Epigenetic alteration of the SOCS1 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma

PRINCIPLES

It has been postulated that the induced suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) protein inhibits the signalling pathway through the association with a variety of tyrosine kinase proteins, and decelerates or inhibits the progression of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of SOCS1 gene in HCC and explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

We investigated CpG island methylation status at the promoter region and the expression of the SOCS1 gene in 46 HCC tumour and paired non-tumour samples.

RESULTS

This immuno-histochemical study demonstrated strong homogeneous or heterogeneous staining in the non-tumour liver tissue compared to a marked decreased heterogeneous staining in the HCC (p 0.001). Real-time quantitative (qRT)-PCR showed that SOCS1 mRNA was also down-regulated in tumour cells of HCC. The methylation analysis of CpG sites at the promoter region of SOCS1 disclosed hypermethylation in 39% of HCC samples and 41% of non-tumour tissue. Promoter methylation of SOCS1 was well correlated with HCC derived from liver cirrhosis (p = 0.044) and tumour size (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a tumour suppressor-like role of SOCS1 in the hepatocarcinogenesis of human HCC.

Sesamol down-regulates the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B activation

We examined the effects of sesamol on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response. Sesamol inhibited serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and nitrite production in LPS-treated mice, and inhibited LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in mouse leukocytes. Sesamol also down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitrite production as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Further, sesamol inhibited LPS-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB translocation and inhibitor (I)κB-α phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells. By inhibiting TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitrite levels, and interfering with the NFκB pathway, sesamol down-regulated the LPS-initiated inflammatory response.

The non-peptide chemical 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol blocked lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from binding to LPS-binding protein and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines

After binding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein, LPS is transferred to CD14 and then to the MD2—Toll-like receptor 4 complex, which results in the progression of sepsis. We investigated how 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol (sesamol), an inexpensive natural product in sesame seeds, affects the binding of LPS and LPS-binding protein and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Sesamol: (i) dose-dependently inhibited LPS from binding to LPS binding protein; (ii) significantly decreased the release of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in LPS-challenged peritoneal macrophages in medium and in the serum of LPS-challenged rats; and (iii) significantly reduced the mortality rate in mice given a lethal dose of LPS. We hypothesize that sesamol blocks LPS from binding to LPS-binding protein and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, both of which are associated with a decrease of mortality in endotoxemia.

Effect of sesame oil on acidified ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Exposure of gastric mucosa to concentrated ethanol induces acute gastritis. Gastric mucosal lipid peroxidation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil on acidified ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.

METHODS

We performed gastric bilateral vagotomy in rats. A small incision on forestomach was made and stomach content was expelled. Normal artificial gastric acid (54 mM NaCl plus 100 mM HCl) or acidified ethanol (30% ethanol plus 150 mM HCl) was instilled into the stomach. Gastric lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and nitric oxide levels were measured 3 hours after acidified ethanol administration.

RESULTS

Acidified ethanol caused mucosal ulceration, luminal hemorrhage, lipid peroxidation, and a lower level of mucosal glutathione and nitric oxide production. Pretreatment of sesame oil, but not mineral oil, significantly decreased acidified ethanol-induced mucosal ulcer formation and luminal hemorrhage. Sesame oil reduced mucosal lipid peroxidation, as well as glutathione and nitric oxide production in acidified ethanol-treated stomachs. Furthermore, both sesame oil and mineral oil did not affect serum ethanol concentration in acidified ethanol-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Sesame oil attenuates acidified ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury by reducing oxidative stress in rats.

Small cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a single institution's experience and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

It is well known that small cell carcinoma (SmCC) arising at extrapulmonary sites leads to a poor prognosis for patients. Owing to the infrequency of primary SmCC of the head and neck, it is very unlikely that any large, controlled study will ever be performed. For this reason, recommendations for the treatment of SmCC arising in the head and neck are based primarily on retrospective data from various small case series.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report five patients with SmCC of the head and neck seen between 2001 and 2007. In two patients, the SmCCs are in the larynx; in another two patients, in the sinonasal region; and in one patient, in the tonsil.

RESULTS

Four patients accepted concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT). Their outcomes are as follows: two patients died, one has adrenal and bone metastasis but is still alive, and one shows no evidence of disease after treatment. One patient refused CCRT and died within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for patients with primary SmCC of the head and neck is generally poor. Treatment most often involves a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and hope for improved outcomes hinges principally on the development of improved chemotherapies and other systemic treatments.

SESAME OIL PROTECTS AGAINST LEAD-PLUS-LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ACUTE HEPATIC INJURY

Lead (Pb) increases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha, which causes liver damage. In this study, we investigated the effect of sesame oil on Pb-plus-LPS (Pb + LPS)-induced acute liver damage in mice. Mice were given sesame oil (8 mL/kg orally) just after Pb acetate (10 mmol/kg i.p.) plus LPS (5 mg/kg i.p.). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, nitric oxide, and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were examined. Sesame oil significantly decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in Pb + LPS-stimulated mice. Sesame oil reduced Pb + LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and nitric oxide production in serum and liver tissue. Furthermore, sesame oil decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in leukocytes and liver tissue in Pb + LPS-treated mice. We hypothesize that the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide might be involved in sesame oil-associated protection against Pb + LPS-induced acute hepatic injury in mice.

Adenocarcinomas arising from primary retroperitoneal teratoma in an adult female patient

Presented herein is a case of primary retroperitoneal teratoma with adenocarcinomatous transformation predominantly composed of signet ring cell carcinoma and intestinal-type adenocarcinoma in a 36-year-old woman. Retroperitoneum is an infrequent location for teratoma in adults and malignant transformation is exceptionally rare. Clinical manifestations, radiological studies, laboratory investigation, and pathological findings of this case are described. To the best of the authors' knowledge, 16 adult cases of primary retroperitoneal teratoma with malignant change have been reported in the literature. Herein is reported the first case of malignant teratoma with prominent component of signet ring cell carcinoma.

ATTENUATION OF ENDOTOXIN-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND MULTIPLE ORGAN INJURY BY 3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYPHENOL IN RATS

Endotoxin is a potent inducer of lipid peroxidation (LPO), which is associated with the development of endotoxemia. 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenol (sesamol) is one of the sesame oil lignans with a high anti-LPO effect. Whether sesamol can attenuate endotoxin-induced LPO and multiple organ injury is unknown. After a dose response for sesamol in endotoxin-challenged rats was established, experiments were conducted to assess its effects on hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite, and superoxide anion counts, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible NO synthase. In addition, the effects of sesamol on endotoxin-induced hepatic and renal injuries were assessed. Sesamol (a) dose dependently reduced serum LPO inendotoxin-challenged rats, (b) decreased hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite, but not superoxide anion counts, (c)increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in endotoxin-treated rats, (d)reduced NO production and inducible NO synthase expression, and (e) attenuated hepatic and renal injuries induced by endotoxin in rats. We concluded that sesamol might protect against organ injury by decreasing NO-associated LPO in endotoxemic rats.

Developing and evaluating a simple, spreadsheet-based pathology report extraction system for cancer registrars

Surgical pathology reports are essential for cancer registry. However, cancer registrars in Taiwan still code manually from the pathology reports written in unstructured free-text. The purpose of this study was to develop a cost-effective tool to automatically code the free-text reports with Microsoft-û Excel VBA too. The time and accuracy performances between these two approaches were compared. Results showed that the cost-effectiveness and time-saving of the system and the potentials of using spreadsheet tools for healthcare professionals.

Botulinum Toxins Inhibit the Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)-Stimulated Increase in Rabbit Cortical Collecting-Tubule Water Permeability

The mammalian renal collecting duct increases its water permeability in response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH causes cytoplasmic endosomes containing the water channel, aquaporin 2 (AQP 2), to fuse with the apical membrane so that the water permeability of the tubule increases many times above baseline. SNARE proteins are involved in the docking and fusion of vesicles with the cell membrane in neuron synapses. Whether these proteins are involved in the fusion of vesicles to the cell membrane in other tissues is not entirely clear. In the present study, we examined the role of SNARE proteins in the insertion of water channels in the collecting-duct response to ADH by using botulinum toxins A, B and C. Toxins isolated from clostridium botulinum are specific proteases that cleave different SNARE proteins and inactivate them. Tubules were perfused in vitro with botulinum toxin in the perfusate (50 nM for A and B and 15 nM for C). ADH (200 pM) was then added to the bath after baseline measurements of osmotic water permeability (P(f)) and the change in P(f) was followed for one hour. Botulinum toxins significantly inhibited the maximum P(f) by approximately 50%. Botulinum toxins A and C also decreased the rate of rise of P(f). Thus, SNARE proteins are involved in the insertion of the water channels in the collecting duct.

Association of endometrial degeneration in bitches with insufficient plasma progestagen concentrations

The relationship between changes in plasma progesterone concentrations and endometrial degeneration in bitches was determined. Mature bitches (n = 14) were ovariectomized and treated with oestradiol benzoate for 11-12 days, followed by progestagen (2 mg megestrol acetate kg-1 body weight per day) for 35-37 days. Two bitches were necropsied at this stage (progestagen group). The other bitches were treated once a day for a further 3 weeks with 0.5 mg megestrol acetate kg-1 (decreased dose group; n = 3), 2 mg megestrol acetate kg-1 (standard dose group; n = 3), or 3 (1 week), 4 (1 week) and 5 (1 week) mg megestrol acetate kg-1 (increased dose group; n = 3), or received no treatment (withdrawal dose group; n = 3). A further five bitches with intact ovaries were examined during dioestrus (n = 4) and anoestrus (n = 1; 3 weeks after plasma progesterone concentration < 0.3 nmol l-1). Marked degeneration (> 80% cells) of the luminal epithelium was observed in the withdrawal dose and decreased dose groups, and in the intact bitches with plasma progesterone concentrations of 21, 36 and 39 nmol l-1. Medium (40-60% cells) degeneration was detected in the standard dose group and in the anoestrous bitch. However, a very small proportion (< 10%) of degenerated cells was found in the increased dose and progestagen groups, and no degeneration was detected in the dioestrous bitch with a plasma progesterone concentration of 90 nmol l-1. The numbers of endometrial leucocytes were low in all groups except for the withdrawal dose group and the anoestrous bitch. These results indicate that endometrial degeneration and exfoliation in bitches reflects a reduction or insufficiency of plasma progesterone concentrations. The mechanisms involved are unclear.

Genetic analysis of recent Taiwanese isolates of a variant of coxsackievirus A24

Epidemics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) caused by a variant of coxsackievirus A24 (CA24v) reappeared in Taiwan in 1990 and 1994, following the first two epidemics of 1985--86 and 1988--89. To analyze the genetic diversity of recent CA24v in Taiwan, 7 Taiwanese strains isolated during the 1990--94 period were studied together with one Japanese and two Thai strains isolated in 1993. A fragment of 674 nucleotides between the carboxy terminal 3A and the amino terminal 3D polymerase, including the entire 3C protease (3C(pro)), was amplified by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the nucleotide sequences were determined. In the 549 nucleotides (183 amino acids) of the entire 3C(pro), we found nucleotide differences at 80 positions between 10 strains and the prototype strain, EH24/70, one of the earliest strains of CA24v. Most of the nucleotide changes were synonymous substitutions and only nine amino acid changes were found. The nucleotide sequence homologies among 71 strains worldwide were 88-100%. These 71 nucleotide sequences were then analyzed by Neighbor-joining method and phylogenetically separated into three distinct genotypes. Genotype I consisted of early strains isolated in 1970--71 from Singapore and Hong Kong. Genotype II included isolates from Singapore and Thailand obtained in 1975. Genotype III comprised strains from the eastern hemisphere isolated in 1985--94 from Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Pakistan and Ghana. They were further divided chronologically into six clusters. The recent isolates from Taiwan obtained in 1985/1986, 1988/1989 and 1990--94 were classified into genotype III Clusters 1, 5, and 6 respectively. The evolutionary rate was re-estimated to be 3 x 10(- 3) 30 years after the emergence of the virus.

Molecular epidemiology of enterovirus 71 in Taiwan

Taiwan suffered a severe and widespread outbreak of enterovirus infection in 1998. More than 400 children were hospitalized, with seventy-eight fatalities due to central nerve system (CNS) involvement and cardiopulmonary collapse. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) was incriminated as the causative agent for the fatal cases. To understand the viral molecular epidemiology in this outbreak, fragments of 207-bp length of the VP4 region in 23 Taiwanese EV 71 isolates were sequenced. Pair-wise comparison revealed a 17.5-24.4% difference between the isolates and the prototype BrCr. However, all the changes in the VP4 region of the isolated strains were synonymous substitutions. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on these 23 isolates and 21 others deposited in GenBank. In this study, forty-four EV71 isolates from the world were separated into three distinct genotypes: A, B and C. The EV71 prototype strain, BrCr/70, is the only strain of genotype A. Group B included strains from the United States, Japan and Taiwan. Most strains in genotype B were isolated prior to 1990. Group C consisted of strains from Japan and Taiwan. Most strains of genotype C were isolated after 1990, they were further divided into 3 clusters: i.e. C-1, C-2 and C-3. In Taiwan, two genotypes, B and C-3, were co-circulating during the outbreak in 1998, although a minor group of genotype B may have appeared in Taiwan before 1986. The majority of the isolates clustered in genotype C-3. Genotype C showed a higher evolutionary rate than genotype B (3.9 x 10(-3) vs. 1.4 x 10(-3)) in the VP4 region. There seems to be a worldwide trend with strains of genotype B appearing earlier than strains of genotype C which took over later in the dominance.

Oestrogen and progestagen treated ovariectomized bitches: a model for the study of uterine function

The aim of this study was to validate a model in ovariectomized bitches for the study of uterine function. Mature bitches (n = 21) were ovariectomized and treated with oestradiol benzoate (0.6-4.8 micrograms kg-1, i.m. twice each day) and then with progestagen (megestrol acetate, 2 mg kg-1, p.o. once a day) and were necropsied at stages simulating pro-oestrus (n = 2), oestrus (n = 2) and dioestrus (n = 2). Other bitches received oestradiol benzoate and then megestrol acetate and were necropsied 3 weeks (midanoestrous group, n = 2) and 9 weeks (late anoestrous group, n = 2) after treatment. Untreated bitches (n = 1 per group) served as controls. The treatments induced oestrous behaviour, vulvar swelling, vulval discharge, vaginal smears, plasma oestradiol concentrations and uterine histology similar to that reported in intact bitches at each stage of the oestrous cycle. Marked endometrial degeneration and increased numbers of endometrial leucocytes were observed in the mid-anoestrous group. The endometrium was repaired in the late anoestrous group. A suture was placed in the lumen of the uterus of another six bitches at ovariectomy. Four of these bitches were treated with oestradiol benzoate and then megestrol acetate. Two bitches with a suture but not treated with hormones served as controls. In the hormone-treated bitches the suture resulted in cystic endometrial hyperplasia in two bitches and in cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra in two bitches. The control bitches showed no cystic endometrial hyperplasia or pyometra. We have established in the ovariectomized bitch a model simulating the normal oestrous cycle that will facilitate studies of uterine function. This model will be used to study further the mechanisms of the endometrial degeneration and the pathogenesis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia.

Detection of human papilloma virus and Epstein-Barr virus DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by polymerase chain reaction

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an unique epithelial malignancy which occurs at a high frequency in certain regions of Southeast Asia. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have both been identified in tissue specimens from NPC. Nevertheless, the association between viral infection and NPC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that simultaneous infection with EBV and HPV can occur in NPC. Eighty-eight fresh tissue samples which contained sufficient and adequate DNA from patients with histologically confirmed NPC were examined for the existence of HPV and EBV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that HPV and EBV DNA were detected in 51% and in 83% of the specimens, respectively. Coexistence of EBV and HPV in NPC was found in 42% of the samples. The "high risk" types including HPV-16 and HPV-18 accounted for 67% of 45 HPV positive samples. Furthermore, 80% of HPV-16 or HPV-18 positive samples also contained EBV DNA. Our findings suggest that coexistence of EBV and "high risk" HPV-16 or HPV-18 infection may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of NPC.

New insights for dinucleotide backbone binding in conserved C5'-H . . . O hydrogen bonds

Most enzymes that utilize dinucleotide NAD or NADP are known to comprise a glycine-rich loop segment (e.g. the GXGXXG signature motif of Rossman fold) which binds the cofactor's diphosphate moiety. Through analysis of a set of diverse NAD(P)-bound protein structures, we show here that with few exceptions this diphosphate binding is complemented by a second loop segment interacting from a different angle with unconventional yet apparently ubiquitous C-HellipsisO hydrogen bonds formed between C5' methylene of dinucleotide and, primarily, carbonyl oxygen of protein. This finding implicates an important role of C5' in protein-nucleotide recognition.

Transoral laryngeal surgery under flexible laryngovideostroboscopy

Although direct microlaryngoscopic surgery is universally accepted as the standard procedure for endolaryngeal surgery, general anesthesia and direct laryngoscopy are necessary during the procedure. Suspended laryngeal position also impedes intraoperative functional monitoring. Transoral laryngeal surgery under indirect laryngeal mirror or telescope has the advantage of sparing general anesthesia and direct laryngoscopy, but lower precision, difficult manipulation, and a high patient cooperation requirement make the procedure of limited application. Trying to overcome the above shortcomings, transoral laryngeal surgery under flexible laryngovideostroboscopy (FLVS) is undertaken at our institute. The surgery is performed at an outpatient office under topical anesthesia, with the help of high-resolution fiberoptic stroboscopy, high-quality CCD videocamera, and monitor. From October, 1993 to March, 1996, 157 patients with selected laryngeal problems were operated upon using this technique, and 150 patients smoothly completed the procedure with satisfactory results. The technique is highly effective, especially for limited-manipulation, lower precision procedures and for patients who are not candidates for general anesthesia. With proper patient selection, this is a cost-effective surgery of low invasiveness and high applicability.

Transoral Teflon injection under flexible laryngovideostroboscopy for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Intracordal Teflon injection is a widely accepted method for the treatment of glottic incompetence due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. It can be performed transorally via direct or indirect laryngoscopy, as well as transcutaneously under laryngovideoscopy. However, these procedures still have their disadvantages. The technique we introduce is to perform the procedure transorally while using a curved injection needle under flexible laryngovideostroboscopic monitoring. With topical anesthesia, the patient can phonate naturally during the procedure. The surgeon can visualize the needle and injection site clearly under high-resolution flexible laryngovideostroboscopy. Stroboscopic examination during surgery enables the surgeon to monitor the improvement of vocal fold vibration. Twenty consecutive patients treated with this technique were studied. The preliminary results are satisfactory. The technique we introduce is an outpatient procedure with high applicability and low morbidity. This technique is a good, cost-effective alternative to standard operative direct laryngoscopy with injection.