Origin and evolution of the colonial volvocales (Chlorophyceae) as inferred from multiple, chloroplast gene sequences

A combined data set of DNA sequences (6021 bp) from five protein-coding genes of the chloroplast genome (rbcL, atpB, psaA, psaB, and psbC genes) were analyzed for 42 strains representing 30 species of the colonial Volvocales (Volvox and its relatives) and 5 related species of green algae to deduce robust phylogenetic relationships within the colonial green flagellates. The 4-celled family Tetrabaenaceae was robustly resolved as the most basal group within the colonial Volvocales. The sequence data also suggested that all five volvocacean genera with 32 or more cells in a vegetative colony (all four of the anisogamous/oogamous genera, Eudorina, Platydorina, Pleodorina, and Volvox, plus the isogamous genus Yamagishiella) constituted a large monophyletic group, in which 2 Pleodorina species were positioned distally to 3 species of Volvox. Therefore, most of the evolution of the colonial Volvocales appears to constitute a gradual progression in colonial complexity and in types of sexual reproduction, as in the traditional volvocine lineage hypothesis, although reverse evolution must be considered for the origin of certain species of Pleodorina. Data presented here also provide robust support for a monophyletic family Goniaceae consisting of two genera: Gonium and Astrephomene.

[A case report of TS-1 in a patient with advanced gastric cancer]

TS-1 is an oral anticancer drug that produces biochemical modulation. TS-1 is composed of FT (tegafur), CDHP (gimestat, which inhibits 5-FU degradation enzyme), and Oxo (otastat potassium, which reduces 5-FU gastrointestinal toxicities), in a molar ratio of 1:0.4:1. We administered TS-1 to a 68-year-old female gastric cancer patient, after distal gastrectomy (Stage IV, cur C). As a result of abdominal CT, the diameter of metastatic lymph node increased before and after surgery, and before TS-1 (45 x 35 mm), but it was reduced after 1 course of TS-1 (37 x 25 mm), 2 courses of TS-1 (35 x 20 mm), 3 courses of TS-1 (30 x 20 mm), 4 courses of TS-1 (30 x 20 mm), and 6 months after 4 courses of TS-1 (20 x 20 mm). The reduction rate is 74.6%. The value of CA125 was reduced 74.4 to 8.6 after TS-1. Anorexia and back pain, which occurred after operation, disappeared after TS-1. There was no side effect over grade 3.

Prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as the substance that increases the permeability and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. We examined the clinical significance of VEGF expression in 60 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using the methods of Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), comparatively, and analysed the relationship between VEGF status in Western blot and tumour size, lymph-node status, histologic grade and disease-free survival (DFS) rate. Western blot analysis revealed high VEGF expressors (tumour/normal tissue density >/= 3-fold) in 26 patients (43%) and low VEGF expressors (< 3-fold) in 34 patients (57%). The results of the Western blot analysis correlated significantly with those of the RT-PCR (P = 0.00007) or immunohistochemistry (P = 0. 00006). High VEGF expressors are associated with the progression of lymph-node spread (P = 0.0009), which are correlated with poor DFS. The 2-year DFS rate of high VEGF expressors (30%) was significantly lower than that of low VEGF expressors (78%) (P = 0.0008). Multivariate analysis showed VEGF expression and stage were independent predictors for the DFS (P = 0.045 and 0.041, respectively). VEGF expression may play an important role in progression of HNSCC.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a mouse homolog of human TNFSF14, a member of the TNF superfamily

A member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, human TNFSF14 (hTNFSF14)/HVEM-L (herpes virus entry mediator ligand) was isolated as a cellular ligand for HVEM/TR2 and human lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR). TNFSF14 induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor formation. We have isolated a cDNA clone for a mouse homologue of hTNFSF14 by signal sequence trap (SST) screening which we recently developed. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mouse TNFSF14 (mTNFSF14) cDNA comprised 239 amino acid residues and was 77% identical to the hTNFSF14 protein. In Northern blot analysis, 2.1 kb and 4.2kb mTNFSF14 transcripts were detected in spleen and lung, and in heart, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis localized the mTNFSF14 gene Tnfsf14 to chromosome 17 which is tightly linked with Tnf, Lta, and Ltb.

A method to identify cDNAs based on localization of green fluorescent protein fusion products

We previously established a high-efficiency, retrovirus-mediated expression cloning method. Using this system, we now have developed an expression cloning method (FL-REX; fluorescence localization-based retrovirus-mediated expression cloning) in which cDNAs can be isolated based on the subcellular localization of their protein products. Complementary DNAs generated from mRNA using random hexamers were fused to the cDNA of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the pMX retrovirus vector. The resulting cDNA-GFP fusion library was transfected into retrovirus-packaging cells, and the derived retroviruses were used to infect NIH 3T3 cells. Infected cells then were screened to identify cDNAs of interest through the subcellular localization of the GFP-fusion products. Using FL-REX, we have identified 25 cDNAs, most of which showed reasonable subcellular localization as GFP-fusion proteins, indicating that FL-REX is useful for identification of proteins that show specific intracellular localization.

Cyclin D1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma makes up a large percentage of head and neck cancers, and the incidence among young patients is increasing. The aim of this study was to reveal the correlation between cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression and clinical and histologic features. We performed an immunohistochemical study on the level of CCND1 expression in tumor specimens obtained from 94 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The relationship between the expression and the following features such as age, sex, smoking and alcohol intake history, T, N, histologic grade, and multiple primary cancer was analyzed. Eighteen patients (19%) showed CCND1 overexpression (tumor cell nuclei positivity >/=50%). The 5-year survival rate of high CCND1 expressors was 39%, which was significantly poor (p=0.04). N classification correlated with CCND1 expression. CCND1 overexpression is associated with poor survival associated with progression of lymph node spread in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinomas. CCND1 expression may be a useful biologic marker for prognosis.

[Treatment of cancer ascites by combined intraperitoneal administration of low-dose CDDP and reinfusion of ultra-filtrated and concentrated ascitic fluid in patients]

Ascites due to carcinomatous dissemination is a severe problem for end-stage cancer patients. We attempted treating patients on an outpatient basis with the administration of low-dose CDDP-i.p. and reinfusion of ultrafiltrated and concentrated ascites. From 1995, we performed this therapy on 16 patients with concentrated ascites 6-8 fold and reinfusion, combined with low-dose CDDP-i.p. and drip infusion of 5-FU intravenously. The ascitic fluid was significantly decreased after treatment in 8 patients, and 2 patients had lasting low concentrations of CA 125. CA 125 decreased in 83.3% of patients, who tended to have extended survival times after remarkable ascites pooling and treatment with low-dose CDDP-i.p. and reinfusion therapy. This treatment is a useful cant method for decreasing ascites and improving QOL.

STAT5 as a molecular regulator of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in hematopoietic cells

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) play key roles in growth factor-mediated intracellular signal transduction. In the present study using a constitutively active STAT5 mutant, we show that STAT5 has pleiotropic functions regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in an IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cell line. The mutant STAT5 possessed constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation and DNA binding activity, induced expression of bcl-xL and pim-1 in the absence of IL-3 in Ba/F3 cells, and rendered Ba/F3 cells factor-independent. Unexpectedly, IL-3 treatment of the factor-independent Ba/F3 cells expressing the constitutively active STAT5 resulted in apoptosis within 24 h, or differentiation followed by cell death. In these cells, mRNA expression of growth inhibitory genes downstream of STAT5 such as CIS, JAB/SOCS-1/SSI-1, and p21(WAF1/Cip1) was highly induced, correlating with prolonged hyper-phosphorylation of the mutant STAT5 after IL-3 stimulation. Of the STAT5-regulated genes, we found that constitutive expression of JAB/SOCS-1/SSI-1 was sufficient to induce apoptosis of Ba/F3 cells, while p21(WAF1/Cip1) could induce differentiation of these cells. In contrast, constitutive expression of pim-1 was sufficient to induce IL-3-independent growth of Ba/F3 cells. These findings suggest that a single transcription factor regulates cell fate by varying the intensity and duration of the expression of a set of target genes.

p27 expression correlates with prognosis in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

Hypopharyngeal cancer is closely associated with smoking, drinking, and malnutrition. Recent findings reveal that carcinogenesis depends on genetic aberrations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-one patients with hypopharyngeal cancer were analyzed for p53, CCND1, and p27, and 72 patients were analyzed for p21, immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

p53 overexpression was found in 70%, CCND1 in 17%, p21 in 29%, and p27 in 32%. The low intensity of p27 expression correlated with poor prognosis, but the level of expression of p53, CCND1, and p21 did not.

CONCLUSION

The immunohistochemical analysis of p27 provides a possible tool in determining the prognosis of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma

A 62-year-old Japanese man with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis revealed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) elevation. Dynamic computed tomography, taken at this time, showed a liver tumor in the anterior segment. As the patient refused any further medical treatment, he was observed in an outpatient clinic. The size of the tumor reduced and the serum level of AFP decreased gradually without any treatment. Twelve months after the initial diagnosis, the tumor could not be detected by computed tomography (CT) scan, and the level of AFP had declined to the normal range. Blood supply is essential for tumor growth and an arterioportal shunt near the tumor may change the dynamics of blood flow to the tumor. The shunt found in this patient was thought to be one of the causative factors leading to regression, but it could not be denied that immunological mechanisms may have played an important role in the spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The amount and pattern of DNA polymorphism under the neutral mutation hypothesis

The amount and pattern of DNA polymorphism can give useful information on the maintenance mechanism of genetic variation at the DNA level. In this note we have shown the amount and pattern of DNA polymorphism expected under the neutral theory. The amount of DNA polymorphism can be estimated from the average number of nucleotide differences per site, the proportion of segregating sites, and so on. We have shown how to estimate theta from these quantities, where theta = 4Nv, N is the effective population size and v is the mutation rate per site per generation. We have also shown the expectations of the nucleotide variation within and between allelic classes.

Acquisition versus loss of Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan: results from an 8-year birth cohort study

Studies of the pattern of change in the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection are scarce. A longitudinal cohort study consisted of 644 children and adults, and two independent cross-sectional surveys were conducted in rural Japan between 1986 and 1994. The anti-H. pylori IgG seroconversion rates were 1.1% and 1% per year for children and adults, respectively. The seroreversion rate per year was 1.8% for children and 1.5% for adults. The cohort study was confirmed by the two cross-sectional studies. H. pylori prevalence fell in all age groups in both children (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2-1.0, P = .05) and adults (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3-0.6, P = .001). The rate of loss of H. pylori infection was greater than the acquisition. Data regarding acquisition and loss of H. pylori infection are critical to understanding the epidemiology of the infection and to developing treatment and vaccination strategies.

Mesh plug repair for a small incisional hernia in a cirrhotic patient with ascites: report of a case

We report herein the case of a patient with severe liver ascites due to cirrhosis in whom a small incisional hernia on a midline incision was successfully treated by a mesh plug repair, a method most commonly employed for groin hernia repair. The hernia sac was dissected and inverted into the abdominal cavity by the mesh plug under epidural anesthesia. The patient's recovery was quick and relatively painless, and there has been no recurrence after 1 year of followup. This case report demonstrates that the method of mesh plug repair may be appropriate for small incisional hernias as well as groin hernias, performed under epidural anesthesia.

Identification and characterization of a constitutively active STAT5 mutant that promotes cell proliferation

STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) proteins are transcription factors which are activated by phosphorylation on tyrosine residues upon stimulation by cytokines. Seven members of the STAT family are known, including the closely related STAT5A and STAT5B, which are activated by various cytokines. Except for prolactin-dependent beta-casein production in mammary gland cells, the biological consequences of STAT5 activation in various systems are not clear. We applied PCR-driven random mutagenesis and a retrovirus-mediated expression screening system to identify constitutively active forms of STAT5. By this strategy, we have identified a constitutively active STAT5 mutant which has two amino acid substitutions; one is located upstream of the putative DNA binding domain (H299R), and the other is located in the transactivation domain (S711F). The mutant STAT5 was constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, localized in the nucleus, and was transcriptionally active. Expression of the mutant STAT5 partially dispenses with interleukin 3 (IL-3) as a growth stimulant of IL-3-dependent cell lines. Further analyses of the mutant STAT5 have demonstrated that both of the mutations are required for nuclear localization, efficient transcriptional activation, and induction of IL-3-independent growth of an IL-3-dependent cell line, Ba/F3, and have indicated that a molecular basis for the constitutive activation is the stability of the phosphorylated form of the mutant STAT5.

Induction of synaptosomal-associated protein-23 kD (SNAP-23) by various cytokines

Cytokines manifest their function through regulation of gene expression. We searched for immediate-early cytokine responsive genes by the mRNA differential display technique using interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent OTT-1 cells, and have isolated a novel cDNA which encodes 210 amino acids and shows 87% amino acid identity to human SNAP-23 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 23 kD). The message for this protein (mouse SNAP-23) was induced in OTT-1 cells by IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and IL-5. The experiment using C-terminal deletion mutants of the common beta subunit (betac) of IL-3/GM-CSF/IL-5 receptors showed that expression of SNAP-23 was associated with the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway, but not with the JAK-STAT pathway. Moreover, SNAP-23 was induced in response to a wide variety of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-3, IL-5, IL-10, stem cell factor, G-CSF, GM-CSF, leukemia inhibitory factor, and erythropoietin. Constitutive expression of SNAP-23 was seen in various tissues, including heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen, and small intestine. Possible involvement of SNAP-23 in cytokine signal transduction is discussed.

Preoperative nocturnal desaturations as a risk factor for late postoperative nocturnal desaturations

Severe postoperative hypoxaemia during sleep may increase the risk of postoperative cardiovascular complications. We hypothesized that the severity of hypoxic episodes after surgery are related to the presence of preoperative sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). We tested this hypothesis in a multicentre study designed to elucidate the major risk factors for development of postoperative nocturnal desaturations. We performed overnight oximetry before operation and for one night between the second and fourth day after operation in 80 patients undergoing major surgery. We calculated oximetry variables such as oxygen desaturation index (ODI), defined as the number of oxygen desaturations exceeding 4% below baseline, percentage time spent at SpO2 < 90% (CT90, %) and lowest SpO2 value. After operation, although the change in ODI was not significant (P = 0.34), deterioration in CT90 and lowest SpO2 values were significant (P = 0.036 and P = 0.007, respectively). Multivariate analysis of possible risk factors for postoperative desaturations revealed that preoperative hypoxaemia and apnoea witnessed by others were highly correlated with postoperative hypoxaemia.

A new histological procedure for re-evaluation of the serological test for Helicobacter pylori

To re-evaluate the accuracy of the serological test for Helicobacter pylori, fixation of biopsy specimens with Carnoy's solution (preserving the mucous layer in tissue preparations) followed by immunohistochemical staining (a new histological procedure) was used as the reference histological method instead of 10% formalin fixation followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (the conventional histological procedure). Biopsy specimens (antrum and body) from 114 patients with gastritis (including non-ulcer dyspepsia) or gastric and/or duodenal ulcers were obtained by endoscopy and used for both bacteriological culture and histological examination. Serum samples were taken from all patients at the time of endoscopy. The serum levels of specific IgG and IgA antibodies for Helicobacter pylori were measured by commercial enzyme immunoassay kits. The reliability of the IgG and IgA measurements was evaluated by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curves obtained using the two histological procedures. With the conventional histological procedure as the reference, the sensitivity and specificity levels of the serological test were 87.2% and 82.1%, respectively. With the new histological procedure as reference, sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 96.7%, respectively. The insufficient accuracy reported for the serological test could be due to false-positive or false-negative results obtained when the conventional histological procedure is used as the reference. The new histological procedure used here revealed that the serological test for Helicobacter pylori is more reliable than previously thought.

Estimation of the amount of DNA polymorphism when the neutral mutation rate varies among sites

Knowing the amount of DNA polymorphism is essential to understand the mechanism of maintaining DNA polymorphism in a natural population. The amount of DNA polymorphism can be measured by the average number of nucleotide differences per site (pi), the proportion of segregating (polymorphic) site (s) and the minimum number of mutations per site (s*). Since the latter two quantities depend on the sample size, theta is often used as a measure of the amount of DNA polymorphism, where theta = 4Nmu, N is the effective population size and mu is the neutral mutation rate per site per generation. It is known that theta estimated from pi, s and s* under the infinite site model can be biased when the mutation rate varies among sites. We have therefore developed new methods for estimating theta under the finite site model. Using computer simulations, it has been shown that the new methods give almost unbiased estimates even when the mutation rate varies among sites substantially. Furthermore, we have also developed new statistics for testing neutrality by modifying Tajima's D statistic. Computer simulations suggest that the new test statistics can be used even when the mutation rate varies among sites.

Quantitative evaluation of the rate of myocardial interstitial fibrosis using a personal computer

We investigated the reliability and reproducibility of an image-analyzing system run on a personal computer for measurement of myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Measurements of myocardial interstitial fibrosis in right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies obtained from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy determined by this image-analyzing system were compared with measurements determined by the point-counting method. We also investigated the correlation between measurements of interstitial fibrosis obtained by image analysis and biochemical measurements of myocardial levels of hydroxyproline in normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters. The intra- and interobserver variability were significantly lower for measurements obtained by the image-analyzing system than for measurements obtained by the point-counting system. Reproducibility was superior with the image-analyzing method. The rate of myocardial interstitial fibrosis determined by the computer image-analyzing method was positively correlated with the hydroxyproline measurement (r = 0.89). Our results suggest that an image-analyzing system using a personal computer provides reproducible results with a high level of reliability.

Tacrolimus (FK506) down-regulates free radical tissue levels, serum cytokines, and neutrophil infiltration after severe liver ischemia

BACKGROUND

Liver ischemia and reperfusion injury is associated with activation of multiple inflammatory pathways, including free radicals, cytokines, and neutrophil-mediated tissue damage among others. Tacrolimus (FK506) has shown important regulatory effects on some inflammatory pathways, such as cytokines, neutrophils, and adhesion molecules. In this study, we explored a new potential protective mechanism for tacrolimus in the liver inflammatory response after ischemia and reperfusion, specifically its effect on liver tissue free radicals.

METHODS

Total hepatic ischemia was produced in the rat for 90 min with an extracorporeal portosystemic shunt. Animals (n=96) were divided into four groups: group 1 comprised normal rats for reference values; group 2 comprised sham operated rats; in group 3, ischemic control rats received only the vehicle; and the experimental treatment group, group 4, received tacrolimus at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg, 4 hr before ischemia. Animal survival was followed up to 7 days. Liver function tests were performed and liver tissue free radicals and myeloperoxidase, serum cytokines (interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha), and liver histology were measured 4 hr after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Seven-day survival was significantly improved from only 20% in the control group to 55% in the tacrolimus group (P<0.01). Liver function tests, histology, and myeloperoxidase tissue values were significantly improved (P<0.05) with tacrolimus pretreatment. Furthermore, a significant (P<0.05) down-regulation of serum cytokines and liver tissue free radicals was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate a new and different protective mechanism for FK506 in regard to its ability to down-regulate free radical levels in livers subjected to severe ischemia and reperfusion. Tacrolimus, also confirmed to be a potent suppressor of the cytokine response, specifically interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis, decreased neutrophil tissue migration as well.

Effect of blood collection imitating toxicokinetic study on rat hematological parameters

The effect of blood collection imitating a one-month toxicokinetic study on hematological parameters was studied in male rats (6 weeks of age at the beginning of the experiment). Three groups were established according to blood sampling points per day; Group I (3 points), Group II (5 points) and Group III (10 points). These repeated blood samplings were carried out on the first and last days of this study, and one-point blood sampling was also done every week during the experiment. In each sampling, 0.3 ml of blood was collected from the jugular vein. There were no changes in Group I, but in other groups, especially in Group III, red blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration decreased during repeated blood sampling. On the other hand, white blood cell counts also decreased, but recovered within 24 hr. Platelet counts did not show any decrement. From the present result, less than 0.9 ml of blood per day is conceivable as the volume without causing changes in hematological parameters. The baseline of the sampling volume can become one reference for toxicokinetic and toxicological studies.

Temporary spiral stent after endoscopic repair of posttraumatic stricture of prostatomembranous urethra

We placed a urethral spiral stent for 7 months after an endoscopic excision of scar tissue in a patient who had a posttraumatic stricture of the prostatomembranous urethra. This procedure immediately allowed the patient to void normally and avoided the need for an indwelling urethral catheter.

21-Aminosteroids block neutrophil infiltration and provide liver protection independent of NO2-/NO3- levels

21-Aminosteroids are antioxidant compounds that prevent iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and improve cell viability. In this work we attempt to define the role of 21-aminosteroids in liver ischemia and reperfusion and assess their possible mode of action, specifically their effect on neutrophil infiltration and nitrite/nitrate levels. Total liver ischemia for 90 min was produced in the rat with the use of a portosystemic shunt. Three groups of animals were studied. One group received the 21-aminosteroid U-74389G (10 mg/ kg) divided into two equal doses 10 min prior to ischemia (7 mg/kg) and 10 min before reperfusion (3 mg/ kg). The two other groups included the sham and the control animals. We studied survival at 7 days and serum liver enzymes, liver myeloperoxidase, plasma nitrites, nitrates, and liver histology at 6 hr postreperfusion. Animal survival improved from 13% in the ischemic control to 52% in the lazaroid treated group (P < 0.05). We observed significant improvements in liver function tests, liver myeloperoxidase levels, as well as in the liver histology (P < 0.05). We could not find statistical difference in plasma nitrite/nitrate (P > 0.1). The 21-aminosteroids significantly improved animal survival after total liver ischemia, through a mechanism that includes blocking neutrophil infiltration which is independent from nitrite/nitrate levels.

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using THP-adriamycin]

A 46-year-old male with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprised of severe liver dysfunction was treated by intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy through an implantable reservoir. During 39 months, a total amount of THP-ADR 420 mg, ADR 70 mg and CDDP 350 mg was infused. Through the therapy, the tumor size on the lateral segment was well controlled, and serum AFP and PIVKA-II levels were also lowered. No severe side effect was observed. The patient was treated on an outpatient basis, and a good quality of life during therapy was maintained. This case suggests that THP-ADR may play an important role in a combined intraarterial chemotherapy for advanced HCC.

[Clinical analysis of 169 patients with prostate cancer]

At Matsumoto National Hospital, 169 patients with prostate cancer were diagnosed between April 1986 and May 1994. The prostate cancer incidence was the highest in the latter half of the seventies, with an average age of 74.3 years. The clinical stage was defined as A1, A2, B, C, and D2 in 24 (14.2%), 38 (22.5%), 39 (23.1%), 23 (13.6%) and 45 (26.6%) patients, respectively. The clinical stage was not correlated with the patient's age. Incidental carcinoma was discovered in 5.8% of the patients who underwent prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). At initial diagnosis, the tumor was well, moderately, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in 71 (42.0%), 64 (37.9%), and 34 (20.1%) patients, respectively. The median follow-up period was 38.7 months. The over all five-year crude survival rate was 54.8%, while the cause-specific five-year survival rate was 80.0%. The five-year crude survival rate was 58.4, 82.0, 55.2, 42.5 and 37.4%, for patients with cancer at stage A1, A2, B, C, and D. The survival rate was higher for patients with cancer at clinical stage A and shorter for those with cancer at clinical stage D than in other stages. Prognosis was also worse in patients with moderately or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma than in those with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The clinical stage and the pathological grade are important as prognostic factors, although the high incidence of death from other diseases shows that the patients' age should be considered to choose the modality of therapy. These findings indicate that intensive treatment of the patients in clinical stage A2, B and C prostate cancer in combination with screening for the men between 50 and 75 years old for early cancer detection is required.

Tranilast antagonizes angiotensin II and inhibits its biological effects in vascular smooth muscle cells

Recent studies have been reported indicating that angiotensin II may potentiate neointimal formation. In the present study, we examined the antagonistic effect of tranilast on angiotensin II. Losartan was used as the reference compound. First, tranilast inhibited the angiotensin II-induced contraction of rabbit aortic strips in a noncompetitive manner (pD'(2) = 3.7), whereas it had little effect on the contraction induced by noradrenaline or endothelin-l. Second, tranilast inhibited the binding of (125)I-labeled angiotensin II to angiotensin AT1 receptors in rat liver membranes with an IC(50) value of 289 mu M. Finally, functional antagonism of tranilast (100 and 300 mu M) was demonstrated by its blockade of angiotensin II (10(-8)M)-induced (45)Ca(2+) -efflux from human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, tranilast (30-300 mu M) exerted no influence on PDGF-induced formation of inositol triphosphates which cause an increase in [Ca(2+)]i in human VSMC. The antagonistic activity of tranilast towards angiotensin II may be involved in part in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

[A clinical and pathological study of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer]

BACKGROUND

Thirty-one patients with prostate cancer underwent radical prostatectomy and simultaneous pelvic lymphadenectomy at Matsumoto National Hospital between 1988 and 1994. Prognostic factors are discussed from their clincopathological findings.

METHODS

The patients ranged from 54 to 80-year-old, with an average age of 69.9 years. The median follow-up period was 44 months. The diagnosis was confirmed by needle biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate. All the patients received short-term endocrine therapy preoperatively, and only noncuratively resected patients underwent adjuvant therapy postoperatively. At initial diagnosis, the tumor grades were well, moderately, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in 9, 12, and 10 patients, respectively. The clinical stage was defined as A2, B, C, D1, and D2 in 12, 4, 6, 3, and 6 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

A difference of tumor grade was found between the initial diagnosis and the final diagnosis based on the resected prostate in 8 patients (26%), with 7 of them (88%) showing an increase in grade in the final diagnosis. Also revealed was that 11 of the 25 patients (44%) in stage A2, B, C, or D1 had been understaged preoperatively. The five-year actuarial survival rates were 100%, 92%, and 51% for patients with well, moderately, and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, respectively, with a significant difference noted between well and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p = 0.03). Recurrence only developed in patients with pathological stage D tumors. However, the presence or absence of lymph node metastasis did not affect the crude 5-year survival rate. Several stage D patients were successfully treated by radical prostatectomy and adjuvant therapy, achieving long survival.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that patients in clinical stage C have tumors which exhibit differing biological behavior. These patients should be analyzed and classified more precisely so that the most appropriate therapy can be chosen.

[Efficacy of intra-arterial chemotherapy with reservoir for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma]

Long-term results of intra-arterial chemotherapy using a reservoir (IA) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were investigated. Ninety-nine patients with unresectable HCC who were treated in our department during the past 7 years were enrolled in this study. Thirty-four out of the 99 patients were treated by IA with a conventional reservoir (SR group), and 21 by IA with a double-lumen reservoir (DR group) by which IA with occlusion of hepatic arterial flow would be possible. The other 44 patients were treated by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE group). Cumulative 1-and 2-year survival rates were 54.2 and 21.7% in DR group, respectively, and 50.8 and 35.2% in TAE group, respectively. The results of these two groups were statistically equivalent, and were more favorable than those of the SR group. Cumulative patency rate of reservoirs was maintained at 93.7% after one year and at 61.8% after two years. No difference was recognized in this rate according to the type of reservoir. We concluded that IA with a double-lumen reservoir should be taken into consideration as one of the strategies for treatment of unresectable HCC. However, maintenance of catheter-patency would be necessary for satisfactory outcome.

Role of sialyl Lewis(x) in total hepatic ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil adhesion and migration is associated with hepatic ischemia and reperfusion. The role of a Sialyl Lewis(x) (SLe)(x) oligosaccharide, a ligand for selections, was studied in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Total hepatic ischemia was produced in rats for 90 minutes using an extracorporeal portosystemic shunt. To assess the role of SLe(x) in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury, 25 mg/kg of an SLe(x) analog, CY-1503, was given five minutes before reperfusion or at reperfusion. Biochemical tests of hepatic injury, myeloperoxidase activity in hepatic tissue, and histologic studies, including neutrophil infiltration determined by the naphthol esterase technique, were analyzed six hours after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Significantly improved protection in biochemical hepatic injury tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) was noted between the ischemic and the SLe(x) treated groups. Myeloperoxidase activity and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration in hepatic tissue were decreased in the SLe(x) groups. Histologic protection from hepatic damage was observed in the treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The SLe(x) oligosaccharide analog, CY-1503, had an important protective role in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury. Modulation of SLe(x) in the neutrophil decreased the adhesion of polymorphonuclear cells and their subsequent migration after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion.

Effects of low molecular weight heparin on a severely antithrombin III-decreased disseminated intravascular coagulation model in rabbits

The effect of dalteparin, a low molecular weight heparin, on severely antithrombin III (ATIII)-decreased disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) model was compared with that of unfractionated heparin (heparin). The DIC model in rabbits was produced by continuous infusion of thrombin in combination with bolus injection of latex. After a 3 hr infusion of thrombin, plasma ATIII activity was lowered to 30% of normal plasma. Platelet number, fibrinogen content and alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI) activity were also decreased. Dalteparin (25-100 IU/kg/hr) and heparin (25-100 U/kg/hr) inhibited the decrease in ATIII activity, platelet number and fibrinogen content, and had no effect on alpha 2PI activity. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged by heparin (50 and 100 U/kg/hr), but not by dalteparin (25-100 IU/kg/hr). The ratio of anti-factor Xa (F.Xa) activity to anti-thrombin activity for dalteparin (50 IU/kg/hr) was higher than that for heparin (50 U/kg/hr). With the addition of exogenous ATIII, the ratio of anti-F.Xa to anti-thrombin for heparin increased, but that for dalteparin did not change. However, the increased ratio for heparin was still lower than the unchanged ratio for dalteparin. These results suggest that both dalteparin and heparin have the ability to rectify the abnormal parameters of severely ATIII-decreased DIC, and that the effects of dalteparin are mainly involved with anti-F.Xa activity whereas the effects of heparin are via anti-thrombin activity.

Role of P-selectin in total hepatic ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Ischemia and reperfusion of the liver are associated with changes in the interaction of leukocyte-endothelium cells. The role of an adhesion molecule, P-selectin, is studied in ischemia and reperfusion injury of the liver.

STUDY DESIGN

Total hepatic ischemia was produced in the rat for 90 minutes, using a portosystemic shunt. To determine the role of P-selectin in ischemia and reperfusion, a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody to P-selectin (1 mg/kg) was used at different times (30 minutes before and at reperfusion and five minutes and 24 hours after reperfusion). Rats survived for seven days, and tests showing hepatic injury, myeloperoxidase in hepatic tissue, and histologic studies were analyzed at four hours postreperfusion.

RESULTS

Survival improved from 15 percent for the rats in the ischemia control group to 55 percent for those in the group receiving anti-P-selectin antibody given 30 minutes before reperfusion (p < 0.05). We observed an improved statistically significant difference in tests demonstrating hepatic injury, myeloperoxidase in hepatic tissue, and histologic studies in the treated and ischemia control groups. The other groups did not show consistent significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

P-selectin has a significant role in ischemia and reperfusion injury of the liver. Early modulation of the interaction between P-selectin and its ligand decreased neutrophil adhesion and migration and consequently diminished damage to the liver.

[A case of metastatic lung cancer detected by intraoperative fiberoptic bronchoscopy]

A 64-year-old woman, who had undergone left-pneumonectomy one and a half month before, had the resection of metastatic brain tumor. After the end of the surgical procedure, we performed the fiberoptic bronchoscopy for suctioning secretion because we had decided to extubate the endotracheal tube in the operating room. By chance we found a metastatic lung tumor at the entrance of the right upper bronchus. This could not be identified even by means of the postoperative chest X-ray and CT scan. We anesthesiologists should be thoroughly trained in the technique of fiberoptic endoscopy. With this technique we can contribute to the better perioperative management of the patient. It is also important that enough number of fiberscopes are available.

Femtosecond Sagnac interferometer for phase spectroscopy

We developed a novel femtosecond Sagnac interferometer that enables us to take single-shot measurements of both the difference transmission and the difference phase spectra. Owing to the excellent stability of the Sagnac interferometer, a difference phase spectrum was obtained with a high phase change sensitivity of ~lambda/100 after a 1000-shot accumulation. The spectral range, wavelength, and time resolution were 530-650 nm, 1 nm, and 200 fs, respectively.

[Effects of intraarterial chemotherapy after hepatectomy in hepatic cancer patients]

We conducted a retrospective study on the effects of intra-hepatic arterial chemotherapy in patients with liver cancer, and 118 patients with stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had undergone hepatectomy were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups: group R (n = 41) was treated by intraarterial infusion of Epi-adriamycin 30-40 mg/body and CDDP 100 mg/body via reservoir every two weeks post-operatively; group O (n = 57) was given one-shot infusion of Epi-adriamycin or adriamycin, and group N (n = 20) served as the control. No significant differences were observed among the three groups in postoperative disease-free survival rates. The better prognosis of survival rates found in group R suggested the influence of treatment on the recurrent lesions. Six of 14 long-term survivors were in group N. The selection of the patients group should be studied more in order to obtain the full potential of postoperative intraarterial chemotherapy in stage II HCC.

[Clinical and etiological studies of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay]

Recently, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been reported that it is involved in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer and might be a risk factor for gastric cancer. To diagnose H. pylori infection, detection of serum antibody is much less stressful and more cost effective than gastric biopsy. Using a serological method, We have reported that the prevalence of serum anti-H. pylori IgG was elevated with age among healthy subjects and over 80% among elder people. Thus, it would be essential to investigate the specificity of the ELISA system (PirikaplateG Helicobacter) for the detection of serum anti-H. pylori IgG. Sera from healthy controls (n = 653) and patients (n = 116) with gastritis, gastric ulcer, and/or duodenal ulcer were studied for anti-H. pylori IgG. Cross reactivity of the anti-H. pylori IgG with closely related bacteria was less than 10% (with C. jejuni: 7.4%, C. laridis: 0.2%, E. coli: -2.4%) in the ELISA system. Anti-H. pylori IgG from both normal controls and the patients were equally neutralized with the extract of H. pylori. Of note was that the prevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG among patients was significantly higher than that among normal controls. Referring to the diagnoses by gastric biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity of this ELISA were 88.2% and 74.2%, respectively. We also demonstrated the clinical usefulness of this ELISA by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Interestingly, several healthy subjects positive for serum anti-H. pylori IgG were voluntarily subjected to gastric biopsy, and proved positive for H. pylori infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Treatment of lymph node recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The clinicopathological features and results of lymph node dissection were investigated in four patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who developed lymph node recurrence following hepatectomy. One patient was found to have metastasis in the periportal lymph nodes at the time of a second laparotomy, while the other three developed posterior pancreaticoduodenal lymph node metastasis. All four patients had concomitant cirrhosis of the liver and were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. No relationship between the site of the primary lesion and the location of lymph node metastasis was found. Two of the four patients are alive and in good health 4 years and 3 months, and 7 years and 3 months after their first operation, respectively. Thus, we conclude that the posterior pancreaticoduodenal lymph nodes are the most common site of lymph node recurrence of HCC, and that dissection of the affected lymph nodes offers the best chance of long-term survival.

[Detection of anti-granulocyte antibodies using flow cytometry]

To detect anti-granulocyte antibodies (AGAs) in the sera of granulocytopenic patients is important to study the mechanism of the disease. In this report, we studied neutrophil associated immunoglobulin (NAIg) and neutrophil binding immunoglobulin (NBIg) in patients' sera using flow cytometry (FCM). We investigated the interference of circulating immune complexes (CIC) on measuring the NAIg and NBIg. No apparent effect of CIC was observed at concentrations up to 140 micrograms/ml. NAIg and NBIg were semiquantitated by determining the relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) on a flow cytometer and the normal ranges of NAIg and NBIg were less than 15 RFI and less than 10 RFI, respectively. Of 100 sera from patients with neutropenia, 5 were positive for NBIg and 3 of them were positive for granulocyte-specific antibodies. One serum of a patient with benign chronic neutropenia showed clear specificity for NA1 alloantigen but the other 4 AGAs were not specific for NA alloantigen system. Our NAIg, NBIg screening procedure, including NA specificity testing of NBIg and detection of reactivity with normal lymphocytes using FCM, is simple and useful for measuring and studying serological and immunological characteristics of AGAs.

Role of surgical treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection

From 1978 to 1989, 164 patients underwent hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma at our institution. The carcinoma was resected completely in 149 patients. Sixteen patients were excluded from this study because it was not known whether they were recurrent or disease free, or because death occurred as a result of surgical complications. Recurrent disease occurred in 48.1% of the remaining 133 patients. Fifty-seven patients had recurrent tumor only in the residual liver. A second hepatic resection was performed in 14 cases, 22 received intraarterial chemotherapy and/or arterial embolization without resection,a nd the remaining 21 received no anticancer therapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients who had a second resection was 92.0%. Recurrences in distant organs occurred in 14 patients, and the recurrent carcinoma was resected in five cases. Four of these 5 patients survived more than 3 years after the second surgery. Aggressive surgical resection of recurrent HCC, even for distant metastasis, is a viable approach, and may produce long-term survivors.

[Adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy on hepatocellular carcinoma with THP-adriamycin and carboplatin]

We studied the effect of adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy with THP-adriamycin (THP) and carboplatin (CBDCA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifteen patients were treated by intraarterial infusion of THP 30 mg on the second and third week after hepatectomy. CBDCA 450 mg was further injected on the fourth week (group A). Intrahepatic arterial administration of the drug was carried out through the subcutaneously implanted reservoir; one to five courses of the protocol were performed (average 2 times). Transient leukocytopenia occurred in six cases, liver dysfunction in one case, duodenal ulcer in one case and occlusion of the catheter connected reservoir in three cases. Forty-two patients not treated with this protocol postoperatively were employed as historical control (group B). There were no significant differences between group A and B in operative procedures, tumor stage, clinical stage, tumor size and other histopathological findings including nuclear DNA ploidy pattern. The two-year cumulative disease-free survival rate was 78% in group A, which was significantly better than the 55% of group B (p < 0.05). It may be concluded that intrahepatic arterial chemotherapy using THP and CBDCA plays an important role to prevent recurrences of the tumor after hepatectomy in patients with HCC.

[A simple method for estimation of liver volume using CT-scan after major hepatic resection]

We developed a new system to estimate liver volume using CT-scan images printed on the films. This device is composed of X-Plan360i (Ushikata Shokai, Tokyo) and personal computer. Thirty-five patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were estimated those liver volume before and 4 to 6 weeks after hepatic resection. The presumed liver volumes calculated preoperatively were significantly correlated with the weight of the resected specimen. The postoperative increasing rates of residual liver volume was regulated by resected liver volume ratio and severity of associated cirrhosis. Four cases which suffered from postoperative liver insufficiency showed the lower postoperative rates than the patients without liver insufficiency. Measurement of liver volume with this method is simple and promises to play an important role for evaluate hepatic reserve.

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy on unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma under occlusion of hepatic arterial flow

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (IAIC) by occluding hepatic arterial flow augments intrahepatic drug concentrations, resulting in response rates higher than those with conventional infusion methods. We recently developed an intra-hepatic artery catheter and device attached with an implantable double-lumen reservoir that can be used for repeated IAIC in outpatient clinics. Eight patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by infusion of anticancer drugs using this method. The catheter was inserted into the hepatic artery under laparotomy. The occlusion balloon was attached to the common hepatic artery, and catheters were connected to the subcutaneous double-lumen reservoir. Approximately 0.5 ml of distilled water was injected through the one port of the double-lumen reservoir to inflate the balloon, which compressed the artery within the cylinder-like occluder. 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP-ADM) was used as the anticancer agent, and two patients received combined administration with carboplatin. Three to seven repeated infusions were possible without any severe side effects. This treatment was also easy to perform in the outpatient clinic. Six of the eight patients survived for more than 2 years, an improvement over the survival rates obtained in a previous conventional IAIC group. We conclude that IAIC with THP-ADM for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma under occluding blood flow using our device is more convenient and more effective than other available methods.

[Coronary artery spasm immediately after the long-standing operation for cancer of the tongue]

A 72-year-old male underwent radical operation for cancer of the tongue. Anesthesia was maintained with the combination of enflurane-N2O-vecuronium and cervical epidural block. Five minutes after the cessation of the longstanding operation, VT and circulatory collapse occurred. After administration of lidocaine and ephedrine, VPC and ST elevation were noted, followed by VT and Vf. Cardioversion successfully restored sinus rhythm with no ST change, suggesting an episode of coronary artery spasm. The possible inducing factors in this case were hypotension and acute imbalance in autonomic nervous systems caused by hypovolemia, hypothermia, insufficient anesthetic depth, loss of surgical stress, neostigmine and epidural block. The authors reviewed case reports on coronary spasm, especially looking for possible inducing factors of coronary artery spasm during anesthesia.

[A case of small cell undifferentiated carcinoma (SCUC) of the rectum treated with etoposide, cis-platinum and radiotherapy]

A 29-year-old-woman with recurrent cancer of rectum was treated with Etoposide, cis-platinum and external irradiation. Previous postoperative chemotherapies consisted of MMC, CPA, VCR and HCFU. Histologically, the tumor invaded in sheets and nests, and consisted of round to ovoid malignant cells with high nuclear/cytoplasmic and hyperchromatic nuclei with a coarse, clumped, or stippled chromatin pattern. Most cells demonstrated a positive reaction by Grimelius and NSE staining. Eight months after surgery, we switched to Etoposide cis-platinum and external irradiation, because of local recurrence. Etoposide (total 725 mg) and cis-platinum (total 100 mg) were injected into bilateral iliac artery and 60 Gy radiotherapy was performed. The patient showed a good response, and a complete response (CR) was evident for the following 42 months. Thus, Etoposide, Cis-platinum and radiotherapy are considered an effective combination therapy for a patient with small cell undifferentiated carcinoma.