Long-term follow-up study of penile cancer

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the outcomes for patients with penile cancer to determine factors predictive of their survival.

METHODS

Between 1966 and 1996, 59 patients with penile cancer were treated at Kobe University Hospital. The median follow-up period was 109 months (range, 4 to 240 months). The prognostic factors were determined by multivariate analysis. Disease progression rates, according to stage and the type of surgery, were studied.

RESULTS

The 5- and 10-year, cause-specific survival rates were 75.9% and 73.8%, respectively. Lymph node involvement, tumor stage, and tumor differentiation were the independent risk factors identified by multivariate analysis. Among the patients at stage 1 and 2, none of the 29 patients treated with early lymphadenectomy showed recurrence in the inguinal region, while 4 (27%) of 15 patients without lymphadenectomy showed such recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that tumor stage, lymph node involvement, and tumor differentiation are significant prognostic factors for survival, and that early inguinal lymphadenectomy would improve the prognosis of patients with stage 1 or 2 penile cancer.

Generation of Escherichia coli O9a serotype, a subtype of E. coli O9, by transfer of the wb* gene cluster of Klebsiella O3 into E. coli via recombination

Genetic characterization of the wb* gene in a series of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella strains possessing the mannose homopolymer as the O-specific polysaccharide was carried out. The partial nucleotide sequences and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis suggested that E. coli serotype O9a, a subtype of E. coli O9, might have been generated by the insertion of the Klebsiella O3 wb* gene into a certain E. coli strain.

Altered expression of constitutive type and inducible type heat shock proteins in response of D-galactosamine-sensitized mice to lipopolysaccharide as an experimental endotoxic shock model

The expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) as stress-induced proteins was studied in mice injected with D-galactosamine (D-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an experimental endotoxic shock model. The expression of constitutive type heat shock protein 70 (HSC70) was significantly reduced in livers of mice injected with D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide, while its expression was unaffected in livers of mice injected with D-galactosamine or lipopolysaccharide alone. The expression of other constitutive type heat shock proteins, namely HSP60, HSP32 and HSP25 was also reduced in mice injected with D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide. On the other hand, inducible type HSP70 was detected in livers from mice injected with D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide, but not in livers from mice injected with D-galactosamine or lipopolysaccharide alone. Simultaneous injection of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody prevented the liver from reduced expression of constitutive type HSC70, and lead to marked expression of inducible type HSP70 in the liver. Reduced expression of constitutive type HSC70 was also found when D-galactosamine and recombinant TNF-alpha was injected. Therefore, TNF-alpha was suggested to play a critical role on altered expression of constitutive HSC70 and inducible type HSP70 in response of D-galactosamine-sensitized mice to lipopolysaccharide.

Apical vesicles bearing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in the Ca2+ initiation site of ductal epithelium of submandibular gland

In polarized epithelial cells, agonists trigger Ca2+ waves and oscillations. These patterns may be caused by the compartmentalization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ pools into specific regions. We have investigated the relationship between the distribution of IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) and the spatiotemporal pattern of Ca2+ signaling in the duct cells of the rat submandibular gland (SMG). Using immunofluorescence, although labeling was somewhat heterogeneous, the IP3Rs were colocalized to the apical pole of the duct cells. Immunoelectron microscopy identified small apical vesicles bearing IP3R2 in some types of duct cells. Real-time confocal imaging of intact ducts demonstrated that, after carbachol stimulation, an initial Ca2+ spike occurred in the apical region. Subsequently, repetitive Ca2+ spikes spread from the apical to the middle cytoplasm. These apical Ca2+ initiation sites were found only in some "pioneer cells," rather than in all duct cells. We performed both Ca2+ imaging and immunofluorescence on the same ducts and detected the strongest immunosignals of IP3R2 in the Ca2+ initiation sites of the pioneer cells. The subcellular localization and expression level of IP3Rs correlated strongly with the spatiotemporal nature of the intracellular Ca2+ signal and distinct Ca2+ responses among the rat SMG duct cells.

Mesangiolytic glomerulopathy in severe congestive heart failure

To study the glomerular morphological abnormalities in congestive heart failure (CHF), we analyzed 27 autopsy cases without other causes of renal disease. Their mean age was 59 years, and they showed mild prerenal azotemia. They had generally been treated with digitalis and diuretics, and a few of them with captopril or nifedipine. The abnormal glomerular findings of enlargement, hyperemia, and mesangial thickening were observed at high frequencies (61%, 64%, and 57%, respectively). They characteristically showed mesangiolysis (ML) by the findings of microaneurysms (81%) and mesangial degeneration (70%) such as loose reticular matrix and poor matrix area. In addition, glomerular infiltration of mononuclear leukocytes including macrophages was noted in 70% of the cases. Glomerular enlargement was not correlated with the grade of hyperemia, but it was correlated with the grade of ML index of % glomeruli with microaneurysms (F = 7.22, p < 0.004). There was an inverse relationship between the grades of mesangial thickening and of the ML index (P < 0.005). The number of glomerular leukocytes was positively correlated with mean glomerular size (P < 0.002) and with the ML index (P < 0.03). Notably, the glomerular macrophage-positive cases showed a prominently higher mean ML index than the negative cases (P < 0.005). There was an inverse correlation between the mean glomerular size and the partial oxygen pressure in arterial blood (PaO2; P < 0.01), and a positive correlation between the mean glomerular size and hematocrit (Hct) levels (P < 0.02). The cases positive for mesangiolytic mesangial degeneration showed significantly lower PaO2 values than the cases negative for this lesion (P < 0.04). In the analysis of the various causes of CHF, the patients with congenital cardiac anomalies showed mean levels of the lowest PaO2 (P < 0.02) and the highest Hct (P < 0.03) and histologically the largest mean glomerular size (P < 0.04). There was no difference in the ML index and the glomerular leukocyte number among the subgroups classified by the causes. These results indicate that ML associated with glomerular enlargement is the major glomerular abnormality characteristic in patients with severe CHF and suggest that glomerular infiltration of leukocytes, especially of macrophages, should play an important role in the progression of both ML and glomerulomegaly. The contributions of persistent hypoxia and up-regulated angiotensin II as the causative factors of these glomerular abnormalities in congestive heart failure are discussed.

Multifocal renal cell carcinoma in Japanese patients with tumors with maximal diameters of 50 mm. or less

PURPOSE

We determined the risk of local recurrence in 64 Japanese patients a median of 69 years old with renal cell carcinoma who were possible candidates for nephron sparing surgery and who underwent radical nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 64 kidneys in which tumors 50 mm. or less were resected were prospectively examined pathologically in 3 mm. sections. The incidence of satellite tumors and the relationship between the pathological findings of the primary and satellite tumors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Satellite tumors were identified in 10 of the 64 kidneys (15.6%), a rate similar to that reported in the United States. The correlation of histological findings between primary and satellite tumors was 70% for tumor grade. Satellite tumor grade was less than that of the primary lesion in 3 cases. In 60% of the specimens with multifocal renal cancer satellite tumors were within 10 mm. of the margin of the primary tumor. At this distance, if partial nephrectomy had been performed, the satellite lesions would have been missed in 4 of these 10 patients (40%). Of the 10 kidneys with satellite renal tumors 8 (80%) had vascular invasion of the primary tumor. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that vascular invasion was a significant predictor of multifocality of renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that vascular invasion is a risk factor for multifocality in Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, careful and long-term followup is necessary in patients with renal cell carcinoma who have undergone nephron sparing surgery, especially those with vascular invasion of the primary tumor.

[Effect of 5'-DFUR used concurrently in radiotherapy and immunotherapy uterine cervical cancer--pilot study. Study of 5'-DFUR for Uterine Cervical Cancer]

We conducted a preliminary controlled study in order to evaluate 5'-DFUR dose dependency in efficacy and safety in combination therapy of radiotherapy, 5'-DFUR and SPG for patients with uterine cervical cancer, which was regarded as suitable for cases of radiotherapy. The patients were randomly allocated into group A (5'-DFUR 600 mg/body/day) and group B (5'-DFUR 800 mg/body/day), who underwent radiotherapy with simultaneous administration of 5'-DFUR and SPG (20 mg twice/week or 40 mg/ week). Those enrolled were 33 patients in stage II, III or IV a with histologically diagnosed primary squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix. CR was shown in 19, PR in 7, NC in 1, and PD in 2 out of 29 efficacy-evaluable cases, so the overall response rate was 89.7% (26/29, 95% CI 72.7%-97.8%). Regarding safety, some side effects were observed in 26 out of 33 safety-evaluable cases (81.3%, 95%, CI 63.6%-92.8%), but no serious cases. No significant difference in efficacy and safety was observed between the two treatment groups. These results suggested that the combination therapy of radiotherapy, 5'-DFUR and SPG might be one of the therapies whose effectiveness must be confirmed for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix. To confirm dose dependency of 5'-DFUR, it seems further consideration with more patients is needed.

Ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma coexistent with benign and borderline endometrioid adenofibroma: a case report

A well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma coexistent with benign and borderline-malignant endometrioid adenofibroma was found in the ovary of a 64-year-old woman. She had vaginal bleeding caused by simple hyperplasia of the endometrium due to high levels of sex steroid hormones. A FIGO stage Ia solid ovarian tumor was identified. It was composed of irregularly shaped endometriotic glands with benign and borderline malignant cytologic features embedded in abundant fibromatous stroma. Well-differentiated malignant epithelium was adjacent to these areas, but fibromatous stroma was not predominant. She was treated by surgery and three cycles of chemotherapy. This paper describes this unusual tumor and reviews the literature.

Chronic myeloid leukemia with minor-bcr breakpoint developed hybrid type of blast crisis

Although a breakpoint in the minor breakpoint cluster region (m-bcr) of the BCR gene is observed in about two-thirds of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, this type of genomic rearrangement occurs very rarely in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We describe here the eighth case of m-bcr CML, and delineate unique clinical characteristics found in common to the 7 cases reported previously. Monocytosis with a low neutrophil/monocyte ratio resembling chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was the most striking feature of m-bcr CML. Splenomegaly and basophilia were not conspicuous in chronic phase. A high percentage of immature granulocytes and low neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score were the findings in common with classical CML. Lymphoid and myeloid blast changes have been observed at and shortly after presentation so far. We found a hybrid type of blast crisis in the course of m-bcr CML.Thus, m-bcr CML may be a definite subtype of CML, exhibiting distinct clinical characteristics. The presence of fusion product of m-bcr mRNA in an earlier myeloid cell may involve monocytic lineage in addition to myeloproliferative defects.

Altered expression of alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain-1 and calponin in cultured smooth muscle cells by oxidized low density lipoproteins

The expression of the contractile proteins, alpha-actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain-1 (SM1) and calponin present in smooth muscle cells (SMC) in the presence of oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) was investigated in two different cell cultures: the mouse smooth muscle cell line SVSC and rat smooth muscle cells (RSMC). Exposure of the cells to 187 microg protein/ml oxLDL for 24 h reduced the expression of all three contractile proteins in both cell cultures when compared to cells incubated in the presence of native LDL. This investigation of the response of SMC contractile proteins to oxLDL may provide further insights into the mechanisms by which oxidatively modified LDL is atherogenic and suggests that oxLDL may contribute to the regulation of the expression of the genes responsible for the synthesis of smooth muscle cell contractile proteins.

Development of porous apatite ceramic for local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents

An experimental study was conducted on a drug delivery system (DDS), using porous apatite ceramics (PAC): hydroxyapatite block (HAb) [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] having a porosity of 35-48% and pore size range of 50-300 microm, and beta-tricalcium phosphate block (TCP) [Ca3(PO4)2] having a porosity of 75-80% and pore size range of 100-400 microm, for sustained release of a chemotherapeutic agent. Methotrexate (MTX) was loaded in the pores of PAC blocks by centrifuging the blocks in MTX solution. Impregnation of MTX in PAC blocks (1 cm3) was confirmed by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study using Gadolinium-DTPA enhancement. The MRI showed high signal intensity in the PAC, which was confirmed by dye loading into the pores. To estimate the MTX-releasing capability of the PAC, the blocks were stored in 3 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 degrees C and the PBS was replaced every 48 h. The amount of MTX released was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. This study showed that MTX-impregnated PAC (0.63-2.25 mg/block) released the drug in a steady manner and maintained its concentration (0.1-1.0 microg/mL) up to 12 days. This concentration is high enough to be effective against tumor cells. Chemotherapeutic agent-impregnated PAC, prepared by simple centrifugation, could be a valuable form of local chemotherapy when used as a strut graft to repair bone defects. This new DDS material could also be used as an adjuvant to extended curettage and provide a means to reduce the recurrence of tumors without risk of systemic toxicity.

A modified McMullen's staining for Helicobacter pylori: a high-contrast, visibly prominent method

BACKGROUND

Many stains can be used for the histological assessment of Helicobacter pylori, but all have defects from the standpoint of sensitivity, convenience, stability, visible prominence and cost. This paper describes a stain which produces satisfactory results on all the above accounts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paraffin-embedded sections were dewaxed and treated with 0.2% w/v carbol fuchsin for two min; then 1.0% w/v malachite green was applied for two minutes.

RESULTS

This technique stained the bacterial from a deep magenta against a light green background. The characteristic morphology of H. pylori was identified very easily as a stumpy curved rod, and the coccoid forms were also identified. Staining was not specific with mixed samples of bacteria, but it was sufficient to identify H. pylori in the gastric mucosa.

CONCLUSION

We have established an easy, stable, convenient, low-cost, and easily recognizable staining method for H. pylori in paraffin-embedded tissue.

Antibody against single-stranded DNA useful for detecting apoptotic cells recognizes hexadeoxynucleotides with various base sequences

Our previous study demonstrated that an antibody against single-stranded DNA could detect apoptotic cells [Naruse et al. (1994) Histochemistry 101, 73-78]. In this paper we describe the development of an improved method for the production of the antibody and investigations into the antigenic determinants of the antibody so that it could be of practical use for detecting apoptotic cells. Rabbits, hyperimmunized with complexes of alkaline-denatured calf thymus DNA and methylated bovine serum albumin, produced an IgG antibody to single-stranded DNA. Analysis by sandwich ELISA using various naturally occurring nucleic acids revealed that the antibody was specific to single-stranded DNA. Furthermore, using synthetic polymers in the assay, it was found that the antibody could recognize single-stranded DNA with various base sequences. Gel electrophoresis retardation assays, with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides with differing lengths of single-stranded DNA, indicated that a hexadeoxynucleotide constituted the minimum size of the antigenic determinants, and suggested that the antibody probably consists of several antibodies which recognize hexadeoxynucleotides with various base sequences. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the antibody can recognize both a DNA ladder and oligonucleosomes prepared from rat liver nuclei with endogenous endonuclease. The present findings demonstrate that this antibody is a useful tool for detecting apoptotic cells.

Synthesis of Escherichia coli O9a polysaccharide requires the participation of two domains of WbdA, a mannosyltransferase encoded within the wb* gene cluster

WbdA (previously MtfA) is one of the mannosyltransferases encoded within the Escherichia coli O9a wb* gene cluster. It is composed of two domains of similar size, connected by an alpha-helix chain. Elimination of the C-terminal half by transposon insertion or gene deletion caused synthesis of an altered structural O-polysaccharide consisting only of alpha-1,2-linked mannose. O9a polysaccharide synthesis was restored by the C-terminal half of WbdA in trans. No membrane incorporation of mannose from GDP mannose was observed in a strain carrying only the gene for truncated WbdA. For mannose incorporation, it was necessary to introduce both wbdB and wbdC genes into the strain. Therefore, it is likely that the N-terminal half of truncated WbdA synthesizes the altered O-polysaccharide together with other mannosyltransferases which participate in the initial reactions of the O9a polysaccharide synthesis. Both N- and C-terminal domains of WbdA are required for the synthesis of the complete E. coli O9a polysaccharide. The chi sequence location between the two domains and homology plot analyses of the wbdA and the WbdA protein suggested that the wbdA gene might have arisen by fusion of two independent genes.

Lack of association between the alpha-adducin locus and essential hypertension in the Japanese population

Significant linkage and association of alpha-adducin, a cytoskeleton protein involved in transmembrane ion transport, with essential hypertension were recently shown in Caucasian populations, especially in relation to salt sensitivity. The present study investigated the relevance of this candidate gene to hypertension in a well-characterized Japanese population. A total number of 507 individuals were selected from clinic outpatients. Hypertensive subjects were defined on the basis of the individual's blood pressure readings before starting medications; the criteria included systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 mm Hg. Patients with diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and secondary forms of hypertension had been excluded. Control subjects had blood pressure values < 130/85 mm Hg. The allele frequency of a genetic variant at amino acid residue 460 of alpha-adducin (460Trp) was compared between cases and control subjects with chi(2) statistics; in addition, the association was tested with blood pressure as a continuous variable. No significant association was found in either of the statistics tested. The 460Trp variant appeared to be relatively common in the Japanese (54% to 60%) compared with a reported prevalence of 13% to 23% in Caucasians. The present study brought up an important issue concerning the pathophysiological role of alpha-adducin in non-Caucasian populations, given the likely ethnic variation in the nature of genetic susceptibility loci. The 460Trp variant of the alpha-adducin gene is unlikely to have a major effect on susceptibility to hypertension in the Japanese population studied, although the present study does not exclude the involvement of alpha-adducin in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

[Investigation of long-term follow up after endoscopic operation for vesicoureteral reflux]

BACKGROUND

Results with respect of the state of the infused agent and the cause of unsuccessful outcome were examined in patients who were followed for more than 5 years after endoscopic surgery for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

METHODS

Of 259 ureters treated by TUI (Transurethral injection) after 1988, 41 ureters (29 patients) that were followed for more than 5 years postoperatively were investigated. In all patients, teflon paste had been infused. The intervals between surgery and study enrollment ranged from 5 to 10 years, with a mean of 5.1 years.

RESULTS

After TUI was performed once, reflux disappeared in 30 (73%) of 41 ureters. The intervals between the detection of relapse and additional surgery ranged from 1 to 18 months, with a mean of 6.5 months. In 10 of 11 ureters with relapse, relapse was detected within one year after the initial surgery. When the presence or absence of reflux was examined at the final evaluation, there was no relapse in 34 of 39 ureters, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 5.9 years. Teflon paste could be sufficiently confirmed in 34 of 39 ureters excluding patients in whom TUI was changed to invasive surgery. However, this agent could not be confirmed in 5 ureters during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Teflon paste was not confirmed by bladder echo in any patient showing an unsuccessful outcome, suggesting that success or failure in this procedure depends on the persistence of paste.

Anthropometric and other risk factors for ovarian cancer in a case-control study

Because it has been suggested that an environmental factor may play a role in the etiology of ovarian cancer, a case-control study was conducted to assess some environmental and other risk factors for ovarian cancer from 1994 to 1996 in northern Kyushu, Japan. We analyzed the data of 89 cases with epithelial ovarian cancer and 323 controls without any cancer or ovarian disorder. After controlling for the effect of potential confounders, the odds ratios of ovarian cancer across increasing quartiles of the heaviest body weight were 1.00, 1.15, 1.71, 2.29 (P = 0.008, test for trend). Significantly increased risks were noted for a history of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05), and for a family history of ovarian cancer (P < 0.05). Significantly decreased trends for risk were obtained for the number of pregnancies (P < 0.01) and the number of live births (P < 0.001). This study provides additional support for an association between obesity and the risk of ovarian cancer. This relationship may at least partly explain the recent increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer in Japan, although possible contributions of other factors can not be ruled out.

Aromatization of 19-oxygenated androst-4-ene-3,6,17-triones with human placental microsomes

To gain insight into the aromatization sequence of androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione (1), a suicide substrate of aromatase, the aromatization of its 19-hydroxy and 19-oxo analogs 2 and 3 with human placental microsomes, was studied using GC-MS. Steroids 2 and 3 were separately incubated with the microsomes in the presence of NADPH in air. The GC-MS analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivative of the aromatization product indicated that both the 19-oxygenated steroids 2 and 3 were aromatized to yield 6-oxoestrogens, 6-oxoestrone (4) and 6-oxoestradiol (5), in each experiment. The aromatization rates of substrates 2 and 3 were 605+/-48 and 1794+/-75 pmol/mg protein/10 min, respectively. These relatively higher rates, compared to that of the parent steroid 1 (73.2+/-6.6 pmol/mg protein/10 min), indicates that the suicide substrate 1 is aromatized through the 19-oxygenated intermediates 2 and 3.

ras and p53 genes are infrequently involved in N-nitroso-N-butylurea (NBU)-induced rat leukemia

Chemically-induced rodent tumor models help us to understand a series of genetic changes during carcinogenesis. In this study, we present N-nitroso-N-butylurea (NBU)-induced rat leukemia and compare it with the genetic alterations found in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced erythroblastic leukemias which consistently have an A to T transversion at the second base of codon 61 in N-ras. By continuous NBU treatment for 120-150 days, 14 primary leukemias were induced in Long-Evans rats. Myeloblastic leukemia cells predominantly increased in all rats except in one case which predominantly had erythroblastic leukemia cells. Point mutations of Ha-, Ki-, N-ras and p53 were determined after RNA was transcribed into cDNA and this cDNA was used as a substrate for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which was eventually sequenced. No abnormalities in exons 1 and 2 of Ha-, Ki- and N-ras were detected in all leukemias. In the p53 gene, an A to C transition was found at the second base of codon 198 (Asn-Thr) in one leukemia, but others had no mutation. These results suggest that ras and p53 genes are infrequently involved in NBU-induced leukemias. The genetic target of NBU during leukemogenesis seemed to be different from that of DMBA.

Expression of cell adhesion molecules in tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with Sjögren's syndrome

The tissue distribution of cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, ELAM-1, VCAM-1) was studied in specimens from six normal human kidneys and in six biopsies from kidneys with tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with Sjögren's syndrome. In addition, the expression of cellular adhesion molecules was examined both in four renal biopsies from cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis of diverse pathogenesis and in six lip biopsies from cases of Sjögren's syndrome. ICAM-1 was expressed on vascular endothelial cells in normal kidneys, in all specimens of tubulointerstitial nephritis and in salivary glands. On tubular epithelial cells, ICAM-1 appeared slightly in normal kidneys; otherwise tubular epithelial ICAM-1 was observed in and around the foci of cellular infiltration in all cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis. ELAM-1 and VCAM-1 were observed on the newly generated vessels in massive cellular infiltrates in some cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with Sjögren's syndrome; by contrast, they were not seen in normal kidneys and in cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis of diverse pathogenesis. In the lip biopsies from salivary glands, ICAM-1 was observed on ductal epithelial cells in and around the foci of cellular infiltration, and ELAM-1 and VCAM-1 occasionally appeared on the newly generated vessels in massive cellular infiltrates. Chronic and progressive inflammation may be facilitated by such ELAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on newly generated vessels. The adhesion molecules were thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial nephritis and sialoadenitis associated with Sjögren's syndrome. It was thus concluded that the same inflammatory process that took place in the salivary glands to induce the characteristic tissue change of Sjögren's syndrome likely was operative in the renal tubulointerstitial tissue as well.

1-Methyl-3-propyl-7-butylxanthine, a novel biochemical modulator, enhances therapeutic efficacy of adriamycin

We have screened xanthine derivatives for activity as novel biochemical modulators by assay of their inhibitory effect on adriamycin efflux from tumor cells. Strong inhibition of adriamycin efflux was shown by some xanthine derivatives with various alkyl or oxoalkyl substituents at the 1-, 3- and 7-positions. 1-Methyl-3-propyl-7-butylxanthine (XT-77), which had the greatest inhibitory effect on adriamycin efflux in vitro among the compounds tested, potentiated adriamycin-induced antitumor activity by causing an increase of adriamycin concentration in the tumor in vitro. Furthermore, XT-77 reduced the adverse drug reactions of adriamycin by decreasing the adriamycin concentrations in the heart and the liver. Thus, the combination of XT-77 with adriamycin not only increased the antitumor activity of adriamycin, but also decreased the adverse drug reactions.

Review article: Long-term Helicobacter pylori infection--from gastritis to gastric cancer

An analysis carried out in 1994 by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) resulted in Helicobacter pylori being designated as a Group 1 carcinogen and thus clearly having an association with the development of gastric cancer. In the case of H. pylori, the evaluation was made solely on the basis of epidemiological results. In Japan, in 1993, only 235,000 of the 60 million people with H. pylori had gastric cancer. This represents only 0.4% of the infected population. Each individual reacts in a unique way to H. pylori infection in terms of the inflammatory response. The probability of developing cancer will be determined by environmental factors such as diet, duration of or age at acquisition of H. pylori infection, the virulence of H. pylori strains, and host factors including genetic make-up.

Localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in the rat kidney

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs) serve as intracellular calcium release channels involved in signal transduction of various hormones in the kidney. Molecular cloning studies have shown that there are three types of IP3R, designated type 1, type 2, and type 3. To characterize their localizations in the rat kidney, we employed immunohistochemical studies using type-specific monoclonal antibodies that were raised against the 15 C-terminal amino acids of each type of IP3R. Type 1 was detected in glomerular mesangial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Type 2 was expressed exclusively in intercalated cells of collecting ducts from the cortex to the inner medulla. Type 3 was expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, glomerular mesangial cells, and some cells of cortical collecting ducts, probably principal cells. As to the subcellular distribution, type 1 and type 2 showed a homogenous distribution in the cytoplasm, whereas type 3 was present mainly in the basolateral portion of the cytoplasm. These results indicate that IP3R isoforms were expressed in a cell-specific manner. The heterogeneous subcellular localizations among the IP3R types suggests compartmentalization of distinct IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools.

Rad52 protein stimulates DNA strand exchange by Rad51 and replication protein A

The generation of a double-strand break in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome is a potentially catastrophic event that can induce cell-cycle arrest or ultimately result in loss of cell viability. The repair of such lesions is strongly dependent on proteins encoded by the RAD52 epistasis group of genes (RAD50-55, RAD57, MRE11, XRS2), as well as the RFA1 and RAD59 genes. rad52 mutants exhibit the most severe phenotypic defects in double-strand break repair, but almost nothing is known about the biochemical role of Rad52 protein. Rad51 protein promotes DNA strand exchange and acts similarly to RecA protein. Yeast Rad52 protein interacts with Rad51 protein, binds single-stranded DNA and stimulates annealing of complementary single-stranded DNA. We find that Rad52 protein stimulates DNA strand exchange by targeting Rad51 protein to a complex of replication protein A (RPA) with single-stranded DNA. Rad52 protein affects an early step in the reaction, presynaptic filament formation, by overcoming the inhibitory effects of the competitor, RPA. Furthermore, stimulation is dependent on the concerted action of both Rad51 protein and RPA, implying that specific protein-protein interactions between Rad52 protein, Rad51 protein and RPA are required.

Restoration of holoceruloplasmin synthesis in LEC rat after infusion of recombinant adenovirus bearing WND cDNA

Wilson's disease, an autosomal recessive disorder, is characterized by the excessive accumulation of copper in the liver. WND (ATP7B) gene, which encodes a putative copper transporting P-type ATPase, is defective in the patients. To investigate the in vivo function of WND protein as well as its intracellular localization, WND cDNA was introduced to the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat, known as a rodent model for Wilson's disease, by recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene delivery. An immunofluorescent study and a subcellular fractionation study revealed the transgene expression in liver and its localization to the Golgi apparatus. Moreover, since the synthesis of holoceruloplasmin is disturbed in the Long-Evans Cinnamon rat, the plasma level of holoceruloplasmin, oxidase-active and copper-bound form, was examined to evaluate the function of WND protein with respect to the copper transport. Consequently, the appearance of holoceruloplasmin in plasma was confirmed by Western blot analysis and plasma measurements for the oxidase activity and the copper content. These findings indicate that introduced WND protein may function in the copper transport coupled with the synthesis of ceruloplasmin and that the Golgi apparatus is the likely site for WND protein to manifest its function.