Never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 6 and aurora kinase A: New gene biomarkers in the conversion from ulcerative colitis to colorectal cancer

HDAC7: a promising target in cancer

Histones have a vital function as components of nucleosomes, which serve as the fundamental building blocks of chromatin. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), which target histones, suppress gene transcription by compacting chromatin. This implies that HDACs have a strong connection to the suppression of gene transcription. Histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7), a member of the histone deacetylase family, may participate in multiple cellular pathophysiological processes and activate relevant signaling pathways to facilitate the progression of different tumors by exerting deacetylation. In recent years, HDAC7 has been increasingly studied in the pathogenesis of tumors. Studies that are pertinent have indicated that it has a significant impact on the growth and metastasis of tumors, the formation of the vascular microenvironment, and the emergence of resistance to drugs. Therefore, HDAC7 could potentially function as a potent predictor for tumor prognosis and a promising target for mitigating drug resistance in tumors. This review primarily concentrates on elucidating the structure and function of HDAC7, its involvement in the development of various tumors, and its interplay with relevant signaling pathways. Meanwhile, we briefly discuss the research direction and prospect of HDAC7.

NEK6 Promotes the Progression of Osteosarcoma Through Activating STAT3 Signaling Pathway by Down-Regulation of miR-26a-5p

Background

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor originating from the skeletal system. There is no effective treatment other than surgery and chemotherapy, which seriously endangers the health of children and adolescents. NEK6 is a novel discovered Serine/Threonine protein kinase that can regulate cell cycle and activate several oncogenic pathways.

Methods

NEK6 expression in pan-cancer including sarcoma was evaluated using analysis tools of TIMER, UALCNA and GEPIA with TCGA database, and its association with overall survival in patients with sarcoma was also analyzed. TargetScan, tarbase, microT-CDS and Starbase online software were used to predict NEK6-targeted miRNAs, including miR-26a-5p. Tumor tissues from patients with osteosarcoma were collected for NEK6 and miRNA detection using RT-qPCR. NEK6 down-regulated by siRNAs or miR-26a-5p in osteosarcoma cells was detected by RT-qPCR, Western blot and Immunofluorescence staining assays. Effects of NEK6 knockdown on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells were detected by CCK-8, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry, respectively. The expressions of STAT3, metastasis and apoptosis-related genes were detected by Western blot.

Results

High expression of NEK6 and low expression of miR-26a-5p were lowly expressed in osteosarcoma and they were negative correlation. NEK6 has been confirmed as a direct target for miR-26a-5p. In addition, NEK6 down-regulated by siRNAs or miR-26a-5p led to inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion while promoting cell apoptosis. The levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and metastasis genes (MMP-2, MMP-9) were inhibited, while apoptotic gene Bax was promoted and Bcl2 was inhibited by miR-26a-5p upregulation.

Conclusion

NEK6 can promote osteosarcoma progression via activating STAT3 signaling pathway, which is inhibited by miR-26a-5p, suggesting that NEK6 is a potential oncogene and miR-26a-5p is a suppressor of osteosarcoma. The strategy of inhibiting of NEK6 by miR-26a-5p may be an effective approach for osteosarcoma therapy.

Histone deacetylase 7: a signalling hub controlling development, inflammation, metabolism and disease

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyse removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues on both histone and non-histone proteins to control numerous cellular processes. Of the 11 zinc-dependent classical HDACs, HDAC4, 5, 7 and 9 are class IIa HDAC enzymes that regulate cellular and developmental processes through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Over the last two decades, HDAC7 has been associated with key roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Molecular, cellular, in vivo and disease association studies have revealed that HDAC7 acts through multiple mechanisms to control biological processes in immune cells, osteoclasts, muscle, the endothelium and epithelium. This HDAC protein regulates gene expression, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell survival and consequently controls development, angiogenesis, immune functions, inflammation and metabolism. This review focuses on the cell biology of HDAC7, including the regulation of its cellular localisation and molecular mechanisms of action, as well as its associative and causal links with cancer and inflammatory, metabolic and fibrotic diseases. We also review the development status of small molecule inhibitors targeting HDAC7 and their potential for intervention in different disease contexts.

NEK Family Review and Correlations with Patient Survival Outcomes in Various Cancer Types

The Never in Mitosis Gene A (NIMA)-related kinases (NEKs) are a group of serine/threonine kinases that are involved in a wide array of cellular processes including cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair response (DDR), apoptosis, and microtubule organization. Recent studies have identified the involvement of NEK family members in various diseases such as autoimmune disorders, malignancies, and developmental defects. Despite the existing literature exemplifying the importance of the NEK family of kinases, this family of protein kinases remains understudied. This report seeks to provide a foundation for investigating the role of different NEKs in malignancies. We do this by evaluating the 11 NEK family kinase gene expression associations with patients' overall survival (OS) from various cancers using the Kaplan-Meier Online Tool (KMPlotter) to correlate the relationship between mRNA expression of NEK1-11 in various cancers and patient survival. Furthermore, we use the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database to identify NEK family mutations in cancers of different tissues. Overall, the data suggest that the NEK family has varying associations with patient survival in different cancers with tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting effects being tissue-dependent.

The NEK family of serine/threonine kinases as a biomarker for cancer

Cancer is defined by unrestrained cell proliferation due to impaired protein activity. Cell cycle-related proteins are likely to play a role in human cancers, including proliferation, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. The serine/threonine NEK kinases are the part of Never In Mitosis A Kinases (NIMA) family, which are less explored kinase family involved in the cell cycle, checkpoint regulation, and cilia biology. They comprise of eleven members, namely NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, NEK4, NEK5, NEK6, NEK7, NEK8, NEK9, NEK10, and NEK11, located in different cellular regions. Recent research has shown the role of NEK family in various cancers by perversely expressing. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a systematic account of our understanding of NEK kinases; structural details; and its role in the cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, we have comprehensively reviewed the NEK kinases in terms of their expression and regulation in different cancers. Lastly, we have emphasized on some of the potential NEK inhibitors reported so far.

Overexpressions of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8, and LRP5 genes enhance gastric cancer development in the presence of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Intestinal metaplasia (IM), and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection can be shown as risk factors in the development of gastric cancer (GC). WNT signaling pathway plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, the literature studies are limited on the significance of this pathway for the transition from IM to GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We aimed to investigate the importance of the genes of WNT signaling pathways diagnostic and prognostic markers in the presence and absence of HP in conversion from IM to GC. 104 patients, (GC group n = 35, IM group n = 45, control group n = 25) were included in this case-control study. Expression of genes in WNT signalling were searched in study groups with qRT-PCR array and qRT-PCR method. Data were analysed using PCR array data analysis software.

RESULTS

Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was detected in the GC and IM groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was observed in patients with metastatic GC compared to patients with GC without metastasis (p < 0.05). It was found that the RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes were statistically significantly over-expressed in diffuse GC patients compared to non-diffuse GC patients (p < 0.05). Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was detected in HP positive IM patients compared to HP negative IM patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes in IM may suggest that these genes are important markers in the development of IM and inflammation with HP. In addition, these genes are linked to tumor burden in the GC group. Consequently, we can conclude that these genes are poor prognosis biomarkers for GC and have the potential to be used as markers for future treatment monitoring.

NIMA-related kinase-6 (NEK6) as an executable target in cancer

Cancer is a disease that develops when cells begin to divide uncontrollably and spreads to other parts of the body. Proliferation and invasion of cancerous cells are generally known to be influenced by cell cycle-related proteins in human malignancies. Therefore, in this review, we have emphasized on the serine/threonine kinase named NEK6. NEK6 is been deliberated to play a critical role in mitosis progression that includes mitotic spindle formation, metaphase to anaphase transition, and centrosome separation. Moreover, it has a mechanistic role in DNA repair and can cause apoptosis when inhibited. Past studies have connected NEK6 protein expression to cancer cell senescence. Besides, there are reports relating NEK6 to a range of malignancies including breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, kidney, liver, and others. Given its significance, this review attempts to describe the structural and functional aspects of NEK6 in various cellular processes, as well as how it is linked to different forms of cancer. Lastly, we have accentuated, on some of the plausible inhibitors that have been explored against NEK6 overexpression.

MicroRNA-323a-3p Negatively Regulates NEK6 in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Objective. The activity of NEK6 is enhanced in several cancer cells, including colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cells. However, there are few reports on the microRNA (miRNA/miR) regulation of NEK6. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of miRNAs targeting NEK6 in COAD cells. Methods. Public data and online analysis sites were used to analyze the expression levels of NEK6 and miR-323a-3p in COAD tissues as well as the relationship between NEK6 or miR-323a-3p levels and survival in patients with COAD and to predict miRNAs targeting NEK6. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to determine the levels of NEK6 and miR-323a-3p in COAD cells. The targeting of NEK6 by miR-323a-3p was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay, propidium iodide (PI) staining, annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI staining, and transwell assay were employed to test the proliferation, apoptosis, migration ability, and invasiveness of COAD cells. Results. In COAD cells, NEK6 was highly expressed, whereas miR-323a-3p was expressed at low levels and negatively regulated NEK6. Upregulating the level of miR-323a-3p impaired the proliferation, migration, and invasion of COAD cells and promoted apoptosis, whereas supplementing NEK6 alleviated the damage of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of COAD cells caused by miR-323a-3p and inhibited miR-323a-3p-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that miR-323a-3p regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of COAD cells by targeting NEK6. Conclusion. miR-323a-3p downregulates NEK6 in COAD cells; this provides a novel basis for further understanding the occurrence and development of COAD.

NEK7 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression And Its Expression Is Correlated With Poor Prognosis

The prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is still dismal. Elucidation of associated genomic alteration may provide effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC treatment. NIMA-related protein kinase 7 is widely expressed in various tumors, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer, and promotes the proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the protein expression level of NEK7 in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry of 90 patients with PADC. Meanwhile, the RNA expression level of NEK7 was examined using database-based bioinformatic analysis. Correlation and significance of NEK7 expression with patient clinicopathological features and prognosis were examined. Cell proliferation, cell adhesion, migration and invasion capabilities were measured following downregulation of NEK7 expression. 3D tumor organoids of pancreatic cancer were established and splenic xenografted into nude mice, then liver metastatic ability of NEK7 was evaluated in following 4 weeks. We observed NEK7 expression was upregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues at both RNA and protein levels using bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis in PDAC. NEK7 expression was undetectable in normal pancreatic ducts; NEK7 was overexpressed in primary tumor of PDAC; NEK7 expression was highly correlated with advanced T stage, poorly differentiated histological grade invasive ductal carcinoma, and lymphatic invasion. Meanwhile, patients with higher NEK7 expression accompanied by worse survival outcome. Moreover, NEK7 promoted migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation and liver metastatic ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, our data indicate that NEK7 promotes pancreatic cancer progression and it may be a potential marker for PDAC prognosis.

Class IIa Histone Deacetylases Drive Toll-like Receptor-Inducible Glycolysis and Macrophage Inflammatory Responses via Pyruvate Kinase M2

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) drive innate immune cell-mediated inflammation. Here we identify class IIa HDACs as key molecular links between Toll-like receptor (TLR)-inducible aerobic glycolysis and macrophage inflammatory responses. A proteomic screen identified the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M isoform 2 (Pkm2) as a partner of proinflammatory Hdac7 in murine macrophages. Myeloid-specific Hdac7 overexpression in transgenic mice amplifies lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inducible lactate and promotes a glycolysis-associated inflammatory signature. Conversely, pharmacological or genetic targeting of Hdac7 and other class IIa HDACs attenuates LPS-inducible glycolysis and accompanying inflammatory responses in macrophages. We show that an Hdac7-Pkm2 complex acts as an immunometabolism signaling hub, whereby Pkm2 deacetylation at lysine 433 licenses its proinflammatory functions. Disrupting this complex suppresses inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Class IIa HDACs are thus pivotal intermediates connecting TLR-inducible glycolysis to inflammation via Pkm2.

Checking NEKs: Overcoming a Bottleneck in Human Diseases

In previous years, several kinases, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), have been linked to important human diseases, although some kinase families remain neglected in terms of research, hiding their relevance to therapeutic approaches. Here, a review regarding the NEK family is presented, shedding light on important information related to NEKs and human diseases. NEKs are a large group of homologous kinases with related functions and structures that participate in several cellular processes such as the cell cycle, cell division, cilia formation, and the DNA damage response. The review of the literature points to the pivotal participation of NEKs in important human diseases, like different types of cancer, diabetes, ciliopathies and central nervous system related and inflammatory-related diseases. The different known regulatory molecular mechanisms specific to each NEK are also presented, relating to their involvement in different diseases. In addition, important information about NEKs remains to be elucidated and is highlighted in this review, showing the need for other studies and research regarding this kinase family. Therefore, the NEK family represents an important group of kinases with potential applications in the therapy of human diseases.

Rac1 Signaling: From Intestinal Homeostasis to Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

The small GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in a variety of dynamic cell biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell survival, cell-cell contacts, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell motility, and invasiveness. These processes are orchestrated through the fine tuning of Rac1 activity by upstream cell surface receptors and effectors that regulate the cycling Rac1-GDP (off state)/Rac1-GTP (on state), but also through the tuning of Rac1 accumulation, activity, and subcellular localization by post translational modifications or recruitment into molecular scaffolds. Another level of regulation involves Rac1 transcripts stability and splicing. Downstream, Rac1 initiates a series of signaling networks, including regulatory complex of actin cytoskeleton remodeling, activation of protein kinases (PAKs, MAPKs) and transcription factors (NFkB, Wnt/β-catenin/TCF, STAT3, Snail), production of reactive oxygen species (NADPH oxidase holoenzymes, mitochondrial ROS). Thus, this GTPase, its regulators, and effector systems might be involved at different steps of the neoplastic progression from dysplasia to the metastatic cascade. After briefly placing Rac1 and its effector systems in the more general context of intestinal homeostasis and in wound healing after intestinal injury, the present review mainly focuses on the several levels of Rac1 signaling pathway dysregulation in colorectal carcinogenesis, their biological significance, and their clinical impact.

Expression of the NEK family in normal and cancer tissue: an immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

The NEK serine/threonine protein kinases are involved in cell cycle checkpoints, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis. Alterations in these pathways are frequently associated with cell malignant cellular transformations. Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumour in the endocrine system. Despite good treatment methods, the number of cases has increased significantly in recent years. Here, we studied the expression of NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, and NEK5 in different types of normal and malignant tissues, using tissue microarray analysis, and identified NEKs as potential markers in thyroid malignancy.

METHODS

The studied cases comprised multiple cancer tissue microarrays, including breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, stomach, thyroid and uterine cervix, as well as 281 patients who underwent thyroid resection for thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules. The expression of NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, and NEK5 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The expression pattern was evaluated in terms of intensity by two methods, semiquantitative and quantitative, and was compared between normal and cancer tissue.

RESULTS

We analysed the expression of each member of the NEK family in a tissue-dependent manner. Compared to normal tissue, most of the evaluated proteins showed lower expression in lung tumour. However, in the thyroid, the expression was higher in malignant tissue, especially for NEK 1, NEK3 and NEK5. Concerning characteristics of the thyroid tumour, such as aggressiveness, NEK1 expression was higher in tumours with multifocality and in patients with lymph node metastasis. NEK3 expression was stronger in patients with stage II, that involved metastasis. NEK5, on the other hand, showed high expression in patients with invasion and metastasis and in patients with tumour size > 4 cm. Furthermore, this work, demonstrated for the first time a high specificity and sensitivity of over-expression of NEK1 in classical and follicular variants of papillary thyroid cancer and NEK3 in tall-cell papillary thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the NEK protein kinases emerge as important proteins in thyroid cancer development and may help to identify malignancy and aggressiveness features during diagnosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was retrospectively registered.  www.accamargo.org.br/cientistas-pesquisadores/comite-de-etica-em-pequisa-cep.

Screening key lncRNAs for human rectal adenocarcinoma based on lncRNA-mRNA functional synergistic network

Background

Rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) is one of the deadliest malignancies, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of READ remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to find key long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in READ by RNA sequencing.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between READ and normal tissue. READ‐specific protein‐protein interaction (PPI), DElncRNA‐DEmRNA coexpression, and DElncRNA‐nearby DEmRNA interaction networks were constructed. DEmRNAs and DEmRNAs coexpressed with DElncRNAs were functionally annotated.

Results

A total of 2113 DEmRNAs and 150 DElncRNAs between READ and normal tissue were identified. The PPI network identified several hub proteins, including CDK1, AURKB, CDC6, FOXQ1, NUF2, and TOP2A. The DElncRNA‐DEmRNA coexpression and DElncRNA‐nearby DEmRNA interaction networks identified some hub lncRNAs, including CCAT1, LOC105374879, GAS5, and B3GALT5‐AS1. The colorectal cancer pathway, the intestinal immune network for IgA production and the p53 signaling pathway were three pathways significantly enriched in DEmRNAs and DEmRNAs coexpressed with DElncRNAs. MSH6 coexpressed with two DElncRNAs (LOC105374879 and CASC15) and BCL2 coexpressed with B3GALT5‐AS1 were significantly enriched in the colorectal cancer signaling pathway. TNFRSF17 coexpressed with B3GALT5‐AS1 was enriched in the intestinal immune network for IgA production. CCNB2 coexpressed with LOC105374879 was enriched in the p53 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

A total of four DEmRNAs (MSH6, BCL2, TNFRSF17, and CCNB2) and three DElncRNAs (LOC105374879, CASC15, and B3GALT5‐AS1) may be involved in the pathogenesis of READ; this data may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of READ and the development of therapeutic strategies for READ.

Expression profiles of histone modification genes in gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer (GC) development can be attributed to several risk factors including atrophic gastritis (AG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), and the presence of Helicobacter pylori (HP). Also, histone modification is an epigenetic mechanism that plays a pivotal role in GC carcinogenesis. In this preliminary study, we aimed to describe the expression profiles of histone modification in the AG, IM, and GC patient groups. A total of 80 patients with AG (n = 27), IM (n = 25), and GC (n = 28) with an additional 20 control subjects were included in the study. Expression profiles of three histone phosphorylation genes (PAK1, NEK6, and AURKA) and five histone deacetylation genes (HDACs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7) were examined based on the results of Real Time qPCR method. It was observed that AURKA and HDAC2 genes were significantly overexpressed in all groups compared to the control (P < 0.05). In GC patients, overexpression of HDAC2 gene was detected in the absence of metastasis, and overexpression of AURKA, HDAC2, and NEK6 genes was detected in the presence of metastasis. When cancer involvements were compared, significant overexpression of the HDAC2 gene was noted in overall and corpus involvements (P < 0.05). In addition, overexpression of AURKA, NEK6, HDAC1, and HDAC2 genes and underexpression of HDAC5 gene were detected in the antrum involvement (P < 0.05). In conclusion, decreased expression of HDAC5 in GC is reported for the first time in this study, while supporting the existing literature in AURKA, NEK6, HDAC1, and HDAC2 up regulations during GC development.

Precancer in ulcerative colitis: the role of the field effect and its clinical implications

Cumulative evidence indicates that a significant proportion of cancer evolution may occur before the development of histological abnormalities. While recent improvements in DNA sequencing technology have begun to reveal the presence of these early preneoplastic clones, the concept of 'premalignant field' was already introduced by Slaughter more than half a century ago. Also referred to as 'field effect', 'field defect' or 'field cancerization', these terms describe the phenomenon by which molecular alterations develop in normal-appearing tissue and expand to form premalignant patches with the potential to progress to dysplasia and cancer. Field effects have been well-characterized in ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that increases the risk of colorectal cancer. The study of the molecular alterations that define these fields is informative of mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression and has provided potential targets for early cancer detection. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge about the molecular alterations that comprise the field effect in ulcerative colitis and the clinical utility of these fields for cancer screening and prevention.

Villi-specific Gene Expression Reveals Novel Prognostic Biomarkers in Multiple Human Cancers

Despite many striking connections, the biological similarities between embryonic development and tumorigenesis have not been well explored. Development of the placental villi is a crucial process involving many cellular activities, including immunity, proliferation, and cell adhesion. In this study, we designed a strategy to identify the gene expression pattern of villi development and to explore the corresponding features in tumors. We discovered villi-specific genes that are highly expressed in the villus as opposed to the mature placenta and then measured the expression levels of these genes in tumors. We found large changes in the expression of villi-specific genes in multiple types of cancer. These villi-specific genes showed distinct expression patterns and were primarily involved in three biological processes: immune-related (5), proliferation-related (6), and focal adhesion-related (8); these genes were extracted from the corresponding enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms. We observed that these genes were also dysregulated at the transcriptional level across several tumor types. Moreover, the expression of these three gene groups was associated with poor prognosis in a subset of tumors. Based on villi-specific gene expression, this correlation study indicated the existence of common gene expression patterns between embryonic development and tumorigenesis. Therefore, a systematic analysis of villi-specific gene aberrations in various tumors could serve as an indicator for identifying novel prognostic biomarkers.

Well-differentiated adenocarcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis

Objectives:

Adenocarcinoma is known to be associated with ulcerative colitis, but the diagnosis is sometimes challenging, both clinically and pathologically.

Methods and Results:

We present a case of extremely well-differentiated adenocarcinoma associated with ulcerative colitis, in which preoperative diagnosis was not possible. Glands in biopsy specimens showed a serrated appearance that looked like low-grade dysplasia or regenerative mucosa. After an operation due to severe symptoms of stenosis, carcinoma was diagnosed. Tumor cells, especially in invasive glands, tended to show stronger immunoreactivity against anti-CK7, TNF-α and Aurora B antibodies compared to cells of mucosal lesion. Interestingly, CD44v6, one of the adhesion molecules, was less expressed in invasive glands, while those glands exhibited stronger expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM 17), one of the sheddases that cleaves an extracellular domain of CD44.

Conclusions:

These observations appear interesting to consider the pathogenesis and to diagnose extremely well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in ulcerative colitis, although further investigation is needed.

Ultraviolet A eye irradiation ameliorates colon carcinoma induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate through β-endorphin and methionine-enkephalin

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that ultraviolet (UV) A eye irradiation reduces the ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). This study examined the effects of UVA on colon carcinoma induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and DSS.

METHODS

We irradiated the eyes of ICR mice with UVA at a dose of 110 kJ/m² using an FL20SBLB-A lamp for the experimental period.

RESULTS

In mice treated with these drugs, the symptom of colon carcinoma was reduced by UVA eye irradiation. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the blood were increased in AOM + DSS-treated mice; however, those levels were reduced by UVA eye irradiation. The expression of β-endorphin, methionine-enkephalin (OGF), μ-opioid receptor, and opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR) of the colon was increased in the AOM + DSS-treated mice, and these levels were increased further following UVA eye irradiation. When β-endorphin inhibitor was administered, the ameliorative effect of UVA eye irradiation was reduced, and the effect of eye irradiation disappeared entirely following the administration of naltrexone (inhibitor of both opioid receptor and OGFR).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that UVA eye irradiation exerts major effects on AOM + DSS-induced colon carcinoma.