Clinical features and treatment of patients with esophageal cancer and a history of gastrectomy: a multicenter, questionnaire survey in Kyushu, Japan

It is still controversial whether patients with a history of gastrectomy have high risk of esophageal carcinogenesis. On the other hand, the treatment strategy for esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy is complicated. The association between histories of gastrectomy and esophageal carcinogenesis was retrospectively analyzed, and the treatment of esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy was evaluated based on questionnaire data collected from multiple centers in Kyushu, Japan. The initial subject population comprised 205 esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy. Among them, 108 patients underwent curative surgical treatment, and 70 patients underwent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The time between gastrectomy and esophageal cancer development was longer in peptic ulcer patients (28.3 years) than in gastric cancer patients (9.6 years). There were no differences in the location of esophageal cancer according to the gastrectomy reconstruction method. There were no significant differences in the clinical background characteristics between patients with and without a history of gastrectomy. Among the 108 patients in the surgery group, the 5-year overall survival rates for stages I (n = 30), II (n = 18), and III (n = 60) were 68.2%, 62.9%, and 32.1%, respectively. In the CRT group, the 5-year overall survival rate of stage I (n = 29) was 82.6%, but there were no 5-year survivors in other stages. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with CR (n = 33) or salvage surgery (n = 10) was 61.2% or 36%, respectively. For the treatment of gastrectomized esophageal cancer patients, surgery or CRT is recommended for stage I, and surgery with or without adjuvant therapy is the main central treatment in advanced stages, with surgery for stage II, neoadjuvant therapy + surgery for stage III, and CRT + salvage surgery for any stage, if the patient's condition permits.

Resveratrol directly targets DDX5 resulting in suppression of the mTORC1 pathway in prostate cancer

Resveratrol has various attractive bioactivities, such as prevention of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and obesity-related diseases. Therefore, identifying its direct binding proteins is expected to discover druggable targets. Sirtuin 1 and phosphodiesterases have so far been found as the direct molecular targets of resveratrol. We herein identified 11 novel resveratrol-binding proteins, including the DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 5 (DDX5, also known as p68), using resveratrol-immobilized beads. Treatment with resveratrol induced degradation of DDX5 in prostate cancer cells. Depletion of DDX5 caused apoptosis by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Moreover, knockdown of DDX5 attenuated the inhibitory activities of resveratrol against mTORC1 signaling and cancer cell growth. These data show that resveratrol directly targets DDX5 and induces cancer cell death by inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway.

Distinctive properties of plaque-type dura mater graft-associated Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in cell-protein misfolding cyclic amplification

There are two distinct subtypes of dura mater graft-associated Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (dCJD) with methionine homozygosity at codon 129 of the PRNP gene. The majority of cases is represented by a non-plaque-type (np-dCJD) resembling sporadic CJD (sCJD)-MM1 or -MV1, while the minority by a plaque-type (p-dCJD). p-dCJD shows distinctive phenotypic features, namely numerous kuru plaques and an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrP(Sc)) intermediate in size between types 1 and 2. Transmission studies have shown that the unusual phenotypic features of p-dCJD are linked to the V2 prion strain that is associated with sCJD subtypes VV2 or -MV2. In this study, we applied protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) using recombinant human prion protein as a substrate and demonstrated that p-dCJD prions show amplification features that are distinct from those of np-dCJD. Although no amplification of np-dCJD prions was observed with either 129 M or 129 V substrate, p-dCJD prions were drastically amplified with the 129 V substrates, despite the PRNP codon 129 incompatibility between seed and substrate. Moreover, by using a type 2 PrP(Sc)-specific antibody not recognizing PrP(Sc) in p-dCJD, we found that type 2 products are generated de novo from p-dCJD prions during PMCA with the 129 V substrates. These findings suggest that our cell-PMCA is a useful tool for easily and rapidly identifying acquired CJD associated with the transmission of the V2 CJD strain to codon 129 methionine homozygotes, based on the preference for the 129 V substrate and the type of the amplified products.

Efficient propagation of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease prion protein using the cell-protein misfolding cyclic amplification technique with samples containing plasma and heparin

BACKGROUND

To prevent the iatrogenic spread of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) between humans via blood products or transfusion, highly sensitive in vitro screening tests are necessary. Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is one such candidate test. However, plasma has been reported to inhibit the PMCA reaction. Therefore, we investigated the cell-PMCA conditions that permit vCJD prion amplification in the presence of plasma.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cell-PMCA of vCJD samples was performed by adding various final concentrations of pooled plasma, citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD), albumin, globulin, or pooled plasma treated with ion exchangers. After heparin and plasma concentrations were optimized, multiround cell-PMCA was performed.

RESULTS

When 1% to 50% of pooled plasma was added to heparinized cell-PMCA, amplification efficiency showed a double-peaked profile at less than 1% and 40% final plasma concentrations, indicating that plasma contains not only PMCA inhibitors but also promoters. Intravenous globulin did not inhibit cell-PMCA, but the protein G-bound fraction did. CPD, albumin-depleted plasma, and the unbound fraction of anion-exchange chromatography inhibited cell-PMCA, but albumin and the unbound fraction of the cation-exchange chromatography did not. The detection limit of abnormal prion protein in multiround cell-PMCA, when maintaining the final plasma concentration at 40% at each round, was 10(-10) dilutions of a vCJD brain specimen.

CONCLUSION

We have established a novel cell-PMCA format in the presence of plasma without any pretreatment, where vCJD prion protein was amplified at comparable levels to that found without plasma. Our data suggest the feasibility of cell-PMCA as a practical blood test for vCJD prions.

Comparison of recombinant human thrombomodulin and gabexate mesylate for treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with sepsis following emergent gastrointestinal surgery: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) has been available in Japan since 2008, but there is concern about its association with postoperative hemorrhage. The efficacy and safety of rTM were examined in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by a septic condition after gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

Forty-two patients were emergently admitted to the intensive care unit after emergent gastrointestinal surgery in Kyushu University Hospital from May 2008 to April 2013. Of these patients, 22 had DIC (defined as an acute DIC score ≥ 4). All but three patients received treatment with gabexate mesylate (GM) (n = 9) or rTM (n = 10). The causes of sepsis were peritonitis with colorectal perforation, anastomotic leakage, and intestinal necrosis. Acute DIC score, sepsis-related organ failure assessment score, platelet count, and a variety of biochemical parameters were compared between rTM and GM recipients after treatment administration.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the groups for any parameter except C-reactive protein levels. The CRP level tended to be lower in the rTM group than in the GM group. Acute DIC score in the rTM group resolved significantly earlier than that in the GM group. No patient stopped the administration of rTM because of postoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSION

rTM may be an effective therapeutic drug for the treatment of septic patients with DIC following emergent gastrointestinal surgery.

Bower-building behaviour is associated with increased sperm longevity in Tanganyikan cichlids

We investigated the evolutionary relationship between spawning behaviour and sperm motility traits among Tanganyikan mouth-brooding cichlid species that have developed diverse mating behaviours and male sexual traits. Mouth-brooding behaviour is common among these fish, but different species demonstrate a range of spawning behaviours, bower construction, male sexual traits and timing of gamete release. We observed spawning behaviours and compared sperm motility traits of 28 Tanganyikan mouth-brooding cichlids to elucidate the evolutionary correlations between these traits. Sperm longevity was considerably longer in bower-building species that construct crater-shaped spawning sites compared with species that do not build bowers. Male bower builders released sperm in the pit of the bower prior to spawning, and the time from ejaculation to fertilization was longer. Conversely, most mouth-brooding cichlids deposited semen directly into the female buccal cavity, and spawned eggs were immediately picked up to be placed inside the cavity; thus, the time from ejaculation to fertilization was short. These observations suggest that increased sperm longevity is favoured in bower builders. Comparative phylogenetic analyses suggested that bower-building behaviour and greater time from ejaculation to fertilization are associated with the extension of sperm longevity, whereas sperm competition rank does not play a major role. In addition, bower-building behaviour preceded the emergence of increased sperm longevity. These results indicate that the extension of sperm longevity as a result of the emergence of bower builders may have acted as an evolutionary attractor for sperm longevity.

Molecular barriers to zoonotic transmission of prions

The risks posed to human health by individual animal prion diseases cannot be determined a priori and are difficult to address empirically. The fundamental event in prion disease pathogenesis is thought to be the seeded conversion of normal prion protein to its pathologic isoform. We used a rapid molecular conversion assay (protein misfolding cyclic amplification) to test whether brain homogenates from specimens of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), atypical BSE (H-type BSE and L-type BSE), classical scrapie, atypical scrapie, and chronic wasting disease can convert normal human prion protein to the abnormal disease-associated form. None of the tested prion isolates from diseased animals were as efficient as classical BSE in converting human prion protein. However, in the case of chronic wasting disease, there was no absolute barrier to conversion of the human prion protein.

Surgical outcomes for 131 cases of carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract

Carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis even after curative resection. The purpose of this study was to collate and analyze published data to clarify the surgical outcome of carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract and the relationships between potential prognostic factors and survival after surgery. We surveyed worldwide literature from 1970 to 2012 and obtained clinicopathological data for 131 patients who had undergone surgical resection for carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract, including one patient from our clinic. The relationships between potential prognostic factors and survival rates were examined using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract after surgery were 44.0, 29.3, and 27.0 %, respectively. In univariate analyses, age and gender were not significant prognostic factors; however, advanced stage according to the classification of the Union for International Cancer Control in resected specimens was significantly associated with a shorter survival time after surgery. Although carcinosarcoma of the hepatobiliary tract remains a rare disease worldwide, its poor prognosis, even after curative resection, demands further epidemiological and pathological study that could lead to the development of new management strategies.

Identification and characterization of PDGFRα+ mesenchymal progenitors in human skeletal muscle

Fatty and fibrous connective tissue formation is a hallmark of diseased skeletal muscle and deteriorates muscle function. We previously identified non-myogenic mesenchymal progenitors that contribute to adipogenesis and fibrogenesis in mouse skeletal muscle. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a human counterpart to these progenitors. By using PDGFRα as a specific marker, mesenchymal progenitors can be identified in the interstitium and isolated from human skeletal muscle. PDGFRα⁺ cells represent a cell population distinct from CD56⁺ myogenic cells, and adipogenic and fibrogenic potentials were highly enriched in the PDGFRα⁺ population. Activation of PDGFRα stimulates proliferation of PDGFRα⁺ cells through PI3K-Akt and MEK2-MAPK signaling pathways, and aberrant accumulation of PDGFRα⁺ cells was conspicuous in muscles of patients with both genetic and non-genetic muscle diseases. Our results revealed the pathological relevance of PDGFRα⁺ mesenchymal progenitors to human muscle diseases and provide a basis for developing therapeutic strategy to treat muscle diseases.

Relationship between xerostomia and gingival condition in young adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Xerostomia is a subjective symptom of dryness in the mouth. Although a correlation between xerostomia and oral conditions in the elderly has been reported, there are few such studies in the young adults. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of xerostomia with the gingival condition in university students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 2077 students (1202 male subjects and 875 female subjects), 18-24 years of age, were examined. The disease activity and severity of the gingival condition were assessed as the percentage of teeth with bleeding on probing (%BOP) and the presence of teeth with probing pocket depth of ≥ 4 mm, respectively. Additional information on xerostomia, oral health behaviors, coffee/tea intake and nasal congestion was collected via a questionnaire. Path analysis was used to test pathways from xerostomia to the gingival condition.

RESULTS

One-hundred and eighty-three (8.8%) students responded that their mouths frequently or always felt dry. Xerostomia was related to %BOP and dental plaque formation, but was not related to the presence of probing pocket depth ≥ 4 mm. In the structural model, xerostomia was related to dental plaque formation (p < 0.01), and a lower level of dental plaque formation was associated with a lower %BOP. Xerostomia was associated with coffee/tea intake (p < 0.01) and nasal congestion (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Xerostomia was indirectly related to gingival disease activity through the accumulation of dental plaque. Nasal congestion and coffee/tea intake also affected xerostomia. These findings suggest that xerostomia should be considered in screening for gingivitis risk in young adults.

Oxidative DNA damage in human esophageal cancer: clinicopathological analysis of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and its repair enzyme

Both internal and external oxidative stresses act on DNA and can induce carcinogenesis. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is an indicator of oxidative stress and it leads to transversion mutations and carcinogenesis. 8-OHdG is excision-repaired by 8-OHdG DNA glycosylase (OGG1). The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of oxidative DNA damage and repair enzymes on esophageal carcinogenesis. The levels of 8-OHdG and OGG1 were immunohistochemically evaluated in resected specimens, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 97 patients with esophageal cancer. Higher levels of 8-OHdG in normal esophageal epithelium were associated with a higher smoking index (P = 0.0464). The 8-OHdG level was higher in cancerous areas than in normal epithelia (P = 0.0061), whereas OGG1 expression was weaker in cancerous areas than in normal epithelia (P < 0.0001). An increase of OGG1 expression in normal epithelium was observed as 8-OHdG levels increased (P = 0.0011). However, this correlation was not observed in cancerous areas. High OGG1 expression in the cytoplasm was related to deeper tumors (P = 0.0023), node metastasis (P = 0.0065) and stage (P = 0.0019). Oxidative DNA damage, which is attributable to smoking as well as disturbances in DNA repair systems, appears to be closely related to esophageal carcinogenesis and its progression.

Evaluating prion models based on comprehensive mutation data of mouse PrP

The structural details of the essential entity of prion disease, fibril prion protein (PrP(Sc)), are still elusive despite the large body of evidence supporting the prion hypothesis. Five major working models of PrP(Sc) structure, which are not compatible with each other, have been proposed. However, no systematic evaluation has been performed on those models. We devised a method that combined systematic point mutation with threading on knowledge-based amino acid potentials. A comprehensive mutation experiment was performed on mouse prion protein, and the PrP(Sc) conversion efficiency of each mutant was examined. The models were evaluated based on the mutation data by using the threading method. Although the data turned out to be rather more consistent with the models that assumed a conversion of the N-terminal region of core PrP into a β helix than with others, substantial modifications were also required to further improve the current model based on recent experimental results.

Urinary type IV collagen as a predictor for the incidence of microalbuminuria in young patients with Type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To clarify whether urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio is a predictor for the incidence of microalbuminuria in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted; the subjects included normoalbuminuric patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 30 years and who were less than 40 years old at the start of the observation. In total, 225 patients were enrolled (age, mean ± SD: 25 ± 5 years; male: 32.9%). The endpoint was the incidence of microalbuminuria, defined as 30 mg/g Cr ≤ urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio < 300 mg/g Cr. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median of urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio levels.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up period of 8.8 years (range 1.0-12.8 years), 13 patients with high urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio progressed to microalbuminuria. Meanwhile, only one patient with low urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio reached the endpoint. Kaplan-Meier estimates for the time to reach the endpoint were significantly faster for patients with a high ratio than for those with a low ratio (log-rank test, P < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox hazard analysis, the hazard ratio for patients with high vs. low urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio was 13.51 (95% CI 1.59-115.02, P = 0.017). When urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio was treated as a continuous variable, logarithmically transformed urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio, but not baseline albumin-to-creatinine ratio, was independently associated with reaching the endpoint (hazard ratio 19.23, 95% CI 1.53-242.30, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary type IV collagen may be an important predictor for the incidence of microalbuminuria in young patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Abstract P2-08-04: Subtype specific chromosomal aberrations in breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and divided into five distinct groups (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched, Basal-like, and Claudin-low subtypes). DNA copy number studies have suggested that chromosomal aberrations are different among subtypes. Basal-like, and Claudin-low subtypes are mainly ER-, PR- and HER2- (triple negative: TN). Recent study reported that the basal-like subtype was the most distinct with common losses of the regions containing tumor suppressor genes such as RB1, BRCA1, INPP4B, and the greatest overall genomic instability. On the other hand, Claudin-low tumors showed few copy number changes. Luminal A tumors show fewer chromosomal copy number changes than Luminal B and HER2-enriched subtypes.

Aims: To investigate the extent of the chromosomal aberrations and to evaluate the relationships between chromosomal aberrations and breast cancer subtypes and other clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

Methods: Specimens were obtained from 363 invasive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery in our department between 1994 and 2011. Four breast cancer subtypes were determined by the immunohistochemical analysis of ER, PR and HER2; hormone receptor (HR; ER and/or PR)+/HER2-, HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+(HER2) and TN. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the tumor suppressor gene (TSGs), BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, RB1, PTEN and INPP4B, was investigated with microsatellite markers using our microsatellite analysis system. Copy number aberrations (CNAs) were analyzed by SNP-CGH array (Illumina, HumanOmni2.5-8).% Defects, which represents the percent of genome region containing chromosomal aberration, was determined by Karyostudio Software v1.4 (Illumina).

Results: The incidence of LOH at BRCA, BRCA2, TP53, RB1, PTEN and INPP4B locus was 37.4, 34.0, 57.1, 41.9, 25.8 and 18.0%, respectively. The incidence of LOH was lowest in hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2- subtype, and higher in HER2 and triple negative (TN) subtypes. LOH at INPP4B locus was significantly associated with TN subtype. The LOH at BRCA1 and TP53 loci was highest in HER2 subtype. The LOH at BRCA1, TP53 and INPP4B loci was significantly associated with poor prognosis in all cases; however, the impact of LOH at these TSGs on the prognosis was different among subtypes. Coexistence of LOH at both BRCA1 and TP53 loci was significantly associated with aggressive phenotype and chromosomal aberrations.%Defect was highest in the tumors with LOH at both BRCA1 and TP53 loci. Coexistence of LOH at both BRCA1 and TP53 loci was significantly associated with poor prognosis, especially in HR+/HER2- subtype. Many cases with TN subtype reveal gross chromosomal aberrations, and these tumors were considered to be basal-like. However, there are some cases with few chromosomal alterations in TN, whose prognosis was very poor. These tumors were considered to be Claudin-low subtype.

Conclusions: The incidence and biological significance of LOH at TSGs are different among breast cancer subtypes. Coexistence of LOH at both BRCA1 and TP53 loci was associated with gross chromosomal aberrations and poor prognosis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-08-04.

Abstract P2-06-03: The BRCA1 promoter methylation is one of the mechanisms of th BRCA1 dysfunction of triple-negative breast cancer

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is typically associated with aggressive tumor phenotype and poor prognosis. TNBC is also considered highly heterogeneous disease. A better understanding of molecular and histopathological features of TNBC is of great importance, in order to develop a new therapeutic strategy and to improve the prognosis of TNBC. TNBC has many similarities with basal-like breast cancer, and is also associated with BRCAness. The major role of BRCA1 is to respond to DNA damage by participating in cellular pathways for DNA repair, mRNA transcription, cell cycle regulation, and protein ubiquitination. BRCA1 function loss leads to impaired homologous recombination mediated DNA repair. A loss of BRCA1 may thus be a biomarker of responsiveness to DNA damaging agents such as PARP inhibitor and cis/carboplatin. Germline mutations in BRCA1, however, account for approximately 5% of breast cancer cases, somatic mutations in BRCA1 rarely occur. Instead, lower than normal expression of BRCA1 is reported to be an important contributing factor in sporadic tumors. The BRCA1 promoter methylation may thus play an important role in the BRCA1 function loss in sporadic breast cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical importance of BRCA1 promoter methylation in breast cancer.

Materials and Methods: Specimens were obtained from 71 TNBC and 163 non-TNBC patients who underwent surgery without neoadjuvant therapy in our department between 1990 and 2011. BRCA1 promoter methylation was investigated by using combined bisulfate and restriction analysis (COBRA). The BRCA1 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitive RT-PCR. The BRCA1 protein level was assessed by immnohistochemistry. Loss of heterozygosity(LOH) at the BRCA1 locus was analyzed with microsatellite markers (D17S855 and D17S579) using our microsatellite analysis system. Copy number variations(CNVs) were analysed by SNP-CGH array (Illumina, HumanOmni2.5-8).

Results: We found 12 patients with BRCA1 promoter methylation and all of them were TNBC (p&lt;0.0001). BRCA1 promoter methylation was associated with lymphovessel invasion (p = 0.009), high nuclear grade (p = 0.03), low BRCA1 mRNA expression (p = 0.002) and low BRCA1 protein expression (p&lt;0.0001). CNVs were observed more frequently in TNBC(p = 0.012). High CNVs significantly correlated with BRCA1 LOH (p = 0.0025), but not with BRCA1 promoter methylation among TNBC patients.

Conclusions: The BRCA1 promoter methylation is considered to be a specific feature of aggressive phenotype of TNBC and to be one of the mechanisms of BRCA1 dysfunction in breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-06-03.

Utility of cystatin C for renal function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

Creatinine (Cr) as a marker of renal function has limited value in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because patients with ALS have reduced muscle mass. Thus, there is a need for alternative methods of assessing renal function. Cystatin C (CysC), which is unaffected by muscle mass, is potentially an ideal biomarker of nephrotoxicity in ALS; however, its utility requires validation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and six subjects were recruited for the study: 76 ALS patients and 30 healthy controls. We compared the Cr-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the CysC-based eGFR in the ALS patients and healthy controls. The results were further analysed according to the severity of ALS in the patients.

RESULTS

The mean Cr-based eGFRs were 257.2 ± 383.1 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in the ALS group and 98.1 ± 34.9 in the control group; however, the mean CysC-based eGFRs were not significantly different between both groups. Thus, the Cr-based eGFR in the ALS group was markedly higher than any of the other values. Although serum CysC levels did not correlate with the severity of ALS according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, strong simple correlations were observed between serum Cr levels and the severity of ALS (correlation coefficient = 0.734, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of CysC as a biomarker of renal function in ALS patients. Furthermore, its applicability could be extended to other neuromuscular diseases.

Profiles of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in Japanese men and women: association with biological, environmental, and nutritional factors and coexisting disorders: the ROAD study

Assessments of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in 1,683 Japanese from a population-based cohort revealed prevalences of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were 81.3 and 1.2%, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with female sex, examined month, current smoking, lack of regular walking, higher intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and poor daily vitamin D intake.

INTRODUCTION

To clarify the characteristics of subjects with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among men and women in the general Japanese population.

METHODS

We initiated research on osteoarthritis/osteoporosis against disability (ROAD), a large-scale population-based cohort study, in 2005-2007. Blood examination was performed to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) and iPTH levels and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 1,683 participants (595 men, 1,088 women). Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire, measurements of bone mineral density, and x-ray examination. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined by serum 25D levels <10 and ≥10 but <30 ng/mL, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was 81.3 and 1.2%, respectively. Multinominal logistic regression analyses using potentially confounding variables revealed vitamin D insufficiency was significantly associated with age (+1 year, relative risk ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.99), gender (women vs. men, 2.28; 1.59-3.30), residing areas (coastal area vs. mountainous area, 0.58; 0.41-0.81), examined month (October, November, December vs. January, 0.51; 0.34-0.76), and serum levels of iPTH (+1 pg/mL, 1.02; 1.01-1.03). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly characterised by female sex (20.5; 3.1-136.7), examined month (0.28; 0.09-0.95), current smoking habit (6.39; 1.78-23.0), lack of regular outside walking (3.96; 1.34-11.7), higher iPTH (1.02; 1.01-1.03) and poor daily vitamin D intake (+10 μg/day, 0.48; 0.24-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and a low prevalence of vitamin D deficiency were found in Japanese men and women, and the characteristics of vitamin D status were clarified.

Anti-aging Effects of Co-enzyme Q10 on Periodontal Tissues

Oxidative stress is associated with age-related reactions. The anti-oxidative effects of a reduced form of co-enzyme Q10 (rCoQ10) suppress oxidative stress, which may contribute to the prevention of age-related inflammatory reactions. We examined the effects of topically applied rCoQ10 on periodontal inflammatory reactions in a rat aging model. Male Fischer 344 rats, 2 (n = 6) and 4 mos (n = 18) of age, were used. All of the two-month-old rats and 6 of the four-month-old rats were sacrificed and 12 remaining four-month-old rats received topically applied ointment with or without 1% rCoQ10 on the gingival surface until they reached 6 mos of age. The rats showed an age-dependent increase in circulating oxidative stress. RCoQ10 decreased oxidative DNA damage and tartrate-resistant acid-phosphatase-positive osteoclasts in the periodontal tissue at 6 mos of age as compared with the control. The same conditions lowered gene expression of caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in the periodontal tissue. Furthermore, Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasomes were less activated in periodontal tissues from rCoQ10-treated rats as compared with the control rats. Our results suggest that rCoQ10 suppresses age-related inflammatory reactions and osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Advanced glycation end products-induced vascular calcification is mediated by oxidative stress: functional roles of NAD(P)H-oxidase

Vascular calcification, especially medial artery calcification, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and end-stage kidney disease. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulated in these patients may be associated with vascular calcification, although their actions are obscure. Since AGEs can induce oxidative stress, which leads to vascular damage, we investigated an in vitro study to elucidate the effects of AGEs and the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. A7r5, rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated in calcification medium with glycolaldehyde-derived AGE (AGE3) to measure calcium deposition and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and to determine mRNA levels of osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), Runx2, Nox-1, Nox-4, and p22(phox) by real-time PCR. Calcium deposition was increased by AGE3 in a dose-dependent manner (100-300 μg/dl) in A7r5 cells. Expression levels of Runx2, OPN, and OCN mRNAs were significantly higher in AGE3 treatment than those in control BSA. Increased 8-OHdG concentration in the culture medium and higher expression of Nox-1, Nox-4, and p22(phox) mRNAs (3-6-fold) were observed in cells treated with AGE3. AGE3-stimulated calcium deposition was significantly decreased in the cells transfected by either small interfering RNA for Nox-4 or p22(phox), compared to the controls. In contrast, no significant effect was shown in silencing of Nox-1. Excessive oxidative stress and osteoblastic transition of VSMCs are involved in the pathogenesis of AGEs-induced vascular calcification. NAD(P)H oxidase plays important roles in this process.

Electrochemical control of redox potential affects methanogenesis of the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus

To investigate the precise effect of the redox potential on the methanogenesis of the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus by using an electrochemical redox controlling system without adding oxidizing or reducing agents. A bioelectrochemical system was applied to control the redox conditions in culture and to measure the methane-producing activity of M. thermautotrophicus at a constant potential from +0·2 to -0·8 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Methane production and growth of M. thermautotrophicus were 1·6 and 3·5 times increased at -0·8 V, compared with control experiments without electrolysis, respectively, while methanogenesis was suppressed between +0·2 and -0·2 V. A clear relationship between an electrochemically regulated redox potential and methanogenesis was revealed.

Phenotypes in Swiss patients with familial ALS carrying TARDBP mutations

BACKGROUND

Recently, mutations in the TARDBP gene encoding the TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) have been identified in some familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and sporadic ALS patients. The phenotype and frequency of TARDBP mutation carriers reportedly varies greatly among European populations.

OBJECTIVE

To define the phenotypic spectrum of TARDBP mutations and their frequency in a Swiss population.

METHODS

A total of 225 patients diagnosed with ALS (182 sporadic cases, 43 familial cases) were screened for TARDBP mutations. All patients were carefully examined and interviewed for a familial predisposition. Except for 1 patient who was followed at the University of Geneva, all patients were followed at the Kantonsspital St. Gallen.

RESULTS

43 patients (19.5%) had a definite family history for ALS. A TARDBP mutation was identified in 4 of these (9.3%). Two female ALS patients carried the p.Asn352Ser mutation. Both had limb onset and a slowly progressive course of the disease. A novel mutation (p.Gly376Asp) was identified in a 44-year-old female patient. Survival amongst affected family members varied between 6 and 18 months. The patient and also the other siblings affected with ALS had an accessory nipple. A fourth male patient carried the p.Ala90Val mutation. None of the patients had overt cognitive impairment. TARDBP mutations were not found among patients with sporadic forms of ALS.

CONCLUSION

In this Swiss population, the frequency of familial ALS is higher than reported earlier in other populations. The novel p.Gly376Asp TARDBP mutation is associated with rapid disease progression and may be associated with an accessory nipple while the p.Asn352Ser mutation is associated with slow disease progression.

Primary liposarcoma of the duodenum: a first case presentation

A 55-year-old man suffering from melena was admitted to our hospital. A blood test showed severe anemia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a huge lesion in the duodenum and dilatation of the common bile duct. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy also identified hemorrhaging from the tumor in the duodenum. Due to the low density of the tumor mass, we performed emergency pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histology revealed an area of well-differentiated liposarcoma as well as an area of high-grade spindle cells and pleomorphic sarcoma without obvious differentiation. The final pathological diagnosis was dedifferentiated liposarcoma. This is the first case report of primary liposarcoma of the duodenum.

Esophageal replacement by colon interposition with microvascular surgery for patients with thoracic esophageal cancer: the utility of superdrainage

Replacing the thoracic esophagus with the colon is one mode of reconstruction after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. There is, however, a high incidence of postoperative necrosis of the transposed colon. This study evaluated the outcomes of colon interposition with the routine use of superdrainage by microvascular surgery. Twenty-one patients underwent colon interposition from 2004 to 2009. The strategy for colon interposition was to: (i) use the right hemicolon; (ii) reconstruct via the subcutaneous route; (iii) perform a microvascular venous anastomosis for all patients; and (iv) perform a microvascular arterial anastomosis when the arterial blood flow was insufficient. The clinicopathologic features, surgical findings, and outcomes were investigated. The colon was used because of a previous gastrectomy in 18 patients (85.7%) and synchronous gastric cancer in three patients (14.3%). Eight patients (38.1%) underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy including three (14.3%) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Seven patients (33.3%) underwent microvascular arterial anastomosis to supplement the right colon blood supply. Pneumonia occurred in four patients (19.0%). Anastomotic leakage was observed in five patients (23.8%); however, no colon necrosis was observed. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were both 50.6%. Colon interposition with superdrainage results in successful treatment outcomes. This technique is one option for colon interposition employing the right hemicolon.

ABC subfamily D proteins and very long chain fatty acid metabolism as novel targets in adrenoleukodystrophy

Peroxisomes are involved in a variety of metabolic processes, including β-oxidation of fatty acids, especially very long chain fatty acids. Three peroxisomal ABC proteins belonging to subfamily D have been identified in mammalian peroxisomes that have an important role in fatty acid metabolism. ABCD1/ALDP and ABCD2/ALDRP are suggested to be involved in the transport of very long chain acyl-CoA, and ABCD3/PMP70 is involved in the transport of long chain acyl-CoA. ABCD1 is known to be responsible for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD); an inborn error of peroxisomal β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids. X-ALD is characterized biochemically by the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in all tissues, including the brain white matter. Progressive demyelination of the central nervous system and adrenal dysfunction have been observed. The pharmacological up-regulation of peroxisomal β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids and the suppression of fatty acid elongation are important aspects of an optimal therapeutic approach. Attractive targets for the treatment of X-ALD patients include the ABCD2 as well as elongase that is involved in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids. In addition, stabilization of mutant ABCD1 that has retained some of its function might be another approach, since most of the mutant ABCD1s with a missense mutation are degraded rapidly by proteasomes before or after targeting to peroxisomes. Protection of the central nervous system against oxidative damage is also important in order to delay the progress of disease. We summarize recent pharmaceutical studies and consider the potential for future X-ALD therapies.

Deduction of the evaluation limit and termination timing of multi-round protein misfolding cyclic amplification from a titration curve

In this study, the efficacy of disinfectants in reducing the partially protease-resistant isoform of prion protein was evaluated by a multi-round protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technique. Hamster brains infected with scrapie-derived strain 263K were homogenized, treated under inactivating or mock conditions, and subjected to multi-round PMCA. Four sets of serial 10-fold dilutions of mock-treated samples were analyzed. Although considerable variability was observed in the signal patterns, between the second and sixth rounds the number of the PMCA round correlated in a linear fashion with the mean dilution factor of mock-treated, infected brains, corresponding to a log reduction factor (LRF) of 3.8-7.3 log. No signals were observed in the PMCA products amplified from normal hamster brain homogenates. The mean numbers of rounds at the first appearance of the signal for 1 M and 2 M NaOH-treated samples were 4.33 and 4, respectively. Using the linear regression line as the titration curve, the LRFs of these disinfectants were found to be 6.1 and 5.8 log, respectively; these values were not significantly different. The mean number of rounds for the alkaline cleaner and sodium dodecyl sulfate were 9 and 10.33, respectively, and were outside the range of both the linear regression line and evaluation limit. The disinfectants were considered very effective because their LRFs were ≥7.3 log. These estimations were concordant with previous bioassay-based reports. Thus, the evaluation limit seems to be valuable in some applications of multi-round PMCA, such as disinfectant assessment and process validation.

Two-dimensional approach to fluorescence yield XANES measurement using a silicon drift detector

The objective of this article is to describe the capability of a two-dimensional (2D) approach to X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurement by means of a partial fluorescence yield (PFY) method. 2D-XANES measurements were achieved by using a silicon drift detector as an energy-dispersive fluorescence detector. The advantage of this technique is that it allows full surveys of X-ray fluorescence data that are lost in conventional PFY measurements. The availability of a map approach was demonstrated by applying it to XANES measurements in both a diluted (Mn-doped nano-diamond) and a concentrated (MnO crystal) manganese sample. The 2D approach clearly distinguished between the PFY spectra of Mn and O atoms, where absorption edges of both elements are close to each other. Further, the 2D approach extracted an unambiguous PFY spectrum of phosphorus in the XANES measurement of SS304 (P < 0.045 wt%).