Optimizing the Seeding Density of Human Mononuclear Cells to Improve the Purity of Highly Proliferative Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold considerable promise for regenerative medicine. Optimization of the seeding density of mononuclear cells (MNCs) improves the proliferative and differentiation potential of isolated MSCs. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We cultured human bone marrow MNCs at various seeding densities (4.0 × 10⁴, 1.25 × 10⁵, 2.5 × 10⁵, 6.0 × 10⁵, 1.25 × 10⁶ cells/cm²) and examined MSC colony formation. At lower seeding densities (4.0 × 10⁴, 1.25 × 10⁵ cells/cm²), colonies varied in diameter and density, from dense to sparse. In these colonies, the proportion of highly proliferative MSCs increased over time. In contrast, lower proliferative MSCs enlarged more rapidly. Senescent cells were removed using a short detachment treatment. We found that these mechanisms increase the purity of highly proliferative MSCs. Thereafter, we compared MSCs isolated under optimized conditions with a higher density (1.25 × 10⁶ cells/cm²). MSCs under optimized conditions exhibited significantly higher proliferative and differentiation potential into adipocytes and chondrocytes, except for osteocytes. We propose the following conditions to improve MSC quality: (1) optimizing MNC seeding density to form single-cell colonies; (2) adjusting incubation times to increase highly proliferative MSCs; and (3) establishing a detachment processing time that excludes senescent cells.

Bone Regeneration Using Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Spheroid Complex

Bone defects require reconstruction using various biomaterials or non-biological materials. Stem cell spheroids can be used for scaffold-free approaches for osteogenesis. We set up a culture method for creating an optimal osteogenic adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) spheroid complex by measuring the expression of protein in a sequential series of culture media. After culturing ADSC spheroids for 24 hours in DMEM, the spheroids were cultured in ascorbic acid-containing medium for five days followed by osteoblast differentiation medium. One day after exchanging to osteoblast differentiation medium, spheroids were collected and cultured for four days to obtain a spheroid complex. Each culture period was determined by analyzing the expression of collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase and integrin α5 to maximize the activity of ADSC spheroids. The expression of collagen type I increased significantly in ascorbic acid-containing medium (p < 0.05) compared with control medium on day five, suggesting that culturing spheroids in ascorbic acid increases collagen synthesis. RNA was extracted from ADSC spheroids after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days in each medium and RT-PCR was performed to measure integrin α5 expression. The expression was transiently high on the first day of osteoblast differentiation culture and then gradually decreased. Osteoblast differentiation medium enhanced cell adhesion in spheroids. An in vivo study confirmed the osteogenic potential of the ADSC spheroid complex created by the established protocol. The ADSC spheroid complex stimulated bone regeneration and will be applied to the treatment of large bone defects.

AB0988 CLINICAL FEATURES AND ANALYSIS OF MEFV GENE IN 31 PATIENTS WITH FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER (FMF)

Background:

FMF is recessive systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fever, peritonitis, pleuritis, pericarditis and arthritis accompanied with headache and abdominal pain. Mutation of MEFV gene encoding pyrin resulted in inflammasome activation and the uncontrolled production of IL-1β. Overview of pathogenesis, clinical features and management in Japanese patients with FMF had been reported. However, the differences of clinical features between mutated and non-mutated of MEFV still remain unclear.

Objectives:

We have analyzed 31 Japanese patients with FMF in Gifu district to clarify the association between various clinical features and mutation ofMEFV.

Methods:

Genomic DNA were purified from white blood cells in 31 FMF patients, and mutated MEFV has been explored. We have analyzedMEFV, TNFRSF1A, MVK and NLRP3 genesin 31 patients with FMF except for 1 patient. Therefore, we excluded another autoinflammatory diseases such as TNF receptor-associated syndrome (TRAPS), mevalonate kinase deficiency and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome. Clinical symptoms and laboratory data were analyzed around onset time. Each patient had been treated with colchicine (0.5-2 mg).

Results:

Characteristics of Patients with FMF (22 female/9 male) were as follows; Onset time were 0-56 years-old (21.4 ±11.8), and Frequencies of clinical symptoms such as periodic fever, headache, abdominal pain, arthralgia, chest pain, cervical lymph nodes swelling, and myalgia were 31/31, 9/31, 8/31, 6/31, 5/31, 3/31 and 1/31, respectively (double symptoms were observed). Patients with FMF were divided into 3 groups as follows; Patients with typical compound heterozygous mutations of MEFV (E148Q /M694I) which indicated exon 10 mutation, were 5 cases (G1). Patients with atypical mutations, except for exon 10, such as 133G>A in 3UTR, exon 1 (E84K), 2 (L110P, E148Q), 3(R202Q, P257L, G304R, P369S, R408Q), 5(S503C) and 9(I591M) were 13 cases (G2). Patients with no mutations in MEFV gene were 12 cases (G3). There were no significant differences of age at first visiting hospital (FV)and onset age of fever attack (O) (FV: 29.0 ± 15.6, 27.1 ± 12.5 years-old (yo) and 34.7 ± 12.7 yo, O: 21.0 ± 17.6 yo, 17.8 ± 12.1 yo and 25.2 ± 6.5). But significant differences in duration of fever attack (D) and frequency of fever attack (FF) between G1 and G2 or G3 were observed as follows; (D: 2.2 ± 0.4 days vs 5.5 ± 3.1 days, P<0.05, and 3.8 ± 1.7 days), FF: 0.72 ± 0.3/month (M), 1.24 ± 1.1/M, and 1.5 ± 0.7/M vs group1, P<0.05), respectively. Laboratory examinations such as WBC, CRP and serum amyloid A (SAA)at fever attack were not significantly different between 3 groups. All of those patients were effective for colchicine treatment except for 2 patients in group 1 because of loss of hair, severe diarrhea and liver dysfunction due to side effects of colchicine. Finally, 4 patients in G1and G2 received canakinumab treatment. Patients withMEFVmutations have no family histories. Mutations of E148Q were found in 12 patients (40%).

Conclusion:

We have examined association between clinical features and mutations of MEFV in 31 patients in Gifu district, suggesting that duration of fever attacks and frequency of fever attacks in G1 are significantly shorter than G2 and G3, respectively in Japanese patients with FMF. Mutations of E148Q in exon 2 were observed in 16-23 % of normal Japanese patients, indicating that E148Q is the polymorphism or accelerating factor.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[A Case of Long-Term Survival without Recurrence following Resection of Hepatic and Pulmonary Metastases of Gastric Cancer]

We report a case of long-term survival without recurrence followingresection of hepatic and pulmonary metastases of gastric cancer. A 64-year-old man underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Seventeen months later, he underwent partial hepatectomy for hepatic metastasis in S7. Twenty months after the partial hepatectomy, he underwent hepatectomy for right lobe resection for hepatic metastases in S6/S7 and S7. Six months after the hepatectomy, he underwent partial pulmonary resection for lungmetastasis in the right lung(S3). He has remained tumor-free for 5 years after the pulmonary resection.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide and related metabolites induce disease resistance against fungal phytopathogens in Arabidopsis and barley

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), is known to act as a functional molecule in animals, whereas its function in plants is largely unknown. In this study, we found that NMN accumulated in barley cultivars resistant to phytopathogenic fungal Fusarium species. Although NMN does not possess antifungal activity, pretreatment with NMN and related metabolites enhanced disease resistance to Fusarium graminearum in Arabidopsis leaves and flowers and in barley spikes. The NMN-induced Fusarium resistance was accompanied by activation of the salicylic acid-mediated signalling pathway and repression of the jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent signalling pathways in Arabidopsis. Since NMN-induced disease resistance was also observed in the SA-deficient sid2 mutant, an SA-independent signalling pathway also regulated the enhanced resistance induced by NMN. Compared with NMN, NAD and NADP, nicotinamide pretreatment had minor effects on resistance to F. graminearum. Constitutive expression of the NMNAT gene, which encodes a rate-limiting enzyme for NAD biosynthesis, resulted in enhanced disease resistance in Arabidopsis. Thus, modifying the content of NAD-related metabolites can be used to optimize the defence signalling pathways activated in response to F. graminearum and facilitates the control of disease injury and mycotoxin accumulation in plants.

Standard values for the urine HVA/VMA ratio in neonates as a screen for Menkes disease

BACKGROUND

Menkes disease is a lethal disorder associated with copper metabolism. Although early treatment with copper-histidine injections can improve outcomes, early diagnosis is difficult because the clinical features of Menkes disease are subtle or do not manifest in affected neonates. Previous report stated that the low activity of dopamine β-hydroxylase, a copper-dependent enzyme, leads to increases in the urine homovanillic acid/vanillylmandelic acid (HVA/VMA) ratios in patients with Menkes disease, and indicated that a urine HVA/VMA ratio cut-off value of >4 is useful in screening for Menkes disease.

METHODS

We examined the standard values of the urine HVA/VMA ratio in unaffected neonates and assessed its use as a screening parameter for Menkes disease among neonates. In total, 112 neonates, aged between 1 and 6 days, were enrolled in the study and were classified into 2 groups based on their urine HVA/VMA ratios: high (>4) and low (⩽ 4).

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that mechanical ventilation was an independent risk factor for a high urine HVA/VMA ratio (odds ratio: 21.94; 95% confidence interval: 2.82-247.03; p=0.004). The mean urine HVA/VMA ratio was 2.47 ± 0.67 among 92 neonates who did not receive mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSION

This study established standard values for the urine HVA/VMA ratio in newborn babies that could be useful in screening for Menkes disease among neonates.

Quantitative evaluation of ventricular dilatation using computed tomography in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection

BACKGROUND

Infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CCMVI) may develop brain abnormalities such as ventricular dilatation, which may potentially associate with sensorineural hearing loss. There is currently no recognized method for quantitative evaluation of ventricle size in infants with CCMVI. Our objectives were to establish a method for quantitative evaluation of ventricle size using computed tomography (CT) in infants with CCMVI, and determine a cut-off value associated with abnormal auditory brainstem response (ABR) early in life.

DESIGN/SUBJECTS

This study enrolled 19 infants with CCMVI and 21 non-infected newborn infants as a control group. Infants with CCMVI were divided into two subgroups according to ABR at the time of initial examination: normal ABR (11 infants) or abnormal ABR (8 infants). Ventricle size was assessed by calculating Evans' index (EI) and lateral ventricle width/hemispheric width (LVW/HW) ratio on brain CT images, and was compared among groups. A cut-off ventricle size associated with abnormal ABR was determined.

RESULTS

EI and LVW/HW ratio were significantly higher in the CCMVI with abnormal ABR group than the control and CCMVI with normal ABR groups. Cut-off values of 0.26 for EI and 0.28 for LVW/HW ratio had a sensitivity of 100% and 100%, respectively, and a specificity of 73% and 91%, respectively, for association with abnormal ABR.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a method for quantitative evaluation of ventricle size using EI and LVW/HW ratio on brain CT images in infants with CCMVI. LVW/HW ratio had a more association with abnormal ABR in the early postnatal period than EI.

The secreted antifungal protein thionin 2.4 in Arabidopsis thaliana suppresses the toxicity of a fungal fruit body lectin from Fusarium graminearum

Plants possess active defense systems and can protect themselves from pathogenic invasion by secretion of a variety of small antimicrobial or antifungal proteins such as thionins. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of thionins are derived from their ability to induce open pore formation on cell membranes of phytopathogens, resulting in release of potassium and calcium ions from the cell. Wheat thionin also accumulates in the cell walls of Fusarium-inoculated plants, suggesting that it may have a role in blocking pathogen infection at the plant cell walls. Here we developed an anti-thionin 2.4 (Thi2.4) antibody and used it to show that Thi2.4 is localized in the cell walls of Arabidopsis and cell membranes of F. graminearum, when flowers are inoculated with F. graminearum. The Thi2.4 protein had an antifungal effect on F. graminearum. Next, we purified the Thi2.4 protein, conjugated it with glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and coupled the proteins to an NHS-activated column. Total protein from F. graminearum was applied to GST-Thi2.4 or Thi2.4-binding columns, and the fungal fruit body lectin (FFBL) of F. graminearum was identified as a Thi2.4-interacting protein. This interaction was confirmed by a yeast two-hybrid analysis. To investigate the biological function of FFBL, we infiltrated the lectin into Arabidopsis leaves and observed that it induced cell death in the leaves. Application of FFBL at the same time as inoculation with F. graminearum significantly enhanced the virulence of the pathogen. By contrast, FFBL-induced host cell death was effectively suppressed in transgenic plants that overexpressed Thi2.4. We found that a 15 kD Thi2.4 protein was specifically expressed in flowers and flower buds and suggest that it acts not only as an antifungal peptide, but also as a suppressor of the FFBL toxicity. Secreted thionin proteins are involved in this dual defense mechanism against pathogen invasion at the plant-pathogen interface.

Severe retinopathy of prematurity with retinal detachment in monozygotic twins

We report a monochorionic diamniotic twin pair born at 29 weeks of gestation in which both twins developed severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with retinal detachment. The pregnancy was terminated due to reversal of donor-recipient phenotypes in possible TTTS. Both twins had unstable cardiopulmonary status during the first week, and developed chronic lung disease. The larger twin, born at 1372 g, developed stage 4a ROP in both eyes, and the smaller twin, born at 1168 g, developed stage 4a ROP in the left eye. Genetic analysis of NDP, FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12 genes revealed no mutations; however, VEGF gene polymorphism analysis showed heterozygous carrier state of the VEGF 936T allele in both twins, which is a risk factor for threshold ROP in Japanese newborn infants. We speculate the synergistic effects of unstable perinatal cardiopulmonary status and genetic predisposition due to VEGF 936C>T polymorphism caused the development of severe ROP with retinal detachment.

Severely high serum unbound bilirubin level after abdominal surgery in a newborn

We report a newborn with intestinal malrotation who developed a severely high serum unbound bilirubin level and a low serum albumin level without a marked increase in serum total bilirubin level after abdominal surgery, which required exchange transfusion and albumin supplementation. The serum unbound bilirubin level may be highly relative to the serum total bilirubin level in newborns who have undergone abdominal surgery soon after birth and are hypoalbuminemic after surgery.

Novel treatment strategy for Japanese newborns with high serum unbound bilirubin

BACKGROUND

Serum unbound bilirubin (UB) is a measure of bilirubin not bound to albumin, and has been reported to be better than total bilirubin level at identifying infants at risk of developing bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, including auditory abnormalities. A detailed treatment strategy for newborns with high serum UB has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess auditory outcomes in newborns with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL who were treated according to a novel treatment protocol.

METHODS

A prospective clinical study was conducted in newborns weighing >1500 g with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL who were admitted to Kobe University Hospital and Kakogawa Municipal Hospital, Japan from 2006 to 2011. Enrolled newborns were treated as follows: (i) if serum UB was 1.00-1.50 μg/dL, phototherapy and infusion were given with or without albumin or immunoglobulin therapy; and (ii) if serum UB was >1.50 μg/dL, exchange transfusion was performed immediately. Auditory brainstem responses were evaluated at the time of discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 89 Japanese newborns with UB ≥1.00 μg/dL were enrolled at a median age of 4 days. Of these, 85 had UB 1.00-1.50 μg/dL and four had UB >1.50 μg/dL. After being treated according to the protocol, no newborns were diagnosed with auditory brainstem response abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The present treatment protocol for Japanese newborns with serum UB ≥1.00 μg/dL may be useful for the prevention of bilirubin-induced auditory abnormalities.

Is bilirubin/albumin ratio correlated with unbound bilirubin concentration?

BACKGROUND

The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that the total bilirubin (TB)/albumin (Alb) ratio (B/A ratio), instead of serum concentration of unbound bilirubin (UB), can be used with TB for determining treatment modality for jaundiced newborns ≥ 35 weeks of gestation. It is unknown, however, whether the B/A ratio is actually correlated with serum UB.

METHODS

Four hundred and ninety-seven serum samples were obtained from 209 newborns ≥ 35 weeks of gestation, who were admitted to Kobe University Hospital. Serum UB concentration was measured using the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Serum TB and Alb concentrations were measured on spectrophotometry. B/A ratios were calculated and were linearly compared with serum UB. Furthermore, the accuracy of the B/A ratio was evaluated.

RESULTS

The B/A ratio was significantly correlated with serum UB concentration. A serum UB concentration of 0.6 µg/dL was in agreement with a B/A ratio of 0.5. For comparison of the number of newborns who had serum UB concentrations ≥ or <0.6 µg/dL and B/A ratios ≥ or <0.5, we found the following characteristics: the concordance rate between serum UB concentrations and the B/A ratio was 94%, sensitivity was 51%, and specificity was 99%.

CONCLUSIONS

The B/A ratio is significantly correlated with serum UB concentration in newborns ≥ 35 weeks of gestation. The B/A ratio, however, is underestimated when serum UB concentrations are >0.6 µg/dL.

The 5'-flanking region of the RP58 coding sequence shows prominent promoter activity in multipolar cells in the subventricular zone during corticogenesis

Pyramidal neurons of the neocortex are produced from progenitor cells located in the neocortical ventricular zone (VZ) and subventricular zone (SVZ) during embryogenesis. RP58 is a transcriptional repressor that is strongly expressed in the developing brain and plays an essential role in corticogenesis. The expression of RP58 is strictly regulated in a time-dependent and spatially restricted manner. It is maximally expressed in E15-16 embryonic cerebral cortex, localized specifically to the cortical plate and SVZ of the neocortex, hippocampus, and parts of amygdala during brain development, and found in glutamatergic but not GABAergic neurons. Identification of the promoter activity underlying specific expression patterns provides important clues to their mechanisms of action. Here, we show that the RP58 gene promoter is activated prominently in multipolar migrating cells, the first in vivo analysis of RP58 promoter activity in the brain. The 5.3 kb 5'-flanking genomic DNA of the RP58 coding region demonstrates promoter activity in neurons both in vitro and in vivo. This promoter is highly responsive to the transcription factor neurogenin2 (Ngn2), which is a direct upstream activator of RP58 expression. Using in utero electroporation, we demonstrate that RP58 gene promoter activity is first detected in a subpopulation of pin-like VZ cells, then prominently activated in migrating multipolar cells in the multipolar cell accumulation zone (MAZ) located just above the VZ. In dissociated primary cultured cortical neurons, RP58 promoter activity mimics in vivo expression patterns from a molecular standpoint that RP58 is expressed in a fraction of Sox2-positive progenitor cells, Ngn2-positive neuronal committed cells, and Tuj1-positive young neurons, but not in Dlx2-positive GABAergic neurons. Finally, we show that Cre recombinase expression under the control of the RP58 gene promoter is a feasible tool for conditional gene switching in post-mitotic multipolar migrating young neurons in the developing cerebral cortex.

Culture-proven neonatal sepsis in Japanese neonatal care units in 2006-2008

BACKGROUND

Recent Japanese epidemiology of neonatal sepsis and its predominant pathogens has not been reported. It is also unknown whether there are center differences in the incidence of neonatal sepsis, including early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in Japan.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the morbidity and characteristics of neonatal sepsis in recent years and the differences in the incidence of sepsis among Japanese neonatal care units.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of newborn infants with culture-proven sepsis that occurred in five Japanese centers of perinatal care from 2006 to 2008. The incidence of sepsis was calculated, including EOS and LOS, and compared among centers.

RESULTS

Morbidity from sepsis occurred in 51/6,894 (0.74%) infants. The incidence of EOS and LOS was 0.13 and 0.61%, respectively. The incidence of total sepsis and LOS in infants <1,000 g of birth weight was significantly higher than that in infants who weighed >1,000 g at birth, whereas there were no significant differences in the incidence of EOS between the different birth weights. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen involved in morbidity and mortality of neonatal sepsis. Significant center differences were observed in the incidence of LOS, but not EOS.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of culture-proven neonatal sepsis is LOS, which differs among centers, especially in infants who weigh <1,000 g at birth in Japan. We consider that it is important to control nosocomial infection in newborn care units to further reduce the morbidity of neonatal sepsis in Japan.

Correlation and precision of serum free bilirubin concentrations determined by single and two peroxidase concentration methods in term or late-preterm newborn infants using a FDA-approved analyzer

BACKGROUND

Free bilirubin concentration (B(f)) is an index for identifying newborns at risk for developing bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity. It has been suggested that B(f) measured by a single peroxidase concentration (B(f-single)) does not equal the equilibrium concentration of B(f), which is confirmed by B(f) at two different peroxidase concentrations (B(f-two)). However, the differences between B(f-single) and B(f-two) are unknown in the serum of term or late-preterm newborn infants. Furthermore, to apply B(f-single) with savings on time and cost to the clinical setting, it is very important for us to clarify the differences between B(f-single) and B(f-two).

METHODS

Forty serum samples were obtained from 21 term or late-preterm newborns who were admitted at Kobe University Hospital. Using a peroxidase method, B(f-single) was measured at one peroxidase concentration, and B(f-two) was determined at two different peroxidase concentrations (the manufacturer's recommended peroxidase concentration and half the manufacturer's recommended peroxidase concentration). To clarify the relationship between B(f-single) and peroxidase concentrations, B(f-single) was measured at five different concentrations of peroxidase reagent. Intra-day and inter-day analyses were performed to assess the precision of B(f-single) and B(f-two).

RESULTS

1/B(f-single) increased as peroxidase concentration increased. B(f-single) was significantly lower than B(f-two) (B(f-single): 0.50 microg/dL [0.13 - 1.22 microg/dL] versus B(f-two): 0.59 microg/dL [0.15 - 1.76 microg/dL], p < 0.001), but B(f-single) was significantly correlated with B(f-two) (r = 0.953, p < 0.0001). Intra-day analysis showed that the CV was 9.7% for B(f-two) and 3.3% for B(f-single), and the inter-day CV was 12.4% for B(f-two) and 3.2% for B(f-single).

CONCLUSIONS

Although B(f-single) and B(f-two) are not identical, B(f-single) is significantly correlated with B(f-two) and it is more precise than B(f-two) in term or late-preterm newborns.

Hypoalbuminemia following abdominal surgery leads to high serum unbound bilirubin concentrations in newborns soon after birth

BACKGROUND

The serum concentration of unbound bilirubin (UB), which is bilirubin not bound to albumin (Alb), is a better index than total bilirubin concentration (TB) for identifying infants at risk for developing bilirubin neurotoxicity. The degree to which the hypoalbuminemia following abdominal surgery in jaundiced newborns affects bilirubin binding is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether lower Alb occurring in newborns undergoing abdominal surgery shortly after birth results in significantly higher UB in serum versus nonsurgical patients at comparable serum TB.

METHODS

A matched case-control study was conducted with term and late-preterm newborns. The surgery group included 15 newborns who underwent abdominal operation within 3 days after birth. Clinical and laboratory data (serum UB, TB, and Alb concentrations, UB/TB ratio, and binding constant) in the surgery group were collected and compared with those of 30 control newborns who did not undergo abdominal surgery (control group).

RESULTS

Serum UB and the UB/TB ratio in the surgery group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant differences in serum TB and binding constant between the groups. Serum Alb concentrations in the surgery group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). When pre- and postoperative serum Alb concentrations were compared, there was a significant decrease from 3.4 to 2.7 g/dl (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that hypoalbuminemia following abdominal surgery causes a higher serum UB at comparable serum TB in newborns.

Inhibitory effect of a TGFbeta receptor type-I inhibitor, Ki26894, on invasiveness of scirrhous gastric cancer cells

Background:

Gastric cancer cells frequently metastasise, partly because of their highly invasive nature. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor signalling is closely associated with the invasion of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a TGF-β receptor (TβR) phosphorylation inhibitor on the invasiveness of gastric cancer cells.

Methods:

Four gastric cancer cell lines, including two scirrhous-type cell lines and two non-scirrhous-type cell lines, were used. A TβR type I (TβR-I) kinase inhibitor, Ki26894, inhibits the phosphorylation of Smad2 at an ATP-binding site of TβR-I. We investigated the expression levels of TβR and phospho-Smad2, and the effects of TGF-β in the presence or absence of Ki26894 on Smad2 phosphorylation, invasion, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Ras homologue gene family member A (RhoA), ZO-2, myosin, and E-cadherin expression of gastric cancer cells.

Results:

TβR-I, TβR-II, and phospho-Smad2 expressions were found in scirrhous gastric cancer cells, but not in non-scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Ki26894 decreased Smad2 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β1 in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 upregulated the invasion, migration, and EMT ability of scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Transforming growth factor-β1 significantly upregulated the activity of RhoA and myosin phosphorylation, whereas TGF-β1 decreased ZO-2 and E-cadherin expression in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Interestingly, Ki26894 inhibited these characteristics in scirrhous gastric cancer cells. In contrast, non-scirrhous gastric cancer cells were not affected by TGF-β1 or Ki26894 treatment.

Conclusion:

A TβR-I kinase inhibitor decreases the invasiveness and EMT of scirrhous gastric cancer cells. Ki26894 is therefore considered to be a promising therapeutic compound for the metastasis of scirrhous gastric carcinoma.

Autosomal dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 with a novel splice site mutation in MR gene

Background

Autosomal dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is a rare inherited condition that is characterized by renal resistance to aldosterone as well as salt wasting, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Renal PHA1 is caused by mutations of the human mineralcorticoid receptor gene (MR), but it is a matter of debate whether MR mutations cause mineralcorticoid resistance via haploinsufficiency or dominant negative mechanism. It was previously reported that in a case with nonsense mutation the mutant mRNA was absent in lymphocytes because of nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) and therefore postulated that haploinsufficiency alone can give rise to the PHA1 phenotype in patients with truncated mutations.

Methods and Results

We conducted genomic DNA analysis and mRNA analysis for familial PHA1 patients extracted from lymphocytes and urinary sediments and could detect one novel splice site mutation which leads to exon skipping and frame shift result in premature termination at the transcript level. The mRNA analysis showed evidence of wild type and exon-skipped RT-PCR products.

Conclusion

mRNA analysis have been rarely conducted for PHA1 because kidney tissues are unavailable for this disease. However, we conducted RT-PCR analysis using mRNA extracted from urinary sediments. We could demonstrate that NMD does not fully function in kidney cells and that haploinsufficiency due to NMD with premature termination is not sufficient to give rise to the PHA1 phenotype at least in this mutation of our patient. Additional studies including mRNA analysis will be needed to identify the exact mechanism of the phenotype of PHA.

Effects of VEGFR-3 phosphorylation inhibitor on lymph node metastasis in an orthotopic diffuse-type gastric carcinoma model

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) signalling mediates lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic invasion; however, the effect of VEGFR-3 inhibition on the lymph node (LN) metastasis remains unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the benefit of a VEGFR-3 inhibitor Ki23057 for LN metastasis.

METHODS

Ki23057 was administered orally to gastric cancer models created by orthotopic inoculation of diffuse-type gastric cancer cells, OCUM-2MLN. The effects of Ki23057 on lymphatic vessel invasion, lymphatic vessel density, and VEGFR-3 phosphorylation were examined by immunostaining or immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Ki23057 inhibited the autophosphorylation of VEGFR-3, with IC50 values of 4.3 nM in the cell-free kinase assay. Murine gastric cancer models created by the orthotopic inoculation of OCUM-2MLN cells showed the diffusely infiltrating growth and frequently developed LN metastasis. The oral administration of Ki23057 significantly (P<0.01) reduced the size of orthotopic tumours and the number of the metastatic LN in gastric cancer models. The degree of lymphatic invasion and lymphangiogenesis was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the gastric tumours treated by Ki23057. Ki23057 inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 of lymphatic endothelial cells in gastric tumours.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of lymphangiogenesis targeting VEGFR-3 phosphorylation is a therapeutic strategy for inhibiting LN metastasis of diffuse-type gastric cancer.

[Huge right atrial myxoma]

Myxomas are account for approximately half of primary cardiac tumors, and 75% cases originate in left atrium. We report our experience of a right atrial myxoma. A 68-year-old woman was referred to us due to anorexia, general fatigue and facial edema. Echocardiogram, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and catheter angiocardiogram revealed a huge tumor in right atrium. The tumor was resected completely with the attached right atrial free wall under cardiopulmonary bypass. Pathological examination showed myxomatous tissue. Postoperative course was uneventful. She discharged the hospital on the 37th day after the operation, and is now doing well without any symptoms.

A novel K-samII/FGF-R2 autophosphorylation inhibitor is therapeutically useful for scirrhous gastric carcinoma with K-samII amplification

14070

Background: Scirrhous gastric carcinoma, a diffusely infiltrating also known as linitis plastica-type carcinoma, carries the highest mortality of all gastric cancers. Scirrhous carcinoma cells with amplification of the activated K-samII gene, which encodes fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 (FGF-R2), have a growth advantage during tumor progression The poor prognosis carried by scirrhous gastric cancer is closely associated with amplification of the K-samII/FGF-R2, a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor. Ki23057, a newly developed small molecule acting K-samII/FGF-R2 inhibitor, is a kinase inhibitor that competes with ATP for the binding site in the kinase, thus strongly blocking phosphorylation of FGF-R2. The aim of the current study is to clarify the possibility of molecular target therapy with Ki23057 for treating scirrhous gastric cancer. Methods: Five human gastric cancer cell lines were used. OCUM-2MD3 and OCUM-8 were derived from scirrhous carcinomas. MKN-7, MKN-45 and MKN-74 cells were derived from non-scirrhous carcinomas. In vitro effects of Ki23057 on cell growth were determined by calculating the number of cancer cells. The influences of Ki23057 on the MAP kinase and PI3 kinase signaling pathways and the apoptosis pathway in the gastric cancer cells were also examined. For in vivo experiments, the Ki23057 was administered orally to mouse models of peritoneal dissemination. Results: K-samII amplification was found in OCUM-2MD3 and OCUM-8 cells, but not in MKN-7, MKN-45, or MKN-74 cells. Ki23057 significantly inhibited the proliferation of scirrhous cancer cells, but not non- scirrhous gastric carcinoma cells. Ki23057 decreased phosphorylation of K-samII/FGF-R2, ERK and Akt, and increased apoptosis in scirrhous cancer lines. The oral Ki23057 administration significantly (p<0.001) prolonged survival of mice with peritoneal dissemination following injection of OCUM-2MD3 scirrhous cancer cells. Conclusions: A novel K-samII/FGF-R2 phosphorylation inhibitor, Ki23057, appears therapeutically promising in scirrhous gastric carcinoma with K-samII amplification.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Expression of thymidine phosphorylase as an effect prediction factor for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy: an immunohistochemical study

Prognoses in cases of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were investigated in association with immunohistochemical expression of an angiogenic factor, thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Forty-six cases of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma mainly treated with radiotherapy during 1992-2001 at our clinic were studied. All were diagnosed as stages IIB to IVA. Paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens excised before radiotherapy were stained immunohistochemically using anti-TP monoclonal antibody. The extent of staining in both tumor and interstitial cells was graded as (-), (+/-), (+), and (2+). Specimens with TP expression levels of (2+) and (+) were regarded as positively stained and those with TP expression levels of (+/-) and (-) as negatively stained. The efficacy of radiotherapy in both groups was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. With tumor cells, 5-year survival rates for the positive (n= 38) and negative (n= 8) staining groups were 73.9% and 42.9%, respectively; the rate being significantly higher for the TP-positive group (log rank, P= 0.0096). Contrarily, with staining for interstitial cells, the 5-year survival rates for the positive (n= 20) and negative (n= 26) staining groups were 74.1% and 64.6%, respectively, with no significant difference (log rank, P= 0.406). The efficacy of radiotherapy in the group with positive staining of tumor cells was significantly better than in the negative staining group. Immunohistochemical expression of TP in tumor cells is suggested as a useful prognostic factor for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinomas treated with radiotherapy. Choosing therapy for individual cases by referring to factors including TP expression should contribute to an improved prognosis.

Expression of thymidine phosphorylase as an effect prediction factor for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy: an immunohistochemical study

Prognoses in cases of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were investigated in association with immunohistochemical expression of an angiogenic factor, thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Forty-six cases of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma mainly treated with radiotherapy during 1992–2001 at our clinic were studied. All were diagnosed as stages IIB to IVA. Paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens excised before radiotherapy were stained immunohistochemically using anti-TP monoclonal antibody. The extent of staining in both tumor and interstitial cells was graded as (−), (±), (+), and (2+). Specimens with TP expression levels of (2+) and (+) were regarded as positively stained and those with TP expression levels of (±) and (−) as negatively stained. The efficacy of radiotherapy in both groups was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method. With tumor cells, 5-year survival rates for the positive (n = 38) and negative (n = 8) staining groups were 73.9% and 42.9%, respectively; the rate being significantly higher for the TP-positive group (log rank, P = 0.0096). Contrarily, with staining for interstitial cells, the 5-year survival rates for the positive (n = 20) and negative (n = 26) staining groups were 74.1% and 64.6%, respectively, with no significant difference (log rank, P = 0.406). The efficacy of radiotherapy in the group with positive staining of tumor cells was significantly better than in the negative staining group. Immunohistochemical expression of TP in tumor cells is suggested as a useful prognostic factor for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinomas treated with radiotherapy. Choosing therapy for individual cases by referring to factors including TP expression should contribute to an improved prognosis.

Identification of Ki23819, a highly potent inhibitor of kinase activity of mutant FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase

Constitutively active internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the juxtamembrane domain of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), a type III receptor tyrosine kinase, is the most common molecular defect associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Its presence confers a poor outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia who receive conventional chemotherapy. FLT3-ITD has therefore been considered to be an attractive molecular target for a novel therapeutic modality. We describe here the identification and characterization of Ki23819 as a novel FLT3 inhibitor. Ki23819 suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of FLT3-ITD-expressing human leukemia cell lines. The growth-inhibitory effect of Ki23819 on MV4-11 cells was superior to that of SU11248, another FLT3 inhibitor (IC(50)<1 vs 3-10 nM). Ki23819 inhibited the autophosphorylation of FLT3-ITD more efficiently than that of wild-type FLT3. FLT3-ITD-dependent activation of the downstream signaling proteins ERK and STAT5 was also inhibited within similar concentration ranges. Thus, Ki23819 is a potent in vitro inhibitor of FLT3.

Phosphinoselenothioic Acids and Their Salts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reaction with Electrophiles

[reaction: see text] Phosphinoselenothioic acid ammonium salts were synthesized in good yields by reacting phosphinoselenothioic acid S-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl] esters with ammonium fluorides. Phosphinoselenothioic acid alkali metal salts were obtained as 18-crown-6 ether complexes with high efficiency by treating the esters with alkali metal fluorides and 18-crown-6 ether. The salts were stable under air and soluble in water. The structures of the phosphinoselenothioic acid tetramethylammonium salt and P-methylseleno-P-methylthiophosphonium triflate were determined by X-ray molecular structure analyses. These salts exhibited monomeric structures, and the central phosphorus atoms adopted tetrahedral structures. Alkylation of the ammonium salts selectively gave phosphinoselenothioic acid Se-alkyl esters, whereas acylation of the salts preferentially gave S-acyl products. Protonation of the salts selectively gave the phosphinoselenothioic S-acid. The S-acid generated in situ was reacted with alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and cyclohexene oxide to give the adducts. Molecular orbital calculations were carried out for the model compound H2P(Se)S- to elucidate the electronic structure.

The diagnostic value of kappa/lambda ratios determined by flow cytometric analysis of biopsy specimens in B-cell lymphoma

Flow cytometry (FC) is widely utilized in the diagnosis of lymphoma and the light chain ratio (LCR) is especially useful in the diagnosis of B-cell malignancy. In this study we analysed, retrospectively, the predictive value of the LCR in the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma in 105 consecutive patients with persistent lymph node enlargement or extranodal masses who underwent biopsy. We used a receiver-operating characteristic curve to establish a LCR threshold value of 2.0. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values were 92.3%, 73.1%, 90% and 77%, respectively. We concluded that determination of LCR is a useful adjunct to pathological diagnosis.

Simple prognostic model for patients with multiple myeloma: a single-center study in Japan

The range of survival duration in myeloma patients is wide and several percent of patients live longer than 10 years. Therefore, a precise prediction of survival for the individual patient is required to decide treatment. We evaluated possible prognostic factors at diagnosis for 116 Japanese patients with multiple myeloma. Twelve parameters reported to affect survival were analyzed using a log rank test and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression. Factors identified as adversely affecting survival were age over 60 years, male sex, blood hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dl, platelets less than 100 x 10(9)/l, serum creatinine level more than 2.0 mg/dl, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level more than 6.0 mg/l, and serum beta2-microglobulin level more than 6.0 mg/l. Among them, only high age and high serum CRP level were independently prognostic for poor survival. In conclusion, we have established a simple prognostic model for Japanese myeloma patients only, using factors that can be determined in routine examinations without the need of subjective information.

Anoplin, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the solitary wasp Anoplius samariensis

A novel antimicrobial peptide, anoplin, was purified from the venom of the solitary wasp Anoplius samariensis. The sequence was mostly analyzed by mass spectrometry, which was corroborated by solid-phase synthesis. Anoplin, composed of 10 amino acid residues, Gly-Leu-Leu-Lys-Arg-Ile-Lys-Thr-Leu-Leu-NH2, has a high homology to crabrolin and mastoparan-X, the mast cell degranulating peptides from social wasp venoms, and, therefore, can be predicted to adopt an amphipathic alpha-helix secondary structure. In fact, the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of anoplin in the presence of trifluoroethanol or sodium dodecyl sulfate showed a high content, up to 55%, of the alpha-helical conformation. A modeling study of anoplin based on its homology to mastoparan-X supported the CD results. Biological evaluation using the synthetic peptide revealed that this peptide exhibited potent activity in stimulating degranulation from rat peritoneal mast cells and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, this is the first antimicrobial component to be found in the solitary wasp venom and it may play a key role in preventing potential infection by microorganisms during prey consumption by their larvae. Moreover, this peptide is the smallest among the linear alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides hitherto found in nature, which is advantageous for chemical manipulation and medical application.

p53 immunoreactivity in Barrett's metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma--a case report

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by a columnar epithelium with malignant potential. Mutations of the tumor-suppressor gene p53 have been implicated in the evolution of esophageal carcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine whether p53 immunoreactivity in Barrett's esophagus is a marker of neoplasia and, if so, when it occurs in the metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. We treated a patient with esophageal carcinoma arising from the Barrett's esophagus. Consecutive evidence existed for a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma in the same specimen. Immunohistochemical staining with the monoclonal antibody was used to detect the intranuclear protein product of mutated p53. No p53 immunoreactivity was seen in specimen of Barrett's mucosa. p53 immunoreactivity was found only in specimen of dysplasia and carcinoma. Immunoreactivity occurs late in the metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence, during the transition to high-grade dysplasia.

In vitro and in vivo transfer of bcl-2 gene into keratinocytes suppresses UVB-induced apoptosis

Bcl-2 is a member of the large Bcl-2 family and protects cells from apoptosis. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induces apoptosis of keratinocytes that is known as "sunburn cells." Previously we reported that UVB irradiation induces apoptosis accompanied by sequential activation of caspase 8, 3 and 1 in keratinocytes, and that the process is inhibited by various caspase inhibitors. Using bcl-2-expressing adenovirus vector we investigated the effect of Bcl-2 on UVB-induced apoptosis. Adenovirus vector efficiently introduced bcl-2 gene in cultured normal mouse keratinocytes (NMK cells); almost all NMK cells (1 x 10(6)) were transfected at 1 x 10(8) plaque-forming unit (PFU)/mL. Bcl-2-transfected NMK cells were significantly resistant to UVB-induced apoptosis with the suppressive effect dependent on the Bcl-2 expression level. Following UVB irradiation caspase 8, 3 and 9 activities were stimulated in NMK cells, whereas in bcl-2-transfected cells only caspase 8, but not caspase 3 or 9, activity was stimulated. In order to investigate the effect of Bcl-2 in vivo topical application of Ad-bcl-2 on tape-stripped mouse skin was performed. Following the application Bcl-2 was efficiently overexpressed in almost all viable keratinocytes. The expression was transient with the maximal expression of Bcl-2 on the first day following the application of 1 x 10(9) PFU in 200 microL. The introduced Bcl-2 remained at least for 6 days. UVB irradiation (1250 J/m2) induced apoptosis within 12 h and the maximal effect was observed at 24 h in control mouse skin. Both bcl-2-transfected and topical caspase 3 inhibitor-treated mice skin were resistant to UVB-induced apoptosis. The suppressive effect of Bcl-2 was more potent than that of caspase 3 inhibitor application. Topical application of empty adenovirus vector alone had no effect on Bcl-2 expression or UVB-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that adenovirus vector is an efficient gene delivery system into keratinocytes and that Bcl-2 is a potent inhibitor of UVB-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in primary human myeloid leukemic cells stimulated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor: analysis by disease type and comparison with normal human hematopoietic cells

We investigated tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in primary human leukemic cells stimulated by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in 60 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 5 patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and compared the findings for leukemic cells with those of normal human monocytes and bone marrow immature hematopoietic cells. M-CSF induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p140-200, p110, p60, p44, and p42 frequently, and that of p95 and p55 less frequently, in primary myeloid leukemic cells, whereas M-CSF-induced phosphorylation of proteins was not detected in the normal human hematopoietic cells tested. Of these phosphoproteins, p140-200 was phosphorylated in all patients who responded to M-CSF and was considered to be almost identical to Fms, a product of the c-fms proto-oncogene. M-CSF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation was observed frequently (89%) in AML of French-American-British class M4 and infrequently in all other subtypes of AML, including M5. In chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, M-CSF-induced protein phosphorylation was prominent in blast crisis but was not detected in the chronic phase. Both bone marrow immature cells and mature monocytes showed low responsiveness to M-CSF. These findings for responsiveness to M-CSF were correlated with the amount of Fms in each type of cell. We also identified tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav, Shc, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase by M-CSF in some cases. These findings clarified an M-CSF-specific pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the responsiveness to M-CSF of primary human myeloid cells. Particularly, enhanced phosphorylation responses to M-CSF and increased amounts of Fms protein were observed in restricted human hematopoietic cells with a premature myelomonocytic character.

Spine formation and correlated assembly of presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules

Hippocampal pyramidal neurons in culture showed a developmental shift in synapse distribution from dendritic shafts to spines. Using dual wavelength time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we analyzed the morphogenesis of three synaptic components: dendritic spines, postsynaptic densities (PSDs), and presynaptic vesicles. Local assembly of a major PSD protein, PSD-95, was spatially and temporally correlated with spine morphogenesis. Clustering of postsynaptic PSD-95 and that of a predominant synaptic vesicle protein, synaptophysin, were also correlated. In contrast, pre-existing PSD-95 clusters in dendritic shafts were preferentially eliminated without promoting spine formation. The local and stepwise assembly of synaptic components at the contact sites between dendritic protrusions and axons explains the developmental remodeling of excitatory synapses.

Glia-synapse interaction through Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors in Bergmann glia

Glial cells express a variety of neurotransmitter receptors. Notably, Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellum have Ca2+-permeable alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) assembled without the GluR2 subunit. To elucidate the role of these Ca2+-permeable AMPARs, we converted them into Ca2+-impermeable receptors by adenoviral-mediated delivery of the GluR2 gene. This conversion retracted the glial processes ensheathing synapses on Purkinje cell dendritic spines and retarded the removal of synaptically released glutamate. Furthermore, it caused multiple innervation of Purkinje cells by the climbing fibers. Thus, the glial Ca2+-permeable AMPARs are indispensable for proper structural and functional relations between Bergmann glia and glutamatergic synapses.

Clinical value of serial measurement of serum C-reactive protein level in neutropenic patients

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant of inflammation. We evaluated the clinical value of serial measurement of CRP in neutropenic patients. CRP was shown to be useful to monitor the response to therapy for febrile episodes in neutropenia. However, we failed to show statistically significant differences in CRP levels between febrile episodes with or without clinically documented infection (p= 0.10) and with or without bacteremia (p = 0.55). Also, we could not predict febrile episodes within three days by the elevation of CRP value. The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve depicting the relationship between CRP levels and forthcoming febrile episodes was only 0.60. In conclusion, serial measurement of CRP was considered to be not useful to predict fever within three days, or to differentiate the types of infection.

Clinical and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied cases with multiple myeloma

We studied clinical features and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied patients with multiple myeloma in our center between 1979 and 1998. Distant extraosseous involvement was found in 33 patients (63.5%). Thirty-one patients (59.6%) were proven to have infection at autopsy, among which pneumonia was most common site of infection. Amyloidosis was shown in 8 patients. Second malignancies were observed in 4 cases. The three major causes of death were hemorrhage, infection, and renal failure, which accounted for death in approximately 70% of the patients. Advances in the anticancer and antimicrobial chemotherapies might have decreased deaths due to myeloma itself or infection.

Extension of glial processes by activation of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor channels

AMPA type-glutamate receptor channels (AMPARs) assembled without the GluR2 (GluR-B) subunit are characterized by high Ca2+ permeability, and are expressed abundantly in cerebellar Bergmann glial cells. Here we show that the morphology of cultured Bergmann glia-like fusiform cells derived from the rat cerebellum was changed by manipulating expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs using adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer. Converting endogenous Ca2+-permeable AMPARs into Ca2+-impermeable channels by viral-mediated transfer of GluR2 gene induced retraction of glial processes. In contrast, overexpression of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs markedly elongated glial processes. The process extension was blocked by 2,3-Dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(F)quinoxaline (NBQX), a specific antagonist of AMPAR. These results indicate that glutamate regulates the morphology of glial processes by activating Ca2+-permeable AMPARs.

Prognostic significance of expression of thymidine phosphorylase and vascular endothelial growth factor in human gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Both thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are well-characterized inducers of angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of these antigens and their prognostic significance in gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

Medical records of 102 patients with stage II tumor were retrospectively reviewed. Primary tumors were studied by immunohistochemical staining for dThdPase and VEGF.

RESULTS

Positive dThdPase expression was observed in 52 (51%) tumors and positive VEGF expression in 53 (52%) tumors. There was a significant correlation between the positive expression of VEGF and lymphatic invasion. The patients with dThdPase-positive carcinoma showed a significantly worse prognosis than those with dThdPase-negative carcinoma in stage II. Moreover, the frequency of hepatic recurrence was significantly higher in the patients with dThdPase-positive and VEGF-positive tumors than in those with dThdPase-negative and VEGF-negative tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination analysis of dThdPase and VEGF expression in gastric carcinoma appears to be well-characterized inductors of prognosis and metastasis.

Treatment of patients with gastric cancer and duodenal invasion

We retrospectively examined clinicopathologic features of gastric cancer with duodenal invasion to clarify the effect of surgical treatment that include pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Among 2504 patients with gastric cancer, 69 (2.8%) who had gastric cancer and duodenal invasion resected by surgical treatment were investigated. The mode of the duodenal invasion was grouped into three categories: mucosal type, submucosal type, and nodal type. Mucosal type is invasion of the duodenal mucosal layer, submucosal type is invasion of the submucosal layer or deeper, and nodal type is invasion from nodal metastatic lesions around the pancreatic head. The 5-year survival rates of curative PD and curative gastrectomy were 37.3% and 33.8%, respectively. Despite the incidence of adjacent tissue infiltration and significantly higher duodenal invasion average length in cases with PD than in cases with gastrectomy, there was no significant difference in the survival curves. However, the prognoses of the cases with nodal-type invasion were significantly poorer, and all these patients died within 2 years, regardless of whether curative PD had been performed. Curative PD improves the prognosis of cases with long duodenal invasion or pancreas infiltration except for nodal-type duodenal invasion.

Vascular integrin beta 3 and its relation to pulmonary metastasis of colorectal carcinoma

Integrin alpha v-beta 3 is involved in tumor angiogenesis while the clinical significance of beta 3 integrin expression in colorectal cancer and lung metastases. Analysis was performed on 51 colorectal cancer patients (22 with subsequent lung metastasis and 29 without lung metastasis). Fifty-one primary tumors and 22 lung metastases were examined for immunohistochemical detection of integrin beta 3. We found that the antibody VNR 5 to integrin beta 3 prefentially stains the blood vessels of small caliber. Indeed, vascular integrin beta 3 index was significantly higher in tumors of patients with lung metastasis than in those without lung metastasis. In the patients with lung metastases, vascular integrin beta 3 index was significantly lower in lung metastases than in primary tumors. It was immunohistochemically proved that integrin beta 3 is an important vascular endothelial cell market for lung metastasis.

Peripheral T/Natural killer-cell lymphoma involving the female genital tract: A clinicopathologic study of 5 cases

Malignant lymphoma of the female genital tract (FGT) is rare. In this study, 5 peripheral T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) involving the FGT are reported. They include 2 from the uterus and 1 each from ovary, uterus and ovary, and vagina, and were detected between 1996 and 2000. One of the 2 ovarian tumors was bilateral. In all cases, the FGT was the initial site of clinical presentation of disease. Age at presentation ranged from 21 to 52 years (median, 36 years). One case was stage I disease, 2 were stage II, and 2 were stage IV. All 5 tumors were positive for CD3epsilon, and 3 harbored the Epstein-Barr virus, although the detailed immunophenotypic profiles varied. Three were diagnosed as nasal type T/NK-cell lymphoma, 1 as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK]-positive), and 1 as unspecified PTCL of cytotoxic phenotype, according to the forthcoming World Health Organization classification. Four of 5 patients received laparotomy and chemotherapy. Four patients (in stages II and IV) died of disease within 16 months of the initial diagnosis, whereas only 1 patient (in stage I) is alive without disease at 39 months of follow-up. Our experience in this series provided clinically relevant information on diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for extremely rare tumors of the FGT.