Exposure to aerosol extract from heated tobacco products causes a drastic decrease of glutathione and protein carbonylation in human lung epithelial cells

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are an emerging class of tobacco goods that claim to have lower health risks than those of smoking combustible tobacco products. In this study, we exposed human lung epithelial cell lines to extracts prepared from HTP aerosols and combustible cigarette smoke to compare cytotoxicity. We focused on the effects of aldehydes present in the aerosols of HTPs at levels close to those in combustible cigarette smoke. Significant toxicity was confirmed for the HTP extract, albeit to a lesser extent than that with the combustible cigarette extract. When redox balance was evaluated by the oxidative loss of low-molecular-weight thiols in the cells, we found that total glutathione (GSH) contents and low-molecular-weight thiol levels were significantly decreased after exposure to the aerosol extract of HTPs. These results indicated that GSH is rapidly consumed during the detoxification of xenobiotics, such as aldehydes from tobacco extracts. Accordingly, exposure to the aerosol extract of HTPs resulted in the enhanced carbonylation of many proteins. In a simple comparison, the results for HTPs were significantly different from those obtained with combustible cigarette smoke, suggesting reduced toxicity of HTPs. However, we found significant and harmful effects after exposing lung epithelial cells to the aerosol extract of HTPs. Thus, a further comprehensive study is needed to clarify the lung damage induced via the long-term inhalation of aerosols from HTPs.

The cold-induced switch in direction of chloroplast relocation occurs independently of changes in endogenous phototropin levels

When exposed to fluctuating light intensity, chloroplasts move towards weak light (accumulation response), and away from strong light (avoidance response). In addition, cold treatment (5°C) induces the avoidance response even under weak-light conditions (cold-avoidance response). These three responses are mediated by the phototropin (phot), which is a blue-light photoreceptor and has also been reported to act as a thermosensory protein that perceives temperature variation. Our previous report indicated that cold-induced changes in phot biochemical activity initiate the cold-avoidance response. In this study, we further explored the induction mechanism of the cold-avoidance response in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and examined the relationship between changes in the amount of phot and the induction of the cold-avoidance response. The switch between the accumulation and avoidance responses occurs at a so-called ‘transitional’ light intensity. Our physiological experiments revealed that a cold-mediated decrease in the transitional light intensity leads to the induction of the cold-avoidance response. While artificial overexpression of phot decreased the transitional light intensity as much as cold treatment did, the amount of endogenous phot was not increased by cold treatment in wild-type M. polymorpha. Taken together, these findings show that the cold-avoidance response is initiated by a cold-mediated reduction of the transitional light intensity, independent of the amount of endogenous phot. This study provides a clue to understanding the mechanism underlying the switch in direction of chloroplast relocation in response to light and temperature.

Spatial Fluctuation of Regional Myocardial Blood Flows

Digital radiography (100 pixels/mm2) combined with the technique of 3H-labeled desmethylimipramine deposition was employed to visualize regional blood flow distributions in rabbit left ventricular myocardium. A fluctuated pattern of myocardial flow and its dependence on arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) was evaluated with the coefficient of variation (CV) computed at each step of coarse-graining; flow images were revisualized by increasing pixel area (PA) step by step from 0.01 to 1 mm2. The CV values decreased with hypoxia at all resolution levels, suggesting that there is a vascular regulatory mechanism for making myocardial perfusion uniform in response to decreased PaO2. In both perfusion states, Cl/decreased with increasing PA. The relationship between CV and PA fitted the noninteger power law function, implying an apparent fractality of CV.

Quantitative Blood Velocity Mapping in Glomerular Capillaries by in vivo Observation with an Intravital Videomicroscope

We have evaluated rat glomerular microcirculation under in-vivo condition with an intravital videomicroscope. To measure erythrocyte velocities, a line segment was set along the glomerular capillaries in time-sequential videotaped images and then a spatiotemporal image was constructed along that segment. The angle of striped pattern in the spatio-temporal image which reflects the erythrocyte velocity, was estimated to compute erythrocyte velocity vector mapping. We found that erythrocyte velocities in rat glomeruli were significantly faster in diabetic rats than in control rats (p <0.05). In conclusion, we have succeeded in quantitatively evaluating the in-vivo renal microcirculation with our videomicroscope system and by spatiotemporal image analyzing method.

Chloroplast aggregation during the cold-positioning response in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha

Under low-light conditions, chloroplasts localize along periclinal cell walls at temperatures near 20 °C, but they localize along anticlinal cell walls near 5 °C. This phenomenon is known as the cold-positioning response. We previously showed that chloroplasts move as aggregates rather than individually during the cold-positioning response in the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris. This observation suggested that chloroplasts physically interact with each other during the cold-positioning response. However, the physiological processes underlying chloroplast aggregation are unclear. In this report, we characterized chloroplast aggregation during the cold-positioning response in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Confocal laser microscopy observations of transgenic liverwort plants expressing a fluorescent fusion protein that localizes to the chloroplast outer envelope membrane (OEP7-Citrine) showed that neighboring chloroplast membranes did not fuse during the cold-positioning response. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that a distance of at least 10 nm was maintained between neighboring chloroplasts during aggregation. These results indicate that aggregated chloroplasts do not fuse, but maintain a distance of at least 10 nm from each other during the cold-positioning response.

Identification of an argpyrimidine-modified protein in human red blood cells from schizophrenic patients: A possible biomarker for diseases involving carbonyl stress

Argpyrimidine (ARP) is an advanced glycation end product thought to be generated from a reaction between methylglyoxal and arginine residues in proteins. In this study, we observed marked accumulation of an approximately 56 kD protein, reactive to anti-ARP antibodies, in the red blood cells (RBCs) of some patients with refractory schizophrenia. This ARP-modified protein was purified from the blood of schizophrenic patients and identified as selenium binding protein 1 (SBP1) by LC-MS/MS. This is the first report of ARP-modified proteins accumulating in RBCs of patients with diseases involving carbonyl stress. We also observed high accumulation of ARP-modified SBP1 in the RBCs of patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, this modified protein may be a novel marker of carbonyl stress.

Abstract OT3-07-02: Influence of exercise or educational programs on long-term physical activity by patients after surgery for primary breast cancer: A randomized trial

[Background]

Past studies revealed that a moderate to high level of physical activity after diagnosis of breast cancer reduces both the risk of breast cancer-related death and death from all causes. Furthermore, some randomized studies suggested that exercise programs improve the percentage of patients who complete the chemotherapy and quality of life, and decrease fatigue, and adverse events. The issues to be determined include defining an established uniform exercise program and the efficacy of a long-term exercise program after breast cancer surgery.

[Object] To elucidate the efficacy of a long-term exercise program and to verify the safety and feasibility of a uniform exercise program using an ‘existing social resource’ after primary therapy of breast cancer.

[Design] A multi-center, randomized trial.

[Method] Subjects: The subjects included patients who had completed treatment for primary breast cancer, including surgery and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with metastatic breast cancer were excluded.

Randomization & intervention: The patients were randomly assigned to three groups.

The first group followed an exercise program at Curves® that involved 30 minutes of exercise, including aerobics, weight training, and stretching 3 times a week for 4 months. The second group was given life-style guidance at least once that patients participate in a lecture program about recommended exercise at this point and the importance of weight control after diagnosis of breast cancer using a brochure. The third group served as controls that the patients receive a brochure used same one in the second group. The variables included age and weight.

Outcome: The primary endpoint is level of physical activity at 1 year after randomization, and the secondary endpoints are the percentage of those completing the exercise program, patient reported outcomes (QOL, cancer or treatment associated symptoms, fatigue, depression, and anxiety), body mass index, bone density, and level of lymphedema.

Period of research: The study will last 2 years beginning March 2016.

Sample size: We plan to enroll 400 patients to detect 20% difference with 90% power.

Additional study: Some biochemical markers in the blood will be evaluated to determine the mechanism of the effect of exercise on the human body.

Citation Format: Kawada K, Taira N, Hatono M, Takahashi Y, Miyoshi Y, Nogami T, Iwamoto T, Motoki T, Sien T, Matsuoka J, Doihara H, Ikeda M, Ogasawara Y, Takabatake D, Yoshitomi S, Kiyoto S, Yamamoto S, Mizota Y, Oka K. Influence of exercise or educational programs on long-term physical activity by patients after surgery for primary breast cancer: A randomized trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-07-02.

Mitogenicity of bacterial lipopolysaccharide on the T lymphocyte population bearing the γδT cell receptor

In vitro [3H]-thymidine (TdR) uptake in T lymphocyte populations, taken and purified from proteose peptone-induced peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), spleens and thymuses of C3H/HeN mice, were investigated by stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The T cells taken from PEC (PEC-T) were purified by passing them through a nylon fiber column (Nfc) and a G-10 column. They were then treated with anti-lak, anti-Mac-1 and anti-LR-1 antibodies plus complement (C). The PEC-T cells showed an increased [ 3H]-TdR uptake in response to LPS, while the splenic T cells and thymic T cells that had been purified and treated by a similar procedure with minor modifications, poorly responded to LPS and did not respond to LPS, respectively. The response of PEC-T to LPS was abolished when the PEC-T were pretreated with anti-Thy-1 or anti-γδ antibody plus C, but not αβ, T cell receptor (TCR) antibody plus C. The thymic T cells did not show any increase of [ H]-TdR uptake in response to LPS or anti-αβ or γδTCR antibody. However, obvious uptake did occur when the cells were stimulated with LPS and anti-γδTCR antibody, but not with anti-αβTCR antibody. IL-1 did not substitute for LPS in the response. These results suggest that LPS has a mitogenic ability to respond to a T cell population bearing γδTCR in PEC, and to a γδTCR-stimulated cell population in thymic cells. The difference in response to LPS between PEC-γδT and thymic γδT cells was discussed.

Genetic variants of Kudoa septempunctata (Myxozoa: Multivalvulida), a flounder parasite causing foodborne disease

Foodborne disease outbreaks caused by raw olive flounders (Paralichthys olivaceus) parasitized with Kudoa septempunctata have been reported in Japan. Origins of olive flounders consumed in Japan vary, being either domestic or imported, and aquaculture-raised or natural. Although it is unknown whether different sources are associated with different outcomes, it is desirable to identify whether this is the case by determining whether unique K. septempunctata strains occur and if so, whether some are associated with foodborne illness. We here developed an intraspecific genotyping method, using the sequence variation of mitochondrial genes. We collected olive flounder samples from foodborne disease outbreaks, domestic fish farms or quarantine offices and investigated whether K. septempunctata genotype is associated with pathogenicity or geographic origin. The 104 samples were classified into three genotypes, ST1, ST2 and ST3. Frequency of symptomatic cases differed by genotypes, but the association was not statistically significant. Whereas K. septempunctata detected from aquaculture-raised and natural fish from Japan were either ST1 or ST2, those from fish inspected at quarantine from Korea to Japan were ST3. Our method can be applied to phylogeographic analysis of K. septempunctata and contribute to containing the foodborne disease. The genotype database is hosted in the PubMLST website (http://pubmlst.org/kseptempunctata/).

A simple high performance liquid chromatography method for quantitatively determining the reduced form of peroxiredoxin 2 and the mass spectrometric analysis of its oxidative status

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a family of thiol peroxidases, which have been suggested to serve as biomarkers for diseases caused by oxidative stress. In this study, we established a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantifying the amount of Prx2 in red blood cells (RBCs). RBC proteins were separated using HPLC, and a single peak was detected that matched that produced by recombinant Prx2. Under improved conditions, the calibration curve for Prx2 (reduced form) was linear over the range of 0.5-20.0μg with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The minimum detectable level of the recombinant Prx2 was 0.2μg, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 per 20μl of injection volume. SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometric analysis showed that the proteins comprising the peak were almost exclusively Prx2. Further high-resolution analysis using nanoLC-MS/MS demonstrated that the oxidation sensitive, Cys-51 was carbamidomethylated by iodoacetamide-alkylation during in-gel digestion but was not modified with sulfinic acid (-SO2H) or sulfonic acid (-SO3H). These results indicated that the separated Prx2 was the reduced form and not the hyperoxidized form. These basic experiments allowed us to determine the relative amounts of native Prx2 in RBCs taken from healthy subjects. The average levels of Prx2 in male and female subjects were 7.28ng/mg and 8.29ng/mg, respectively, and no significant difference was observed between the sexes. Therefore, the HPLC method with UV detection described herein offers a convenient method to quantitatively determine the levels of reduced form of Prx2 and its oxidative decrease in human RBCs.

Carotid plaque characterization using 3D T1-weighted MR imaging with histopathologic validation: a comparison with 2D technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

3D FSE T1WI has recently been used for carotid plaque imaging, given the potential advantages in contrast and spatial resolutions. However, its diagnostic performance remains unclear. Hence, we compared the ability of this technique to readily assess plaque characteristics with that of conventional images and validated the results with histologic classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively examined 34 patients with carotid stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy by using 1.5T scanners and obtained 3D-FSE T1WI and 2D spin-echo T1WI scans. After generating reformatted images obtained from the 3D-FSE T1-weighted images, we calculated the contrast ratios for the plaques and the adjacent muscles and compared these findings with the pathologic classifications.

RESULTS

Carotid plaques were histologically classified as types VII, VIII, IV-V, or VI. With 3D-FSE T1WI, the range of contrast ratios for each classification was the following: 0.94-0.97 (median, 0.95), 0.95-1.29 (median, 1.10), 1.33-1.54 (median, 1.42), and 1.53-2.12 (median, 1.80), respectively. With 2D imaging, the range of contrast ratios for each classification was the following: 0.79-1.02 (median, 0.90), 0.88-1.19 (median, 1.01), 1.17-1.46 (median, 1.23), and 1.55-2.51 (median, 2.07), respectively. Results were significantly different among the 4 groups (P < .001). Sensitivity and specificity for discriminating vulnerable plaques (IV-VI) from stable plaques (VII, VIII) were both 100% for the 3D technique and 100% and 91%, respectively, for the 2D technique.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-FSE T1WI accurately characterizes intraplaque components of the carotid artery, with excellent sensitivity and specificity compared with those of 2D-T1WI.

Irreversible hyperoxidation of peroxiredoxin 2 is caused by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in human red blood cells

Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) is the third most abundant protein in red blood cells (RBCs). In this study, we have succeeded in implementing the rapid and simultaneous detection of the hyperoxidized (Prx2-SO2/3) and reduced (Prx2-SH) forms of Prx2 in human RBCs using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The detection of a peak corresponding to Prx2-SO2/3 was clearly observed following treatment of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), but not H2O2, and was found to be dose-dependent. The identity of the peak was confirmed as Prx2 by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry analysis. Our results suggest that t-BHP hyperoxidizes cysteine residues in Prx2 more readily than H2O2, and that accumulation of hyperoxidized Prx2 might reflect disruption of redox homeostasis in RBCs.

Abstract P2-01-07: Analysis of the relationship between breast cancer risk-related gene polymorphisms, ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and mammographic breast density

Background: Based on the results of a case-control study performed in Japan (Okayama and Kagawa), it was revealed that gene polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and rs3757318, were closely related to breast cancer risk in Japanese women, and that the odds ratios per allele of individual SNPs were 1.37 [95% CI: 1.1 - 1.7] and 1.33 [1.04 - 1.7], respectively (San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2012, Mizoo et al.). To examine the effects of these SNPs on the pathogenic mechanism of breast cancer, we analyzed the relationship of SNPs with reproductive/physiological factors (age of menarche and number of births), physical factors (height and Body Mass Index [BMI]), family history and mammographic breast density.

Methods: Among the patients enrolled in the case-control study, the patients who could be evaluated regarding their lifestyle, SNPs and mammographic breast density were divided into the case group (N = 394) and the control group (N = 511) as the dataset for the study. SNPs were analyzed using the TaqMan genotyping assay® for blood samples. In the analysis of the relationship between SNPs and breast cancer risk, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. For the analysis of the relationship between SNPs and the factors, t-test and chi-square test were used.

Results: In our dataset, the age-adjusted OR [95% CI] of ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and rs3757318 were 2.22 [1.41 - 3.55] (AA vs. GG) and 2.12 [1.2 - 3.8] (AA vs. GG), respectively, suggesting that they would be significant risk factors. As a result of analyzing the relationship between SNPs and other factors, a significantly lower BMI was observed for the risk allele AA/AG of rs2046210, compared to GG (p = 0.014, t-test). Regarding the mammographic breast density, a significantly higher proportion of mammary glands with high density was confirmed for the risk allele AA/AG of rs2046210, compared to GG (p = 0.0389, chi-square test). The tendency towards a high mammographic breast density in the rs2046210 risk allele AA/AG was also confirmed based upon a stratified analysis of the case and control groups before and after menopause, and a significant correlation was observed, especially before menopause (p = 0.026, chi-square test).

Conclusion: Mammographic high breast density is generally considered as one of the breast cancer risks, and it was suggested that gene polymorphisms of ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 might affect mammographic breast density.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-01-07.

Abstract P3-07-10: Breast cancer risk-related gene polymorphisms, ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and rs3757318, and clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients

[Background] Based on the results of a case-control study performed in Japan (Okayama and Kagawa), it was revealed that gene polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and SNPs of rs3757318 were closely related to breast cancer risk in Japanese women, and that the odds ratio per allele of individual SNPs were 1.37 [95% CI: 1.1 - 1.7] and 1.33 [1.04 - 1.7], respectively (San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2012, Mizoo et al.). We analyzed the relationship of ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and rs3757318 SNPs with the clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients.

[Methods] Among the patients enrolled in the case-control study, 508 breast cancer patients who underwent genotyping for ESR1/6q25.1-rs2046210 and rs3757318 were analyzed as the subjects. SNPs were analyzed using the TaqMan genotyping assay® for blood samples. To analyze the relationship of genotypes (AA/GG, GG) with age at diagnosis, height, weight, BMI, age of menarche, birth history, pathological degree of progression and estrogen receptor, t-test and chi-square test were used.

[Results] The genotypes of rs2046210 are AA (12%), AG (41%) and GG (46%), and the patients with the risk allele (AA/AG) had significantly higher height (p = 0.0015, t-test) and lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.0022, t-test). The genotypes of rs3757318 are AA (8%), AG (39%) and GG (53%), and the patients with the risk allele (AA/AG) were characterized by significantly lower BMI (p = 0.041, t-test), no birth history (p = 0.0473, chi-square) and negative hormone receptor (p = 0.0128, chi-square). Overall, tendencies related to increased height, lower BMI and negative estrogen receptor were confirmed for the risk alleles of rs2046210 and rs3757318.

[Conclusion] It was suggested that SNPs of rs2046210 and rs3757318 might be related to the development of estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-07-10.

Cold-induced organelle relocation in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L

Organelles change their subcellular positions in response to various environmental conditions. Recently, we reported that cold treatments alter the intracellular position of chloroplasts and nuclei (cold positioning) in the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris; chloroplasts and nuclei localized to the periclinal cell wall relocated to anticlinal cell wall after cold treatments. To further understand organelle positioning under cold conditions, we studied cold-induced organelle relocation in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. When sporelings and gemmmalings were treated under low temperature (5 °C), chloroplast cold positioning response was successfully induced both in the sporelings and the gemmmalings of M. polymorpha. Using a genetic transformation, nuclei, mitochondria or peroxisomes were visualized with a fluorescent protein, and the transgenic gemmmalings were incubated under the cold condition. Nuclei and peroxisomes, but not mitochondria, clearly relocated from the periclinal cell wall to the anticlinal cell wall after cold treatments. Our findings suggest that several organelles concurrently change their positions in the liverwort cell to cope with cold temperature.

Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular force-frequency relationships by measuring carotid arterial wave intensity during exercise stress

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the contractile state of the left ventricle during exercise is important in drawing up a protocol of cardiac rehabilitation. It has been demonstrated that color Doppler- and echo tracking-derived carotid arterial wave intensity is a sensitive index of global left ventricular (LV) contractility.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the feasibility of measuring carotid arterial wave intensity and determining force-frequency (contractility-heart rate) relationships (FFR's) during exercise totally noninvasively.

METHODS

We measured carotid arterial wave intensity with a combined color Doppler and echo tracking system in 15 healthy young male volunteers (age 20.8 ± 1.3 years) at rest and during exercise. FFR's were constructed by plotting the maximum value of wave intensity (WD1) against heart rate (HR).

RESULTS

WD1 increased linearly with an increase in HR. The goodness-of-fit of the regression line of WD1 on HR in each subject was very high (r2 0.67 ~ 0.91, p < 0.0001 respectively). The slope of the WD1-HR relation ranged from 0.31 to 1.52 [m/s(3)(beat/min)].

CONCLUSIONS

A global LV FFR can be generated in healthy young volunteers with an entirely noninvasive combination of exercise and wave intensity. These data should show the potential usefulness of FFR in the context of cardiac rehabilitation.

Abstract P3-07-10: Effect of lifestyle and single nucleotide polymorphisms on breast cancer risk: A case-control study in Japanese women

[Background] Lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, and birth/breastfeeding history are known to affect the risk for breast cancer. A correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and breast cancer risk has also been suggested in some reports, but the gene-environment interaction with breast cancer risk has not been examined widely.

[Methods] The subjects were 476 breast cancer patients and 528 controls who attended a health check and had no history of breast cancer. Lifestyle was examined using a questionnaire with 48 questions about diet, physical activity, smoking habits, alcohol intake, and birth/breastfeeding history, etc. Based on past reports, we analyzed 6 SNPs (TNRC9-rs3803662, LSP1/11q-rs3817198, MAP3K1-rs889312, 8q24-rs13281615, 5p12-rs981782, and TGFβ1-rs1800470) using blood samples, and calculated age-adjusted odds ratios in a multiple logistic regression analysis.

[Results] The study was performed from December 2010 to November 2011. Lifestyle factors (age-adjusted odds ratio, [95% confident interval]) found to have a significant correlation with development of breast cancer included BMI (1.041, [1.00–1.08]), smoking history (2.28, [1.45–3.65]), small number of births (1.18, [1.05–1.34]), no exercise during leisure time (1.36, [1.06–1.77]), low intake of green and yellow vegetables (1.69, [1.01–2.85]), and low intake of mushrooms (1.58, [1.05–2.39]). Stratified analysis based on menopause status showed that smoking history (1.85, [1.00–3.49]) and low intake of green and yellow vegetables (2.5, [1.03–5.88]) were significant risk factors before menopause, and that smoking history (2.28, [1.45–3.65]), low intake of green and yellow vegetables (2.24, [1.09–4.68]), no exercise during leisure time (1.67, [1.19–2.36]), small number of births (1.49, [1.25–1.78]), and no breastfeeding history (1.03, [1.01–1.06]) were significant risk factors after menopause. The results of SNP analysis suggested that TNRC9-rs3803662 was a significant risk factor in women before menopause (2.29, [1.25–4.25]). However, in multivariate analysis including lifestyle factors and SNPs, only smoking history emerged as a significant risk factor in women before menopause.

[Conclusion] A correlation between lifestyle and breast cancer risk was found in this study, consistent with previous findings. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as births and breastfeeding may be more important than SNPs as risk factors for breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-10.

Endoscopic treatment for deep-seated or multiple intraparenchymal tumors: technical note

Although endoscopic biopsy is a well-established technique in the treatment of intraventricular or cystic tumors, solid intraparenchymal tumors have not been considered candidates for this procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe strategies of neuroendoscopic treatment in patients with solid intraparenchymal tumors. Six patients with deep-seated or multiple intraparenchymal tumors underwent neuroendoscopic biopsy combined with frame-based or frameless stereotaxy during the one year period between October 2006 and September 2007. After histological diagnosis, all patients were treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. Three patients were diagnosed histopathologically as having malignant glioma, and three with malignant lymphoma. A tumor was removed completely in one patient using an endoscopic procedure. Tumors disappeared in three patients with radiotherapy and chemotherapy after an endoscopic procedure. The growth of the tumor was controlled with therapy in one patient. Only in one patient was there a malignant transformation and growth of tumor was recognized in spite of therapy. Neuroendoscopic treatment may be a useful option in the management of deep-seated or multiple intraparenchymal tumors.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of TR-14035, a novel antagonist of α4β1/α4β7 integrin mediated cell adhesion, in rat and dog

The pharmacokinetics and disposition of N-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-4-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-L-phenylalanine (TR-14035), a novel a4ss1/a4ss7 antagonist, were investigated in the rat and dog. Results indicate extensive clearance of TR-14035 and low oral bioavailability, 17% and 13% in the rat and dog, respectively, at an oral dose of 10 mg/kg. At least 63% of the oral dose was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in the rat, and about one-third of the intravenous dose was excreted into bile as unchanged drug in the rat and dog. These data indicate that the oral bioavailability of TR-14035 was limited due to significant first-pass metabolism and biliary excretion in the liver. A species-dependent difference in metabolism was observed. The principal metabolite, O-desmethyl TR-14035, observed in rat, dog and probably human, was further conjugated with sulfate in the rat, but never in dog and human, based on in vitro metabolism and in vivo metabolite profile studies. Urinary excretion was a minor elimination route, but an interesting species difference was recognized. TR-14035 was reabsorbed from the rat renal proximal tubules, and by contrast, secreted into the tubules in the dog, probably via active transport systems.

REIC/Dkk-3 overexpression downregulates P-glycoprotein in multidrug-resistant MCF7/ADR cells and induces apoptosis in breast cancer

The overexpression of reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC)/Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3), a tumor suppressor gene, induced apoptosis in human prostatic and testicular cancer cells. The aim of this study is to examine the potential of REIC/Dkk-3 as a therapeutic target against breast cancer. First, the in vitro apoptotic effect of Ad-REIC treatment was investigated in breast cancer cell lines and the adenovirus-mediated overexpression of REIC/Dkk-3 was thus found to lead to apoptotic cell death in a c-Jun-NH(2)-kinase (JNK) phosphorylaion-dependent manner. Moreover, an in vivo apoptotic effect and MCF/Wt tumor growth inhibition were observed in the mouse model after intratumoral Ad-REIC injection. As multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem in the chemotherapy of progressive breast cancer, the in vitro effects of Ad-REIC treatment were investigated in terms of the sensitivity of multidrug-resistant MCF7/ADR cells to doxorubicin and of the P-glycoprotein expression. Ad-REIC treatment in MCF7/ADR cells also downregulated P-glycoprotein expresssion through JNK activation, and sensitized its drug resistance against doxorubicin. Therefore, not only apoptosis induction but also the reversal of anticancer drug resistance was achieved using Ad-REIC. We suggest that REIC/Dkk-3 is a novel target for breast cancer treatment and that Ad-REIC might be an attractive agent against drug-resistant cancer in combination with conventional antineoplastic agents.

Effects of light intensity and water temperature on oxygen release from roots into water lettuce rhizosphere

The oxygen release rate into the rhizosphere by a floating aquatic plant-water lettuce-was determined under various light intensities (0.0-1.2x10(5)lx) and water temperatures (10-35 degrees C). The net specific oxygen release rate was expressed by a model equation comprising the gross oxygen release rate and the rhizosphere respiration terms. Experimental and simulated results show that the net specific oxygen release rate increased with light intensity up to the optimal value, but slight inhibition by higher light intensities was observed at 10-20 degrees C. With increased water temperature, the respiration rate became larger than the gross oxygen release rate. The maximum net specific oxygen release rate of 11.0-12.5mg-O(2)kg-wet(-1)h(-1) was obtained at the optimal condition of about 25 degrees C and 9.0x10(4)-1.1x10(5)lx. The net oxygen release rate was negligible at 35 degrees C at any light intensity because the respiration rate was much greater than the gross oxygen release rate into the rhizosphere.

PTEN activity could be a predictive marker of trastuzumab efficacy in the treatment of ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer

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Background: Trastuzumab is the only HER2/neu-directed therapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. The efficacy of trastuzumab depends on the HER2/neu status of the tumor and the patient’s prior treatment, but even when patients are selected on the basis of HER2/neu gene amplification, the single-agent response rate ranges from 12 to 30% and few patients respond to trastuzumab monotherapy. Here we propose PTEN as a predictive biomarker for trastuzumab efficacy. Methods: Human breast cancer SKBR3 and drug-resistant SKBR3/R cells were analyzed, in vitro. Also we examined, retrospectively, clinical samples from patients who had been treated with trastuzumab for the metastatic disease and analyzed the relationship between trastuzumab efficacy and PTEN expression profile with immunihistochemistry. The PTEN expression level was scored semiquantitatively based on staining intensity and distribution using the immunoreactive score. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed student’s t test, Fisher’s test and ANOVA. Results: The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was observed to be highly active in the drug-resistant cells, and their level of PTEN was significanctly low compared with parental SKBR3 cells. Delivery of antisense PTEN duplex siRNA significantly decreased the trastuzumab chemosensitivity of parental SKBR3 cells, and marked activation of Akt signaling pathway was also recognized in oligonucleotid delivered parental cells. Moreover, in clinical analysis, immunohistochemical investigation revealed that trastuzumab treatment was remarkably successful in patients with elevated PTEN expression and statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: PTEN activity might play an important and major role in its HER2/PI3K/Akt-mediated anti-tumor effect, and could be a useful biomarker for predicting the efficacy of trastuzumab in the treatment of breast cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

PTEN activity could be a predictive marker of trastuzumab efficacy in the treatment of ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer

Trastuzumab is the only HER2/neu-directed therapy to have received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. The efficacy of trastuzumab depends on the HER2/neu status of the tumour and the patient's prior treatment, but even when patients are selected on the basis of HER2/neu gene amplification, the single-agent response rate ranges from 12 to 30% and few patients respond to trastuzumab monotherapy. Here, we propose PTEN as a predictive biomarker for trastuzumab efficacy. Human breast cancer SKBR3 and drug-resistant SKBR3/R cells were investigated. We also examined clinical samples from patients who had been treated with trastuzumab and analysed the relationship between trastuzumab efficacy and PTEN level. The PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was observed to be highly active in the drug-resistant cells, and their level of PTEN was low. Delivery of antisense PTEN duplex siRNA significantly decreased the trastuzumab chemosensitivity of parental SKBR3 cells, and marked activation of Akt signalling pathway was also recognised. Moreover, immunohistochemical investigation revealed that trastuzumab treatment was remarkably successful in cells with elevated PTEN expression. Along with the immune-system-associated cytotoxic mechanism, several mechanisms have been proposed for the effect of trastuzumab. PTEN activity might play an important and major role in its HER2/PI3K/Akt-mediated antitumour effect, and could be a useful biomarker for predicting the efficacy of trastuzumab in the treatment of breast cancer.

Adhesion molecule expression by bone marrow CD34-positive cells in aplastic anemia before and after immunosuppressive therapy

Appropriate adhesion between bone marrow stem cells and the marrow microenvironment is necessary for hematopoiesis, since signals that promote maturation or apoptosis are transmitted from stromal cells to stem cells. In aplastic anemia (AA), interferon-gamma produced by stromal cells has more influence on the pathogenesis of marrow failure than interferon-gamma produced by lymphocytes. We evaluated the expression of cell adhesion molecules, such as very late antigen-4 (CD49d), and -5 (CD49e) or c-kit receptor (CD117), by CD34-positive bone marrow cells in patients with AA who achieved hematological complete remission after immunosuppressive therapy. Before treatment, CD34-positive cells showed markedly higher expression of CD49d and CD49e than cells from healthy controls, indicating the strong adhesion of stem cells to the bone marrow stroma. Expression of CD49d and CD49e was significantly decreased, reaching normal levels, after hematological recovery. These findings suggest that changes in adhesion molecule expression by stem cells are important in the pathology of AA.

Clinical and mycological study of occult tinea pedis and tinea unguium in dermatological patients from Tokyo

An epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence and circumstances of untreated, unsuspected tinea pedis and tinea unguium, morbid conditions that could be termed occult athlete's foot, in patients visiting a dermatology clinic in Tokyo, Japan, for the first time, for other complaints. All subjects completed a questionnaire covering comprehensive anamnestic details, and were examined for disposition of toes, presence of signs suggestive of tinea pedis, other diseases of the foot, score of clinical signs and symptoms, potassium hydroxide (KOH) test, severity score, and mycological culture. The results showed that the prevalence of occult athlete's foot was 25%, and that 59% of those cases were complicated by tinea unguium. The characteristics of patients with occult athlete's foot included a higher proportion of men and a tendency toward a low clinical score together with a high severity score. In the patient background, a strong correlation was observed between a positive KOH test result and characteristics such as age, disposition of toes, and predisposing disease.

Direct in vivo visualization of glomerular microcirculation by intravital pencil lens-probe CCD videomicroscopy

There have been developed several types of experimental techniques for evaluation of renal microcirculation. Although each methodology possesses excellent and unique characteristics, it requires substantial artificial manipulation that might alter the renal microvascular responsiveness. To circumvent such limitations of previous ex vivo or in vitro approaches to glomerular microcirculation, we have developed a pencil lens probe CCD intravital videomicroscopic system that allows us to evaluate both systemic hemodynamics and renal microcirculation. Furthermore, real time images of afferent and efferent arterioles as well as glomeruli can be continuously assessed, which would facilitate the functional characterization of these microvessels in vivo. Finally, the tapered nature of the CCD probe of this videomicroscopy may allow direct observation of the renal microvasculature in small animals. In conclusion, this novel technique is a valuable tool for unveiling the in vivo, in situ, and intact renal microvascular behavior, and may provide further approaches to the understanding of renal microcirculation.

Formation of a selenium-substituted rhodanese by reaction with selenite and glutathione: possible role of a protein perselenide in a selenium delivery system

Selenophosphate is the active selenium-donor compound required by bacteria and mammals for the specific synthesis of Secys-tRNA, the precursor of selenocysteine in selenoenzymes. Although free selenide can be used in vitro for the synthesis of selenophosphate, the actual physiological selenium substrate has not been identified. Rhodanese (EC ) normally occurs as a persulfide of a critical cysteine residue and is believed to function as a sulfur-delivery protein. Also, it has been demonstrated that a selenium-substituted rhodanese (E-Se form) can exist in vitro. In this study, we have prepared and characterized an E-Se rhodanese. Persulfide-free bovine-liver rhodanese (E form) did not react with SeO(3)(2-) directly, but in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH) and SeO(3)(2-) E-Se rhodanese was generated. These results indicate that the intermediates produced from the reaction of GSH with SeO(3)(2-) are required for the formation of a selenium-substituted rhodanese. E-Se rhodanese was stable in the presence of excess GSH at neutral pH at 37 degrees C. E-Se rhodanese could effectively replace the high concentrations of selenide normally used in the selenophosphate synthetase in vitro assay in which the selenium-dependent hydrolysis of ATP is measured. These results show that a selenium-bound rhodanese could be used as the selenium donor in the in vitro selenophosphate synthetase assay.

Reversible integration of the dominant negative retinoid receptor gene for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Since hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate readily ex vivo resulting in the loss of self-renewal and engraftment abilities, the transient block of differentiation is essential to maintain those abilities during their ex vivo expansion culture. To this end, we developed a method of reversible integration of the dominant negative retinoic acid receptor (DN-RAR) gene, a differentiation-blocking gene, into cells utilizing the Cre/loxP-dependent gene recombination system. The murine immature hematopoietic 32D cells differentiate into mature neutrophils upon G-CSF treatment. However, 32D cells transduced with a retroviral vector expressing the DN-RAR gene put between two loxP sites continued to proliferate without showing differentiation even in the presence of G-CSF. After the cells were fully amplified, the cells were transduced with the Cre recombinase gene. The cells then restored the ability to differentiate into mature neutrophils upon G-CSF treatment. PCR analysis showed that the DN-RAR gene was efficiently removed from the genome by introduction of the Cre gene. This system may eventually be applicable to the ex vivo expansion of HSCs.

In vivo visualization of angiotensin II- and tubuloglomerular feedback-mediated renal vasoconstriction

BACKGROUND

A noninvasive technique to monitor renal microcirculation would be a useful tool for investigation of renal disease and the effects of drugs on the renal system. We have developed a novel, less invasive technique to visualize renal microcirculation in vivo using an intravital tapered-tip (1 mm phi) lens-probe (pencil lens-probe) videomicroscopy, which only requires insertion of the probe into superficial renal cortex in situ.

METHODS

To assess validity of this technique, the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and intrarenal sodium chloride loading (activator of tubuloglomerular mechanism) were examined. The renal microvasculature was successfully visualized and monitored.

RESULTS

Administration of Ang II (1, 3, 10 and 30 ng/kg/min) produced a dose-dependent constriction of afferent and efferent arterioles in similar degrees; at 30 ng/kg/min, Ang II elicited 52 +/- 3 (N = 9) and 53 +/- 3% decreases in diameter (N = 9), respectively. The Ang II-induced arteriolar constriction was completely prevented by losartan, an Ang II type 1 (AT1) antagonist. The intrarenal hypertonic saline administration elicited transient increments (from 98 +/- 8 to 122 +/- 7 mL/min, N = 6, P < 0.05), followed by a marked reduction in renal blood flow (RBF; 78 +/- 7 mL/min, P < 0.05). This response was accompanied by prominent constriction of afferent (from 15.0 +/- 1.1 to 8.5 +/- 1.1 microm, N = 6, P < 0.05), but not efferent (from 14.3 +/- 1.2 to 13.8 +/- 1.0 microm, N = 3) arterioles. Furthermore, this response was completely inhibited by furosemide, a tubuloglomerular feedback inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

: The intravital pencil lens-probe videomicroscopy can be a powerful tool for in vivo observation of renal microcirculation, with intact renal microvascular responses to two important renal homeostatic mechanisms, angiotensin II and tubuloglomerular feedback.

Perineal lipoma in a neonate

Although lipoma is a subcutaneous tumor most commonly found on the trunk in adults, it is very rare in neonates. The histopathological findings show an encapsulated tumor containing normal fat cells. We report a 3-month-old female newborn with lipoma in the perineal region. The tumor was 4 cm in diameter, which histopathologically showed non-encapsulated lobules composed of fat cells without cellular atypia. There were no genital abnormalities. The tumor was easily removed while the patient was under general anesthesia.

Stenosis differentially affects subendocardial and subepicardial arterioles in vivo

The presence of a coronary stenosis results primarily in subendocardial ischemia. Apart from the decrease in coronary perfusion pressure, a stenosis also decreases coronary flow pulsations. Applying a coronary perfusion system, we compared the autoregulatory response of subendocardial (n = 10) and subepicardial (n = 12) arterioles (<120 microm) after stepwise decreases in coronary arterial pressure from 100 to 70, 50, and 30 mmHg in vivo in dogs (n = 9). Pressure steps were performed with and without stenosis on the perfusion line. Maximal arteriolar diameter during the cardiac cycle was determined and normalized to its value at 100 mmHg. The initial decrease in diameter during reductions in pressure was significantly larger at the subendocardium. Diameters of subendocardial and subepicardial arterioles were similar 10--15 s after the decrease in pressure without stenosis. However, stenosis decreased the dilatory response of the subendocardial arterioles significantly. This decreased dilatory response was also evidenced by a lower coronary inflow at similar average pressure in the presence of a stenosis. Inhibition of nitric oxide production with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine abrogated the effect of the stenosis on flow. We conclude that the decrease in pressure caused by a stenosis in vivo results in a larger decrease in diameter of the subendocardial arterioles than in the subepicardial arterioles, and furthermore stenosis selectively decreases the dilatory response of subendocardial arterioles. These two findings expand our understanding of subendocardial vulnerability to ischemia.