The majority of patients were diagnosed with early stage disease (88% DCIS and stage I). This likely reflects their screening behaviors. In both groups, the majority of cancers were ductal in origin. Five of the 8 patients in the primary chemoprevention group were on treatment at the time of their cancer diagnosis, while 63% of patients in the secondary group were prior users. In the secondary group, the majority of cases were contralateral second primary breast cancers, with 31% ipsilateral recurrences. Interestingly, the majority of cancers in both groups were ER/PR positive.

Gender differences in factors influencing smoking, drinking, and their co-occurrence among adolescents in South Korea

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to examine gender differences in the influence of social, attitudinal, and intrapersonal factors on the onset of smoking, drinking, and the co-occurrence of tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents in South Korea.

METHODS

Using time-dependent Cox regression, the study analyzed the Korean Youth Panel Study conducted by the Korean National Youth Policy Institute. The study sample was middle-school second-graders (n = 3,188) in South Korea.

RESULTS

This study found gender differences between Korean male and female adolescents in models of smoking and alcohol uptake; the co-occurrence model was identical, however. At first, parental supervision, attachment to friends, drinking friends, self-control, and aggression were common factors in the onset of drinking among Korean adolescents. Stress was shown to be significantly correlated with the onset of male adolescent drinking, whereas family income was a significant factor just for females. In the smoking model, attachment to friends, smoking friends, stigma, and self-control were identified as common factors related to the onset of smoking in both male and female adolescents. Attachment to parents was found to be a significant factor for male adolescents and aggression for females.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicate influences on the commencement of smoking, drinking, and concurrent tobacco and alcohol use among Korean male and female adolescents. Culturally sensitive interventions focusing on common risk factors with several differentiated strategies for both boys and girls should be developed and provided for Korean adolescents.

Frequency of normative word associations in the speech of individuals at familial high-risk for schizophrenia

The intrusion of associations into speech in schizophrenia disrupts coherence and comprehensibility, a feature of formal thought disorder referred to as loosened associations. We have previously proposed that loosened associations may result from hyperactivity in semantic association networks, leading to an increased frequency of associated words appearing in speech. Using Computed Associations in Sequential Text (CAST) software to quantify the frequency of such associations in speech, we have reported more frequent normative associations in language samples from patients with schizophrenia and in individuals with schizotypal characteristics. The present study further examined this deviance in schizophrenia by studying normative associations in those who share genes with an individual with schizophrenia, (i.e. first-degree relatives of probands with schizophrenia; HR) but who do not have an illness. Familial high-risk participants (n=22), and controls (n=24) provided verbal responses to cards from the Thematic Apperception Test. CAST analysis revealed that HR used more associated words in their speech compared to controls. Furthermore, the frequency of normative word associations was positively correlated with dimensional and total scores of schizotypy derived from ratings of the structured interview for schizotypy, which confirms past research showing a relationship between schizotypy and hyperassociations. Our results suggest that some language disturbances in schizophrenia likely arise from an underlying psychopathological mechanism, hyperactivity of semantic associations.

[Recommendations of the Working Group of Arrhythmias of the German Society of Cardiology on the approach to patients with Riata® and Riata ST® leads (St. Jude Medical). Nucleus of the Working Group of Arrhythmias of the German Society of Cardiology]

Riata® and Riata ST® implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA) show an increased incidence of insulation defects, particularly "inside-out" lead fracture where inner, separately insulated cables penetrate through the surrounding silicone of the lead body. The exact incidence of Riata® lead problems is not clear and seems to range between 2-4% per year in the first 5 years after implantation according to new registry data. We recommend beyond a detailed information the following care of patients with Riata® and Riata ST® leads: 1) Activation of automatic ICD alerts, 2) remote monitoring with automatic daily alerts whenever possible, 3) monthly ICD controls in patients at high risk (pacemaker dependency, history of ventricular tachyarrhythmias) and high or moderate lead-related risk (8F, 7F single coil), 3-monthly controls in moderate patient and lead-related risk, 3 to 6-monthly controls in low patient and lead-related risk (no bradycardia, no history of ventricular tachyarrhythmia). Every ICD control should include meticulous analysis of oversensing artifacts in stored electrograms (EGMs) of sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias and registration of EGMs during provocation testing (pectoral muscle activity, arm movements). If electrical abnormalities are observed, reoperation with addition of a new ICD lead is recommended; lead extraction only if indicated according to current guidelines. Fluoroscopy should only be performed if electrical abnormalities are found by an experienced electrophysiologist and a high frame rate and resolution. Management of fluoroscopic abnormalities in the absence of electrical abnormalities is not clear. Therefore, routine fluoroscopy of patients with Riata® leads without electrical abnormalities is not recommended.

Phylogenetic study of the species within the family Streptomycetaceae

Species of the genus Streptomyces, which constitute the vast majority of taxa within the family Streptomycetaceae, are a predominant component of the microbial population in soils throughout the world and have been the subject of extensive isolation and screening efforts over the years because they are a major source of commercially and medically important secondary metabolites. Taxonomic characterization of Streptomyces strains has been a challenge due to the large number of described species, greater than any other microbial genus, resulting from academic and industrial activities. The methods used for characterization have evolved through several phases over the years from those based largely on morphological observations, to subsequent classifications based on numerical taxonomic analyses of standardized sets of phenotypic characters and, most recently, to the use of molecular phylogenetic analyses of gene sequences. The present phylogenetic study examines almost all described species (615 taxa) within the family Streptomycetaceae based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and illustrates the species diversity within this family, which is observed to contain 130 statistically supported clades, as well as many unsupported and single member clusters. Many of the observed clades are consistent with earlier morphological and numerical taxonomic studies, but it is apparent that insufficient variation is present in the 16S rRNA gene sequence within the species of this family to permit bootstrap-supported resolution of relationships between many of the individual clusters.

Abstract P2-01-02: The Incidence of Mammographically-Occult Breast Cancer in Women Older than Seventy Years

Background: Mammographic density generally decreases over time, which increases the sensitivity of screening mammography. However a significant proportion of older women have persistently dense breast tissue. This raises the question of how best to screen older women, particularly those with mammographically dense tissue or other risk factors. Little information exists about the accuracy of screening mammography in women older than seventy years. Additionally, the frequency of older women with mammographically-occult breast cancer is also unknown. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of mammographicallyoccult breast cancer in women older than seventy and to describe the clinical factors that may be associated with this presentation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of women older than seventy diagnosed with breast cancer (intraductal carcinoma, invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma) at NYU Langone Medical Center from 2002-2009. Data collected included age, presentation, stage, mammographic density, BI-RADS results, breast ultrasound (US) and MRI results, and risk factors. Breast density was categorized according to BI-RADS definitions: 1. predominantly fatty, 2. scattered fibroglandular elements, 3. heterogeneously dense, or 4. extremely dense. Descriptive analyses were applied.

Results: A total of 401 women older than seventy years were diagnosed with breast cancer at our institution. A cohort of 20 (5%) had mammographically occult disease. The median age was 77 years (range 71 to 89 yrs). Of the 20 mammographically occult cases, the majority (75%) were detected as a palpable mass, one was detected by screening US and four were detected by screening MRI. The majority of the cohort (65%) had been screened regularly with mammography prior to diagnosis. When we examined mammographic density, 60% had heterogeneously dense or extremely dense tissue. Nineteen out of twenty were diagnosed with early stage disease. There were 4 cases of DCIS, 10 (50%) were stage 1, and 5 (25%) were stage 2. Seven (35%) had invasive lobular carcinoma on final histopathology. Nine (45%) patients also had an antecedent history of breast cancer; 4 had ipsilateral recurrences and 5 had contralateral new primaries. Only 4 (20%) had a history of HRT use and 7 (35%) had a family history of breast cancer.

Discussion: A meaningful proportion of women older than age seventy diagnosed with breast cancer at our institution had mammographicallyoccult disease. A majority (60%) of these patients had heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breast tissue, potentially limiting the sensitivity of mammographic screening in this cohort. In previous work, we evaluated a large number of screening mammograms and reported an incidence of 37% dense breast tissue in women of the same age group. This suggests that increased mammographic density, even in older women, may increase the potential for mammographically occult breast cancer. Particularly for women with increased risk based on a personal or family history of breast cancer, the addition of other imaging modalities may be of value in the presence of mammographically dense tissue regardless of patient age.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-02.

Gardnerella vaginalis septicaemia with pyelonephritis, infective endocarditis and septic emboli in the kidney and brain of an adult male

Gardnerella vaginalis is typically associated with bacterial vaginosis in women. However, balanitis, urethritis, urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteraemia have also been described in men. Here we report a case of G. vaginalis septicaemia with infective endocarditis and septic emboli in the kidney and brain of an adult male.

Reassessment of the systematics of the suborder Pseudonocardineae: transfer of the genera within the family Actinosynnemataceae Labeda and Kroppenstedt 2000 emend. Zhi et al. 2009 into an emended family Pseudonocardiaceae Embley et al. 1989 emend. Zhi et al. 2009

The taxonomic status of the families Actinosynnemataceae and Pseudonocardiaceae was assessed based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data available for the 151 taxa with validly published names, as well as chemotaxonomic and morphological properties available from the literature. 16S rRNA gene sequences for the type strains of all taxa within the suborder Pseudonocardineae were subjected to phylogenetic analyses using different algorithms in arb and phylip. The description of many new genera and species within the suborder Pseudonocardineae since the family Actinosynnemataceae was proposed in 2000 has resulted in a markedly different distribution of chemotaxonomic markers within the suborder from that observed at that time. For instance, it is noted that species of the genera Actinokineospora and Allokutzneria contain arabinose in whole-cell hydrolysates, which is not observed in the other genera within the Actinosynnemataceae, and that there are many genera within the family Pseudonocardiaceae as currently described that do not contain arabinose. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences for all taxa within the suborder do not provide any statistical support for the family Actinosynnemataceae, nor are signature nucleotides found that support its continued differentiation from the family Pseudonocardiaceae. The description of the family Pseudonocardiaceae is therefore emended to include the genera previously classified within the family Actinosynnemataceae and the description of the suborder Pseudonocardineae is also emended to reflect this reclassification.

High viremia, prolonged Lamivudine therapy and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma predict posttransplant hepatitis B recurrence

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is generally preventable by prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and lamivudine (LAM). However, HBV recurrence sometimes develops despite prophylaxis. This study assessed posttransplant outcomes and identified predictors of HBV recurrence. We analyzed the outcomes of 209 consecutive patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen who underwent OLT, who received either combination prophylaxis with HBIG and LAM (89.0%) or HBIG monoprophylaxis (11.0%). The median follow-up was 36.8 months (range, 1.0-84.4). Posttransplant HBV recurrence occurred in 22 patients (10.5%), including 13 patients with drug-resistant mutations. HBV recurrence was observed in six patients after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. Independent predictors of HBV recurrence were recurrent HCC (p < 0.001), LAM therapy >1.5 years (p = 0.001) and high HBV DNA titers (> or =10(5) copies/mL) at OLT (p = 0.036). In conclusion, high viremia at OLT and prolonged exposure to LAM should be further stressed as main predictors of HBV recurrence.

Identification of genetic polymorphisms in bovine mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid

In this study, the intent was to identify genetic polymorphisms of mitochondrial (mt) DNA in Korean cattle (Bos taurus coreana) and to analyze the genetic relationship between Korean cattle and other breeds. Whole mtDNA genomes (16,338 bp) of 26 animals (16 Korean cattle and 10 Holsteins) were directly sequenced. Multiple alignments, including 26 whole-mtDNA sequences obtained by direct sequencing and 10 mtDNA sequences from a public database (National Center for Biotechnology Information), revealed 393 mtDNA polymorphisms (382 SNP, 3 heteroplasmies, and 8 insertion-deletion polymorphisms). Estimated gene diversity of mtDNA was 0.00198 among these 36 animals. Phylogenic analysis with mtDNA polymorphisms revealed a distinct genetic difference between Bos taurus (Korean, Japanese Black, Holstein, and Fleckvieh breeds) and Bos indicus (Nellore and Zwergzebu breeds). The genetic information regarding mtDNA polymorphisms identified in this study would be useful for further investigation of mtDNA in other breeds.

Socio-economic factors and stage at presentation of head and neck cancer patients in Ottawa, Canada: a logistic regression analysis

To determine if socio-economic status (SES) affects the stage at presentation of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in Ottawa, Canada. To determine if the method of diagnosis affects the stage at presentation in these patients. We obtained data on SES, method of diagnosis, and stage at presentation for patients presenting to the head and neck cancer clinic at The Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre (TORCC). We performed a logistic regression analysis using stage at presentation as the dependent variable. We found no statistically significant association between average family income (by postal code) and stage at presentation. We found that oral cancers presented at a later stage compared with other HNCs but that who made the diagnosis was an important factor. Oral cancers diagnosed by a dentist had 3.44 times the odds of being at a later stage than other HNCs (CI 1.01-11.96), but oral cancers diagnosed by other means had 11.42 times the odds of being at a later stage than other HNCs. We found that male patients presented at a later stage than female patients (OR 2.62, CI 1.03-6.63). Finally, former smokers had about 1/3 the odds of presenting at a later stage than current smokers (OR 0.33, CI 0.13-0.84) although nonsmokers were not significantly less likely than current smokers to present later (OR 0.47, CI 0.17-1.32). We found no evidence that in Ottawa, Canada patients of a lower SES with HNC presented at an different stage than patients with higher SES. We found that patients presenting with oral cancers presented at an earlier stage if they were diagnosed by a dentist.

Cultural Preferences for Chaperone Use during Breast Examinations: A Preliminary Study

Previous studies have demonstrated that use of chaperones by physicians occurs most consistently for pelvic and rectal exams than for breast examinations. Factors that may influence chaperone for breast examination include duration of doctor-patient relationship, gender of the examiner, and availability of an assistant. The purpose of this study is to characterize patient preferences, not previously reported, for chaperone use.A patient questionnaire was approved by the institutional IRB at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital. It was translated into Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic. Responses were collected from 277 patients. Variables included age, marital status, highest level of education, income, family background, religion, primary language, and chaperone and examiner preferences. For the respondents who preferred a chaperone, education was categorized as some college or none, language was English or non-English-speaking, background was Caucasian or non-Caucasian, and religion was Christian or non-Christian. Descriptive analyses and Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine significance.Median age was 49 years, range 17-87 years. 28 (10%) respondents preferred to have a chaperone present. An equal proportion of respondents did not want a chaperone (N=95, 34%) or had no preference (N=95, 34%). An additional 19% (N=53) of patients indicated that they preferred to be asked about their wishes. 142 (52%) indicated that they preferred a female examiner, 2 (1%) preferred a male examiner, and 126 (46%) had no preference regarding the examiner's gender.Table 1. Respondent Characteristics (N=277)VariablesN (%)EDUCATION (N=256) Grade School10 (4%)High School44 (17%)College116 (45%)Graduate School86 (34%)FAMILY BACKGROUND (N = 251) Caucasian/European159 (64%)African-American18 (7%)Hispanic28 (11%)Middle-Eastern17 (7%)Asian28 (11%)Other1 (0%)RELIGION (N = 250) Christian137 (55%)Jewish, reform49 (20%)Jewish, orthodox16 (6%)Islam14 (5%)Buddhist5 (2%)Other22 (9%)LANGUAGE (N = 256) English198 (77%)Spanish15 (6%)Chinese9 (3%)Arabic12 (5%)Other22 (9%)CHAPERONE PREFERENCE (N = 277) Do not use95 (34%)Use28 (10%)No preference94 (34%)Like to be asked53 (19%)Unknown7 (3%)EXAMINER GENDER PREFERENCE (N = 273) Female142 (52%)Male2 (1%)No preference126 (46%)Unknown3 (1%) Of the 28 patients who did prefer a chaperone, there was a statistically significant difference, p=0.011, for family background that was non-Caucasian. There was no statistical finding for differences in education, religion, or language.Table 2. Characteristics of Respondents who Prefer a Chaperone (N = 28)VARIABLESP-VALUEEducation0.078Language0.409Family Background0.011*Religion0.161* Denotes Statistical SignificanceThe majority of women responding to our survey either did not want a chaperone present for a breast examination or had no preference. However, the majority of all respondents did prefer to have a female examiner. This may simply represent that these patients were comfortable with a woman performing the exam. Additional investigation will further evaluate possible cultural differences.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6080.

Mammographic Density and Lobular Involution in Older Women with Abnormal Breast Imaging

Mammographic density has been established as an independent risk factor for breast cancer, and there is data to suggest that the degree of lobular involution in the breast tissue may also function as an independent risk factor for the disease. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between mammographic density and lobular involution in a population of mature women undergoing open biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions.A total of 199 women over the age of 60 who underwent breast biopsy with image-guided localization in 2008 at NYU Langone Medical Center formed the study population. Variables of interest included age, breast density, degree of involution, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and biopsy histology (invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma and intraductal carcinoma vs. benign). Breast density was categorized according to BI-RADS classification as less dense (predominantly fatty and scattered fibroglandular elements) vs more dense (heterogeneously dense and extrememely dense). Degree of involution was classified as none (0%), partial (1-74%) and complete (&gt;75%). All specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist who used the criteria of Hartmann, et al in evaluating degree of involution. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses.In agreement with our previously presented data, we found an inverse relationship between breast density and age (p=0.02). In our cohort of women over 60 with abnormal breast imaging, we found a trend toward an inverse relationship between age and degree of lobular involution, but this did not achieve statistical significance. 129 of our patients had biopsies yielding malignant histology. There was no significant relationship between degree of lobular involution and biopsy histology. Use of HRT did not correlate with breast density in our cohort. There was no discernable relationship between degree of involution and history of prior or current HRT use.Association of lobular involution with age, density, histology, and HRT  INVOLUTION TOTALP-VALUE NONEPARTIALCOMPLETEN (%) AGE (YRS)      60-696337617 (9%)0.18270-797202959 (29%) 80-894618123 (62%) DENSITY     Less Dense143477125 (63%)0.177More Dense3254674 (37%) HISTOLOGY     Benign5194670 (35%)0.690Malignant124077129 (65%) HRT     Never11246398 (70%)0.774Ever3112741 (30%)  Our study reinforces the general observation that breast density decreases with age. Our data do not permit us to comment on the validity of lobular involution as a risk factor for breast cancer. However, the degree of lobular involution did not predict malignant histology in our cohort. There was a trend toward an inverse relationship between mammographic density and lobular involution. This observation suggests that other factors such as stromal features may be responsible for the increased mammographic density in these older patients. Further study is warranted to better understand the significance of lobular involution and its relationship with mammographic density in all age groups of women undergoing breast cancer screening.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6072.

Cigarette smoking among opioid-dependent clients in a therapeutic community

This study examines smoking behavior in a sample of 231 opioid-dependent clients entering therapeutic community treatment, and investigates the relationship between smoking behavior and drug treatment outcomes. We applied regression analyses for selected Addiction Severity Index composites (alcohol, drug, medical, psychiatric), including factors for smoking (number of cigarettes per day, expired-air carbon monoxide level, nicotine dependence), time (baseline, 6 and 12-month), and smoking-by-time interaction. This study confirmed a high smoking prevalence (95%) among opioid users. Among participants interviewed at all time points (n = 206), 13% shifted from smoking to non-smoking status at some time after admission. Participants who reported a greater number of cigarettes were more likely to report higher drug severity at any time point.

Behavioral phenotype of maLPA1-null mice: increased anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory deficits

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has emerged as a new regulatory molecule in the brain. Recently, some studies have shown a role for this molecule and its LPA(1) receptor in the regulation of plasticity and neurogenesis in the adult brain. However, no systematic studies have been conducted to investigate whether the LPA(1) receptor is involved in behavior. In this study, we studied the phenotype of maLPA(1)-null mice, which bear a targeted deletion at the lpa(1) locus, in a battery of tests examining neurologic performance, habituation in exploratory behavior in response to low and mild anxiety environments and spatial memory. MaLPA(1)-null mutants showed deficits in both olfaction and somesthesis, but not in retinal or auditory functions. Sensorimotor co-ordination was impaired only in the equilibrium and grasping reflexes. The mice also showed impairments in neuromuscular strength and analgesic response. No additional differences were observed in the rest of the tests used to study sensoriomotor orientation, limb reflexes and co-ordinated limb use. At behavioral level, maLPA(1)-null mice showed an impaired exploration in the open field and increased anxiety-like response when exposed to the elevated plus maze. Furthermore, the mice exhibit impaired spatial memory retention and reduced use of spatial strategies in the Morris water maze. We propose that the LPA(1) receptor may play a major role in both spatial memory and response to anxiety-like conditions.

Assessment of breast cancer risk prediction models in a high-risk population

Abstract #4074

Background: A variety of risk assessment models have been developed to quantify a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. Although the Gail model (GM) is the most widely utilized model, there are limitations. The Tyrer-Cuzick model (TCM), which has been validated in the United Kingdom (UK), addresses these limitations but its performance in other populations is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of the TCM in a cohort of high-risk women from the New York metropolitan area and compare the results to the GM.&#x2028; Methods: The Women At Risk (WAR) Registry provided the study population. Due to the age limitation of the Gail model, we excluded women who were under 35 and over 80 years of age. Calculation of lifetime Gail scores included the following: age, race, age at first menses, age at first live birth, number of first degree relatives with breast cancer, number of previous breast biopsies, and atypical hyperplasia. These variables were also included in the lifetime Tyrer-Cuzick scores as well as information on menopausal status, use of hormone replacement therapy, LCIS, and age at diagnosis for relatives with ovarian and breast cancer. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and estimated area under the ROC curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess prediction accuracy of both models.&#x2028; Results: Out of a total study population of 1523 women, 82 (5%) developed breast cancer during a median follow-up of 56 months. The median age of women without breast cancer was 49 years, and the median age of women who developed breast cancer was 54 years. The AUC and 95% CI for the Gail model was 0.547 (0.479 to 0.615) and 0.501 (0.433 to 0.569) for the Tyrer-Cuzick model. Our results indicate poor discriminatory accuracy for both models, which performed no better than pure chance (0.5).&#x2028; &#x2028; Discussion: Quantitative breast cancer risk assessment models are critically important in developing effective risk management strategies. Although the TCM addresses some limitations of the GM, it is unclear how well it performs in populations outside the UK due to the wide variation in international breast cancer rates. In addition, the TCM excludes more recently identified risk factors such as breast density. Bayesian techniques may ultimately lead to a better risk assessment tool as they allow continual modification of the model as new risk factors are identified. Accurate breast cancer risk prediction is a complex undertaking and further studies are warranted in order to achieve truly comprehensive and widely applicable models.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4074.

Drug treatment outcomes for persons on waiting lists

This study examined treatment access and outcomes for persons placed on drug abuse treatment waiting lists. Participants (n = 170) were recruited when they entered either a methadone detoxification program or a day treatment program, and were waiting for methadone maintenance or residential treatment, respectively. Participants were interviewed at baseline and 2-months follow-up. Excluding the index treatment episode, 73% received some treatment during the follow-up period. Mixed effects regression was used to compare short-term outcomes for clients who did and did not enter treatment following the index episode. We found increased drug problems, over time, for all participants. Those enrolled in treatment at follow-up reported higher employment problems (collapsed across time) compared with those not in treatment. Last, participants enrolled in any subsequent treatment showed a decrease in psychiatric problems over time, while those not enrolled in subsequent treatment showed an increase in psychiatric problems. Participants who entered treatment within 60 days after being placed on a waiting list showed improvement on psychiatric measures but not on substance abuse measures.

Identification of neural programmed cell death through the detection of DNA fragmentation in situ and by PCR

A universal feature in the development of multicellular organisms is a physiological form of cell death called programmed cell death (PCD). A subset of PCD is apoptosis, which is defined by characteristic morphological changes and genomic DNA fragmentation producing what are referred to as nucleosomal ladders. To understand how PCD operates in a developing tissue or in a tissue following an experimental procedure, dying cells must be identified in relation to their surviving neighbors. One way to accomplish this is to visualize fragmented DNA in situ, in conjunction with gel electrophoresis of isolated DNA to visualize the nucleosomal ladders associated with apoptosis. Two approaches are presented in this unit: in situ end-labeling plus (ISEL+), a technique to identify dying cells in tissue sections or cell cultures of central nervous system (CNS) tissue (optimized for embryonic samples); and the use of ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction (LMPCR) to identify nucleosomal ladders from intact tissues. Also included are procedures for preparing thymocyte cell cultures for use as controls in the ISEL+ procedure and for isolating genomic DNA for LMPCR.

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces neuropathic pain through an action of autotaxin to generate lysophosphatidic acid

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPA(1)) signaling initiates neuropathic pain and several pathological events in a partial sciatic nerve injury model. Recently, we reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces neuropathic pain as well as demyelination and pain-related protein expression changes via LPA(1) receptor signaling. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), also known as lysolecithin, which is hydrolyzed by autotaxin/ATX into LPA, induces similar plastic changes. Here, we attempted to clarify whether ATX and LPA(1) receptor signaling is involved in the LPC-induced neuropathic pain. In wild-type mice, a single intrathecal (i.t.) injection of LPC induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia 2 days after injection; this persisted for 7 days at least. On the other hand, LPC-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were completely abolished in mice lacking an LPA(1) receptor gene. Furthermore, the LPC-induced response was also significantly, but partially reduced in heterozygous mutant mice for the ATX gene. These findings suggest that intrathecally-injected LPC is converted to LPA by ATX, and this LPA activates the LPA(1) receptor to initiate neuropathic pain.

Smoking among adolescents in substance abuse treatment: a study of programs, policy, and prevalence

The study was designed to: (1) identify smoking policies and interventions in adolescent residential treatment settings; (2) examine the prevalence of smoking among adolescents in these settings; and (3) assess relationships between program-level smoking policies and client-level smoking. The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment funded 17 sites to evaluate the effectiveness of Adolescent Residential Treatment (ART) programs for substance abuse. To describe program smoking policies and interventions, we conducted phone interviews with one key informant at each program (N=12). To describe client smoking behaviors, we conducted a secondary data analysis of baseline data for adolescents (N=912) entering ART programs. All sites had no smoking indoors and 75% of the site had tobacco-free grounds for adolescents. Forty-two percent provided their youth with nicotine replacement therapy, and 42% provided counseling for smoking cessation. Also, 33% did not allow staff smoking on and off campus. The prevalence of any smoking in the past month was 66%, and 22% of current smokers were daily smokers at admission. Where smoking was allowed on grounds, adolescents more often reported recent smoking. Smoking behavior is prevalent among adolescents in residential drug treatment, and should be addressed in all such programs through policy implementation and client-level smoking cessation intervention.

Analysis of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors involved in constriction of isolated cerebral arteries with receptor null mice and pharmacological tools

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) selectively and potently constricts isolated cerebral arteries, but this response has not been pharmacologically characterized.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The receptor subtype(s) involved in S1P-induced cerebrovascular constriction were characterized using genetic (S1P(2) and S1P(3) receptor null mice) and pharmacological tools (phospho-FTY720, a S1P(1/3/4/5) receptor agonist; SEW2871, a S1P(1) receptor agonist, JTE-013, a S1P(2) receptor antagonist, VPC23019, a S1P(1/3) receptor antagonist). Isolated basilar or peripheral (femoral, mesenteric resistance) arteries, from either rat or mouse, were studied in a wire myograph.

KEY RESULTS

S1P concentration-dependently constricted basilar artery in rat, wild-type (WT) and S1P(2) null mice, but barely affected vascular tone in S1P(3) null mice. Vasoconstriction to U46619 (a thromboxane analogue) or to endothelin-1 did not differ between WT, S1P(2) and S1P(3) null mice. JTE-013 inhibited not only S1P-induced vasoconstriction, but also KCl-, U46619- and endothelin-1-induced constriction. This effect was observed in WT as well as in S1P(2) null mice. VPC23019 increased the concentration-dependent vasoconstriction to S1P in both rat and mouse basilar arteries with intact endothelium, but not in rat basilar artery without endothelium. Phospho-FTY720 concentration-dependently constricted rat basilar arteries, but not femoral or mesenteric resistance arteries, while SEW2871 did not induce any response in the same arteries.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

S1P constricts cerebral arteries through S1P(3) receptors. The purported S1P(2) receptor antagonist JTE-013 does not appear to be selective, at least in rodents. Enhancement of S1P-induced contraction by VPC23019 might be related to blockade of S1P(1) receptors and NO generation.

Effects of LPA and S1P on the nervous system and implications for their involvement in disease

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are two well-studied lysophospholipids that are known to be important regulators of cellular events. Their actions are mediated by activating a family of G-protein coupled receptors present in many cell types and tissues. These receptors have diverse biological roles owing to the heterogeneity of their signal transduction pathways. Many of these receptors are expressed in subsets of cells in the developing and mature mammalian nervous system and are thought to have important functions in its formation and maintenance. They are also widely expressed within other organ systems such as the immune system. Growing interest in the field has stimulated the development of a number of molecules that act as agonists or antagonists to LPA and S1P receptors. These molecules may lead to the development of new therapeutic compounds. Indeed, one such compound (FTY720) is currently in clinical trials for use in preventing transplant rejection and treating multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this manuscript is to: 1) review effects elicited by LPA and S1P on cells and tissues with a particular emphasis on the nervous system, 2) examine possible roles of these lipids in the development of disease, and 3) summarize the existing literature describing their agonists/antagonists.

Aneuploidy in the normal and diseased brain

The brain is remarkable for its complex organization and functions, which have been historically assumed to arise from cells with identical genomes. However, recent studies have shown that the brain is in fact a complex genetic mosaic of aneuploid and euploid cells. The precise function of neural aneuploidy and mosaicism are currently being examined on multiple fronts that include contributions to cellular diversity, cellular signaling and diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Constitutive aneuploidy in genetic diseases has proven roles in brain dysfunction, as observed in Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and mosaic variegated aneuploidy. The existence of aneuploid cells within normal individuals raises the possibility that these cells might have distinct functions in the normal and diseased brain, the latter contributing to sporadic CNS disorders including cancer. Here we review what is known about neural aneuploidy, and offer speculations on its role in diseases of the brain.

New developments in the biological functions of lysophospholipids

Lysophospholipids have long been recognized as membrane phospholipid metabolites, but only recently has their role as intercellular signaling molecules been appreciated. Two of the best-studied lysophospholipids, LPA and S1P, signal through cognate G-protein-coupled receptors to activate many well-known intracellular signaling pathways, leading to a variety of biologically important cell responses. Lysophospholipids and their receptors have been found in a wide range of tissues and cell types, indicating their importance in many physiological processes, including reproduction, vascular development, cancer and nervous system function. This article will focus on the most recent findings regarding the biological functions of lysophospholipids in mammalian systems, specifically as they relate to health and disease.

Randomized phase II trial of neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant docetaxel plus cisplatin in patients with locally advanced gastric carcinoma: An interim analysis

4030

Background: The perioperative treatment strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) has not been clearly established. We conducted a randomized phase II study of neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant docetaxel/cisplatin (DC) chemotherapy in LAGC. Methods: LAGC was radiographically defined by CT and PET. Pts were randomized to receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant DC (docetaxel 36 mg/m2 + cisplatin 40 mg/m2 on D1, D8, q 3 wks X 3 cycles) according Japanese staging system (IIIa, IIIb, IV M-, and IV with a single M+ node). Results: All planned 88 pts in 44 per each arm were enrolled between Jan 2003 and Nov 2005. One pt was not eligible. The median age was 57 yrs vs. 58 yrs, PS 1 90.7% vs. 84.1%, and stage III/IV 72.1%/27.9% vs. 70.5%/29.5% in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant arm, respectively. Clinical response rate of 42 evaluable pts in neoadjuvant arm according to WHO criteria was 64.3% (95% CI 49.8–78.8%) with CR 2.4%, PR 61.9%, SD 31.0%, and PD 4.7%. There was no treatment related death. Comparison of G3/4 adverse events in neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant arm were; leukopenia 14.0% vs. 32.4% (p=0.04), neutropenia 37.2% vs. 62.2% (p=0.02), febrile neutropenia 0% vs. 2.7%, diarrhea 2.3% vs. 10.8%, stomatitis 2.3% vs. 8.1% (p=NS). There were no difference in the postoperative morbidity and the duration of hospital stay between both arms, but surgery was delayed in one pt who developed tuberculosis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Downstaging of the T stage could be obtained in 6 (14.3%) among 42 evaluable pts in neoadjuvant arm, according to EUS. Conclusions: Both neoadjuvant and adjuvant DC chemotherapy were relatively well tolerated in LAGC, with the lower incidence of G3/4 toxicities in neoadjuvant arm. Neoadjuvant DC showed a high response rate and a modest downstaging effect. (Supported by National Cancer Center Grant; Docetaxel was provided by Sanofi Aventis Korea)

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Apoptotic DNA fragmentation is detected by a semi-quantitative ligation-mediated PCR of blunt DNA ends

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death (PCD) characterized by morphological changes and stereotypical DNA degradation described as a nucleosomal ;ladder'. However, nucleosomal ladders have only been clearly demonstrated in vertebrate tissues when large numbers of cells die in synchrony. Their absence may be explained by asynchronous death under physiological conditions, or by distinct molecular mechanisms. In this study, nucleosomal ladders were revealed by a ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction (LMPCR), that amplifies DNA fragments with blunt, 5' phosphorylated ends. Numerous tissues from different organisms were examined which demonstrated that nucleosomal ladders (a) accompany physiological cell death in mammalian tissues where previously DNA fragmentation has not been detected; (b) are produced during invertebrate cell death; (c) are invariably generated via the production of blunt, 5' phosphorylated double strand breaks. These results suggest that PCD in multicellular organisms consistently involves apoptotic mechanisms and that the endonuclease activity is evolutionarily conserved.

Orientational order of molecular assemblies on inorganic crystals

Surfactant micelles form oriented arrays on crystalline substrates although registration is unexpected since the template unit cell is small compared to the size of a rodlike micelle. Interaction energy calculations based on molecular simulations reveal that orientational energy differences on a molecular scale are too small to explain matters. With atomic force microscopy, we show that orientational ordering is a dynamic, multimolecule process. Treating the cooperative processes as a balance between van der Waals torque on a large, rodlike micellar assembly and Brownian motion shows that orientation is favored.

Incidence of cardiovascular disease in the dissecting room: A valuable teaching asset

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of cardiovascular pathology in 50 cadavers in the dissecting room of the Department of Anatomy at Guy's Campus, King's College, London, and to demonstrate the importance of dissection in teaching the anatomy of normal and pathological hearts. After external evaluation of each heart the four chambers were dissected and studied. The features noted included evidence of coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, variations in coronary artery anatomy, valvular disease, variations in left ventricular wall thickness and atrial dimensions, and atrial anomalies. All the hearts studied had at least one pathology. The majority had severe coronary atherosclerosis (44) and aortic valve pathology (23). A large number had left ventricular hypertrophy (13) and left atrial enlargement (9). A small number showed evidence of myocardial infarction (4). Anatomical anomalies were also found, and included persistent foramen ovale (1), three coronary arterial ostia (3), and anatomical variations of the orientation of the main stem of the left coronary artery (2). This study demonstrates that dissection is not only an excellent way of studying normal cardiac anatomy, but also a valuable method for introducing common cardiac pathologies to the medical student.

Biological effects of lysophospholipids

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are potent biologically active lipid mediators that exert a wide range of cellular effects through specific G protein-coupled receptors. To date, four LPA receptors and five S1P receptors have been identified. These receptors are expressed in a large number of tissues and cell types, allowing for a wide variety of cellular responses to lysophospholipid signaling, including cell adhesion, cell motility, cytoskeletal changes, proliferation, angiogenesis, process retraction, and cell survival. In addition, recent studies in mice show that specific lysophospholipid receptors are required for proper cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, and reproductive system development and function. Lysophospholipid receptors may also have specific roles in cancer and other diseases. This review will cover identification and expression of the lysophospholipid receptors, as well as receptor signaling properties and function. Additionally, phenotypes of mice deficient for specific lysophospholipid receptors will be discussed to demonstrate how these animals have furthered our understanding of the role lysophospholipids play in normal biology and disease.