The EWS-ATF-1 gene involved in malignant melanoma of soft parts with t(12;22) chromosome translocation, encodes a constitutive transcriptional activator

Molecular characterization of malignant melanoma of soft parts or soft tissue clear cell sarcoma which shares t(12;22) chromosome translocation revealed fusion of EWS with a transcriptional factor gene ATF-1. The EWS gene, which encodes an RNA binding protein, was also shown to be involved in Ewing sarcoma, related primitive neuroectodermal tumors and desmoplastic small round cell tumors. In order to understand the functional role of EWS-ATF-1 chimeric protein in human solid tumors, we have cloned the aberrant human ATF-1 (EWS-ATF-1) cDNA and studied its DNA binding, transcriptional activation properties and compared with normal ATF-1 protein. Our results demonstrate that EWS-ATF-1 binds weakly to DNA in vitro but functions as an efficient constitutive transcriptional activator unlike the normal ATF-1 which needs to be induced with cAMP. Deletion analysis revealed that EWS-fusion domain functions as a regulatory domain for the transcriptional activation properties of EWS-ATF-1 chimeric protein. Deletion of leucine zipper domain results in a loss of transcriptional activation of EWS-ATF-1 chimeric protein suggesting that protein-protein interaction play a role in the transcriptional activation properties of EWS-ATF-1. We demonstrate that EWS-fusion domain negatively regulates the DNA binding activity of EWS-ATF-1 chimeric protein. Therefore replacement of part of the amino-terminal kinase regulatory domain of ATF-1 protein with EWS regulatory domain results in an altered DNA binding, protein-protein interactions and transcriptional activation properties of EWS-ATF-1 causing deregulated gene expression which may be responsible for the genesis of t(12;22) chromosome translocation-bearing human solid tumors. Targeting the transcriptional cofactors (CBP, etc) by EWS-fusion proteins could be one of the mechanisms of activation of EWS-fusion proteins in human neoplasia.

Role of prostaglandin H synthase-2 in prostaglandin E2 formation in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy

Rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy was used to clarify the role of prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS)-2 in acute inflammation. Intrapleural injection of 0.2 ml of 2% lambda-carrageenin induced accumulation of exudate and infiltration of leukocytes into the pleural cavity. When PGHS-1 and -2 proteins in the pleural exudate cells were analyzed by Western blot analysis, PGHS-2 was detectable from 1 hr after carrageenin injection. Its level rose sharply, remained high from 3 to 7 hr after injection, and then fell to near the detection limit. PGHS-1 was also detected, but kept almost the same level throughout the course of the pleurisy. Levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and thromboxane (TX) B2 in the exudate increased from hour 3 to hour 7, and then declined. Thus, the changes of the level of PGE2 were closely paralleled those of PGHS-2. The selective PGHS-2 inhibitors NS-398, nimesulide and SC-58125 suppressed the inflammatory reaction and caused a marked decrease in the level of PGE2 but not in those of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha. These results suggest that the PGHS-2 expressed in the pleural exudate cells may be involved in PGE2 formation at the site of inflammation.

Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of 1-(1,4-benzoquinon-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenes as potent cerebral protective agents

Two new series of 1-(1,4-benzoquinon-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenes (3,4) were synthesized for evaluation of their pharmacological activities. These compounds showed significant anti-lipid peroxidation (ALP) activities with rat brain homogenate and some of them possessed a protective effect against hypobaric hypoxia in mice.

Age-related alteration of pancreatic beta-cell function. Increased proinsulin and proinsulin-to-insulin molar ratio in elderly, but not in obese, subjects without glucose intolerance

OBJECTIVE

To determine the secretion of insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin after oral glucose loading in healthy elderly subjects compared with middle-aged subjects with and without obesity and with NIDDM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects fell into four groups: nonobese middle-aged normal control subjects (CNT group; n = 38, 40-64 years old); obese normal subjects (OB group; n = 18, 40-64 years old); nonobese NIDDM subjects (NIDDM group; n = 28, 40-64 years old); and nonobese elderly subjects (OL group; n = 17, 65-92 years old). Insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin were determined by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples taken at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

RESULTS

There were no differences in plasma glucose during the OGTT among the three nondiabetic groups. Hyperinsulinemia was significant in the OB and NIDDM groups but not in the OL group. On the other hand, absolute hyperproinsulinemia was significant in the OL and NIDDM groups compared with the CNT group. Increased proinsulin was rather dominant in the OL group, especially late after glucose loading. Molar ratios of proinsulin to insulin or C-peptide thus were significantly higher in the OL and NIDDM groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Alteration of pancreatic beta-cell function independent of that seen with NIDDM occurred in relation to aging. This may be a predisposing factor to the development of impaired glucose tolerance or NIDDM in elderly subjects, that is, independent of obesity.

Clinical implication of symptoms in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy

To clarify clinical significance of symptoms presented at the beginning of treatment, we analyzed the symptoms in 240 patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy. Symptoms were classified into four groups: no symptom (Grade 0), cough, sputum/hemosputum and fever up (Grade 1), chest pain and breathlessness (Grade 2), appetite loss, body weight loss, SVC syndrome, hoarseness, and pain in the upper limb/shoulder (superior sulcus tumor) (Grade 3), and their therapeutic outcomes were examined. The 2- and 5-year overall actuarial survival rates for patients with squamous cell carcinoma were 38.5% and 15.4% for Grade 0, 40.5% and 20.1% for Grade 1, 17.9% and 2.6% for Grade 2, and 15.8% and 5.3% for Grade 3. A statistical difference was noted in survival between Grades 0-1 and Grades 2-3 (P < 0.01), but was not seen between Grades 0 and 1, or between Grades 2 and 3. As for patients with stage III disease alone, the difference in survival was still significant between Grades 0-1 and 2-3 (P < 0.05). In patients with adenocarcinoma/large cell carcinoma, however, no obvious relationship was found between symptoms and prognosis, except for body weight/appetite loss. In conclusion, though the symptoms closely related to clinical stage and performance status and not an independent prognostic factor, chest pain and breathlessness correlated with poor therapeutic outcome as well as body weight loss and T3-4 related symptoms, while cough, sputum (hemosputum), and fever were favorable symptoms in patients with squamous cell carcinoma who received definitive radiation therapy.

Frequent expression of P-glycoprotein/MDR1 by nasal T-cell lymphoma cells

BACKGROUND

Lethal midline granuloma is now considered to be a malignant lymphoma derived from peripheral T cells or from natural killer cells. The therapeutic outcome of nasal T-cell lymphoma (NL) treated by conventional chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is poor, although some patients have a good response to radiotherapy. To clarify the mechanisms of drug resistance, the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)/MDR1, which is the product of the multidrug resistance (MDR) 1 gene, and MDR3 mRNA in NL cells, were examined.

METHODS

Ten Japanese patients with NL were studied. Nine of these patients were examined before therapy. P-glycoprotein expression and phenotypes of lymphoma cells were examined by immunohistochemical staining using UIC2 as an anti-P-gp monoclonal antibody. In one case, the Rhodamine-123 efflux test was performed. MDR1 and MDR3 mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Nine of the 10 patients were P-gp positive. In one of nine, functional P-gp expression was observed. MDR1 mRNA was detected in all seven examined patients with P-gp positive NLs, whereas MDR3 mRNA was negative. Retrospectively, patients who received chemotherapy alone had poorer outcome than those treated by combination chemotherapy after irradiation.

CONCLUSION

The poor prognosis for patients with NL treated with chemotherapy may be explained by P-gp expression of the NL cells.

[Surgical treatment of mycotic coronary artery aneurysm associated with infective endocarditis: a case report]

53-year-old male was introduced our hospital for treatment of his infective endocarditis and congestive heart failure. Further evaluation revealed massive destruction of the mitral valve and aneurysm of the right coronary artery. We carried out an operation of aneurysmectomy and CABG with RGEA for coronary artery, and MVR using 29 mm SJM valve. Postoperative course was excellent. Graftgram showed good patency and perfusion of RGEA. Pathological findings were 1) macrophage infiltration into thrombi, 2) disappearance of elastic fibers of the media. 3) least atherosclerosis of the intima. We concluded that it was a mycotic coronary artery aneurysm. There have been no report of surgical treatment of such a mycotic coronary artery aneurysm upon our investigation.

Activation of the radiosensitive EGR-1 promoter induces expression of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene and sensitivity of human glioma cells to ganciclovir

Herein we describe experiments showing that the early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) promoter is sufficient to confer selective expression of the luciferase gene (Luc) in glioma cell lines exposed to ionizing radiation. Activity of the EGR-1 promoter was investigated in human glioblastoma cells using the plasmid vector, pEGR-Luc. The EGR-1 promoter gene directed radiosensitive expression of luciferase. This promoter showed high levels of activity (10-fold) in irradiated glioma cell lines as compared to basal levels of activity in nonirradiated cell lines. Maximum activation was detectable at 1-3 hr after stimulation with 20 Gy. The results also demonstrate that cells modified to contain the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene under control of the EGR-1 promoter become sensitive to treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir (GCV), whereas nonirradiated cells and nontransfected cells were unaffected by this agent. This results suggest that therapeutic genes can be expressed selectively in irradiated glioma cells. The results also indicate that the EGR-1 promoter can be used to induce exogenous genes selectively in radiation fields used for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Surgical treatment of extra-abdominal desmoid tumours (aggressive fibromatoses)

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumours (EADT) are benign lesions but difficult to cure because of their infiltrative nature and tendency to recur. Among many treatments recommended in the past, wide excision has been successful, even in difficult cases. We have analyzed retrospectively 41 cases of histologically confirmed EADTs. A total of 98 operations were performed on these patients: 29 wide excisions on 22 patients, 52 intra-lesional excisions with wide margins on 16 patients, and 17 incomplete excisions on 3 patients. One patient, with intra-pelvic lesions, died of a massive haemorrhage 3 days after surgery. Forty patients were followed from between 3 and 29 years. One, who had a multicentric EADT for 21 years, died from the disease. The significant factors concerning local recurrence after wide procedures were an unsatisfactory initial wide local excision, disease affecting 4 or more muscles and the invasive nature of the recurrences. We recommend wide local excision of these tumours in all anatomical areas that allow this procedure. When major nerves and vessels are involved, we recommend an intralesional excision with wide margins in order to preserve limb function. Radiation therapy should be confined to cases in which wide local procedures are not feasible. Overall, 37 of our patients (90%) were cured of the disease, 2 had their disease controlled, and 2 died.

Frequent expression of shared idiotypes in mantle cell lymphoma and extranodal small lymphocytic/non-mantle cell diffuse small cleaved lymphoma

A panel of 14 anti-shared idiotype (Sid) monoclonal antibodies selected according to their high cross-reactivity to various lymphomas was immunohistologically tested for reactivity with seven reactive lymphoid tissue specimens and 227 B cell lymphoma specimens obtained from Japanese patients. In the reactive lymphoid tissues, the anti-Sld antibodies each reacted with a subpopulation of cells in the mantle zone and interfollicular areas; they rarely reacted with cells in the germinal center. In the B cell lymphomas, 13 anti-Sld antibodies reacted with a total of 78 of 186 (42%) specimens bearing immunoglobulin; none of the antibodies reacted with 41 specimens not bearing immunoglobulin. In mantle cell lymphomas (15/19, 79%) and extranodal small lymphocytic/non-mantle cell diffuse small cleaved lymphomas (11/15, 73%), the reactivity of the antibodies was high compared with that in the other lymphomas (52/152, 34%; P = 0.0002 and 0.004, respectively), including follicular lymphomas (11/42, 27%; P = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Since idiotypes are associated with the hypervariable regions and antigen-binding sites of immunoglobulin, these findings may reflect the differences in the regions/sites in each of these diseases.

Relationships between serotypes and genotypes of hepatitis B virus: genetic classification of HBV by use of surface genes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg), which is encoded by the HBV S gene, is conventionally classified into 4 serological subtypes, adw, adr, ayw and ayr. To determine the relationship between the HBsAg seroreactivity and the nucleotide sequence diversity of the HBV S gene, the nucleotide sequences of S genes for HBV isolates reported so far were aligned with each other. The numbers of nucleotide substitutions were then estimated by the 6-parameter method, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed by the unweighted paired grouping method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and the neighboring-joining (NJ) method. The phylogenetic trees constructed showed that all isolates were grouped into 4 genotypes (gyw, gdw-1, gdw-2, and gdr). More importantly, the genotypes did not necessarily correspond to the conventional serotypes. In particular, serotype 'adw' can be any of genotypes gdw-1, gdw-2, or gdr. Thus, genotyping by S genes gives more accurate information about genetic variation of HBV.

Cystic lymphangioma of the gall-bladder: a case report

Intra-abdominal cystic lymphangiomas are rare lesions that can be difficult to diagnose. We present a report of a patient with a giant multilocular cystic lesion in the abdomen. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scans of the abdomen revealed that the cyst had originated in the gall-bladder fossa. There was some calcification and thickening of the cyst wall. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated a medially deviated common bile duct, an elongated cystic duct and an inferior compressed gallbladder. There was no apparent communication between the cyst and the biliary tract; however, an abdominal angiogram revealed that the lesion was supplied by a branch of the cystic artery. Histological findings obtained intra-operatively were consistent with a cystic lymphangioma. Its characteristic histology was observed in the subserous layer of the gall-bladder. This case is a rare instance of a cystic lymphangioma originating in the gall-bladder.

Viral behavior of paracrystalline inclusions in osteoclasts of Paget's disease of bone

Fresh tissues from six patients with Paget's disease of bone were examined ultrastructurally to investigate whether the characteristic paracrystalline inclusions in pagetic osteoclasts revealed viral behavior. These inclusions appeared as microfilamentous aggregates in both nuclei and cytoplasm of the osteoclasts in all six cases. The filamentous elements of the inclusions with a diameter of 11-15 nm showed tubular structures with a central electron-lucent zone measuring 5-7 nm in diameter. Viral budding-like structures containing these inclusions were found at the peripheral cytoplasm or cell processes in the ruffled border of some pagetic osteoclasts in two cases. The inclusions in the budding-like structures were often arrayed in a parallel fashion on the cytoplasmic side of the cell membranes of extruded cytoplasm or cell processes. Virion-like particles were also found in the extracellular spaces of the ruffled border. Marked nuclear degeneration was often seen in pagetic osteoclasts of three cases, although other nuclei in the same osteoclasts appeared normal. The degenerated nuclei showed nuclear ring formation where destroyed nuclear membranes were seen and disappearance of nuclear matrices was noted. Since the modifications were always associated with the accumulation of abundant inclusions, they were probably caused by the inclusions. These findings suggested that the inclusions showed viral behavior in pagetic osteoclasts, and that the nuclear modifications were caused by virus infection.

Detection of arginine-ADP-ribosylated protein using recombinant ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase

We made use of ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase to detect arginine-ADP- ribosylated proteins. The hydrolase was expressed in Escherichia coli as a protein fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST). The fusion protein GST-ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase catalyzed the hydrolysis of alpha-ADP-ribosylarginine to produce ADP-ribose and arginine. Casein ADP-ribosylated with [32P]NAD and chicken heterophil arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase served as a substrate for the recombinant ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase and the released ADP-ribose was determined. Protein ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin could serve as substrate of the hydrolase but protein ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin, diphtheria toxin, or C(3) enzyme of Clostridium botulinum could not. The hydrolase did not release the radioactivity incorporated into isolated rat liver nuclei incubated with [(32)P]NAD or in bovine brain cytosol incubated with [(32)P]ADP-ribose. In homogenate of mouse heart which contained arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase, labeling of a 55-kDa protein by incubation with [(32)P]NAD was removed by ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase treatment; hence, the specific hydrolysis of ADP-ribose-arginine bond by GST-ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase can be used to detect the arginine-ADP-ribosylated proteins in crude preparations. Arginine--ADP-ribosylated proteins in crude preparations. Arginine-ADP-ribosylated proteins in mouse spleen lymphocytes were identified using this method.

The relationship between viability and intracellular pH in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The relationship between viability (cell proliferation activity) and intracellular pH in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated by using cells that had been deactivated by low-temperature storage, ethanol treatment, or heat treatment. The intracellular pH was measured with a microscopic image processor or a spectrofluorophotometer. At first, the intracellular pH measurements of individual cells were compared with slide culture results by microscopic image processing. A clear correlation existed between the proliferation activity and intracellular pH. Moreover, by spectrofluorophotometry analysis, it was found that there was a relationship between the viability and intracellular pH of brewing yeast under conditions of low external pH (n = 15, r = 0.960, P = 0.001). This relationship was also observed in baker's yeast (n = 13, r = 0.950, P = 0.001). On the other hand, when the fluorescein staining method was used in these experiments, the relationship between viability and staining percentage was not observed. From these results, intracellular pH was found to be a sensitive factor for estimating yeast physiology. The possible role of cell deterioration is also discussed.

Increased expression of a regenerating (reg) gene protein in neonatal rat pancreas treated with streptozotocin

We examined the expression of reg protein in neonatal rat pancreas treated with streptozotocin (STZ) by means of the immunohistochemical technique and northern blotting. Seven days after STZ injection, the plasma glucose levels in STZ-treated neonatal rats were significantly higher than those in control rats. Scattered distribution of reg protein in pancreatic islet cells was clearly observed in STZ-treated rats, but not in control rats. On the other hand, reg proteins was positively stained in the exocrine cells in both groups of rats. Northern blot analyses revealed that the expression of insulin mRNA markedly decreased in STZ-treated rat pancreas, but a significant increase in reg mRNA expression was recognized in the STZ-treated rat pancreas compared with that of control rats. Rats treated with STZ during the neonatal period have been used as a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and beta cell regeneration. Thus, the increased reg gene expression in neonatal STZ-treated rat pancreas was therefore described for the first time, and thus would be a useful model for studying the relationship between NIDDM and beta cell regeneration or reg gene protein.

Direct observation of microcirculation of the basal region of rat gastric mucosa

We modified and improved techniques for the intravital microscopic observation of the rat gastric microcirculation. The stomach of anesthetized rats was cut along the greater curvature, and the posterior wall of the glandular stomach was fixed in a chamber with the serosal side up and perfused with warmed Tyrode's solution. A portion of the muscularis externa was resected with the serosa to make an observation window. Vascular casts were studied histologically after the injection of Monastral blue B gelatin solution. Vascular casts revealed that most of the microvasculature observed in the window was not located in the submucosa, but in the basal part of the mucosa. Microscopic observation showed that the basal mucosal arterioles branched to form the mucosal capillaries, and the collecting venules from the mucosal surface were seen in cross-sections to drain into the venules located in the basal mucosa, without penetrating the muscularis mucosae. Topical application of acetylcholine (0.03-10 microM) to the window dilated the arterioles, and topical application of epinephrine (0.03-3 microM) constricted them dose-dependently without affecting the collecting venules and the venules. This method made possible the direct observation of the microvasculature in the basal mucosa of the stomach, in which common microvessel characteristics were shown.

The p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor suppresses tumorigenicity in vivo

The p21 gene encodes a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that affects cell-cycle progression, but the potential of this gene product to serve as a tumour suppressor in vivo has not been established. In this report, we show that the growth of malignant cells in vitro and in vivo is inhibited by expression of p21. Expression of p21 resulted in an accumulation of cells in G0/G1, altered morphology, and cell differentiation, but apoptosis was not induced. Introduction of p21 with adenoviral vectors into malignant cells completely suppressed their growth in vivo and also reduced the growth of established pre-existing tumours. Gene transfer of p21 may provide a molecular genetic approach to arresting cancer cell growth by committing malignant cells irreversibly to a pathway of terminal differentiation.

Loss of tumorigenicity of Ewing's sarcoma cells expressing antisense RNA to EWS-fusion transcripts

Cytogenetic analysis of Ewing's sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumors and Askin tumors revealed characteristic translocations t(11;22) or t(21;22). Molecular analysis of these translocations revealed 5'-region of EWS gene (from band 22q12) is fused to the 3'-region of either Fli-1 gene (from band 11q24) or erg gene (from band 21q22). Functional characterization of the EWS-Fli-1 and EWS-erg chimeric proteins suggested that they function as transcriptional activators. In order to develop therapeutic agents, it is essential to know whether expression of the EWS-fusion gene products is coupled to tumorigenicity of Ewing's sarcoma cells and if targeting the EWS-fusion products results in loss of tumorigenicity of Ewing's sarcoma cells. For this reason, we have made stable Ewing's sarcomas expressing antisense EWS-Fli-1 or EWS-erg expression plasmids. Expression of antisense EWS fusion transcripts resulted in a significant loss of endogenous EWS-Fli-1 and EWS-erg proteins in Ewing's sarcoma cells. These cells expressing antisense EWS fusion transcripts showed loss of anchorage independent growth and tumorigenicity in nude mice unlike the parental Ewing's sarcoma cells. These results demonstrate the necessity of a certain threshold level of expression of EWS-fusion products in the clonogenicity and tumorigenicity of Ewing's sarcoma cells and therefore emphasizes the importance of targeting the EWS-fusion products as a therapy for Ewing family of tumors.

A frame-shift mutation of the androgen receptor gene in a patient with receptor-negative complete testicular feminization: comparison with a single base substitution in a receptor-reduced incomplete form

Mutations of the androgen receptor that impair the action of androgens result in abnormal male sexual development. We studied the structure of the androgen receptor gene in a patient with the receptor-negative form of complete testicular feminization and another patient with a receptor-reduced form of incomplete testicular feminization. In the subject with complete testicular feminization, the deletion of a single nucleotide occurred at nucleotide number 1893 at exon 2. The subsequent frame-shift mutation changes the sense of codon 622 from cysteine to a translational stop signal. Codon 622 is exon 3, so the mutation predicts the synthesis of a truncated receptor that lacks the entire androgen-binding domain. Analysis of a subject with incomplete testicular feminization revealed a single substitution (CGT --> CAT) at nucleotide 2675 of exon 7, resulting in the conversion of an arginine at amino acid 840 to a histidine. This mutation in the androgen-binding domain may impair, but not remove, the androgen binding to its receptor. These results suggest that the phenotypes in our subjects are due to the mutations, and that single amino acid substitution and premature termination codon can cause variably severe functional abnormalities.