Clinicopathological characteristics of estrogen receptor-beta-positive human breast cancers

Recent studies have identified the presence of estrogen receptor (ER)-beta in addition to ER-alpha in human breast cancers, but the clinicopathological characteristics of ER-beta-positive tumors remain to be established. In this study, we have conducted an immunohistochemical analysis of ER-alpha and ER-beta expression in human breast cancers. In addition, we investigated the correlation of ER-alpha and ER-beta expression with progesterone receptor (PR) status, determined by enzyme immunoassay, and with various clinicopathological factors. Of 79 tumors, 49 (62%) were positive for ER-alpha and 24 (30%) were positive for ER-beta, and there was no significant association between ER-alpha and ER-beta expression. ER-alpha-positive tumors were significantly more likely to be PR-positive than were ER-alpha-negative tumors (P < 0.0001), but there was no significant association between ER-beta expression and PR status. However, the PR values of ER-alpha-positive and ER-beta-positive tumors (65 +/- 17 fmol / mg protein, mean +/- SE) were marginally significantly lower than those of ER-alpha-positive and ER-beta-negative tumors (340 +/- 109) (P = 0.08). ER-beta positivity was significantly associated with small tumor size ( < or = 2 cm) and high histological grade (P < 0.05), and this association was also observed when only ER-alpha-positive tumors were considered. These results suggest that determination of ER-beta status might be clinically useful for further defining the characteristics of ER-alpha-positive tumors.

Accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and the nuclei during the early hepatic tumorigenesis

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are thought to develop as well-differentiated tumors and progress to less-differentiated tumors. However, the genetic changes underlying the development and progression of HCCs are not well understood. Recent studies have shown frequent beta-catenin gene activation in HCCs by somatic alterations involving exon 3, resulting in the activation of the Wnt/Wingless signal transduction pathway. However, the exact process in which activation of Wnt/Wingless signal transduction pathway occurs during hepatic tumorigenesis remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate at what stage of hepatocellular tumorigenesis this pathway was activated. Altered expression of beta-catenin was investigated immunohistochemically with special reference to the grade of histological differentiation in 41 HCCs and eight dysplastic nodules. Mutational analysis of the beta-catenin gene with single-strand conformation polymorphism method and polymerase chain reaction amplification was related with the expression of this protein. beta-Catenin was expressed in the cytoplasm and the nuclei in three cases among eight dysplastic nodules, in four cases among 20 well differentiated HCCs, in five cases among 15 moderately differentiated HCCs, and one case among six poorly differentiated HCCs, respectively. Expression of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm and the nuclei was associated in one case with mutation and two cases without mutation for beta-catenin gene among 11 screened HCCs. It was concluded that beta-catenin was accumulated in the cytoplasm and the nuclei in pre-cancerous lesions of the liver and might contribute, at least in part, to hepatic tumorigenesis.

Syntheses, structures, stability, and insulin-like activities of peroxovanadium(V) complexes with a heteroligand

Several peroxovanadium(V) complexes were prepared with a tripodal or a quasi-tripodal tetradentate ligand. The structures of K(2)[VO(O(2))(nta)].2H(2)O and K[VO(O(2))(DL-cmhist)].H(2)O have been determined by X-ray crystallography (nta, nitrilotriacetate; cmhist, N-carboxymethylhistidinate). The structure of Cs[VO(O(2))(pda)].2H(2)O (pda, N-pyridylmethyliminodiacetate) has been estimated to be similar to that of K[VO(O(2))(DL-cmhist)].H(2)O. Each complex anion in these compounds adopts a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal structure, which is typical for heptacoordinate oxoperoxovanadium(V) complexes. The peroxide ion binds in a side-on fashion to the vanadium(V) center in the pentagonal plane. The peroxide anion in the cmhist complex dissociates rather easily in an acidic solution (pH approximately 3), while that in the other complexes stays intact under similar conditions. The in vitro insulin mimetic effect of the peroxovanadium(V) complexes has been evaluated by the inhibitory effect on free fatty acid (FFA) release in isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine. The cmhist complex is effective, while the others are almost totally ineffective.

Quantitative analysis of estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta messenger RNA expression in human pancreatic cancers by real-time polymerase chain reaction

Recent studies have disclosed the presence of a second estrogen receptor (ER; ER-beta) in addition to a classical ER-alpha. ER-beta mRNA expression has yet to be studied in pancreatic cancers. Thus, we studied the expression of ER-alpha and ER-beta mRNA in pancreatic cancers (n=29) by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and compared the expression levels in pancreatic cancers with those in breast cancers (n=116) which are typical estrogen-dependent tumors. Breast cancers were divided into two groups, ER-positive and ER-negative, according to the ER status determined by enzyme immunoassay. ER-alpha mRNA levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in ER-positive (679.4+/-74.7 fmol/microg RNA) than ER-negative (159.7+/-33.4) breast cancers, and pancreatic cancers showed significantly (P<0.01) lower ER-alpha mRNA levels (17.5+/-10.0) than ER-negative breast cancers. On the other hand, ER-beta mRNA levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in ER-negative (14.1+/-1.6) than ER-positive breast cancers (7.9+/-1.0), and pancreatic cancers showed significantly (P<0.01) higher ER-beta mRNA levels (28.1+/-5.1) than ER-negative breast cancers. Accordingly, ER-alpha/ER-beta mRNA ratios were significantly (P<0.01) lower in pancreatic cancers (0.94+/-053) than in ER-positive (203.9+/-34.5) and ER-negative (21.9+/-5.2) breast cancers. ER-beta2 mRNA variant expression was significantly (P<0.05) higher in pancreatic cancers than in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers, and, on the contrary, ER-beta1 mRNA variant expression was significantly (P<0.01) lower in pancreatic cancers than in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. These results suggest a possibility that ER-beta (ER-beta2) plays a more important role than ER-alpha in pancreatic cancers.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization evaluation of c-erbB-2 gene amplification and chromosomal anomalies in bladder cancer

Oncogene amplification and chromosomal anomalies are found in many solid tumors and are often associated with aggressiveness of cancer. We evaluated the frequency and the role of c-erbB-2 gene amplification, relative increase in c-erbB-2 gene copy number, and gain of chromosome 17 in bladder cancer. A total of 29 bladder cancer specimens were examined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Dual labeling hybridization with a directly labeled centromere probe for chromosome 17 together with a probe for the c-erbB-2 locus was performed. c-erbB-2 gene amplification was found in 3.4% (1 of 29) of specimens. Relative increase in c-erbB-2 gene copy number was found in 41.4% (12 of 29) of specimens and was significantly associated with tumor grade (P = 0.044 by Fisher's exact test). Gain of chromosome 17 was identified in 65.5% (19 of 29) of specimens and was significantly associated with tumor grade (P = 0.002 by Fisher's exact test) and tumor stage (P = 0.003 by Fisher's exact test). Our results suggest that c-erbB-2 gene amplification, relative increase in c-erbB-2 gene copy number, and gain of chromosome 17 may play important roles in the development and progression of bladder cancers. Moreover, the use of c-erbB-2 amplification, relative increase in c-erbB-2 gene copy number, and gain of chromosome 17 using FISH, together with tumor grade and stage, may provide a more useful clinical indicator in bladder cancer.

Decreased expression of BRCA2 mRNA predicts favorable response to docetaxel in breast cancer

The clinical usefulness of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA levels in tumor tissues in the prediction of response to docetaxel (DOC) treatment has been studied in breast-cancer patients. Twenty-five patients with locally advanced breast tumors (n = 13) or locally recurrent tumors (n = 12) underwent tumor biopsy and were treated with DOC (60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA levels in the tumors were determined by real-time PCR, and the expression of 6 biological markers (P-glycoprotein, p53, erbB2, BCL2, MIB1, estrogen receptor-alpha) in the tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry. BRCA2 mRNA levels (0.547 +/- 0.200, mean +/- SE) of responders to DOC treatment were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of non-responders (1.538 +/- 0.358), but there was no significant difference in BRCA1 mRNA levels between responders (0.389 +/- 0.081) and non-responders (0.779 +/- 0.172). Tumors were dichotomized into groups with high or low BRCA2 mRNA levels according to the cut-off value of 0.13. The response rate (25%) of tumors with high BRCA2 mRNA levels was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that (100%) of tumors with low BRCA2 mRNA levels. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of the BRCA2 mRNA assay in the prediction of response to DOC were 100%, 75% and 80%, respectively. No significant difference was found between responders and non-responders in the expression status of any of the other 6 biological markers. These results suggest that BRCA2 mRNA levels in tumor tissues might be clinically useful in the prediction of response to DOC treatment in breast-cancer patients.

Prediction of chemotherapeutic response by Technetium 99m--MIBI scintigraphy in breast carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Significance of Technetium 99m ((99m)Tc)-MIBI scintigraphy in the prediction of response to anthracylines and taxanes (both are substrates for P-glycoprotein [P-gp]) as well as relation between (99m)Tc-MIBI uptake and P-gp or MDR1 mRNA expression in tumors were studied in patients with breast carcinoma.

METHODS

Forty-six female patients with locally advanced (n = 15) or metastatic (n = 31) breast carcinoma were recruited in this study. Before chemotherapy (epirubicin and cyclophosphamide [n = 20] or decetaxel [n = 26]), (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy was performed to obtain the T/N (tumor to normal tissue) ratios of (99m)Tc-MIBI uptake at 10 minutes (T/N[e]) and at 180 minutes (T/N[d]) after the (99m)Tc-MIBI injection. Expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp in tumors (n = 32) were determined by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

Clinical significance of T/N(e) and T/N(d) ratios in the prediction of chemotherapeutic response was evaluated using the arbitrary cutoff values of 3.0 for T/N(e) ratios and 2.0 for T/N(d) ratios. Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of T/N(d) ratios (81.0%, 96.0%, and 89.1%, respectively) were higher, although statistically not significant, than those of T/N(e) ratios (73.3%, 77.4%, and 76.1%, respectively), and these values were not affected by type of chemotherapy. MDR1 mRNA levels were not significantly different between the lesions with high (> or = 2.0) and low (< 2.0) T/N(d) ratios, but P-gp expression was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the lesions with low T/N(d) ratios than in those with high T/N(d) ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

T/N(d) ratios determined by (99m)Tc-MIBI scintigraphy are useful in the prediction of response to chemotherapy with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide or docetaxel as well as in the in vivo evaluation of P-gp expression status in tumors in patients with locally advanced or recurrent breast carcinoma.

A novel autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA16) linked to chromosome 8q22.1-24.1

OBJECTIVE

To characterize a distinct form of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) clinically and genetically.

BACKGROUND

ADCAs are a clinically, pathologically, and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. Nine responsible genes have been identified for SCA-1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -10, and -12 and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). Loci for SCA-4, -5, -11, -13, and -14 have been mapped.

METHODS

The authors studied a four-generation Japanese family with ADCA. The 19 members were enrolled in this study. The authors performed the mutation analysis by PCR and a genome-wide linkage analysis.

RESULTS

Nine members (five men and four women) were affected. The ages at onset ranged from 20 to 66 years. All affected members showed pure cerebellar ataxia, and three patients also had head tremor. Head MRI demonstrated cerebellar atrophy without brain stem involvement. The mutation analysis by PCR excluded diagnoses of SCA-1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -8, and -12 and DRPLA. The linkage analysis suggested linkage to a locus on chromosome 8q22.1-24.1, with the highest two-point lod score at D8S1804 (Z = 3.06 at theta = 0.0). The flanking markers D8S270 and D8S1720 defined a candidate region of an approximately 37.6-cM interval. This candidate region was different from the loci for SCA-4, -5, -10, -11, -13, and -14.

CONCLUSION

The family studied had a genetically novel type of SCA (SCA-16).

[Hepatitis virus C infection in children]

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection has been becoming much lower in childhood. Blood transfusion was the principal transmission route of HCV in children. Since the year of 1989, screening of the blood products for HCV antibodies has markedly reduced transfusion-related HCV infection. Mother-to-infant transmission occurs in less than 10% of infants born to HCV-infected mothers. The maternal viral load is the most important factor determining the risk. The natural history and the outcome of HCV infection in childhood dependent on host and viral factors. The rate of progression to chronicity is 60% in post-transfusion infection and 80% in vertical infection. Experience of interferon therapy of chronic hepatitis C in children is limited, with about 50% having a sustained response to the therapy.

Quantitative analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA expression in sporadic breast carcinomas and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA expression in sporadic breast cancers was quantified by a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the relationship of their expression with various clinicopathological factors was studied. BRCA2 mRNA levels (0.993 +/- 1.395, mean +/- SD (BRCA2 / beta-glucuronidase mRNA ratios)) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than BRCA1 mRNA levels (0.519 +/- 0.570 (BRCA1 / beta-glucuronidase mRNA ratios)), and a weak but significant (r = 0.390, P < 0.01) correlation was observed between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mRNA expression levels. There was no significant association between BRCA1 mRNA expression and clinicopathological factors such as menstrual status, tumor size, lymph node status, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and histological grade. On the other hand, there was a significant association between higher BRCA2 mRNA expression and estrogen receptor (ER) negativity (P < 0.01) or progesterone receptor (PR) negativity (P < 0.01) or high histological grade (P < 0.01). These results suggest a differential contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the pathogenesis of sporadic breast cancers. BRCA2 mRNA is speculated to be up-regulated in response to proliferation and genomic instability in high histological grade tumors.

[Evaluation of usefulness of urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) in the detection of urothelial transitional cell carcinoma]

We evaluated the usefulness of urinary nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) compared to urinary cytology in the detection of urothelial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Between July 1999 and March 2000, 227 patients complaining of microscopic or gross hematuria were analyzed. Twenty-four patients (10.6%) had urothelial TCC. The urinary NMP22 level was significantly higher in the patients with urinary TCC compared to the other patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the results obtained with urinary NMP22 were 58.3% and 84.2%, respectively, and those obtained by urinary cytology were 45.8% and 98.0%, respectively. False-positive results were obtained with urinary NMP22 in the patients with urinary diversion using intestine, bladder invasion from other cancers, urinary tract infection, and urolithiasis. The urinary NMP22 level was significantly associated with tumor stage, suggesting its usefulness for detection of urothelial TCC. However, although urinary NMP22 showed equal sensitivity for the detection of TCC, it was not superior to urinary cytology.

[Diagnosis of prostate capsular invasion by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and serum level of prostate specific antigen]

Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are employed to diagnose the clinical stage of prostate cancer. However, several cases are diagnosed as pathological stage pT3 after total prostatectomy. We investigated the accuracy of the evaluation of pathologic capsular penetration by preoperative pelvic MRI and preoperative serum PSA level and capsular penetration. The diagnostic accuracy of capsular penetration by MRI was 63.3%. On the other hand, the diagnostic accuracy of capsular penetration by preoperative PSA was 89.7% when its cut off value was 17 ng/ml. We conclude that preoperative serum PSA level could be more useful to diagnose accurately stage of prostate cancer than pelvic MRI.

Protection of the spinal cord with pentobarbital and hypothermia

BACKGROUND

Ischemic spinal cord damage during thoracic aortic operations has not been eliminated despite application of various adjuncts. We experimentally investigated the protective effects of pentobarbital and hypothermia on the spinal cord subjected to ischemia.

METHODS

Among nine groups of 6 rabbits each, groups AI to AIII underwent 20-minute infrarenal aortic occlusion, and groups BI to BVI underwent 40-minute occlusion. Five milligrams per kilogram of pentobarbital was administered to groups AII and BII; 10 mg/kg in groups AIII, BIII, and BVI; 20 mg/kg in group BIV; and none in groups AI, BI, and BV. In groups BV and BVI, hypothermia was induced. Forty-eight hours postoperatively, the motor function of the lower limbs was evaluated.

RESULTS

Statistically significant recovery of motor function was observed in animals in groups AII, AIII, BIII, BIV, BV, and BVI.

CONCLUSIONS

Pentobarbital showed dose-dependent protective effects of the spinal cord. Moderate hypothermia alone also showed protective effects. Combined use of pentobarbital and hypothermia resulted in highly significant recovery of spinal cord function.

Bone marrow micrometastases detected by RT-PCR for mammaglobin can be an alternative prognostic factor of breast cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate a new prognostic factor of breast cancer, bone marrow micrometastases which was detected by RT-PCR for mammaglobin, a sensitive molecular marker of breast cancer, was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eleven samples from stage I-III breast cancer patients were examined. Bone marrow micrometastases and clinicopathological parameters, which were age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and status of the estrogen receptor, were evaluated for the prognostic factor by statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 21.1 months. Thirty-three (29.7%) out of 111 samples were RT-PCR positive. Eight cases (24.2%) in this group showed recurrent lesions in the distant organs. Whereas six (7.7%) out of 78 RT-PCR negative patients had distant recurrences. In the premenoposal patients, and in the patients with axillary lymph node metastases, RT-PCR positive cases showed significantly higher distant recurrent rate. Bone marrow micrometastases, axillary nodal status, and estrogen receptor were independent prognostic factors for breast cancer by both univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow micrometastases detected by RT-PCR for mammaglobin can be a useful predictive marker for early distant recurrence of breast cancer.

Adult T-cell leukemia with hypercalcemia-induced metastatic calcification in the lungs due to production of parathyroid hormone-related protein

A 60-year-old man was diagnosed as adult T-cell leukemia with severe hypercalcemia because of production of parathyroid hormone-related protein. After admission, the patient had respiratory insufficiency with an infiltrative shadow in his lungs suggestive of pneumonia. However, neither improvement in respiratory function nor disappearance of the abnormal chest shadow was observed with administration of various antibiotics. An autopsy demonstrated the chest shadow had been caused by metastatic calcification associated with hypercalcemia due to production of parathyroid hormone-related protein. The possibility of metastatic calcification should be considered in patients with adult T-cell leukemia and hypercalcemia who have an abnormal chest shadow.

Association of centrosomal kinase STK15/BTAK mRNA expression with chromosomal instability in human breast cancers

Over-expression of a centrosomal serine/threonine kinase, STK15/BTAK, induces centrosome amplification, which results in chromosomal instability (CIN) in cell culture. In the present study, we investigated the correlation of STK15/BTAK mRNA expression with CIN and various clinicopathological factors in human breast cancer. STK15/BTAK mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR, and CIN values were determined by FISH analysis of chromosomes 1, 11 and 17 using centromeric probes. STK15/BTAK mRNA levels (0.310 +/- 0.413, mean +/- SD, n = 47) in breast cancers were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those in normal breast tissues (0.044 +/- 0.029, n = 9). Furthermore, breast cancers were divided into 3 groups (low, intermediate and high) according to STK15/BTAK mRNA expression levels. CIN values of the low-expression group (27.9 +/- 12.6%, n = 18) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those of normal breast tissues (9.2 +/- 2.6%, n = 6), and those of the high-expression group (38.0 +/- 12.7%, n = 14) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the low-expression group. STK15/BTAK mRNA expression showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation with high histological grade and negativity of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Our results demonstrate that STK15/BTAK mRNA is over-expressed in the majority of breast cancers and its over-expression is significantly associated with CIN, implicating STK15/BTAK in carcinogenesis through induction of CIN. STK15/BTAK mRNA levels might be useful as an indicator of poor prognosis and resistance to endocrine therapy.

Clinicopathologic analysis of breast carcinoma with chromosomal aneusomy detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization

BACKGROUND

The clinicopathologic characteristics of breast carcinoma with chromosomal aneusomy detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have yet to be clarified.

METHODS

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples were obtained from 113 breast tumors and were subjected to FISH analysis using centromeric probes for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17 to study a numerical aberration of these chromosomes and its correlation with various clinicopathologic features of breast tumors.

RESULTS

Polysomy was observed in 77.0%, 50.5%, and 37.2% of breast carcinoma samples for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17, respectively, and monosomy was observed in 1.8%, 8.8%, and 22.1% for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17, respectively. High histologic grade showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with polysomy of chromosome 11. Lymph node metastasis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with polysomy of all three chromosomes, and positivity of lymph node metastasis increased as the number of polysomic chromosomes increased. In addition, estrogen receptor negativity was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with monosomy of chromosome 17, and progesterone receptor negativity was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with polysomy of chromosomes 11 and 17.

CONCLUSIONS

Aneusomy of chromosome 1, 11, or 17 detected by FISH is correlated significantly with various clinicopathologic features of breast carcinoma. Because FISH analysis of chromosomal aneusomy can be done using FNAB samples, this technique seems to have the potential to be used for a better, preoperative definition of the biologic characteristics of breast tumors.

Bi-directional single anastomotic technique for the proximal anastomosis of free grafts (the saphenous vein or radial artery) to the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

In an operation involving coronary bypass grafting, anastomoses to the ascending aorta with saphenous vein or radial artery grafts may increase the possibility of post-operative strokes by the dislodgement of embolic particles into the arterial vasculature. We report a bi-directional single anastomotic technique to decrease the possibility of intra and postoperative strokes and to allow earlier cardiac perfusion by the graft anastomosed to the ascending aorta, in case of CABG with 2 free grafts from there.

[Clinical outcome and analysis of radical prostatectomy in clinical stage B and C prostate cancer]

Between 1989 and 1999, 40 patients treated with radical prostatectomy for clinical stage B and C prostate cancer were analyzed. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure after radical prostatectomy occurred in four patients, and one of them died of clinical recurrence of prostate cancer. Cause-specific survival at 5 years was 91.7% and PSA failure-free rate at 5 years was 76.8%. Staging accuracy of CT and MRI image was not satisfactory. In 41.7% patients, extracapsular extension can not be determined. Preoperative serum PSA levels of pathologically organ-confined disease (OCD) patients were significantly lower than those of pathologically non-OCD patients. Further analysis indicated that preoperative serum PSA levels of greater than 20.1 ng/ml are useful predictors for pathologically non-OCD.

Prospective study of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND

Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) could become the main route of HCV infection in the future because there are no methods available to prevent vertical infection. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of mother-to-infant transmission in infants born to mothers who tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies and to elucidate associated risk factors for transmission.

METHODS

Screening was conducted for 16,800 pregnant women with an anti-HCV antibodies test, and 154 mothers were positive. From the positive group 141 mothers were enrolled in the study and their 147 infants were followed from birth for serum alanine aminotransferase activity, anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. HIV infection was tested in 73 of 141 mothers, all of whom were negative.

RESULTS

Thirty-three infants were dropped from the study because they were followed for <6 months or were not tested adequately. Of the 114 infants finally evaluated 9 (7.8%) had detectable HCV RNA. The transmission rate was not influenced by the mode of delivery [vaginal delivery, 8 of 90 vs. cesarean section, 1 of 24 (P = 0.396)] or by the type of feeding [9 of 98 for breast-fed infants vs. 0 of 16 for formula-fed infants (P = 0.243)]. All infected infants were born to mothers who had HCV viremia at the delivery (P = 0.040) and to those with a high viral load (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our prospective study showed that the transmission rate of mother-to-infant HCV infection was 7.8% in anti-HCV antibody-positive mothers. Risk was related to the presence of maternal HCV viremia at delivery and a high viral load in the mothers.

Frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in Japanese breast cancer families

The purpose of this investigation is to study the frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in Japanese breast cancer families. Mutation analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 by SSCP was conducted on the 113 breast cancer patients (probands) with at least 1 breast cancer (site-specific breast cancer families, n = 101) or 1 ovarian cancer (breast/ovarian cancer families, n = 12) patient in their first-degree relatives. Fifteen deleterious mutations (13.3%), including 8 nonsense and 7 frameshift mutations, were identified in BRCA1, and 21 deleterious mutations (18.6%), including 8 nonsense, 12 frameshift and 1 splice-site mutations, were identified in BRCA2. In site-specific breast cancer families, mutation frequency of BRCA1 or BRCA2 was high in families with 3 or more breast cancer patients (36%, 9/25), early onset (40 < or = years old) breast cancer patients (38%, 19/50) or bilateral breast cancer patients (40%, 6/15). In breast/ovarian cancer families, mutations of BRCA1 (58.3%, n = 7), but not BRCA2 (0%, n = 0), were observed. BRCA1 codon 63 (TTA to TAA) nonsense mutation and BRCA2 frameshift mutation (5802 del AATT) were observed in 4 and 7 independent families, respectively. Haplotype analysis has suggested that carriers of each of these mutations have common ancestors. These results demonstrate that family profiles are important determinants of risk for carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and that cumulative frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Japanese breast cancer families (31.9%) is within the range observed in Caucasian breast cancer families. Presence of Japanese founder mutations has also been suggested.

Usefulness of repeated direct intratumoral gene transfer using hemagglutinating virus of Japan-liposome method for cytosine deaminase suicide gene therapy

To investigate the feasibility of repeated gene transfection in suicide gene therapy against human solid tumors by a combination of 5- fluorocytosine (5-FC) and its converting enzyme, cytosine deaminase (CD), we repeatedly transfected the yeast CD gene into the human pancreatic cancer cell line BXPC3 using the hemagglutinating virus of Japan-liposome in a new gene transfer method. The in vivo growth of the s.c. transplanted BXPC3 tumor in nude mice given CD-gene transfection was significantly suppressed by i.p. injection of 5-FC when compared with tumors treated with the control vector. Furthermore, the tumor transfected with the CD gene during a 7-day interval was suppressed much more than that of a single transfection. These results suggest that repeated transfection of the suicide gene together with the combination of 5-FC and the yeast CD gene using the hemagglutinating virus of Japan-liposome gene transfer method may be useful for the treatment of human solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer.

Detection of chromosomal aneusomy by fluorescence in situ hybridization in fine-needle aspirates from breast tumors: application to the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The authors studied the clinical usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of a numerical aberration of chromosomes (aneusomy) using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples from patients with breast tumors in the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma.

METHODS

FNA samples were obtained from 176 breast tumors and were subjected to conventional cytology and FISH analysis using the centromere probes for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17. Patients with FNA samples that showed aneusomy in at least one of the three chromosomes were diagnosed as positive.

RESULTS

Histologic examination revealed 157 malignancies and 19 benign results (10 fibroadenomas, 6 intraductal papillomas, 1 intracystic papilloma, and 2 ADH). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 85.4%, 94.7%, and 86.4%, respectively, for cytology and 90.4%, 100%, and 91.5%, respectively, for FISH. Of 15 breast malignancies that were diagnosed with indeterminate cytology, 13 were diagnosed as positive with FISH analysis (sensitivity, 86.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that the use of FISH in the diagnosis of FNA samples has a diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional cytology and is useful in making a definitive diagnosis of malignancy (100% specificity) in patients with indeterminate cytologic results, suggesting that FISH diagnosis can be a good adjunct to conventional cytology.

Quantitative analysis of estrogen receptor-beta mRNA and its variants in human breast cancers

We have carried out a quantitative analysis of ER-alpha and ER-beta mRNA expression in normal (n = 11) and breast cancer (n = 112) tissues using a real-time (Taq-Man) PCR assay. Expression of ER-beta mRNA variants has also been studied by triple-primer PCR assay. ER-alpha mRNA levels in normal breast tissues were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than those in ER-positive breast cancers but not significantly different from those in ER-negative breast cancers. However, ER-beta mRNA levels in normal breast tissues were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. Proportions of ER-beta1 and ER-beta2 mRNA expression among total ER-beta mRNA expression were significantly higher and those of ER-beta5 and ER-beta5; mRNA were significantly lower in normal breast tissues than in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. ER-beta mRNA levels and proportions of ER-beta mRNA variants did not show any significant correlation with age, tumor size, lymph node status and histological grade. Our results demonstrate that ER-alpha mRNA is up-regulated and ER-beta mRNA is down-regulated during carcinogenesis of breast cancers. Changes in proportions of ER-beta mRNA variants are also implicated in this process.