Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against mouse and rat platelet glycoprotein V (CD42d)

The mouse- and rat-platelet-specific hamster monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1C2, previously found to react with a thrombin-sensitive 74-kD glycoprotein, was now shown to recognize platelet glycoprotein V (GPV, CD42d). 1C2 reacted with NIH-3T3 cells in which recombinant mouse or rat GPV was expressed. Both 1C2 and 4A5, another mouse-platelet-specific rat MAb, immunoprecipitated GVP, although they recognized different epitopes. Side-by-side comparison confirmed that 1C2 as well as RPM.9, a MAb against rat GPV, recognized the same rat platelet molecule. In a mouse bone marrow culture, 1C2+ megakaryocytes emerged from CD41 (GPIIb)+1C2- megakaryocytes. Because 1C2+ megakaryocytes exhibited higher DNA ploidy distribution than CD41+ cells, GPV likely appears in the late stage of megakaryocyte maturation. This study established 1C2 as a MAb against mouse and rat GPV, namely CD42d, and as useful tool to study rodent megakaryopoiesis.

Prognostic impact of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in esophageal carcinoma

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinase, which may play an important role in carcinoma invasion and metastasis. TIMP-1 is thus considered to inhibit carcinoma invasion and metastasis. However, TIMP-1 possesses another important function, cell growth promotion. The clinical significance of TIMP-1 expression has not been fully determined in esophageal carcinoma. We thus examined the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in tumor (T) and corresponding normal (N) tissues of 85 esophageal carcinoma cases by RT-PCR. The T:N ratio of TIMP-1 mRNA expression in each case was evaluated semi-quantitatively with adjustment by an internal control gene. The mean T:N ratio was 2.0 (range 0.2-6.5). When comparing high-expression cases (T:N > 2.0, n = 37) with low-expression cases (T:N < or = 2.0, n = 48), the former showed a significantly higher frequency of lymph vessel invasion, vascular vessel invasion, lymph node metastasis and advanced-stage disease. The former cases showed a poorer prognosis than the latter. Multivariate analysis disclosed that TIMP-1 expression status was an independent determining factor for prognosis. Our findings suggest that TIMP-1 expression correlates with tumor extension of esophageal carcinoma and might, if validated, prove useful as a novel prognostic marker for esophageal carcinoma.

Analysis of the genetic alterations in a case of juvenile multiple colon carcinoma with hypogammaglobulinemia

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported the clinical characterization of a case of juvenile multiple colorectal carcinoma with hypogammaglobulinemia. Several recent studies have determined that agammaglobulinemia was caused by the loss of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) function. However, any genetic alterations associated with carcinoma formation in individuals with this immunodeficient disease have not been reported.

METHODS

DNA from eight carcinoma tissues and nine adenoma tissues from this reported case were examined for mutations in p53 by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis, K-ras by mutant allele specific analysis, and replication error or loss of heterozygosity of the TP53 locus on chromosome #17.

RESULTS

We found that p53 and K-ras were mutated in the carcinoma tissues. However, each tumor showed unequal and diverse results.

CONCLUSIONS

The progression of individual tumor was not due to a common genetic event caused directly under the influence of the primary disease at the genetic level.

Characterization of the human TESTIN gene localized in the FRA7G region at 7q31.2

Cancer-associated chromosomal aberrations often involve regions containing fragile sites. FRA7G is a common aphidicolin-inducible fragile site at 7q31.2, showing loss of heterozygosity in human malignancies. To investigate the structure of FRA7G, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome contig spanning the region between marker D7S486 and Met H. Analysis of the FRA7G sequence allowed us to identify a gene encoding a 421-amino-acid protein with three LIM domains and 89% identity to murine Testin. We determined the genomic structure of the human TESTIN locus and characterized three alternative transcripts. Although TESTIN mRNA is expressed in all normal human tissues examined, we observed lack of expression in 22% of cancer cell lines and 44% of the cell lines derived from hematological malignancies. We further determined that in most of these cases the inactivation of TESTIN expression is due to methylation of a CpG island. Analysis of the TESTIN coding region in 26 tumor cell lines revealed three missense mutations. Our findings suggest that TESTIN may represent a candidate tumor suppressor gene at 7q31.2.

Expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human breast carcinoma

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human carcinomas. TIMP-1 is thus considered to inhibit carcinoma invasion and metastasis. On the other hand, recent reports have disclosed that TIMP-1 also possesses a growth-promoting function. The clinical significance of TIMP-1 expression has not been fully determined in breast carcinoma. We thus examined the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in tumor tissues of 100 breast carcinoma cases by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay. The expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in each case was evaluated semi-quantitatively with adjustment for the TIMP-1 expression in a control breast carcinoma cell line, MCF7. There was a significant inverse correlation between the TIMP-1 expression and lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). A multivariate analysis disclosed that TIMP-1 expression status was an independent determinant factor for lymph node metastasis. In addition, the tumors with positive estrogen or progesterone receptors showed a higher TIMP-1 mRNA expression than those without the receptors, but this did not reach statistical significance. The findings suggest that the breast tumors with high TIMP-1 expression might show less malignant potential than those with low TIMP-1 expression.

alpha6 integrin expression in esophageal carcinoma

One of the genes that the authors have isolated by a differential display of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to adjacent liver is the alpha6 integrin. alpha6 integrin is the major adhesion receptor for laminin and is suggested to be involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. To our knowledge, however, there are no reports on alpha6 integrin expression in esophageal carcinoma. We thus conducted a study to determine its clinicopathologic significance in human esophageal carcinoma. The tumor/normal (T/N) ratio of alpha6 integrin expression was calculated by Northern hybridization in 45 cases of esophageal carcinoma. In selected cases the expression of the alpha6 integrin variants A and B was also investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and immunostaining for alpha6 integrin was performed. The expression levels of alpha6 integrin mRNA in the tumor tissue were greater than those of the corresponding normal tissue in 39 of 45 cases (87%). The overexpression of alpha6 integrin was also recognized by immunostaining. Fifteen cases with a high T/N ratio demonstrated a deeper invasion into the esophageal wall than the 30 cases with a low T/N ratio. Although there was no significant difference, the 15 cases with a high T/N ratio had a tendency for a worse prognosis. The ratio of the two variants (alpha6A/alpha6B) did not show any relationship to survival. The findings imply that alpha6 integrin is overexpressed in human esophageal carcinomas and that alpha6 integrin may play an important role in esophageal tumor invasion.

Altered expression of Fhit in carcinoma and precarcinomatous lesions of the esophagus

The FHIT gene, located at chromosome 3p14.2, is a tumor suppressor gene often involved in tumors resulting from exposure to environmental carcinogens. We studied 46 pairs of esophageal primary tumors and corresponding normal squamous mucosa specimens by molecular genetic and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the role of the FHIT gene in esophageal carcinoma. In addition, we studied several different types of lesions, such as carcinoma in situ or dysplasia by immunohistochemistry. Loss of heterozygosity at or around the FHIT gene was observed in 35 (76%) primary tumors. Immunohistochemical detection of Fhit protein in the primary tumors demonstrated that 14 (30%) were positive and 32 (70%) were negative. We observed concordance between loss of Fhit protein and loss of heterozygosity and between loss of Fhit protein and RNA abnormalities. Because the FHIT/FRA3B locus is susceptible to damage by environmental carcinogens, we investigated the correlation between Fhit expression and smoking or alcohol habits. In this relatively small study, the patients who were both heavy users of tobacco and alcohol showed a significantly higher frequency of loss of Fhit expression than those who were light users. Noncarcinomatous squamous epithelium showed positive Fhit reactivity in most cases; however, five showed negative Fhit reactivity. Interestingly, all of these five patients had habits of heavy use of tobacco and alcohol. Eight of 12 carcinomas in situ, 2 of 4 severe dysplasias, 4 of 8 moderate dysplasias, and 3 of 9 mild dysplastic lesions showed negative Fhit reactivity. These findings indicated that loss of Fhit expression may be an early event in the development of human esophageal carcinoma and may occur even in normal-appearing squamous epithelium in some patients heavily exposed to environmental carcinogens.

Loss of FHIT expression in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Cytogenetic and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies demonstrated chromosome 3p deletions in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). We recently cloned the tumor suppressor gene FHIT (fragile histidine triad) at 3p14.2, one of the most frequently deleted chromosomal regions in TCC of the bladder, and showed that it is the target of environmental carcinogens. Abnormalities at the FHIT locus have been found in tumors of the lung, breast, cervix, head and neck, stomach, pancreas, and clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. We examined six TCC derived cell lines (SW780, T24, Hs228T, CRL7930, CRL7833, and HTB9) and 30 primary TCC of the bladder for the integrity of the FHIT transcript, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to investigate a potential role of the FHIT gene in TCC of the bladder. In addition, we tested expression of the Fhit protein in the six TCC-derived cell lines by Western blot analysis and in 85 specimens of primary TCCs by immunohistochemistry. Three of the six cell lines (50%) did not show the wild-type FHIT transcript, and Fhit protein was not detected in four of the six cell lines (67%) tested. Fhit expression also was correlated with pathological and clinical status. A significant correlation was observed between reduced Fhit expression and advanced stage of the tumors. Overall, 26 of 30 (87%) primary TCCs showed abnormal transcripts. Fhit protein was absent or greatly reduced in 61% of the TCCs analyzed by immunohistochemistry. These results suggested that loss of Fhit expression may be as important in the development of bladder cancer as it is for other neoplasms caused by environmental carcinogens.

Increased expression of ornithine decarboxylase messenger RNA in human esophageal carcinoma

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines, which are essential for cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ODC expression in human esophageal cancer at the mRNA level. Sixty-four pairs of primary esophageal cancers and normal esophageal epithelia were examined by reverse transcription-PCR for ODC mRNA expression. The ODC mRNA levels were higher in primary esophageal carcinoma than in adjacent normal esophageal epithelium in 58 (90.6%) of 64 cases. The tumor:normal (T:N) ratio of ODC mRNA expression in esophageal specimens has a significant correlation with tumor-node-metastasis staging (P = 0.043), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.039), vascular vessel invasion (P = 0.035), and histology (P = 0.034) of the tumor. In well- and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, the patients with a higher T:N ratio showed a significantly poorer prognosis (P = 0.027), and multivariate analysis also confirmed that the T:N ratio has a significant correlation with poor prognosis (P = 0.043). The steady-state of ODC mRNA overexpression in esophageal carcinoma implies that the ODC gene may play an important role in tumorgenesis in squamous epithelium. Furthermore, ODC mRNA expression may be used as a prognostic marker, especially for well- and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Structural requirements for alkylglycoside-type renal targeting vector

PURPOSE

We have previously shown Glc-S-C7-Me (octyl beta-D-thioglucoside) exhibits renal targeting potential in vivo in addition to its specific binding to the renal membrane fraction in vitro. Thus, "alkylglycoside" is considered to be a novel targeting vector for the kidney (1,2). The present study is designed to clarify the structural requirements for alkylglycoside as a renal targeting vector.

METHODS

Inhibitory effects of various sugars and glycosides on 3H-Glc-S-C7-Me binding to the kidney membrane fraction were evaluated by a centrifugation method.

RESULTS

As far as the sugar moiety is concerned, no other sugars except D-aldohexose and D-aldohexose derivatives (containing F, S, and N) showed greater inhibition than D-glucose. Therefore, octylthio derivatives of various D-aldohexose were prepared and their inhibitory effects were investigated. The following findings were obtained: Equatorial OH at 4 position is essential; OH at 2 position can have either orientation or be deleted. As far as the alkyl moiety is concerned, the length, branching and electrical environment in the region of the glycoside bond are important; aromatic structures can substitute for the alkyl portion; the preferred glycoside bonding atom is as follows: S > NH > O.

CONCLUSIONS

The structural requirements for the renal targeting vector have been identified to be as follows: a hydrophobic group (alkyl chain or aromatic ring) should be introduced to a sugar (D-glucose, D-mannose, or 2-deoxy-D-glucose) via a beta-glycoside binding atom (S > NH > O).

Relation between the painful shoulder and the cervical spine with narrow canal in patients without obvious radiculopathy

It is well known that cervical radiculopathy sometimes causes shoulder pain. Hypothesizing that the cause of painful shoulder is related to the cervical spine in the absence of obvious radiculopathy, we measured the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal and the range of motion of the cervical spine in patients with painful shoulder on lateral cervical radiographs of the spine. Painful shoulder was diagnosed in 76 patients (24 men and 52 women; mean age 57.6 years). Patients who reported neck pain or numbness of the upper limbs and patients with neurologic abnormalities were excluded from this study. A control group of 54 asymptomatic volunteers (27 men and 27 women; mean age 55.5 years) was formed. The difference in age between the patient group and the control group was not significant. The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal at C5 and C6 in the painful-shoulder group (C5: 12.74 mm; C6: 12.76 mm) was significantly narrower than in the control group (C5: 13.60 mm; C6: 13.79 mm). The range of motion was greatest at C4-5 and smallest at C2-3 in both groups; and there was no significant difference in the range of motion between the painful-shoulder group and the control group. When women only or men only were assessed, the results were nearly the same between groups. The cervical spine without obvious radiculopathy appears to be involved in patients with a painful shoulder. We speculate that the shoulder is affected by irritation of a cervical nerve root or referred pain.

Cancer-specific chromosome alterations in the constitutive fragile region FRA3B

We have sequenced 870 kilobases of the FHIT/FRA3B locus, from FHIT intron 3 to intron 7. The locus is AT rich (61.5%) and Alu poor (6. 2%), and it apparently does not harbor other genes. In a detailed analysis of the 308-kilobase region between FHIT exon 5 and the telomeric end of intron 3, a region known to encompass a human papillomavirus-16 integration site and two clusters of aphidicolin-induced chromosome 3p14.2 breakpoints, we have precisely mapped 10 deletion and translocation endpoints in cancer-derived cell lines relative to positions of specific repetitive elements, regions of high genome flexibility and aphidicolin-induced breakpoints. Conclusions are (i) that aphidicolin-induced breakpoint clusters fall close to high-flexibility sequences, suggesting that these sequences contribute directly to aphidicolin-induced fragility; (ii) that 9 of the 10 FHIT allelic deletions in cancer cell lines resulted in loss of exons, with 7 deletion endpoints near long interspersed nuclear elements or long terminal repeat elements; and (iii) that cancer-specific deletions encompass multiple high-flexibility genomic regions, suggesting that fragile breaks may occur at these regions, whereas repair of the breaks involves homologous pairing of flanking sequences with concomitant deletion of the damaged fragile sequence.

A new pain provocation test for superior labral tears of the shoulder

We prospectively evaluated the usefulness of a new pain provocation test to diagnose superior labral tears in 32 patients with diagnosed throwing injuries of the shoulder. Results of the pain provocation test were compared with findings on magnetic resonance arthrography (all 32 patients) and arthroscopic examination (15 patients). In 22 patients, detachment of the superior labrum was observed on arthrograms, and all of them had positive results on the new pain provocation test. Nine of the other 10 patients had negative results on the new pain provocation test. However, 1 of the 10 patients had a positive result. Eleven of 15 patients were found to have superior labral lesions arthroscopically, and all of them were classified as type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions. All the 11 patients had positive pain provocation tests. The other four patients without superior labral tears on arthroscopic findings had negative results on the new pain provocation test. The new pain provocation test identified all patients with detachment of the superior labrum confirmed by magnetic resonance arthrography, for a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 90%, and an accuracy of 97%. Results of the new pain provocation test were in accord with arthroscopic findings in the 15 patients who underwent arthroscopic examination.

Expression of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase mRNA plays an important role in the prognosis of patients with oesophageal cancer

To clarify the significance of the expression of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) mRNA as a predictive factor for the prognosis of patients with oesophageal carcinoma, the PyNPase mRNA in the tumours and normal tissues from 55 resected cases of oesophageal carcinoma was examined by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As a result, a positive correlation was observed between the tumour/normal (T/N) ratio of the expression of PyNPase mRNA by RT-PCR and that of the enzyme activity of PyNPase based on the findings of an enzyme linked immunosolvent assay (r = 0.594, P = 0.009). The T/N ratio of the expression of PyNPase mRNA was significantly higher in the cases with lymph vessel invasion (P = 0.013), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0016), and an advanced stage of the disease (P = 0.021) than those without these factors. The patients with a higher T/N ratio of PyNPase mRNA showed significantly worse prognosis than those with a lower T/N ratio (P = 0.023 with log-rank tests). A multivariate analysis for the cumulative survival rates revealed that a high T/N ratio of the expression of PyNPase mRNA was independently related to a poor prognosis. These findings suggested that the determination of PyNPase mRNA by RT-PCR thus appears to be a new useful parameter for identifying both a poor prognosis and a highly malignant potential of oesophageal carcinoma.

Up-regulated pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase in breast carcinoma correlates with lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity in breast carcinomas has never been determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 41 cases of breast carcinoma, the enzyme activity of PyNPase was determined by the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay and its value was analyzed with clinicopathologic variables. The expression level of mRNA was examined by the semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and compared with the enzyme activity.

RESULTS

The higher activity of PyNPase was significantly correlated not only with the presence of vascular permeation (P = 0.02) but of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.02). The mRNA expression correlated well with the enzyme activity (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). A multivariate analysis disclosed the PyNPase factor to be associated with lymph node metastasis. In addition, 17 (41%) showed positive staining only in the tumor stromal cells and 18 (44%) cases showed positive staining in both the tumor stromal cells and the carcinoma cells by immunohistochemical study.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that PyNPase activity is a new marker predicting the malignant potential of breast carcinomas, especially with respect to lymph node metastasis, and that the RT-PCR assay is a more useful method than direct evaluation of PyNPase activity.

Motility related protein 1 (MRP1/CD9) expression in colon cancer

It is important to detect genes that may be good prognostic markers for colon cancer patients. With this in mind, we identified the motility related protein-1 (MRP1/CD9) gene in human colon tissues. The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of MRP1/CD9 gene expression in human colon cancers. We performed the differential mRNA display technique between tumor/normal paired samples of the colon and identified MRP1/CD9. Eighty-two surgical specimens of primary colorectal cancer were analyzed by means of reverse transcription-PCR for the MRP1/CD9 gene. Its expression status and clinicopathological variables were analyzed univariately and multivariately. The MRP1/ CD9 mRNA expression was positive in 56 cases and negative in 26 cases. The MRP1/CD9 negative cases showed a significantly higher frequency of venous-vessel invasion and liver metastasis, or a worse prognosis than the MRP1/CD9 positive cases (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis with the Cox regression model disclosed that MRP1/CD9 expression was an independent prognostic factor distinct from the lymph node status. The findings imply that the study of MRP1/CD9 expression may be useful for predicting prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer.

Expression of ornithine decarboxylase mRNA and c-myc mRNA in breast tumours

We examined the expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA in 53 female cases of breast cancer by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to determine the clinicopathologic significance of its expression. A significantly higher expression of ODC mRNA was, observed in younger patients than in older patients. The patients with a larger sized tumour possessed a significantly higher expression of ODC mRNA. In addition, the cases with a poor prognosis showed significantly higher expression of ODC. Previous studies have reported in vivo and in vitro correlation between the expression of ODC and c-myc genes in human carcinomas. We disclosed a significant correlation between these genes in primary breast carcinomas. We conclude that the expression of ODC may potentially be a new biological marker for breast carcinoma.

[Inflammatory reactions and microorganisms cultured from sputum and blood in association with terminal stage infection of patients with lung cancer]

We reviewed our experience with terminal stage infections in patients with lung cancer over an 11 year period at Kurume University Hospital. In patients with end-stage lung cancer, the infection is common and a mortal disease. We examined the clinical features and significance of pathogenic microbes isolated from sputum and blood in patients with lung cancer during their last month. Bacteriological examinations from blood done frequently in patients with episodes of fever revealed that bacteremia was one of the most important disease in terminal stage infection. In the blood cultures from the 22 patients various species of pathogenic microbes were recovered, and nine of which were fungi; five Candida albicans, three Candida tropicalis and one Candida parapsilosis. The major species of bacteria isolated from sputum were Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strain, and Gram-negative bacilli; P. aeruginasa, A. calcoaceticus, K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae, which are known to be frequently involved in hospital-acquired infections. However, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae which were well known to be microbes of respiratory infections were rare. We concluded that we had to reveal the feature of terminal stage infection in order to reduce the fee for medical treatment and improve the QOL of patients with terminal stage lung cancer.

Clinical significance of molecular detection of carcinoma cells in lymph nodes and peripheral blood by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in patients with gastrointestinal or breast carcinomas

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the clinical significance of detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA in the dissected lymph nodes and peripheral blood samples of patients with gastrointestinal or breast carcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 406 lymph nodes obtained from 65 patients were analyzed by both histologic and molecular examination of CEA-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Peripheral blood samples from another 102 patients were also analyzed by CEA-specific RT-PCR. Patients were followed up prospectively for 24 +/- 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 406 lymph nodes, the positive detection rate increased from 20% by histologic examination to 60% by RT-PCR examination. The recurrence rate was 40% in 15 cases showing positive results in both examinations, 14% in 29 cases showing histologically negative but RT-PCR positive results, and none in 21 cases showing negative results in both examinations. The positive detection rate for CEA mRNA in peripheral blood samples increased with advancing stage of disease. With respect to 62 curatively operated cases, CEA mRNA was detected in 12 cases. Four of these 12 cases developed metastatic disease after surgery whereas none of 50 cases negative by RT-PCR developed metastasis.

CONCLUSION

It has been shown that RT-PCR is a powerful tool to detect CEA mRNA in the lymph nodes or the peripheral blood. This is potentially very useful to determine high-risk patients for metastasis. Serial analysis is warranted to assess the long-term significance of this method and its therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Clinical significance of integrin alpha 6 mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma

Integrin alpha 6 is believed to be involved in malignant biological development. High tumor/normal (T/N) ratio of integrin alpha 6 was observed in intestinal type tumors in gastric carcinoma. In an immunohistochemical study, an intense and continuous staining was seen at the basement layer in the intestinal type tumors. Concerning the variant, there was a significant correlation between the expression ratio of variant B/variant A and the depth of tumor invasion. In conclusion, i) integrin alpha 6 expression was intimately correlated with histologic differentiation, and ii) the overexpression of variant B may be correlated with tumor invasion of gastric carcinoma.

Analysis of ornithine decarboxylase messenger ribonucleic acid expression in colorectal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a rate-limiting enzyme for polyamine synthesis. An elevated protein level of ODC was observed in the tumors. There has been, however, little information reported so far on the expression of ODC messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in clinical colorectal carcinomas. In vitro studies disclosed that the transcriptions of the ODC gene is regulated by the c-myc gene.

METHODS

The expression of ODC and c-myc mRNA in biopsy specimens obtained from both tumor tissue and the corresponding normal tissue was examined by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method in 40 cases of colorectal carcinoma.

RESULTS

The expression of ODC mRNA was observed in both tumor tissue and normal tissue. The tumor to normal ratio of ODC mRNA was higher in cases with deeply invasive tumors than in cases with shallow tumors, and it was also higher in Dukes B or C cases than in Dukes A cases. There was a significant correlation between the tumor to normal ratio of c-myc mRNA and that of ODC mRNA in each case.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that 1) the study of the expression of ODC mRNA may be useful for preoperatively predicting more advanced disease of colon carcinoma, and 2) there was a significant correlation between expression of ODC and c-myc mRNA in the clinical samples, which was similar to the findings of a previous in vitro study.

Expression of the MAGE gene family in human gastric carcinoma

MAGE genes code tumor antigens that are recognized by cytolytic T lymphocytes and have been shown to be expressed in various malignant tumors. However, there is still little information on the expression of the MAGE gene family except for reports of MAGE-1 and -3. In this study, we therefore investigated the expression of MAGE-4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -11 and -12, as well as MAGE-1, -2 and -3 in both cell lines and surgical samples of gastric carcinoma, using reverse transcriptionPCR. Of the investigated 11 cell lines, MAGE-4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -11 and -12 were detected in 8 (73%), 6 (55%), 2 (18%), 59 (44%), 6 (55%), 4 (36%), and 7 (64%), respectively. No expression of these genes was seen in any of the 54 samples of normal gastric tissue. In contrast, the tumor tissue samples were found to express MAGE-4, -6, -8, -9, -10, -11, and -12 in 18 (33%), 13 (24%), 6 (11%), 10 (19%), 5 (9%), 13 (24%), and 10 (19%), respectively. Forty-four (82%) of 54 gastric tumors expressed at least one of these genes. No significant correlation was observed between the expression of MAGE genes and any specific clinicopathological factors. These results may hopefully prove to be useful in developing strategies for tumor-specific immunotherapy of gastric carcinoma using MAGE gene products.

Analysis of MT1-MMP and MMP2 expression in human gastric cancers

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a presumed activator of MMP2, which is one of the major proteinases in tumor cell invasion. In this study, we determined the clinico-pathologic significance of MT1-MMP expression in 68 human gastric carcinomas. The tumor-normal ratio (T/N ratio) of MTI-MMP expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. To visualize the localization of MT1-MMP, an immunohistochemical study was performed. In addition, a gelatin zymography was done to examine the activation ratio of MMP2, and a correlation between MT1-MMP expression and activation of MMP2 was studied. The expression of MT1-MMP mRNA was higher in tumor tissue than in corresponding normal tissue in most cases. The mean value of the T/N ratio was 4.8. Twenty cases with T/N > or = 4.8 showed significantly deeper invasion and higher frequency of lymph node metastasis than 48 cases with T/N < 4.8. MT1-MMP expression was an independent factor influencing both tumor invasion of the gastric wall and lymph node metastasis. Although MT1-MMP expression was not an independent prognostic factor, the patients with T/N > or = 4.8 showed a significantly worse prognosis than those with T/N < 4.8. An immunohistochemical study demonstrated that MT1-MMP expression was mainly recognized in the tumor cells. There was a significant correlation between MT1-MMP expression and activation of MMP2. Our findings suggest that: 1) the expression of MT1-MMP may influence prognosis via tumor invasion of the gastric wall and lymph node metastasis, and 2) MT1-MMP activation of MMP2 may be clinically relevant in gastric carcinoma tumors.

Analysis of MT1-MMP and MMP2 expression in human gastric cancers

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a presumed activator of MMP2, which is one of the major proteinases in tumor cell invasion. In this study, we determined the clinico-pathologic significance of MT1-MMP expression in 68 human gastric carcinomas. The tumor-normal ratio (T/N ratio) of MTI-MMP expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. To visualize the localization of MT1-MMP, an immunohistochemical study was performed. In addition, a gelatin zymography was done to examine the activation ratio of MMP2, and a correlation between MT1-MMP expression and activation of MMP2 was studied. The expression of MT1-MMP mRNA was higher in tumor tissue than in corresponding normal tissue in most cases. The mean value of the T/N ratio was 4.8. Twenty cases with T/N > or = 4.8 showed significantly deeper invasion and higher frequency of lymph node metastasis than 48 cases with T/N < 4.8. MT1-MMP expression was an independent factor influencing both tumor invasion of the gastric wall and lymph node metastasis. Although MT1-MMP expression was not an independent prognostic factor, the patients with T/N > or = 4.8 showed a significantly worse prognosis than those with T/N < 4.8. An immunohistochemical study demonstrated that MT1-MMP expression was mainly recognized in the tumor cells. There was a significant correlation between MT1-MMP expression and activation of MMP2. Our findings suggest that: 1) the expression of MT1-MMP may influence prognosis via tumor invasion of the gastric wall and lymph node metastasis, and 2) MT1-MMP activation of MMP2 may be clinically relevant in gastric carcinoma tumors.

Morbidity after D2 and D3 gastrectomy for node-positive gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Several studies show various rates of morbidity and mortality after radical operation for gastric carcinoma. Whether or not extended lymph node dissection should be done is still controversial.

STUDY DESIGN

The medical records of 214 patients with node-positive gastric carcinoma who underwent radical gastrectomy and extended lymph node dissection (D2, D3) from 1975 to 1990 were analyzed with reference to the type and cause of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The overall morbidity rate was 36 percent and was significantly different between patients with distal gastrectomy (19 percent) and total gastrectomy (53 percent) (p < .01). Morbidity after distal gastrectomy correlated with blood loss (593 g compared with 438 g; p < .05) and transfusion (43 percent compared with 21 percent; p < .05), whereas morbidity after total gastrectomy was closely linked to splenectomy (64 percent compared with 40 percent; p < .05) and duration of the operation (227 minutes compared with 204 minutes; p < .05). The morbidity rate was not different, however, between D2 dissection (33 percent) and D3 dissection (40 percent) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical gastrectomy and extended lymph node dissection can be performed with an acceptable morbidity, but total gastrectomy with splenectomy was associated with high morbidity in patients with node-positive gastric carcinoma.

Molecular detection of circulating solid carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood: the concept of early systemic disease

Detection of the mRNA of selected genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a sensitive and powerful tool for detecting cancer cells in bone-marrow or peripheral-blood samples. In this study, we determined whether carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA is detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer. In addition, we studied selected patients undergoing surgical procedures to assess whether tumor manipulation during operation enhances cancer-cell dissemination. Peripheral blood from 55 patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer and from 22 control cases was analysed for CEA mRNA using RT-PCR. For 15 selected cases undergoing curative surgery for cancer, samples were also obtained during and after surgery. The lower limit of detection was 1 to 10 CEA-positive cells diluted among 1 x 10(7) blood mononuclear cells. The test was positive for 20 of the 55 patients with cancer (36%). None of the 22 control samples were positive. An increase in positivity was observed with increasing stage of disease; however, even some patients with early-stage cancer showed positive results. In addition, CEA mRNA could be detected in the peripheral blood during operation in 3 of 13 patients whose pre-operative CEA mRNA in the peripheral blood had been negative. These findings suggest that, (1) RT-PCR amplification of CEA mRNA is an efficient means of detecting circulating solid cancer cells in the peripheral blood, although long-term clinical studies should be done to evaluate its usefulness; (2) not only breast cancer but also gastrointestinal cancer might be better regarded as a systemic disease even in early stages of carcinoma; and (3) surgical manipulation can provoke cancer-cell dissemination.

Molecular detection of circulating solid carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood: the concept of early systemic disease

Detection of the mRNA of selected genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a sensitive and powerful tool for detecting cancer cells in bone-marrow or peripheral-blood samples. In this study, we determined whether carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA is detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer. In addition, we studied selected patients undergoing surgical procedures to assess whether tumor manipulation during operation enhances cancer-cell dissemination. Peripheral blood from 55 patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer and from 22 control cases was analysed for CEA mRNA using RT-PCR. For 15 selected cases undergoing curative surgery for cancer, samples were also obtained during and after surgery. The lower limit of detection was 1 to 10 CEA-positive cells diluted among 1 x 10(7) blood mononuclear cells. The test was positive for 20 of the 55 patients with cancer (36%). None of the 22 control samples were positive. An increase in positivity was observed with increasing stage of disease; however, even some patients with early-stage cancer showed positive results. In addition, CEA mRNA could be detected in the peripheral blood during operation in 3 of 13 patients whose pre-operative CEA mRNA in the peripheral blood had been negative. These findings suggest that, (1) RT-PCR amplification of CEA mRNA is an efficient means of detecting circulating solid cancer cells in the peripheral blood, although long-term clinical studies should be done to evaluate its usefulness; (2) not only breast cancer but also gastrointestinal cancer might be better regarded as a systemic disease even in early stages of carcinoma; and (3) surgical manipulation can provoke cancer-cell dissemination.

Clinical significance of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase expression in gastric carcinoma

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) has been reported to inhibit tumour invasion through an inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) both in vitro and in vivo. Among the TIMP family, TIMP-1 possesses not only proteinase inhibitory activity but also a growth-promoting function. However, the significance of the expression of TIMP-1 in human gastric carcinoma tissue has yet to be clarified. In 50 examined cases of gastric carcinoma, 44 (88%) cases showed a higher expression of TIMP-1 mRNA in the biopsy samples from the tumour tissue (T) than in the biopsy samples from the corresponding normal tissue (N), as determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In a multivariate analysis, the T/N ratio of TIMP-1 mRNA was found to be an independent factor influencing the depth of tumour invasion and was the second most important factor in determining the prognosis of patients. As RT-PCR assay can be performed on biopsy specimens obtained before surgery, an evaluation of the TIMP-1 expression in biopsy specimens by RT-PCR may thus provide useful preoperative information on tumour aggressiveness.

Molecular detection of circulating solid carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood: the concept of early systemic disease

Detection of the mRNA of selected genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a sensitive and powerful tool for detecting cancer cells in bone-marrow or peripheral-blood samples. In this study, we determined whether carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA is detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer. In addition, we studied selected patients undergoing surgical procedures to assess whether tumor manipulation during operation enhances cancer-cell dissemination. Peripheral blood from 55 patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer and from 22 control cases was analysed for CEA mRNA using RT-PCR. For 15 selected cases undergoing curative surgery for cancer, samples were also obtained during and after surgery. The lower limit of detection was 1 to 10 CEA-positive cells diluted among 1 x 10(7) blood mononuclear cells. The test was positive for 20 of the 55 patients with cancer (36%). None of the 22 control samples were positive. An increase in positivity was observed with increasing stage of disease; however, even some patients with early-stage cancer showed positive results. In addition, CEA mRNA could be detected in the peripheral blood during operation in 3 of 13 patients whose pre-operative CEA mRNA in the peripheral blood had been negative. These findings suggest that, (1) RT-PCR amplification of CEA mRNA is an efficient means of detecting circulating solid cancer cells in the peripheral blood, although long-term clinical studies should be done to evaluate its usefulness; (2) not only breast cancer but also gastrointestinal cancer might be better regarded as a systemic disease even in early stages of carcinoma; and (3) surgical manipulation can provoke cancer-cell dissemination.

Relaxation of insulin-like growth factor 2 gene imprinting in esophageal cancer

Paternal allele-specific expression is identified for the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene. Relaxation or loss of IGF2 imprinting, however, has been reported in several neoplasms. We studied the expression of IGF2 mRNA in 35 squamous cancers of the esophagus and searched for the presence or absence of relaxation of IGF2 imprinting. In 28 (80%) cases, IGF2 mRNA was overexpressed in the tumor tissues (T) compared to the normal tissues (N). The patients whose tumor invaded the adventitia showed a higher T/N ratio than those whose tumor was restricted to the musculi propria layer. Heterozygosity was determined by using the Apa I polymorphism in exon 9. Thirteen of 35 cases showed heterozygosity. In these 13 cases, a similar analysis was performed on cDNA obtained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Consequently, 7 cases disclosed relaxation of IGF2 imprinting in the tumor tissue. The cases of esophageal cancer with relaxation of IGF2 imprinting showed a higher T/N ratio and deeper invasion than those without relaxation. The results suggest that overexpression of IGF2 mRNA plays an important role in esophageal cancer and, in certain cases, is associated with relaxation of IGF2 imprinting.

Significance of alpha-1-antitrypsin mRNA expression in esophageal carcinoma

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) is present not only in the normal gastrointestine, but in malignant gastrointestinal tissue as well. We studied the expression of alpha 1AT mRNA in 30 cases of esophageal carcinoma using a Northern blot analysis. In addition, we also examined the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) mRNA in the latest 15 cases by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to clarify the relationship between the alpha 1AT and MMP7. In 25 of the 30, the expression of alpha 1AT mRNA in esophageal carcinomatous tissue (T) was lower than that in the corresponding normal tissue (N) of the esophagus. The T/N ratio of alpha 1AT mRNA expression showed a significant inverse correlation with the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis and stage of disease (p=0.042, p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). The T/N ratio of alpha 1AT bad a converse correlation with that of MMP7 (p=0.034). The current study thus suggested that i) the lower expression of T/N expression may be a marker for the biological aggressiveness of esophageal carcinoma, and ii) the reduction of alpha 1AT may be partially correlated with the overexpression of MMP7 in tumor tissue.

A new approach for acute embolus occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery

Acute embolus occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) either demonstrates a poor prognosis, or forces the patients to endure miserable postoperative dietary lives. Recently, we developed a new successful technique which reduced the length of the intestinal segment that had to be removed. The technique was as follows: (1) the distal end of the SMA was ligated to avoid perfusion of the necrotic segment, and (2) a Fogarty balloon catheter was inserted from the distal end of the SMA and then passed proximally to remove any remaining clots. Using the above-described technique on 3 cases from 1992 to 1994, we were thus able to shorten the length of the intestine that had to be removed and thereby greatly improve the patients' postoperative dietary lives.

Presence of elevated carcinoembryonic antigen on absorbent disks applied to nipple area of breast carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is used as a serum marker to detect and monitor the status of various kinds of malignant tumors. To determine whether CEA might be detected in secretions collected topically from around the nipple area, and whether its secretion might differ in a cancerous versus a noncancerous breast, we developed a simple method for collecting and measuring CEA, using a small cellulose membrane disk and an enzyme immunoassay.

METHODS

We measured the amount of CEA excreted from the nipple area of 22 healthy control women and 32 women with unilateral breast carcinoma confirmed histologically. Secretions were collected from the nipple area by affixing a small (20 mm diameter) absorbent disk made of nitrocellulose membrane backed with filter paper to that area for 24 hours. Substances absorbed by the membrane were then subjected to an immunoassay for CEA using anti-CEA antibodies.

RESULTS

In the 22 healthy subjects, a small amount of CEA (0.6 +/- 0.9 units) was secreted from each nipple, which was equally low regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle. In contrast, 30 of the 32 women with breast carcinoma secreted significantly greater amounts of CEA from the cancerous (16.1 +/- 8.2) than the noncancerous (2.0 +/- 2.2) breast. Such a difference (14.1 +/- 8.0) in CEA excretion was not observed in the healthy controls (0 +/- 0).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that such disks may provide a simple and noninvasive method of collecting trace molecules, including CEA, in skin secretions around the nipple to evaluate functional disorders of the mammary glands, particularly breast carcinoma. Additional studies are indicated in larger groups of women with various stages of breast carcinoma as well as with benign breast diseases.

Expression of MAGE genes in human colorectal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The human genes MAGE-1 and -3 encode tumor-specific peptide antigens, which are recognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The antigens coded by those genes may be useful for cancer immunotherapy. There is, however, little information on the expression of these genes in human colorectal carcinomas.

METHOD

The expression of MAGE-1, -2, and -3 genes in 54 pairs of tumor and corresponding normal tissue specimens of the colorectum was determined by means of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The induction of MAGE-1, -2, -3, and -4 gene expression in eight colorectal carcinoma cell lines also was examined by use of a demethylating agent, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC).

RESULTS

The expression of MAGE genes was not recognized in normal colorectal tissues at all. In tumor tissue specimens, the expression of MAGE-1, -2, and -3 was recognized in 16 (30%), 15 (28%), and 11 (20%) patients, respectively. The expression was seen frequently in patients with liver metastasis (p < 0.01). Although MAGE-1 or -3 genes were not induced by DAC, MAGE-2 or -4 genes were induced in three of four MAGE-2 negative cell lines or three of seven MAGE-4 negative cell lines, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGE genes were expressed exclusively in tumor tissues of one third of patients with colorectal carcinoma. The identification of such tumor rejection antigens is considered to uncover a new possibility for the specific immunotherapy of colorectal carcinoma. The demethylating agent may increase the number of patients who might be candidates for MAGE-specific immunotherapy.

[Prognostic factors of colon cancer from a molecular biology standpoint]

It has been reported that several genes may be good indicators for determining biological behavior, including the prognosis, of colorectal cancers. We have summarized these reported genes, such as tumor suppressor gene, oncogenes, metastasis suppressor gene, adhesion molecules, growth factors, proteinases, and others, including microsatellite instability. Some of the genes such as p53, DCC, c-met, or matrix metalloproteinase are considered to be reliable for determining biological aggressiveness. We introduced several interesting genes which we are focusing using cDNA subtraction library analysis. We hope that these genes are well combined for best analysis of the biological behavior of colorectal cancers and use for practical clinical analysis. In addition, we hope that novel important genes indicative for prognosis will be found.

[Clinical significance of genetic instability in gastrointestinal cancers]

We reviewed the clinical significance of genetic instability or replication error (RER) in human gastrointestinal carcinomas. The RER positive tumors are seen in about 10-30% of these carcinomas. The RER positive esophageal carcinomas tend to show unusual histologic subtypes such as adenocarcinoma or small cell carcinoma. The RER positive gastric carcinomas show no specific characteristics in our study while several investigators describe the high frequency of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the higher frequency of advanced carcinomas. The RER positive colorectal carcinomas show a tendency to show poorly differentiation to occur in the proximal colon, to have no lymph node metastasis and to show good prognosis. Several candidate genes that may correlate with RER are shown.

Elongation factor 1 gamma mRNA expression in oesophageal carcinoma

Elongation factor 1 gamma (EF1 gamma) is known to be a subunit of EF1, one of the G proteins that mediate the transport of aminoacyl tRNA to 80S ribosomes during translation. As little is known regarding the expression of EF1 gamma in human oesophageal carcinoma, this study looked at its expression using a northern blot analysis. Thirty six cases of oesophageal carcinoma and 15 oesophageal carcinoma cell lines were studied. The EF1 gamma mRNA overexpression at a level of twofold or more was seen in five (14%) of 36 carcinomatous tissues compared with the normal counterparts. All five overexpressed cases showed severe lymph node metastases compared with the non-overexpressed cases, and the difference was significant (p = 0.028). The stage of the disease of these five cases was far advanced compared with the nonoverexpressed cases (p = 0.012). All 15 oesophageal carcinoma cells expressed EF1 gamma mRNA relatively lower than the gastric or pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, in which EF1 gamma was originally isolated. As the expression of EF1 gamma mRNA could be detected even in the biopsy specimens, its overexpression in tumour tissue may provide preoperative useful information for predicting the aggressiveness of tumours.

Human esophageal carcinomas frequently express the tumor-rejection antigens of MAGE genes

The human genes MAGE-1 and -3 encode melanoma peptide antigens that are recognized by autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Tumors expressing MAGE genes are potential targets for cancer immunotherapy, because MAGE genes are expressed only in tumor tissue and not in any normal tissue except testis and placenta. However, little is known about MAGE gene expression in human esophageal carcinoma. The purpose of this study was therefore to analyze MAGE gene status in human esophageal carcinoma. We studied the expression status of these genes in 42 surgical samples and in 12 cell lines of human esophageal carcinoma using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Various clinicopathological factors were also analyzed. No MAGE gene expression was seen in any of the 42 normal esophageal tissue specimens. In contrast, tumor tissue expressed MAGE-1, -2, and -3 in 26, 18 and 24 specimens, respectively. Thirty-three of 42 tumors expressed at least one MAGE gene. Significant clinicopathologic differences between the tumors were not observed, regardless of the presence or absence of MAGE gene expression. In cell lines, MAGE-1, -2, and -3 gene expression was recognized in 5, 4 and 4 cell lines, respectively. This study demonstrates that MAGE genes are frequently expressed in clinical samples as well as in cell lines of esophageal carcinoma. The identification of MAGE genes, therefore, may open up a new modality of treatment, namely specific immunotherapy, for patients with esophageal carcinoma.

The expression of tumor-rejection antigen "MAGE" genes in human gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The genes MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 both encode melanoma peptide antigens recognized by major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The antigens may be a target for immunotherapy. There is, however, little information on the expression of these genes in gastric carcinomas. Therefore, the expression of MAGE genes in gastric carcinomas was evaluated.

METHODS

The expression of MAGE-1, MAGE-2, and MAGE-3 genes in tumors and corresponding normal tissue specimens was studied using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results were analyzed according to clinicopathologic factors of the tumor.

RESULTS

In the 68 gastric carcinomas studied, MAGE-1, MAGE-2, and MAGE-3 messenger RNA were detected in 41%, 31%, and 38%, respectively. Fifty percent of the gastric carcinomas expressed at least one of the MAGE genes. Messenger RNA for the three MAGE proteins was not detected in normal gastric tissue. MAGE gene expression in gastric carcinomas was not associated with a significant clincopathology of the tumor. However, gene expression was lower in mucinous carcinomas (3 of 10).

CONCLUSIONS

MAGE-1, MAGE-2, and MAGE-3 are expressed in a high percentage of gastric carcinomas. These tumor rejection antigens may provide tumor-specific targets for immunotherapy.

A structural model for the mechanisms of elicitor release from fungal cell walls by plant beta-1,3-endoglucanase

The release of elicitor-active carbohydrates from fungal cell walls by beta-1,3-endoglucanase contained in host tissues has been implicated as one of the earliest processes in the interaction between soybean (Glycine max) and the fungal pathogen Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea leading to host defense responses such as phytoalexin production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the primary structure of the glucanase-released elicitor (RE). Gel-filtration chromatography of carbohydrates released from mycelial walls by purified soybean beta-1,3-endoglucanase resolved them into the four fractions (elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III and elicitor-inactive RE-IV). Sugar composition analysis indicated that all of the fractions were composed almost entirely of glucose. 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated the presence of both beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-linkages for the elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III fractions and only beta-1,3 linkage for the elicitor-inactive RE-IV fraction. Methylation analysis and degradation studies employing beta-1,3-endo- and beta-1,3-exoglucanase further suggested that the basic structure of elicitor-active RE consists of beta-1,6-linked glucan backbone chains of various lengths with frequent side branches composed of beta-1,3-linked one or two glucose moieties. From these structural analyses of RE, a structural model of how RE is originally present in fungal cell walls and released by host beta-1,3-endoglucanase is also proposed.

Microsatellite instability in Japanese esophageal carcinoma

Recent studies have shown that microsatellite instability (MSI) may play an important role in the development of various types of cancer. However, there have been only 2 reports describing MSI in esophageal carcinoma and the clinicopathologic significance of MSI in this malignancy has not yet been clarified. To better elucidate the role of genetic instability in the development of esophageal carcinoma, we investigated the presence of MSI in 32 cases of esophageal cancer using paired samples of fresh frozen tumor and normal tissue by a method based on the polymerase chain reaction. MSI was defined as occurring in tumors which showed altered banding patterns at one or more microsatellite loci. The incidence of MSI in esophageal carcinoma was 6 out of 32 patients. MSI was observed more frequently in cases with small-cell carcinoma (2 out of 2) than in cases with squamous-cell carcinoma (4 out of 29). No cases with adenocarcinoma or Barrett's metaplasia were included in our series. No significant correlations between MSI and other clinicopathologic parameters were observed. The present study suggests that (1) some Japanese esophageal carcinomas certainly correlate with DNA replication error, and (2) MSI may be more frequent in small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus than in squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Multiple tumor-suppressor-1 gene and esophageal-carcinoma

The multiple tumor suppressor 1 (MTS1) gene is homozygously deleted frequently in cell lines derived from a wide variety of tumors. We investigated the deletion of the MTS1 gene in esophageal cancer cell lines and primary esophageal squamous carcinomas using the polymerase chain reaction. Sixteen and 15 of 23 esophageal cancer cell lines showed homozygous deletion of MTS1 exon 1 and exon 2, respectively, while none of 21 primary esophageal carcinomas showed the deletion. An analysis of MTS1 gene mutations was carried out by direct DNA sequencing in 8 cell lines and 21 primary carcinomas showing no homozygous deletion. In contrast to previous reports of esophageal carcinoma, there were no mutations recognized in the region sequenced. Our study suggests that the inactivation of the MTS 1 gene may play an important role in esophageal carcinoma cell lines but may be less important in primary carcinomas of the human esophagus.

Complete response of transverse colon carcinoma to S1, a new chemotherapy agent: report of a case

A complete response to a new chemotherapeutic agent, S1, was achieved in a 64-year-old Japanese man with advanced transverse colon cancer. S1 is a combination of the agents tegafur, 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine, and oxonic acid. Because the patient was considered to be a high operative risk due to his poor general condition, S1 was administered at 100 mg/day for 5 days/week over 12 weeks. However, as the serum carcinoembryonic antigen level continued to gradually increase, partial resection of the transverse colon was finally performed. Histopathological study of the resected specimen showed mucin pools in the colon wall with no residual viable cancer cells. No perioperative complications were recognized and the patient is now leading a normal life 6 months after his operation without any signs of recurrence.

Detection of cancer micrometastases in lymph nodes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

There are few DNA-based studies that detect cancer micrometastases in lymph nodes. We have assayed for the specific detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-expressing carcinoma cells in the lymph nodes of patients with gastrointestinal or breast carcinomas. A CEA-specific nested reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assay was optimized using limiting dilutions of a CEA-positive cancer cell line mixed with normal lymphocytes. The expression of CEA mRNA was studied in 100 carcinoma tissues, 75 normal mucosal tissues, and 15 lymph nodes from patients with cholelithiasis. Each of 117 lymph nodes from 13 patients with carcinoma was divided into two pieces: one was used for histological examination and the other for RT-PCR, and the results were compared. The sensitivity ratio was one CEA-expressing cancer cell detected in 1 x 10(5) normal lymphocytes. All carcinoma tissues and normal mucosal tissues expressed CEA mRNA, while no amplification was detected in any control lymph nodes. Thirty of 117 lymph nodes were histologically involved by carcinoma cells, and all of these yielded the expected product by RT-PCR. Of the remaining 87 histologically negative nodes, CEA mRNA was detected in 47 lymph nodes by RT-PCR. The positive rate increased from 26% by histological examination to 66% by RT-PCR. The assay by CEA-specific nested RT-PCR is not only sensitive but widely applicable for the detection of cancer micrometastases in lymph nodes. This method may lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment of patients with subclinical lymph node metastasis.

Chromogranin positive cells in colorectal carcinoma and transitional mucosa

AIMS

Immunostaining of chromogranin identifies gastrointestinal mucosal endocrine cells. The detailed distribution and significance of chromogranin positive cells in colorectal carcinomas and in transitional mucosa remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify these aspects.

METHODS

The distribution of chromogranin positive cells was studied by immunohistochemical methods in normal epithelium remote from carcinoma, in transitional mucosa, and in carcinomas of the colorectum. In selected cases northern or western blot analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Chromogranin positive cells were seen in the lower third of the normal crypts and less frequently in transitional mucosa. Thirty five per cent (n = 38) of colorectal carcinomas showed immunohistochemically positive carcinoma cells in the tumour tissue. Northern and western blot analyses showed similar results. There was no difference in clinicopathological factors, including prognosis, between chromogranin positive cases of colorectal carcinoma (n = 38) and chromogranin negative cases (n = 70).

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroendocrine cell differentiation is controlled in transitional mucosa and the presence of chromogranin positive cells in carcinoma tissue does not influence the patient's prognosis.

The long-term results of pre-operative hyperthermo-chemo-radiotherapy for oesophageal carcinoma--a comparison with preoperative radiation therapy alone

The long-term results of patients with oesophageal carcinoma treated with pre-operative hyperthermo-chemo-radiotherapy (HCR) and pre-operative radiation therapy alone were compared. Twenty-six patients treated with pre-operative hyperthermo-chemo-radiotherapy (HCR Group) and 25 treated with radiation therapy alone (R Group), which demonstrated histopathologically marked effective results (Grade 3), were entered into the study. The 3-year survival rates after oesophagectomy in the HCR Group and the R Group were 67.4% and 41.8%, respectively, while the 5-year survival rates were 50.5% and 34.9%, respectively. Thus post-operative prognosis in the HCR Group was significantly more favourable than that in the R Group (P < 0.05). The local recurrence and distant metastasis rate in the HCR Group was significantly less than in the R Group (P < 0.01). This significant difference in prognosis was thought to be due to the reinforced effects of local regulation by hyperthermia and the systemic control of micrometastasis by chemotherapy in addition to radiation. Our data suggest that for carcinoma of oesophagus, pre-operative hyperthermo-chemo-radiotherapy contributes to prolonged post-operative survival while reducing both local recurrence and micrometastasis.