Intratumoral DNA heterogeneity of small hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Intratumoral DNA heterogeneity provides important information regarding biologic and clinical behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of DNA heterogeneity in small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules.

METHODS

The DNA content of 28 surgically resected small HCC nodules (< or = 3.0 cm) was measured using flow cytometry of fresh or frozen samples taken from different parts of each nodule with reference to the macroscopic features.

RESULTS

Of the 28 small HCC nodules, 14 (50.0%) had only DNA diploid stemline characteristics. Five nodules (17.9%) manifested DNA diploid and DNA aneuploidy within the same tumor. Of the remaining nine nodules (32.1%) that showed only DNA aneuploidy, two contained tumor tissues with apparently different DNA content. Thus, DNA heterogeneity was found in 7 (25.0%) of 28 nodules. DNA heterogeneity correlated well with macroscopic histologic features. All four early HCC were composed of only DNA diploid cells, whereas three of six nodule-in-nodule lesions were composed of DNA heterogeneous cells, in which the inner obviously cancerous nodule showed DNA aneuploidy and the outer well differentiated HCC portion demonstrated DNA diploid. Four of 18 overt HCC nodules showed DNA heterogeneity; 2 of these 4 nodules showed both diploid and aneuploid peaks, and the other 2 two showed different aneuploid peaks within the same nodule.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA heterogeneity correlating with macroscopic features is found frequently even in small HCC nodules. Therefore, multiple sampling based on macroscopic features is required for the accurate assessment of DNA ploidy, particularly when the information about DNA ploidy is used as a prognostic indicator.

Leukemic transformation of polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia possibly associated with an alkylating agent

BACKGROUND

Leukemic transformation of polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) is influenced by the therapeutic modalities used. A high incidence of leukemic transformation was found among patients with PV or ET treated with an alkylating agent, carboquone (CQ). The study was conducted to assess the causal relationship between CQ and leukemic transformation of PV and ET.

METHOD

Twenty-seven patients with PV and 29 with ET diagnosed from January 1975 to August 1993 and whose clinical course could be followed comprised the members of this retrospective study. The patients were examined for the treatment administered, hematologic data, vascular complications, malignancies including leukemia, and eventual outcome.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with PV and 16 with ET were treated with CQ. The follow-up was 51-209 months for patients with PV and 28-176 months for those with ET. Three patients with PV (17% of those treated with CQ) and 5 with ET (31% of those treated with CQ) had subsequent transformation to acute leukemia. The median period until transformation of patients with PV was 94 months, whereas the median follow-up of patients without transformation was 146 months (P < 0.01). The median total days of CQ administration and the median total dose of CQ were 2022 days and 1226 mg, respectively, for the patients with transformation and 1051 days (P < 0.05) and 435 mg (P < 0.01), respectively, for those without transformation. Likewise, the median follow-ups for patients with ET with or without transformation were 130 and 90 months, respectively; the difference was insignificant. The median total days of CQ administration and the median total dose of CQ were 2075 days and 1019 mg, respectively, for patients with transformation and 571 days (P < 0.05) and 231 mg (P < 0.01), respectively, for those without transformation. These observations suggest that CQ may be involved in the leukemic transformation of PV and ET. The subtypes of leukemia transformed from PV corresponded to M2 in two patients and to M4 in one. All five patients with ET were found to have megakaryoblastic features at transformation, and three were diagnosed as having leukemic subtype M7. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in all five patients (two PV and three ET) examined after leukemic transformation, showing multiple and complex abnormalities in four.

CONCLUSION

Showing that both the total days of CQ administration and the total dose of CQ were larger for patients with PV or ET whose disease subsequently transformed to leukemia, with this study, a possible causal role of CQ in leukemic transformation of PV and ET is suggested.

[Interaction between sodium hyaluronate and tetracyclines]

The interaction between sodium hyaluronate (HA) and 6 kinds of tetracycline (TCs) was investigated by dissolution tests, conductivity, viscosity and turbidity measurements. The 6 TCs were tetracycline (TEC), oxytetracycline (OTC), doxycycline (DOC), methacycline (METC), minocycline (MINC) and chlortetracycline (CTC). In dissolution tests, the release of TCs from the HA solution contained in the cellulose tube was measured and it was found that the 50% release time (T50) of TCs was prolonged with the increase of HA concentration. And the dependence of T50 on HA concentration was different in TCs: the release of METC was most delayed and that of OTC was least affected. By measuring the conductivity of TCs solutions, the binding of TCs to HA was suggested. In viscosity measurements of the HA solution at various pHs, the increase of viscosity was observed by the addition of METC. However in the case of OTC such an increase was not observed. The dissolution tests at various pHs were further tried and the release rate of METC depended on the pH, while that of OTC showed no dependency. Finaly, it was found that T50 of TCs from the HA solution correlates well with the literature values of apparent partition coefficients of TCs between n-octanol and aqueous buffers. Comparing T50 of 6 TCs from carboxymethylchitin (DS = 0.56) solution, it was clarified that the lipophilicity of TCs are more effective to retard the release in the case of the HA solution. From the above results, an electrostatic interaction between HA and TCs can be assumed to be almost similar among 6 TCs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) expression on eosinophils infiltrating the lesions and mite patch tested sites in atopic dermatitis

Expression of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) on eosinophils has recently been reported. This led us to evaluate Fc epsilon RI expression on eosinophils in atopic dermatitis (AD). Double immunofluorescence stainings with an anti-Fc epsilon RI monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a polyclonal antieosinophil cationic protein (ECP) antibody were performed on lesional biopsy specimens from patients with AD and from patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) as controls. In AD and BP lesions, 77% and 70% of eosinophils expressed Fc epsilon RI, respectively. However, the intensity of Fc epsilon RI staining in AD was much stronger than in BP, suggesting upregulation of Fc epsilon RI expression on eosinophils in AD. In addition, the eosinophils infiltrating AD lesions were stained strongly with anti-CD23 mAb and anti-IgE antibody. At the sites of mite patch testing in AD, Fc epsilon RI-, CD23- and IgE-positive eosinophils were observed to the same degree as in the lesions, and a considerable number of mite antigen-bearing eosinophils were detected. Fc epsilon RI and CD23 were both upregulated on the skin-infiltrating eosinophils in AD and bound IgE molecules.

Experimental osteodystrophy of chronic renal failure induced by aluminum- and ferric-nitrilotriacetate in Wistar rats

The aluminum (AI) and iron (Fe) chelate complexes of nitrilotriacetate (NTA) cause renal insufficiency when they are administered intraperitoneally to rats. Their effects on bone metabolism were studied in 4 week old Wistar rats. Daily intraperitoneal administration of AI-NTA (3mg AI/kg for 11 weeks) induced osteomalacia, impaired bone growth, decreased bone mineral density, lower serum PTH levels than normal as well as renal insufficiency. Al staining showed diffuse deposition in the trabecula and a strong linear band of aluminum deposited at the mineralization front and along the cement line. The osteoid seen markedly within the trabecula was probably the decalcified portion of the bone, the calcium apatite of which was defectively fabricated because of diffuse Al deposition in the trabecula. Al deposition along the cement line would make it much more susceptible to external shear stress than normal. Although daily intraperitoneal administration of Fe-NTA (6 mg Fe/kg for 11 weeks) caused impaired bone growth, decreased bone mineral content and renal insufficiency, the osteoid volume did not increase. Fe staining showed that Fe was deposited diffusely in the cytoplasm of osteoblasts. The results of this study demonstrated that during renal insufficiency, different minerals exhibit different modes of action on bone metabolism, and that Al-NTA is useful for experimental animal models of Al-induced osteomalacia in renal insufficiency.

Grades of exophthalmos and thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin in patients with myasthenia gravis

Exophthalmos and thyrotropin-inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) were examined in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with normal thyroid function. Exophthalmos was found in 7 of 31 (22.6%) MG patients, and TBII was detected in 4 of 21 (19.0%) MG patients. The grades of exophthalmos did not decrease after extraocular muscle weakness was improved by treatment. Patients with MG whose diplopia was Tensilon unresponsive were only found among those with exophthalmos. TBII was more frequently detected in MG patients with exophthalmos than in those without. The present study revealed that exophthalmos is not rare in MG patients, even if they do not show any signs of Graves' disease other than exophthalmos and their thyroid functions are within the normal limit. The presence of TBII in MG patients may relate to the development of exophthalmos, and exophthalmos itself might enhance ocular symptoms of MG.

DNA-strand breaks induced by dimethylarsinic acid, a metabolite of inorganic arsenics, are strongly enhanced by superoxide anion radicals

We previously reported that dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), a major metabolite of inorganic arsenics, induced DNA single-strand breaks (ssb) both in vivo and in cultured alveolar type II (L-132) cells in vitro, possibly via the production of dimethylarsenic peroxyl radicals. Here, the interaction of superoxide anion radicals (O2-) in the induction of ssb in L-132 cells was investigated using paraquat, an O2(-)-producing agent. A significant enhancement of ssb formation was observed in the DMAA-exposed cells when coexposed to paraquat. This enhancement occurred even when post-exposed to DMAA after washing, suggesting that the DMAA exposure caused some modification of DNA such as DNA-adducts, which was recognized by active oxygens to form ssb. An experiment with UV-irradiation, which was likely to induce ssb at the modified region, supported the possibility of DNA modification by DMAA exposure. An ESR study indicated that O2- produced by paraquat in DMAA-exposed cells was more consumed than in non-exposed cells, assumingly through the reaction with the dimethylarsenic-modified region of DNA. The species of active oxygens were estimated by using diethyldithiocarbamate, aminotriazole, diethylmaleate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), gamma-irradiation and ethanol. O2- but neither H2O2 nor hydroxyl radicals was very likely to contribute to the ssb-enhancing action of paraquat.

Differential hepatic response of 65Zn distribution between mice bearing experimental tumor and inflammation

Discriminative detection of tumor and inflammation was tried by radio-imaging of hepatic uptake of 65Zn. This closely related to the level of metallothionein (MT) and reflected the extent of tumor growth in mice and rats transplanted with experimental tumor. The elevation of 65Zn distribution in liver of experimental tumor-bearing mice was inhibited by treatment with Zn-deficient diet, while stimulated by dexamethasone. This stimulation occurred 2 days after tumor transplantation, at which time 67Ga-citrate could not image the tumor. On the other hand, hepatic distribution of 65Zn was also elevated in mice by inducing experimental abscess, although the effect of both treatments on this elevation was different from the case of tumor; the elevation was inhibited by treatment with dexamethasone. These results suggest that radio-imaging of hepatic Zn uptake with a short-life gamma emitting isotope such as 69mZn with use of dexamethasone, if required, may be useful for a preliminary test to detect early-stage malignant disease.

[A case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with severe fibrinoid necrosis located mainly in the glomerular afferent arteriole]

We report here, a patient of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with severe fibrinoid necrosis in the afferent arteriole of the glomerulus, in whom antiphospholipid antibody might have contributed to the pathogenesis. A 24-year-old female who was suffering from severe anemia with fragmented red blood cells, acute renal failure and thrombocytopenia, was admitted to our hospital. Further examinations revealed findings compatible with active lupus nephritis. Moreover, she was found to be positive for antiphospholipid antibody, and anticardiolipin antibody, as well as for lupus anticoagulant and syphilis test. Intensive treatment by methylprednisolone pulse therapy, hemodialysis, and double filtration plasmapheresis were performed. However, 13 days after admission she died suddenly because of intracranial hemorrhage. Pathological investigation of renal tissue revealed severe fibrinoid necrosis of the arterioles mainly in the glomerular afferent arteriole associated with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis. In this case, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was associated with SLE. Antiphospholipid antibody was considered to be not only an accelerator in the arterial lesions of HUS, but also an initiator of HUS itself.

Therapeutic efficacy of 5-fluorouracil prodrugs using endogenous serum proteins as drug carriers: a new strategy in drug delivery system

To establish a novel drug delivery system for 5-fluorouracil (5FU), we have developed a system in which the low-molecular-weight prodrugs of 5FU bound to endogenous serum proteins, thus circulating like those proteins. Subsequently, the prodrugs were slowly hydrolyzed to generate active 5FU in the bloodstream. To examine the therapeutic effect of these prodrugs, we injected them into BALB/c mice previously implanted subcutaneously with Meth A sarcoma. Among the prodrugs, 1-(N-4-chlorophenyl-N-methylcarbamoyl)-5-fluorouracil (5FU-1pCPMC) was effective in reducing tumors and prolonging survival time. The non-hydrolyzable compound, 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-fluorouracil, did not show any therapeutic effect, suggesting that the therapeutic efficacy of 5FU-1pCPMC is due to the sustained release of 5FU from the serum protein-prodrug complex. The data shown here may create a new field in drug delivery system technology.

Prediction of the early prognosis of the hepatectomized patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with a neural network

The early prognosis of the hepatectomized patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was determined preoperatively with a perceptron-type neural network. The neural network was trained with the preoperative data of 54 example cases with the early prognosis, successful or died of hepatic dysfunction, as teaching signals. After learning these examples, the neural network came to give a precise prediction to the example data except for one case. With the learned neural network, the outcomes of the hepatectomy of 11 patients (10 successful; 1 died) were predicted prospectively with 100% precision. The usefulness of the neural network for the prediction was determined.

In vitro mutagenesis of growth hormone receptor Asn-linked glycosylation sites

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace asparagine (Asn) residues with glutamine (Gln) at the five potential N-linked glycosylation sites located at positions 28, 97, 138, 143, and 182 in the extracellular domain of the porcine growth hormone receptor (pGHR). These mutated pGHR cDNAs were stably expressed in mouse L cells. Single substitution of the Asn residues did not alter growth hormone binding when compared to cells which express native pGHR (KD approximately 1 nM). However, substitution of the five potential Asn-linked sites together (pGHR delta 5) resulted in a 20-fold reduced GH binding affinity (KD = 20 nM). Residues Asn97, Asn138, and Asn182 were apparently glycosylated and upon cross-linking with 125I-labeled pGH migrated as a molecular complex of approximately 130 kDa. Native pGHR and pGHR analogs with substitutions of N28Q and N143Q when cross-linked to 125I-labeled pGH, migrated with a Mr of 138 kDa. The fully deglycosylated cross-linked receptor, pGHR delta 5, migrated as a complex of 108 kDa. Therefore, each carbohydrate moiety contributed approximately 10 kDa to the total molecular mass of the pGHR, in sum contributing 30 kDa to the total Mr of the glycosylated pGHR. pGHR delta 5 was able to internalize nearly all the bound 125I-labeled pGH within 10 min, whereas native pGHR and individual Asn substituted pGHR analogs internalized 25% of bound 125I-labeled pGH at 10 min. Also, mutagenesis of the pGHR five potential Asn-linked glycosylation sites, either singly or together, did not alter the ability of GH to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of a 95-kDa protein. Together, the results indicate that three of the five pGHR Asn residues are apparently glycosylated and are necessary for maintenance of a high affinity GH binding site and for GH internalization. However, glycosylation of the pGHR is not critical for eliciting tyrosine phosphorylated proteins following the GH/GHR interaction.

Induction of free radicals and tumors in the kidneys of Wistar rats by ferric ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetate

An iron chelate, ferric ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetate [Fe(III)-EDDA], was found to produce hydroxyl radicals with hydrogen peroxide, as determined by both a deoxyribose degradation test and electron spin resonance. Hydroxyl radical production was inhibited not only by adding hydroxyl radical scavengers and catalase, but also by adding superoxide dismutase to the reaction mixture, suggesting that superoxide anion may be involved in the hydroxyl radical production. A single injection of Fe(III)-EDDA (10 mg Fe/kg body wt) to Wistar rats induced thiobarbituric acid reactivity in the kidneys and liver. Repeated injections of Fe(III)-EDDA (10 mg Fe/kg body wt, twice weekly for 3 months) induced a 40% incidence of renal tumors, including renal adenocarcinoma and renal adenoma, 1 year later. These results suggest that Fe(III)-EDDA is an effective free radical producer in vitro and in vivo and that it may be useful in preparing animal models related to iron-dependent free radical damage. The results support our hypothesis that endogenous or exogenous iron, complexed with certain kinds of chelators, promotes free radical-dependent tissue damage and ultimately leads to carcinogenesis in the affected tissue.

Superinfection of cats with feline immunodeficiency virus subtypes A and B

The ability of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolates from subtypes A and B to superinfect cats and cell cultures was tested. Three specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats were first inoculated with 10 ID50 of subtype B virus (FIVBang) and 30 weeks later inoculated with 100 ID50 of subtype A virus (FIVPet). On the basis of subtype-specific PCR analysis, both FIV subtypes were detected in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of two of three cats from 9 to 30 weeks following the second inoculation. Only the first virus was detected in the bone marrow (BM) cells of these two cats until 30 weeks following the second inoculation, at which time the second virus was finally detected in their BM cells. Both cats developed significant virus-neutralizing (VN) antibodies to the second virus by 15 weeks following the second inoculation; but only one cat had high VN titers to the first virus, which remained at the same level even after the second inoculation. The two control cats inoculated with only the second virus developed VN titers specifically to the second virus and were consistently PCR positive for the virus in PBLs and BM cells starting 9 weeks postinoculation. Thus a delay in BM infection with the second virus was observed in the two superinfected cats. In contrast, one of three cats had neither VN antibodies to the second virus nor PCR signal of the second virus in its PBLs, BM, and lymph node throughout the 30 weeks of study and it appeared to be resistant to superinfection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A case of pontine hematoma with Foville's syndrome in childhood]

We reported a surviving case of 6-year-old boy with pontine hematoma. He complained of headache as an initial symptom and developed progressively Foville's syndrome with impairments of the IX-XII cranial nerves. Although brainstem tumor was suspected initially using CT scan, MRI revealed the existence of hematoma in the ventromedial pons. During the first 4 months of his clinical course, Gd-DTPA did not demonstrate any enhancement in that lesion. However, hemangiomatous lesion was suspected by subsequent serial MRIs with positive Gd-DTPA enhancement. Using conservative treatment including oral corticosteroids, all the neurological deficits disappeared in several months and he did not show any recurrence of clinical signs for 3 years. It was suggested that MRI was very useful in the differential diagnosis and the follow-up of hematoma in the posterior fossa.

Effect of an anxiolytic on lipid profile in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The effects on serum lipid levels of reducing stress were examined in 20 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. An anxiolytic, fludiazepam, was administered to the patients for 12 weeks and their lipid profiles and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores at the beginning and end of treatment were compared. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased significantly after the administration of anxiolytic, but other aspects of the lipid profile were unchanged. Both trait and state anxiety scores decreased significantly with the administration of anxiolytic. The results indicate that improvement of stress in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus increases high-density lipoprotein levels.

Basic study on hepatic resection under partial perfusion cooling

To improve liver quality after reperfusion following partial hepatectomy under total or partial cooling of the liver (HPC), a new perfusion solution containing 100 mM L-histidine (KM solution) was developed. The livers of Lewis rats were removed and perfused for 2 hours at 20 degrees C with lactated Ringer's (LR) solution (group A) or the KM solution (group B). They were reperfused with rat blood at 37 degrees C at a perfusion pressure of 5 cmH2O while monitoring the portal and peripheral tissue blood flows. At the end of reperfusion, bile production, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, and tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured. Recovery of portal and peripheral tissue blood flows of the group B livers after reperfusion were significantly better than those of group A. Viability of the group B livers, assessed by bile production, tissue ATP value, and LDH release, was preserved better than that of group A livers. In situ total liver perfusion with LR (group C) and KM (group D) solutions for 1 hour at 20 degrees C followed by partial hepatectomy of the left lateral lobe was performed. The 1-week survivals of the group C and D rats were 25% and 100%, respectively (p < 0.05). It was concluded that KM solution is suitable for HPC.

Two-dimensional demonstration of myenteric nerve plexus: application for pseudo-Hirschsprung's disease

The use of two-dimensional demonstration of myenteric nerve plexus for the morphological estimation of pseudo-Hirschsprung's disease is introduced. By fluorescent immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein on flat-mounted frozen sections, a decrease in the amount of ganglionic plexuses in the small intestinal segments in cases of pseudo-Hirschsprung's disease was able to be distinguished from normoganglionic plexuses in control cases. Moreover, a morphological difference between the two types of cases was clearly demonstrated. This method may be an indispensable tool in the reliable diagnosis of pseudo-Hirschsprung's disease.

A phase II study of cisplatin in patients with biliary tract carcinoma

A phase II study of cisplatin was performed in 13 previously untreated patients with unresectable biliary tract carcinoma. The drug was given intravenously at a dose of 80 mg/m2/day once every 4 weeks. Of 13 patients evaluated, 1 showed partial response lasting 3 months, while no patients showed complete response. Of 9 patients, whose serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was high (> or = 10 ng/ml) before treatment, 4 showed > or = 50% reduction in serum CEA level after treatment. The current study indicates that cisplatin does not have significant antitumor activity against biliary tract carcinoma.

Diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis by magnetic resonance imaging using "fat-saturation" technique

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of fat-saturated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for detecting small endometrial implants.

DESIGN

Prospective evaluation by conventional and fat-saturated MR imaging.

SETTING

Shimane Medical University Hospital, Izumo, Japan.

PATIENTS

Fifty-one consecutive patients with clinically suspected pelvic endometriosis.

INTERVENTIONS

Magnetic resonance images < 2 weeks before laparoscopy or laparotomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The location, number, and size of lesions.

RESULTS

Surgery revealed a normal pelvis in 5 patients, endometriosis in 44 (42 with pigmented lesions and 2 with nonpigmented lesions and adhesions), and other cystic lesions in 2. With fat-saturated MR imaging, overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 89%, 71%, 95%, and 50%, respectively. At surgery, 122 pigmented lesions of endometriosis were detected. Conventional MR images indicated lesions of endometriosis in 74. When fat-saturated images were used, 103 lesions were detected. With conventional MR images, only one of 34 small endometrial implants (2 to 3 mm in diameter) was detected. However, the addition of fat-saturated images increased the detection rate to 15 of 34, and all lesions > 4 mm in diameter.

CONCLUSION

Conventional MR imaging for detecting small endometrial implants was improved by addition of the fat-saturation technique. Therefore, fat-saturation MR imaging is an acceptable for detecting small endometriomas.

[Contamination of hot water supply in office buildings by Legionella pneumophila and some countermeasures]

An assessment of the contamination by Legionella species of hot water supplied to office buildings was made based on 80 samples of water from 3 types of systems as follows: 20 samples supplied from instantaneous heaters, 20 samples from hot water storage type systems, and 40 samples from circulation type systems. Legionella spp. were detected in two samples (10.0%) from hot water storage systems and five samples (12.5%) of the circulation type. The number of Legionella spp. was 2.0 x 10-8.4 x 10(2) CFU/500 ml. All isolated strains were identified as Legionella pneumophila. All hot water samples with Legionella spp. showed a temperature range from 41-55 degrees C. Contamination may easily occur in hot water storage and circulation type systems, due to their presence for prolonged periods. Hot water may be therefor be a source of Legionnaires' disease. It is clear from the present study that Legionella spp. survived over long periods and proliferated considerably. Elimination of this organism requires careful cleaning of hot water storage tanks but this alone may not be sufficient. Heat treatment for 20 hours at 70 degrees C was found to be adequate for complete elimination. Experimentally, complete sterilization from Legionella spp. within 5 minutes was demonstrated by heating at 60 degrees C. As a countermeasure temperature of hot water should be maintained at more than 55 degrees C, as the best means for elimination while also giving consideration to the prevention of scalding.

[A case of idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy with polyclonal hyperimmunoglobulinemia associated with chronic nephritis]

A 48-year-old female who had general fatigue was admitted to our hospital. She had swelling of the axillary, inguinal, and paraaortic lymph nodes and mediastinal lesions. Laboratory examinations showed anemia, polyclonal hyperimmunoglobulinemia with IgG 5570 mg/dl, renal dysfunction and interstitial changes of the lungs. Microscopic findings of hematoxylin-eosin staining in biopsy specimens of the left inguinal and axillary lymph nodes revealed increased levels of infiltration of mature plasma cells without evidence of malignancy. Immunoperoxidase staining showed intracytoplasmic polyclonal immunoglobulin. These findings were identical to those of idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy with polyclonal hyperimmunoglobulinemia (IPL) described by Mori et al. (1980). The specimens also showed evidence of chronic nephritis with infiltration of lymph cells and a slight invasion of plasma cells. Accordingly this case was diagnosed as IPL with renal involvement, which is associated with chronic nephritis. Recently, five cases of IPL with renal dysfunction have been reported. In particular, two cases of IPL with renal dysfunction, which included our case, revealed an increased level of IL6. These findings suggest that the occurrence of renal involvement with IPL may be related to changes in IL6, which is an important factor in the pathogenesis of IPL.

Radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathological study of seven autopsy cases

The clinical value of radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (total tumor dose: 50-70 Gy) was evaluated in seven autopsied patients with nine tumors. A partial response as defined by the WHO criteria for chemotherapy was observed in three tumors (33%). Progressive and marked shrinkage of the noncancerous liver tissue within the irradiated field was also observed in all cases. Histological examination revealed viable cancer cells in all cases. These results indicate that local radiotherapy applying 50-70 Gy achieved some clinical benefit, but was not capable of curing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Therapeutic effect of reticuloendothelial system (RES)-avoiding liposomes containing a phospholipid analogue of 5-fluorouracil, dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine, in Meth A sarcoma-bearing mice

Reticuloendothelial system (RES)-avoiding liposomes are known to accumulate in tumor tissues due to passive targeting. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine (DPPF), a potent antitumor agent readily incorporated into the lipid bilayer, was embedded in RES-avoiding liposomes modified with a uronic acid derivative, palmityl-D-glucuronide (PGlcUA). The therapeutic effect of DPPF in PGlcUA-liposomes was examined in tumor-bearing mice. Free or liposomal DPPF was injected intravenously into BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneously implanted Meth A sarcomas. The RES-avoiding liposomal formulation using PGlcUA was effective in reducing tumors, and prolonging survival time compared with free DPPF and also DPPF in conventional liposomes. Therefore, PGlcUA-liposomes might be of practical use as drug carriers for anticancer agents, especially their derivatives for embedding in liposomal membranes.