Differentiation of mycobacterial species by PCR-restriction analysis of DNA (342 base pairs) of the RNA polymerase gene (rpoB)

PCR amplification-restriction analysis (PRA) of rpoB DNA (342 bp), which comprises the Rif(r) region, was used for the differential identification of 49 mycobacteria. The DNA had been used previously for the identification of mycobacterial species by comparative sequence analysis (B. J. Kim et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 37:1714-1720, 1999). Digestion with four restriction enzymes (HaeIII, HindII, MvaI, and AccII), which were selected on the basis of rpoB DNA sequences, generated distinctive PRA patterns that allowed not only the reference strains but also the clinical isolates of mycobacteria to be distinguished. Both rapidly and slowly growing mycobacteria were distinctly differentiated by HaeIII digestion of the amplified rpoB DNA. By HindII digestion the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was distinguished from the other mycobacteria. Furthermore, six subspecies of Mycobacterium kansasii (subspecies I to VI) as well as the closely related Mycobacterium gastri, and other closely related species, were distinguished by simultaneous digestion of MvaI and AccII. According to the rpoB PRA scheme, 240 strains of clinical isolates could be identified. It was also possible to detect and identify M. tuberculosis directly from sputa and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. These results suggest that PRA of rpoB DNA is a simple and feasible method not only for the differentiation of culture isolates but also for the rapid detection and identification of pathogenic mycobacteria in primary clinical specimens.

Effects of capsaicin on Ca(2+) release from the intracellular Ca(2+) stores in the dorsal root ganglion cells of adult rats

We have investigated the effect of capsaicin on Ca(2+) release from the intracellular calcium stores. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using microfluorimetry with fura-2 indicator. Brief application of capsaicin (1 microM) elevated [Ca(2+)](i) in Ca(2+)-free solution. Capsaicin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient in Ca(2+)-free solution was evoked in a dose-dependent manner. Resiniferatoxin, an analogue of capsaicin, also raised [Ca(2+)](i) in Ca(2+)-free solution. Capsazepine, an antagonist of capsaicin receptor, completely blocked the capsaicin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient. Caffeine completely abolished capsaicin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient. Dantrolene sodium and ruthenium red, antagonists of the ryanodine receptor, blocked the effect of capsaicin on [Ca(2+)](i). However, capsaicin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient was not affected by 2-APB, a membrane-permeable IP(3) receptor antagonist. Furthermore, depletion of IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores by bradykinin and phospholipase C inhibitors, neomycin, and U-73122, did not block capsaicin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transient. In conclusion, capsaicin increases [Ca(2+)](i) through Ca(2+) release from ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores, but not from IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) stores in addition to Ca(2+) entry through capsaicin-activated nonselective cation channel in rat DRG neurons.

Loss of transforming growth factor beta signalling in the intestine contributes to tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an abnormal and uncontrolled immune response to one or more normally occurring gut constituents.

AIM

Given the effects of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) on both the immune system and extracellular matrix, we postulated that alterations in TGF-beta signalling in intestinal epithelial cells may play an important role in the development of IBD.

METHODS

TGF-beta signalling was inactivated in mouse intestine by expressing a dominant negative mutant form of the TGF-beta type II receptor under the control of the mouse intestinal trefoil peptide (ITF)/TFF3 promoter. Transgenic mice (ITF-dnRII) developed spontaneous colitis presenting with diarrhoea, haematochezia, and anal prolapse when not maintained under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Under SPF conditions we induced colitis by mixing dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in drinking water to examine the significance of loss of TGF-beta signalling in the pathogenesis of IBD.

RESULTS

Transgenic mice showed increased susceptibility to DSS induced IBD, and elicited increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, generation of autoantibodies against intestinal goblet cells, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase in intestinal epithelial cells compared with wild-type littermates challenged with DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficiency of TGF-beta signalling specifically in the intestine contributes to the development of IBD. Maintenance of TGF-beta signalling may be important in regulating immune homeostasis in the intestine

Inhibition of photosystems I and II and enhanced back flow of photosystem I electrons in cucumber leaf discs chilled in the light

Pre-illumination of cucumber leaf discs at a chilling temperature in low-irradiance white light resulted in accelerated re-reduction of P700(+) [the special Chl pair in the photosystem I (PSI) reaction centre] when the far-red measuring light was turned off. Measurements (in +/- methyl viologen or +/- DCMU conditions) of the re-reduction half time suggest that accelerated re-reduction of P700(+) appeared to be predominantly due to charge recombination and only partly due to reductants sustained by previous cyclic electron flow around PSI. Apparently, charge recombination in PSI was greatly enhanced by inhibition of forward, linear electron flow. Inhibition of PSII electron transport was observed to occur to a lesser extent than that of PSI, but only if the measurement of PSII functionality was free from complications due to downstream accumulation of electrons in pools. We suggest that promotion of controlled charge recombination and cyclic electron flow round PSI during chilling of leaves in the light may partly prevent further damage to both photosystems.

Constitutive over-expression of AtGSK1 induces NaCl stress responses in the absence of NaCl stress and results in enhanced NaCl tolerance in Arabidopsis

GSK3/shaggy-like protein kinases have been shown to play diverse roles in development and signal transduction pathways in various organisms. An Arabidopsis homologue of GSK3/shaggy-like kinase, AtGSK1, has been shown to be involved in NaCl stress responses. In order to further clarify the role of AtGSK1 in NaCl stress responses in plants, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that over-expressed AtGSK1 mRNA. These plants showed enhanced resistance to NaCl stress when assayed either as whole plants or by measurement of root growth on NaCl plates. In addition, AtGSK1 transgenic plants in the absence of NaCl stress showed phenotypic changes, such as accumulation of anthocyanin, that were similar to those observed in wild-type plants under NaCl stress. Transgenic plants accumulated 30-50% more Na+ than did wild-type plants when subjected to NaCl stress, and Ca2+ content was increased by 15-30% in the transgenic plants regardless of the NaCl stress level. Northern blotting revealed that AtGSK1 over-expression induced expression of the NaCl stress-responsive genes AtCP1, RD29A and CHS1 in the absence of NaCl stress. In addition, AtCBL1 and AtCP1 were super-induced in the NaCl-stressed transgenic plants. Taken together, these results suggest that AtGSK1 is involved in the signal transduction pathway(s) of NaCl stress responses in Arabidopsis.

Radiologic laryngeal parameters in acute supraglottitis in Korean adults

Soft-tissue lateral neck radiography is important for diagnosing acute supraglottitis. This study aimed to determine the objective criteria for a diagnosis of acute supraglottitis from soft-tissue lateral neck radiographs in Korean adults. The parameters in 30 adult patients with acute supraglottitis were compared with those of age- and sex-matched normal 30 Korean adults. The mean of epiglottis width (EW) and aryepiglottic fold width (AEW) in the control group were 4.37 +/- 0.93 mm, 2.45 +/- 0.71 mm, respectively and in the patient group they were 15.87 +/- 3.60 mm, 6.4 +/- 2.55 mm, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of an EW greater than 7 mm were 100%, and 100% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of an AEW greater than 4.5 mm were 83%, and 100% respectively.

Gene program for cardiac cell survival induced by transient ischemia in conscious pigs

Therapy for ischemic heart disease has been directed traditionally at limiting cell necrosis. We determined by genome profiling whether ischemic myocardium can trigger a genetic program promoting cardiac cell survival, which would be a novel and potentially equally important mechanism of salvage. Although cardiac genomics is usually performed in rodents, we used a swine model of ischemia/reperfusion followed by ventricular dysfunction (stunning), which more closely resembles clinical conditions. Gene expression profiles were compared by subtractive hybridization between ischemic and normal tissue of the same hearts. About one-third (23/74) of the nuclear-encoded genes that were up-regulated in ischemic myocardium participate in survival mechanisms (inhibition of apoptosis, cytoprotection, cell growth, and stimulation of translation). The specificity of this response was confirmed by Northern blot and quantitative PCR. Unexpectedly, this program also included genes not previously described in cardiomyocytes. Up-regulation of survival genes was more profound in subendocardium over subepicardium, reflecting that this response in stunned myocardium was proportional to the severity of the ischemic insult. Thus, in a swine model that recapitulates human heart disease, nonlethal ischemia activates a genomic program of cell survival that relates to the time course of myocardial stunning and differs transmurally in relation to ischemic stress, which induced the stunning. Understanding the genes up-regulated during myocardial stunning, including those not previously described in the heart, and developing strategies that activate this program may open new avenues for therapy in ischemic heart disease.

A unique framework in BaGa2Sb2: a new Zintl phase with large tunnels

BaGa2Sb2 was obtained from a direct element combination reaction in a sealed graphite tube at 950 degrees C, and its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with a = 25.454(5) A, b = 4.4421(9) A, c = 10.273(6) A, and Z = 8. The anionic [Ga2Sb6/3]2- framework is assembled by the ethane-like dimeric [Sb3Ga-GaSb3] units sharing Sb atoms, forming parallel tunnels with a 26-membered ring cross section. These tunnels are filled with Ba atoms. The three-dimensional [Ga2Sb6/3]2- framework features a new structure type. The compound satisfies the classical Zintl concept. Band structure calculations indicate that the material is a semiconductor, and this is confirmed by spectroscopic experiments which show E(g) approximately 0.35 eV. The calculations also suggest that the structure is stabilized by strong Ga-Ga covalent bonding interactions. Polycrystalline ingots of BaGa2Sb2 show room-temperature electrical conductivity of approximately 65 S/cm and a Seebeck coefficient of +65 muV/K.

IFN-gamma induces cell death in human hepatoma cells through a TRAIL/death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway

We demonstrated the induction of cell death in a hepatoma cell line by IFN-gamma and its possible mechanism. Among the 2 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatoma cell lines, SNU-354 and SNU-368, IFN-gamma induced cell death and increased caspase-3 activity in SNU-368 but not in SNU-354. IFN-gamma induced several changes in the mRNA expression level of apoptosis-regulating genes, e.g., increased expression of Fas, caspase-1 and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In particular, IFN-gamma potently increased the mRNA expression of TRAIL in both cell lines. However, it did not change the mRNA expression level of death-mediating TRAIL receptors, e.g., DR4 and DR5, which were constitutively expressed in both cell lines. In contrast, the decoy receptor DcR1 was expressed in SNU-354 but not in SNU-368, and its expression level in SNU-354 was increased by IFN-gamma. Another decoy receptor, DcR2, was constitutively expressed in both cell lines; however, its expression level in SNU-368 was decreased by IFN-gamma. In addition, exogenous recombinant TRAIL reduced viability in SNU-368, but not in SNU-354, cells. From these findings, we speculated that TRAIL up-regulation and the subsequent TRAIL-mediated apoptosis serve as a mechanism of IFN-gamma-induced cell death in SNU-368. To confirm this hypothesis, we demonstrated that soluble DR4-Fc fusion protein, a TRAIL pathway inhibitor, inhibited IFN-gamma-induced cell death in SNU-368. Our results demonstrated that IFN-gamma acts as an inducer of cell death through TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

A new dynamin-like protein, ADL6, is involved in trafficking from the trans-Golgi network to the central vacuole in Arabidopsis

Dynamin, a high-molecular-weight GTPase, plays a critical role in vesicle formation at the plasma membrane during endocytosis in animal cells. Here we report the identification of a new dynamin homolog in Arabidopsis named Arabidopsis dynamin-like 6 (ADL6). ADL6 is quite similar to dynamin I in its structural organization: a conserved GTPase domain at the N terminus, a pleckstrin homology domain at the center, and a Pro-rich motif at the C terminus. In the cell, a majority of ADL6 is associated with membranes. Immunohistochemistry and in vivo targeting experiments revealed that ADL6 is localized to the Golgi apparatus. Expression of the dominant negative mutant ADL6[K51E] in Arabidopsis protoplasts inhibited trafficking of cargo proteins destined for the lytic vacuole and caused them to accumulate at the trans-Golgi network. In contrast, expression of ADL6[K51E] did not affect trafficking of a cargo protein, H(+)-ATPase:green fluorescent protein, destined for the plasma membrane. These results suggest that ADL6 is involved in vesicle formation for vacuolar trafficking at the trans-Golgi network but not for trafficking to the plasma membrane in plant cells.

Detection of rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputa by nested PCR-linked single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing

Either PCR-mediated single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis or DNA sequencing of rpoB DNA (157 bp) can be used as a rapid screening method for the detection of mutations related to the rifampin resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, due to the nonspecific amplification of rpoB DNA from nontuberculous mycobacteria these methods cannot be directly applied to clinical specimens such as sputa. We developed a nested PCR method that can specifically amplify the rpoB DNA of M. tuberculosis on the basis of rpoB DNA sequences of 44 mycobacteria. Nested PCR-linked SSCP analysis and the DNA sequencing method were applied directly in order to detect M. tuberculosis and determine its rifampin susceptibility in 56 sputa. The results obtained by nested PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing were concordant with those of conventional drug susceptibility testing and DNA sequencing performed with culture isolates.

Reconstruction by biceps tendon rerouting for posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee: Modification of the Clancy technique

We present a biceps rerouting technique for posterolateral rotatory instability using a modification of the biceps femoris tendon tenodesis of Clancy. The distinguishing features of this technique are the approach to the lateral femoral epicondyle through the interval between the iliotibial band and biceps femoris muscle, and fixation of the transferred biceps tendon at the isometric point. Reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability by modified biceps tendon rerouting can result in objectively and functionally acceptable knee function.

Semitendinosus tenodesis for medial instability of the knee

A new technique of semitendinosus tenodesis has been developed to treat medial instability of the knee. The semitendinosus tendon was sectioned at the musculotendinous junction. The accessory insertion of the tendon was dissected to be overlapping and parallel to the anterior band of the medial collateral ligament. An isometric point on the femur was located around the medial epicondyle. A bony trough was created just above the isometric point and a screw with washer was placed. The semitendinosus tendon was looped around the screw and the screw was tightened to hold the tendon in place. The free end of the tendon was pulled obliquely backward and passed through the insertion of the direct head of the semimembranosus tendon to reconstruct the posterior oblique ligament. The semitendinosus tendon reinforced both the medial collateral ligament and the posterior oblique ligament.

A new dynamin-like protein, ADL6, is involved in trafficking from the trans-Golgi network to the central vacuole in Arabidopsis

Dynamin, a high-molecular-weight GTPase, plays a critical role in vesicle formation at the plasma membrane during endocytosis in animal cells. Here we report the identification of a new dynamin homolog in Arabidopsis named Arabidopsis dynamin-like 6 (ADL6). ADL6 is quite similar to dynamin I in its structural organization: a conserved GTPase domain at the N terminus, a pleckstrin homology domain at the center, and a Pro-rich motif at the C terminus. In the cell, a majority of ADL6 is associated with membranes. Immunohistochemistry and in vivo targeting experiments revealed that ADL6 is localized to the Golgi apparatus. Expression of the dominant negative mutant ADL6[K51E] in Arabidopsis protoplasts inhibited trafficking of cargo proteins destined for the lytic vacuole and caused them to accumulate at the trans-Golgi network. In contrast, expression of ADL6[K51E] did not affect trafficking of a cargo protein, H(+)-ATPase:green fluorescent protein, destined for the plasma membrane. These results suggest that ADL6 is involved in vesicle formation for vacuolar trafficking at the trans-Golgi network but not for trafficking to the plasma membrane in plant cells.

A new dynamin-like protein, ADL6, is involved in trafficking from the trans-Golgi network to the central vacuole in Arabidopsis

Dynamin, a high-molecular-weight GTPase, plays a critical role in vesicle formation at the plasma membrane during endocytosis in animal cells. Here we report the identification of a new dynamin homolog in Arabidopsis named Arabidopsis dynamin-like 6 (ADL6). ADL6 is quite similar to dynamin I in its structural organization: a conserved GTPase domain at the N terminus, a pleckstrin homology domain at the center, and a Pro-rich motif at the C terminus. In the cell, a majority of ADL6 is associated with membranes. Immunohistochemistry and in vivo targeting experiments revealed that ADL6 is localized to the Golgi apparatus. Expression of the dominant negative mutant ADL6[K51E] in Arabidopsis protoplasts inhibited trafficking of cargo proteins destined for the lytic vacuole and caused them to accumulate at the trans-Golgi network. In contrast, expression of ADL6[K51E] did not affect trafficking of a cargo protein, H(+)-ATPase:green fluorescent protein, destined for the plasma membrane. These results suggest that ADL6 is involved in vesicle formation for vacuolar trafficking at the trans-Golgi network but not for trafficking to the plasma membrane in plant cells.

Marble spleen disease in pheasants in Korea

Two pheasants maintained in outdoor closed pen died within several days after having a history of depression. On necropsy, the spleens from both pheasants were enlarged about 3 times of their normal size and appeared mottled in color varying white to red. Histopathologically, there were diffuse severe follicular necrosis in the spleen and congestion and edema in the lung. Intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies, which are strongly positive to group II avian adenovirus with immunohistochemistry, were noted in the spleen.

A case of hemorrhagic gallbladder paraganglioma causing acute cholecystitis

Gallbladder paraganglioma is a very rare tumor and so far only a few cases have been reported. Most of these were asymptomatic and were found incidentally during operation. Recently, we experienced a gallbladder paraganglioma that gave rise to hemorrhage, which in turn caused acute cholecystitis. Our case involved a 45 year-old female patient complaining of an intermittent right upper abdominal pain. After a preoperative evaluation, cholecystectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed under the impression of gallbladder cancer with acute cholecystitis. Postoperative pathologic examination revealed a hemorrhagic gallbladder paraganglioma accompanied by acute cholecystitis. Immunohistochemical staining of the chief cells for neuron specific enolase, chromogranin and synaptophysin were positive. Sustentacular cells also stained positively for S100 protein.

Treatment of vitiligo with suction epidermal grafting by the use of an ultrapulse CO2 laser with a computerized pattern generator

BACKGROUND

Laser ablation is used to remove the recipient epidermis in the suction epidermal grafting in vitiligo surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a suction epidermal grafting method after the removal of the epidermis by the use of the Ultrapulse CO2 laser with a computerized pattern generator.

METHODS

Eleven patients with 34 lesions of refractory stable vitiligo were studied.

RESULTS

Of the 34 lesion sites, excellent repigmentation was seen in 30 and the other 4 had good repigmentation. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

The Ultrapulse CO2 laser is particularly well suited for deepithelialization in vitiligo surgery.

Real-time measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species using Mito tracker orange (CMH2TMRos)

We have investigated a novel method to monitor real changes of intracellular ROS by the use of CMH2TMRos (a reduced form of MitoTracker orange) in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Arachidonic acid induced a rapid increase of CMTMRos fluorescence with a maximal elevation at 120-150 sec, which was determined by scanning every 10 sec with a confocal microscope. The fluorescence increase by arachidonic acid was completely inhibited by 2-MPG but not by catalase, indicating a major contribution of superoxide to the oxidation of CMH2TMRos. Incubation with glucose oxidase, exogenous H2O2, KO2 and lysophosphatidic acid also increased the CMTMRos fluorescence, which was blocked by 2-MPG. These results suggested that CMH2TMRos is a useful fluorophore for real-time monitoring of intracellular ROS and also indicated that CMH2TMRos detects primarily superoxide in cells even though the fluorophore can be oxidized by both superoxide and H2O2.

EFFECTS OF LOCAL ANESTHETICS ON THE CONTRACTILITY OF RAT BLADDERS

PURPOSE

We investigated the effect of local anesthetic agents on the detrusor muscle in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro isometric contraction of rat detrusor strips was measured. We investigated the effects of tetracaine, bupivacaine and lidocaine on baseline spontaneous contractions and contractions induced by various stimuli, including 60 mM. KCl, carbachol and electricalal field stimulation with a pulse duration of 0.8 or 100 milliseconds.

RESULTS

Local anesthetic agents have complex effects on baseline spontaneous contractility that depend on the type of agent used and its concentration. These agents inhibited nerve mediated contraction resulting from electricalal field stimulation with a pulse duration of 0.8 milliseconds in a concentration dependent manner and also inhibited nonnerve mediated detrusor contractions induced by KCl, carbachol or electricalal field stimulation with a pulse duration of 100 milliseconds Higher concentrations of local anesthetic agents were needed to inhibit nonnerve than nerve mediated contractions. In rat detrusor muscle carbachol induced a sustained tonic contraction even after the depletion of internal and external Ca2+ sources, which was also inhibited by local anesthetic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that local anesthetic agents have a wide spectrum of inhibitory effects on the contraction of bladder smooth muscle induced by various stimulants at different concentrations, which may be potentially useful for treating overactive bladder.

Distribution and cytokine production of CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with acute asthma attacks

BACKGROUND

The activation of T cells and the elevation of Th2-type cytokines have been observed in asthmatic patients, but the relative role of CD4 and CD8 T cell is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of T cell subset in patients with acute asthma attacks, we analyzed the distribution, activation status, and cytokine production of CD4 and CD8 cells.

METHODS

The percentages of the CD4 and CD8 cell in peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were analyzed by flow cytometry. The cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were measured by ELISA in culture supernatants of CD4 and CD8 cells purified from PB.

RESULTS

The CD4/CD8 ratio in PB of asthmatic patients was significantly higher than that of controls, which was significantly reduced after treatment. In contrast, there was a tendency to high percentage of CD8 cells in asthmatic patients as compared with controls in BAL, which resulted in a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. Comparing the T cell subsets in BAL with paired PB in asthma, the CD4 cells were higher in PB, but CD8 cells were higher in BAL. The IL-4, IL-5, and sIL-2R produced by CD4 cells were significantly higher than those produced by CD8 cells in asthmatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence that activated CD4 T cells increase and produce type 2 cytokines in PB, but CD8 T cell are more sequestrated than CD4 T cells in the airway during an acute asthma attack.

Fra-1 expression in malignant and benign thyroid tumor

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules is very important in deciding the treatment modality and the fine needle aspiration is the best diagnostic method. But, there are some limitations in use because of inadequate test materials and difficulty in interpreting. According to the study of oncogene and tumor suppressor gene about the origin of thyroid tumor, expression of Fra-1, one of AP-1 complex, is increased in thyroid neoplasm, though not present in the normal tissue. So, there is a possibility that it will be used as a method for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. We tried to know whether presence or absence of Fra-1 expression can be used as a diagnostic method in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules using the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method.

METHODS

In 4 types of thyroid tumor that were confirmed by histologic diagnosis after operation (18 cases of adenomatous goiter, 16 cases of follicular adenoma, 30 cases of papillary cancer, 10 cases of follicular cancer), IHC staining method was performed to evaluate the expression of Fra-1.

RESULTS

In papillary and follicular thyroid cancers, the expression of Fra-1 was stronger than in benign thyroid tumor, but there was no difference in Fra-1 expression between the two types of carcinoma. Weak expression of Fra-1 was observed in all cases of follicular adenoma, though it was weaker than in carcinoma, and it was also weakly expressed only in some cases (33%) of adenomatous goiter.

CONCLUSION

The expression of Fra-1 was stronger in thyroid cancer than in benign thyroid tumor, but it was impossible to differentiate thyroid cancer from benign thyroid tumor by presence or absence of Fra-1 expression using IHC staining method.