Phototoxicity avoidance is a potential therapeutic approach for retinal dystrophy caused by EYS dysfunction

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are progressive diseases leading to vision loss. Mutation in the eyes shut homolog (EYS) gene is one of the most frequent causes of IRD. However, the mechanism of photoreceptor cell degeneration by mutant EYS has not been fully elucidated. Here, we generated retinal organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with EYS-associated retinal dystrophy (EYS-RD). In photoreceptor cells of RD organoids, both EYS and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 7 (GRK7), one of the proteins handling phototoxicity, were not in the outer segment, where they are physiologically present. Furthermore, photoreceptor cells in RD organoids were vulnerable to light stimuli, and especially to blue light. Mislocalization of GRK7, which was also observed in eys-knockout zebrafish, was reversed by delivering control EYS into photoreceptor cells of RD organoids. These findings suggest that avoiding phototoxicity would be a potential therapeutic approach for EYS-RD.

Induced pluripotent stem cell-based assays recapture multiple properties of human astrocytes

The majority of the population of glial cells in the central nervous system consists of astrocytes, and impairment of astrocytes causes various disorders. It is useful to assess the multiple astrocytic properties in order to understand their complex roles in the pathophysiology. Although we can differentiate human astrocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), it remains unknown how we can analyse and reveal the multiple properties of astrocytes in complexed human disease conditions. For this purpose, we tested astrocytic differentiation protocols from feeder-free iPSCs based on the previous method with some modifications. Then, we set up extra- and intracellular assessments of iPSC-derived astrocytes by testing cytokine release, calcium influx, autophagy induction and migration. The results led us to analytic methods with conditions in which iPSC-derived astrocytes behave as in vivo. Finally, we applied these methods for modelling an astrocyte-related disease, Alexander disease. An analytic system using iPSC-derived astrocytes could be used to recapture complexities in human astrocyte diseases.

Establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells from schizophrenia discordant fraternal twins

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is one of the major psychiatric disorders. The genetic factor is certainly influential in the onset of the disease but is not decisive. There is no identified molecular/cellular marker of the disease, and the pathomechanism is still unknown. In this study, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from SCZ-discordant fraternal twins, and they could contribute to elucidation of the pathomechanism of SCZ.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells generated from a patient with idiopathic basal ganglia calcification

Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, characterized by abnormal calcium deposits in basal ganglia of the brain. The affected individuals exhibit movement disorders, and progressive deterioration of cognitive and psychiatric ability. The genetic cause of the disease is mutation in one of several different genes, SLC20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, XPR1 or MYORG, which inheritably or sporadically occurs. Here we generated an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from an IBGC patient, which is likely be a powerful tool for revealing the pathomechanisms and exploring potential therapeutic candidates of IBGC.

Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line, BRCi004-A, derived from a patient with age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a late-onset progressive blinding disease. We established human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from an AMD patient. The generated iPSC line showed pluripotency markers and three-germ layer differentiation ability in vitro. This iPSC line will be useful for elucidating the pathomechanisms of and drug discovery for AMD.

Abstract P1-14-07: Randomized phase 3 study of anthracycline-containing regimens versus S-1 as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer (SELECT BC-CONFIRM)–A combined analysis of two randomized phase 3 studies (SELECT BC-CONFIRM and SELECT BC)–

Background: Anthracycline-containing regimens and taxane have been standard as the first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We conducted SELECT BC (randomized phase 3 study of taxane versus S-1 as first-line treatment for MBC) for evaluating the efficacy of S-1 for patients with HER2-negative MBC from 2006 to 2010 in Japan. This study demonstrated non-inferiority of S-1 in overall survival (OS) (median OS was 37.2 months in taxes group and 35.0 months in S-1 group (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.86–1.27, p=0.015)), and superiority in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) to taxanes. S-1 was also shown as less toxic than taxane (Lancet Oncol 2016; 17: 90-98). S-1 might provide clinical benefit as first-line treatment for patients with HER2-negative MBC. To confirm this suggestion, we have conducted further study (randomized phase 3 study of anthracycline-containing regimens versus S-1 as first-line treatment for HER2-negative MBC: SELECT BC-CONFIRM) from 2011 to present, and a combined analysis of two randomized studies (SELECT-BC CONFIRM and SELECT-BC).

Methods: In SELECT BC-CONFIRM, 230 patients receiving first-line treatment for MBC were randomly assigned to either anthracycline group (n=115) or S-1 group (n=115). Anthracycline group patients received anthracycline-containing regimens (AC, EC, FAC, FEC, q3w) at the discretion of the treating physician. S-1 group patients received S-1 40–60 mg twice daily based on the patient's body surface area for 28 days on, 14-day off. The primary endpoint was OS, and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), time to treatment failure (TTF), adverse events, HRQOL, and cost-effectiveness. The results were combined with SELECT-BC, to confirm the hypothesis that S-1 treatment is not inferior to the standard therapy (taxanes / anthracycline) for HER2-negative MBC.

Results: A combined analysis of the two studies showed that HR was 1.06, 95%CI 0.90-1.253, and p=0.0071 between the standard therapy group and S-1 group. In addition, the Bayesian posterior probability for which HR would be less than 1.333 was about 99.6%.

Conclusions: A combined analysis of SELECT BC-CONFIRM and SELECT BC clearly demonstrated that OS with S-1 was not inferior to that with the standard therapy in patients receiving first-line treatment for HER2-negative MBC. S-1 could become a standard therapy for this patient population.

Citation Format: Park Y, Akabane H, Watanabe T, Takahashi M, Sagara Y, Nishimura R, Tsurutani J, Takashima T, Fujisawa T, Hozumi Y, Uemura Y, Mukai H. Randomized phase 3 study of anthracycline-containing regimens versus S-1 as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer (SELECT BC-CONFIRM)–A combined analysis of two randomized phase 3 studies (SELECT BC-CONFIRM and SELECT BC)– [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-07.

Abstract OT2-07-05: A phase III trial to compare eribulin mesylate + trastuzumab (H) + pertuzumab (P) with paclitaxel or docetaxel + HP for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer (JBCRG-M06/ EMERALD)

Background: Docetaxel + Trastuzumab (H) + Pertuzumab (P) provided progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) benefits in HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer (AMBC) in the CLEOPATRA study as a first-line therapy. However, long-term administration of docetaxel at a dose of 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks in AMBC patients (pts) is difficult due to the toxicities. Eribulin mesylate (E) is a well-tolerated microtubule inhibitor, and we have reported the efficacy and safety of EHP regimen as first- and second-line therapy for AMBC in a multicenter, phase II study (JBCRG-M03/UMIN000012232). In this M06 study, we address the clinical question as to which is the better chemotherapy partner for HP as first line regimen, in terms of efficacy, toxicity and QOL.

Methods: JBCRG-M06 is a multicenter open-label randomized phase III study for HER2-positive AMBC pts who have received no prior chemotherapy except for the HER2- Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC). Pts will be randomized 1:1 to E (1.4mg/m2 on day 1 and 8) + H (8 mg/kg loading dose followed by 6 mg/kg) +P (840 mg loading dose followed by 420 mg) q3wks or standard taxanes (docetaxel 75mg/m2 on day1 or paclitaxel 80mg/m2 on day 1, 8 and 15) + HP q3wks. Stratification factors for randomization are; presence of visceral metastases, number of prior taxanes on perioperative adjuvant treatment, and treatment with prior anti-HER2-ADC. Primary endpoint is PFS and secondary endpoints include overall response rate, duration of response, OS, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) relating to QOL and peripheral neuropathy, new-metastases free survival, and safety. Translational research to search for biomarker for individual precision therapy will be performed. Main eligibility criteria are as follows: pts with HER2-positive AMBC, female aged 20-70 years old, ECOG PS of 0-1, LVEF ≥ 50% at baseline and adequate organ function. Pts who had progressive MBC within 6 months after the end of primary adjuvant systemic chemotherapy are excluded. The sample size was calculated by type1 error (2-sided) of 0.05 and 80% power to estimate the noninferiority margin 1.33 with an expected median PFS of 14.2 months. The target number of pts is 480 recruited over the duration of 3-years. The first patient in was achieved on August 2017. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03264547).

Citation Format: Masuda N, Yamashita T, Saji S, Araki K, Ito Y, Takano T, Takahashi M, Tsurutani J, Koizumi K, Kitada M, Kojima Y, Sagara Y, Tada H, Iwasa T, Kadoya T, Iwatani T, Hasegawa H, Morita S, Ohno S. A phase III trial to compare eribulin mesylate + trastuzumab (H) + pertuzumab (P) with paclitaxel or docetaxel + HP for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer (JBCRG-M06/ EMERALD) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-07-05.

Abstract P5-18-01: A randomized clinical trial of postoperative adjuvant therapy for elderly breast cancer patients: Conditions of obtaining informed consent and reasons for declining participation

Background: There are few randomized clinical trials examining adjuvant treatment in elderly breast cancer patients. While obtaining informed consent is essential for participation in clinical studies, there is little information on the frequency of agreement to participate among elderly patients. Furthermore, elderly patients might have specific reasons to decline participation.

Patients and Method: The National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer 07 (N-SAS BC 07) is a randomized clinical trial in women over 70 years with HER2-positive primary breast cancer. The primary aim was to investigate the benefit of trastuzumab monotherapy compared with the combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy. Key inclusion criteria were as follows: women between 70 and 80 years old with HER2-positive breast cancer; underwent curative operation; stage I to IIIA; with sufficient organ function. Patients were randomized to receive either trastuzumab plus chemotherapy or trastuzumab monotherapy. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival, and the secondary endpoints were overall survival, relapse-free survival, safety, health-related quality of life, and cost effectiveness (NCT01104935). It was not possible to predict the number of patients who would agree to participate. In order to comprehensively assess the effect of postoperative adjuvant therapy, we evaluated the reasons why eligible patients declined to participate. The patients were registered in a cohort study to prospectively evaluate the subsequent treatment options and prognosis (07-Cohort). This study examined the obtaining of informed consent for N-SAS BC 07 and the reasons for declining participation, and compared the clinicopathological backgrounds between the N-SAS BC 07 and 07-Cohort groups.

Results: 398 eligible patients have been recruited. Informed consent to participate in N-SAS BC 07 has been obtained from 275 patients (69%) and 123 patients (31%) who declined to participate in the RCT have been registered in the 07-Cohort. The common reasons to decline participation in the RCT were "cannot choose the treatment option (55%)", "refused chemotherapy (16%)", "wanted chemotherapy (9%)", "anxious about clinical studies (9%)" and "family opposition (8%)". The mean ages of the patients in N-SAS BC 07 and 07-Cohort were 73.9 and 74.6 years old, respectively. There were no differences in stage, surgical procedure, lymph node metastasis, or co-morbidities between the groups. ER-positive rate was higher in 07-Cohort group compared with N-SAS BC 07 group (53% vs. 37%, p=0.017, χ2 test).

Conclusion: While we expected the number of registrants to be small, since N-SAS BC 07 investigated whether elderly patients with HER2-positive breast cancer should undergo chemotherapy, almost 70% of the patients accepted informed consent. The most common reason to decline participation in N-SAS BC 07 was "cannot choose the treatment option" and the majority refused chemotherapy. Furthermore, ER-positivity was higher in the 07-Cohort group, which suggested that ER expression in the patients with HER2-positive breast cancer might influence their decision to participate in the study or to choose the treatment option.

Citation Format: Sagara Y, Sawaki M, Taira N, Saito T, Kashiwaba M, Iwata H, Kobayashi K, Nakayama T, Bando H, Mizuno T, Yamamoto Y, Tsuneizumi M, Takahashi M, Yamaguchi M, Kawashima H, Takashima T, Uemura Y, Hozumi Y, Sagawa N, Mukai H, Ohashi Y. A randomized clinical trial of postoperative adjuvant therapy for elderly breast cancer patients: Conditions of obtaining informed consent and reasons for declining participation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-01.

Abstract P5-13-05: The relationship between the expression of FOXA1 and GATA3 and the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy

Background.

The estrogen receptor (ER)/ GATA3/ Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) network is necessary for the ERα functional signature specific to luminal type breast cancers. High expression of FOXA1 indicates a good prognosis in ER-positive breast cancer. However, little is known about the association between the expression of FOXA1 and GATA3, and the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NAE). This study investigated their predictive potential for NAE and the changes of their expression after NAE.

Methods.

The expression of ER, progesterone receptor (PgR), Ki67, FOXA1, and GATA3 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 66 patients with hormone receptor-positive/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer who had been treated with NAE between March 2003 and December 2012 at Kyushu University Hospital, National Kyushu Cancer Center, and Sagara Hospital. The association between the expression of biological marker and the efficacy of NAE, and their expression changes after NAE were evaluated.

Results.

The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 30–84 years). Pre- and post-menopausal patients were 24 (36.4%) and 42 (63.6%). Endocrine agents that were administered are as follows: aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for 42 patients (63.6%), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist plus AI for 10 patients (15.2%), LHRH agonist plus tamoxifen for 13 patients (19.7%). NAE yielded a partial response (PR) in 21 patients (31.8%) and stable disease (SD) in 45 patients (68.2%). Breast conserving surgery was performed in 56 patients (84.8%) and mastectomy was performed in 10 patients (15.2%). Preoperative Endocrine Prognostic Index (PEPI) score was 0 in 10 patients (15.2%) and 1 or greater (score 1 ≤) in 56 patients (84.8%).

Pre-treatment FOXA1 expression was positively correlated with GATA3 (P = 0.0003) and PgR (P = 0.0138). Post-treatment Ki67 expression was significantly lower in tumors, which achieved PR compared with those with SD (P = 0.0007). The expression of PgR, Ki67, and FOXA1 was significantly lower in post-treatment tumors compared with those in pre-treatment samples (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The expression of PgR, Ki67, and FOXA1 was significantly reduced in both tumors with PR and those with SD (PR: P = 0.0004, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0417, respectively; SD: P < 0.0001, P = 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). The expression of PgR, Ki67, and FOXA1 was significantly decreased in post-treatment tumors in both patients with the PEPI score 0 and those with score 1 ≤ (score 0: P = 0.0078, P = 0.0059, and P = 0.0098, respectively; score 1 ≤: P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.0002, respectively). In tumors with PgR > 20%, the expression of Ki67 and FOXA1 were significantly lower in post-treatment tumors (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions.

FOXA1 expression correlated with PgR expression, and was reduced significantly after NAE. These results suggest that blocking the effect of estrogen might reduce FOXA1 expression.

Citation Format: Tanaka K, Tokunaga E, Inoue Y, Ueo H, Yamashita N, Sagara Y, Ohi Y, Taguchi K, Ohno S, Okano S, Kitao H, Oki E, Oda Y, Maehara Y. The relationship between the expression of FOXA1 and GATA3 and the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-13-05.

Abstract P3-12-02: Patient prognostic score and survival benefit offered by radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ

Background: In general, radiotherapy (RT) follows breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and remains the standard of care for the surgical management of both invasive carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Although it is associated with better local control, the magnitude of survival benefit conferred by RT for DCIS has not yet been established. We sought to evaluate whether a survival benefit exists with the addition of RT for patients with DCIS and to validate a patient prognostic score to predict survival benefit.

Methods: We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study by using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database (SEER 17). Between 1988-2007, we identified 32,144 eligible patients who underwent BCS for DCIS. Using age, year of diagnosis, race, tumor size, hormone receptor status, tumor grade, marital status and SEER region, we calculated propensity score weights to balance clinicopathologic factors between patients receiving only surgery and those receiving surgery and RT. This cohort was divided into seven groups according to the previously validated patient prognostic score proposed by Smith et al. Breast cancer mortality (BCM) was assessed using a log-rank test and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: Of 32,144 cases of DCIS, 20,329 cases (63%) were treated with RT (+RT group) and 11,815 cases (37%) were treated with surgery alone (-RT group). There were 304 breast cancer-specific deaths observed over the follow-up period (median 96 months). The weighted cumulative incidence of BCM at ten-years was 1.8% for the +RT group compared to 2.1% for the -RT group (p= 0.003). The effect of RT on survival differed by nuclear grade (p= 0.007), age (p= 0.004), and tumor size (p=0.02). We found that the survival benefit for the +RT group was significantly greater than for the –RT group in subgroups of patients with higher nuclear grade, younger age, and larger tumor size, whereas a statistical reduction of BCM with RT was not observed among patients without these prognostic factors. Moreover, the magnitude of survival benefit was significantly correlated with the patient prognostic score [p<0.0001, Table].

Conclusion: In this population-based cohort study, the patient prognostic score for DCIS accurately estimated the magnitude of survival benefit offered by radiotherapy after BCS, suggesting that decisions for RT could be tailored based on prognostic score and patient preference. Limitations of this study include unmeasured confounders such as a lack of information about patients' comorbidities, margin status and endocrine therapy, and further external validation is needed to confirm our results.

Patient Prognostic Score and Hazard Ratio (HR) Comparing Mortality between Radiotherapy Group and non-Radiotherapy GroupPatient Prognostic ScoreNumber of patients in -RT groupNumber of patients in +RT groupWeighted HR of BCM95% CIWeighted HR of OM95% CI078213881.20.67 - 2.10.910.76 - 1.11267744801.00.70 - 1.50.880.78 - 0.992410570800.690.51 - 0.940.710.63 - 0.793304854170.730.48 - 1.10.680.58 - 0.81496517010.310.16 - 0.580.420.30 - 0.5852232480.290.09 - 0.910.430.21 - 0.9161515N.A. N.A. Abbreviation: RT, Radiotherapy; BCM, Breast Cancer Mortality; OM, Overall Mortality: N.A., not available

Citation Format: Sagara Y, Freedman RA, Vaz-Luis I, Mallory MA, Wong S, Aydogan F, DeSantis S, Barry WT, Golshan M. Patient prognostic score and survival benefit offered by radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-02.

Artery of the Superior Orbital Fissure: An Undescribed Branch from the Pterygopalatine Segment of the Maxillary Artery to the Orbital Apex Connecting with the Anteromedial Branch of the Inferolateral Trunk

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Some branches of the internal maxillary artery have anastomoses with the inferolateral trunk that are important as intracranial-extracranial collateral pathways and as dangerous anastomoses for transarterial embolization of these branches. We present here an undescribed branch potentially anastomosing with the anteromedial branch of the inferolateral trunk, which is provisionally named the artery of the superior orbital fissure, defined as an arterial branch from the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery to the orbital apex at the superior orbital fissure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two neuroradiologists reviewed 3D and MPR images of the external and/or common carotid artery with particular interest paid to the artery of the superior orbital fissure in 54 patients who underwent 3D angiography with a field of view covering the pterygopalatine fossa and the cavernous sinus. The underlying diseases in these patients were 17 parasellar hypervascular lesions (including 13 cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas and 4 meningiomas), 18 internal carotid artery stenoses/occlusions, and 19 other diseases.

RESULTS

The artery of the superior orbital fissure was identified in 20 of 54 patients; it arose at the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery, either singly or from a common trunk with the artery of the foramen rotundum, and ran upward to reach the superior orbital fissure. It anastomosed with the anteromedial branch of the inferolateral trunk at the superior orbital fissure with blood flow toward the cavernous sinus (n = 14) and/or the ophthalmic artery (n = 2). It was more prominent in parasellar hypervascular lesions and internal carotid artery stenoses/occlusions than in other diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The artery of the superior orbital fissure, a remnant of the anastomotic artery, was often identified, especially in patients with parasellar hypervascular lesions.

Survival of HER2-positive primary breast cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab: a multicenter retrospective observational study (JBCRG-C03 study)

We investigated the disease-free survival (DFS) of HER2-positive primary breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, as well as predictive factors for DFS and pathologic response. Data from 829 female patients treated between 2001 and 2010 were collected from 38 institutions in Japan. Predictive factors were evaluated using multivariate analyses. The 3-year DFS rate was 87 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 85-90]. The pathologic complete response (pCR: ypT0/is + ypN0) rate was 51 %. The pCR rate was higher in the ER/PgR-negative patients than in the ER/PgR-positive patients (64 vs. 36 %, P < 0.001). Patients with pCR showed a higher DFS rate than patients without pCR (93 vs. 82 %, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed three independent predictors for poorer DFS: advanced nodal stage [hazard ratio (HR) 2.63, 95 % CI 1.36-5.21, P = 0.004 for cN2-3 vs. cN0], histological/nuclear grade 3 (HR 1.81, 95 % CI 1.15-2.91, P = 0.011), and non-pCR (HR 1.98, 95 % CI 1.22-3.24, P = 0.005). In the ER/PgR-negative dataset, non-pCR (HR 2.63, 95 % CI 1.43-4.90, P = 0.002) and clinical tumor stage (HR 2.20, 95 % CI 1.16-4.20, P = 0.017 for cT3-4 vs. cT1-2) were independent predictors for DFS, and in the ER/PgR-positive dataset, histological grade of 3 (HR 3.09, 95 % CI 1.48-6.62, P = 0.003), clinical nodal stage (HR 4.26, 95 % CI 1.53-13.14, P = 0.005 for cN2-3 vs. cN0), and young age (HR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.12-4.94, P = 0.026 for ≤40 vs. >40) were negative predictors for DFS. Strict pCR (ypT0 + ypN0) was an independent predictor for DFS in both the ER/PgR-negative and -positive datasets (HR 2.66, 95 % CI 1.31-5.97, P = 0.006 and HR 3.86, 95 % CI 1.13-24.21, P = 0.029, respectively). These results may help assure a more accurate prognosis and personalized treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Abstract P6-06-20: Predictive factors for pathologic complete response and disease-free survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab: A multicenter retrospective observational study in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer (JBCRG-C03 study)

BACKGROUND:

Addition of trastuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) improved pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in HER2-positive breast cancer. Although recent trials have shown favorable prognosis with NAC plus trastuzumab, clinicopathological factors to predict the outcome have not been fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival after NAC with trastuzumab and to explore the predictive factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This is a multicenter retrospective observational study. Patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer treated with NAC plus trastuzumab from 2001 to 2010 were identified from the institutional database. Primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS). pCR was defined as ypT0/is+ypN0. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate DFS. Logistic regression and proportional hazard analysis were used to identify clinicopathological factors to predict pCR and DFS, respectively.

RESULTS:

733 patients were included in the analysis (whole dataset). 425 were ER/PgR-negative (HR- dataset) and 306 were ER/PgR-positive (HR+ dataset). Radiation therapy was performed in 90% of lumpectomy and 31% of mastectomy. Hormonal therapy was performed in 84% of HR+ dataset. pCR rate was 45% in whole dataset, 60% in HR- dataset, and 34% in HR+ dataset. Table 1 showed the result of multivariate analysis for pCR in whole dataset. When HR+ and HR- dataset were analyzed separately, no definitive predictors for pCR were identified in multivariate analysis. Although the patients with pCR showed a significantly favorable prognosis than those without pCR at 3 years DFS, in whole dataset (93% vs 83%, p&lt;0.0001) and HR- dataset (94% vs 80%, p&lt;0.0001), there was no significant difference in HR+ dataset (89% vs 86%, p = 0.10). Different predictors were selected for DFS when multivariate analysis was conducted separately between HR- and HR+ dataset (Table 2).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this observational study, we clarified predictors for pCR and DFS in HER2-positive patients treated with neoadjuvant trastuzumab containing therapy based on tumor subtype. Our results may help us to predict the prognosis more precisely and to simulate the disease course.

Table 1) Multivariate logistic regression analysis for pCR in whole datasetFactorsOR95%CIp-valuePost- vs Pre-menopause1.50(1.05-2.15)0.026*cT1-2 vs cT3-41.72(1.16-2.59)0.008*ER/PgR-negative vs ER/PgR-positive3.32(2.30-4.82)&lt;0.0001*Grade 3 vs 1-21.28(0.89-1.84)0.183

Table 2) Multivariate proportional hazard analysis for DFSFactors†HR95%CIp-valueWhole dataset   Pre- vs Post-menopause1.61(1.04-2.52)0.033*cN2-3 vs cN03.06(1.58-6.24)0.001*cN1 vs cN02.26(1.23-4.41)0.007*Grade 3 vs 1-21.87(1.20-2.97)0.006*non-pCR vs pCR1.90(1.18-3.13)0.008*HR- dataset   Pre- vs Post-menopause1.70(1.01-2.85)0.046*cT3-4 vs cT1-21.86(1.09-3.17)0.024*non-pCR vs pCR3.28(1.90-5.87)&lt;0.0001*HR+ dataset   cN2-3 vs cN05.01(1.79-16.19)0.002*cN1 vs cN03.50(1.40-10.61)0.006*Grade 3 vs 1-22.95(1.52-5.87)0.001*†Only factors with statistical significance

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-06-20.

Angioarchitecture of transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: evaluation of shunted pouches by multiplanar reformatted images of rotational angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recognition of shunted pouches dural arteriovenous fistula allows us to treat the disease effectively by selective embolization of the pouches at first. However, the shunted pouches in transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas have not been well-documented. Our aim was to evaluate the angioarchitecture of transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas, including the frequency and location of shunted pouches and their feeding arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five consecutive cases of TSS-DAVFs that underwent rotational angiography and transvenous embolization between 2008 and 2011 were reviewed. Multiplanar reformatted images of rotational angiography and selective angiography were reviewed with a particular focus on the shunted pouches.

RESULTS

All 25 cases showed SPs, with numbers ranging from 1 to 4 pouches (mean, 2.35). The SPs were located at the transverse-sigmoid junction in 16, close to the vein of Labbé in 9, at the dorsal-to-sigmoid sinus in 9, inferior to the sigmoid sinus in 6, at the sigmoid-jugular junction in 5, and inferior to the transverse sinus or the sinus confluence in 14. The SP at the sigmoid sinus was frequently fed by the jugular branch of the ascending pharyngeal artery and the stylomastoid artery. The SP at the transverse-sigmoid junction and the vein of Labbé was fed by the petrosal/petrosquamous and posterior branches of the middle meningeal artery and the transosseous branches of the occipital artery. The SP inferior to the transverse sinus and the sinus confluence was fed by the transosseous branches of the occipital artery and the posterior meningeal artery. All cases were successfully treated by transvenous embolization with sinus packing (n = 13) or selective embolization of the SP (n = 12).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of SP is a common angioarchitecture of TSS-DAVFs. Identification of the SPs would be useful for their treatment.

Abstract P6-07-16: Evaluation of circulating tumor cell as a marker of prognosis and efficacy in a randomized phase III study in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients treated with capecitabine and docetaxel: JO21095 study

Introduction: Circulating tumor cell (CTC) has been reported as a predictive marker of prognosis and treatment response in metastatic breast cancer by comparing CTC count prior to and after treatment. However, most of previous reports were based on retrospective studies and still controversial. We prospectively evaluated CTC as a marker of prognosis and treatment efficacy in a randomized multi-center phase III study in HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients (pts) in Japan.

Methods: Pts were randomized into two groups to receive either the concurrent therapy of capecitabine plus docetaxel in 3-week cycle (XT group) or the sequential therapy of docetaxel followed by capecitabine at progression of disease in 3-week cycle (T→X group). Primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and safety. The number of CTC in 7.5 mL of blood sample was measured at the time of screening, after cycle 1, after cycle 2 and at progression of disease (PD) in both groups. Measurement of CTC was conducted by CellSearch System of Veridex. Our evaluation on CTC count was conducted in the XT group and the docetaxel phase of the T→X group.

Results: Of the total 163 pts enrolled in the study, CTC count was evaluated in 158 pts. The number of pts with &lt;2 CTCs was 88 (55.7%) and ≥2 CTCs were 70 (44.3%) at screening. The CTC count was higher in patients with liver or bone metastasis. In pts with ≥2 CTCs, liver metastasis was reported in 47 pts (64%) and bone metastasis in 53 pts (64%) while metastases were less in pts with &lt;2 CTCs. Between the XT group and the docetaxel phase of the T→X group, the median PFS was 10.5 months and 9.8 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40–0.97) and ORR was 70% and 61%. Analysis of the OS data is under examination. Subgroup analysis showed PFS was longer in pts with liver metastasis (HR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.19–0.84) or lung metastasis (HR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21–0.90) in the XT group. As a result of our exploratory analysis on CTC count, the median PFS was 10.7 months in pts with &lt;2 CTCs and 8.2 months in pts with ≥2 CTCs (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.42–0.99) at screening. The median PFS of pts with ≥2 CTCs at screening and decreased to &lt;2 CTCs after receiving one cycle of study treatment was 8.3 months and that of pts remained ≥2 CTCs was 8.2 months (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.43–1.46). Between the XT group and the T→X group, the respective median PFS was 10.7 months and 12.1 months (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.46–1.49) in pts with &lt;2 CTCs while it was 10.4 months and 7.1 months in patients with ≥2 CTCs (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28–0.99). No major safety issues of concern were reported.

Conclusion: Results from our study suggested the CTC count at screening could serve as a marker of prognosis and during treatment as a marker of treatment efficacy. The median PFS in the XT group was longer than the T→X group in pts with liver metastasis or ≥2 CTCs. Aggressive treatment with the concurrent therapy of capecitabine and docetaxel could be a preferable treatment option for HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer patients with ≥2 CTCs in the future.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-07-16.

Abstract P1-12-03: The STAGE Study: A Phase III Comparison of Anastrozole Plus Goserelin with Tamoxifen Plus Goserelin as Pre-Operative Treatments in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Although superior antitumor activity of anastrozole over tamoxifen has been well established in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, it still remains to be examined whether or not anastrozole is superior to tamoxifen in premenopausal breast cancer patients whose ovarian function is suppressed by goserelin to postmenopausal levels. The aim of this study was to compare anastrozole plus goserelin versus tamoxifen plus goserelin as pre-operative treatment for premenopausal Japanese women with breast cancer.

Methods: Phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multi-center study (D539BC00001). Premenopausal patients (pts) with ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer and with operable and measurable lesions (T [2-5 cm], N0, M0) were randomized 1:1 to receive a goserelin 3.6 mg depot injection once monthly plus either anastrozole 1 mg (A+G) or tamoxifen 20 mg (T+G) p.o. once daily. Treatment continued for 24 weeks prior to surgery or until any other criterion for discontinuation was met. Concomitant chemotherapy was not permitted during the pre-operative period. The primary objective was to assess the best overall tumor response (either a complete response [CR] or a partial response [PR]), according to modified RECIST criteria. Tumor size was measured by caliper and ultrasound every 4 weeks and by magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography (MRI/CT) every 12 weeks. Tolerability (adverse events [AEs], laboratory tests, vital signs, WHO performance status) was assessed as a secondary objective. AEs were evaluated according to CTCAE v3.0.

Results: In total, 197 pts were randomized (A+G: 98, T+G: 99) and 185 pts completed the 24-week pre-operative treatment period and went on to receive breast surgery. The remaining 12 pts discontinued study treatment due to disease progression (A+G: 1; T+G: 5), voluntary discontinuation (A+G: 2; T+G: 3) and AE (T+G: 1). Pt demographics were generally well balanced. Median duration of exposure was similar for A+G (171 days) and T+G (170 days); treatment compliance was 99% for both. A+G led to a statistically significantly higher overall response rate compared with T+G, by caliper as well as by ultrasound and MRI/CT.

The safety profiles were consistent with the known safety profile of anastrozole, tamoxifen and goserelin. The incidence of AEs was similar

for A+G (88.8%) vs T+G (85.7%); most AEs were mild or moderate (CTC grade 1 or 2). The most common AEs were hot flash (A+G: 52.0%; T+G: 53.1%) and arthralgia (A+G: 35.7%; T+G: 20.4%). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the A+G combination has a superior benefit-risk profile compared with T+G as pre-operative treatment in Japanese premenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer.

Venous structures at the craniocervical junction: anatomical variations evaluated by multidetector row CT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy of and normal variations in the craniocervical junction veins. We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT with a multidetector scanner. Axial and reconstructed images were evaluated by two neuroradiologists with special attention being paid to the existence and size of veins and their relationships with other venous branches around the craniocervical junction. The venous structures contributing to craniocervical junction venous drainage, including the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), transverse-sigmoid sinus, jugular vein, condylar vein, marginal sinus and suboccipital cavernous sinus were well depicted in all cases. The occipital sinus (OS) was identified in 18 cases, including 4 cases of prominent-type OS. The IPS showed variations in drainage to the jugular vein through the jugular foramen or intraosseous course of occipital bone via the petroclival fissure. In all cases, the anterior condylar veins connected the anterior condylar confluence to the marginal sinus; however, a number of cases with asymmetry and agenesis in the posterior and lateral condylar veins were seen. The posterior condylar vein connected the suboccipital cavernous sinus to the sigmoid sinus or anterior condylar confluence. The posterior condylar canal in the occipital bone showed some differences, which were accompanied by variations in the posterior condylar veins. In conclusion, there are some anatomical variations in the venous structures of the craniocervical junction; knowledge of these differences is important for the diagnosis and treatment of skull base diseases. Contrast-enhanced CT using a multidetector scanner is useful for evaluating venous structures in the craniocervical junction.

Human papillomavirus detected in female breast carcinomas in Japan

To investigate the aetiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in breast cancer, we examined the presence, genotype, viral load, and physical status of HPV in 124 Japanese female patients with breast carcinoma. Human papillomavirus presence was examined by PCR using SPF10 primers, and primer sets targeting the E6 region of HPV-16, -18, and -33. The INNO-LiPA HPV genotyping kit was used to determine genotype. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 26 (21%) breast carcinomas. The most frequently detected HPV genotype was HPV-16 (92%), followed by HPV-6 (46%), HPV-18 (12%), and HPV-33 (4%). In 11 normal epithelium specimens adjacent to 11 HPV-16-positive carcinomas, 7 were HPV-16-positive. However, none of the normal breast tissue specimens adjacent to HPV-negative breast carcinomas were HPV-positive. The real-time PCR analysis suggested the presence of integrated form of viral DNA in all HPV-16-positive samples, and estimated viral load was low with a geometric mean of 5.4 copies per 10(4) cells. In conclusion, although HPV DNA was detected in 26 (21%) breast carcinomas and, in all HPV-16-positive cases, the HPV genome was considered integrated into the host genome, their low viral loads suggest it is unlikely that integrated HPV is aetiologically involved in the development of Japanese breast carcinomas that we examined.

Dural arteriovenous fistula involving the posterior condylar canal

Although dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) occur in any structure that is covered by the dura mater, DAVFs at the posterior condylar canal have not been reported. We present a DAVF that involves the posterior condylar canal and drains into the posterior condylar vein and the occipital sinus, which was treated by selective transvenous embolization. Knowledge of venous anatomy of the craniocervical junction and careful assessment of the location of the arteriovenous fistula can contribute to successful treatment.

Selective transvenous embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas involving the hypoglossal canal

SUMMARY

The hypoglossal canal contains a venous plexus that connects the inferior petrous sinus, condylar vein, jugular vein and paravertebral plexus. The venous plexus is one of the venous drainage routes of the posterior skull base. Only a few cases of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) involving the hypoglossal canal have been reported. We describe three cases (a 62-year-old female, a 52-year-old male, and an 83-year-old male) of dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal. Symptoms were pulse-synchronous bruit in two cases and proptosis/chemosis in one. All dural AVFs were mainly fed by the ipsilateral ascending pharyngeal artery. Two of three dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal mainly drained through the anterior condylar confluence into the inferior petrosal sinus retrogradely with antegrade drainage through the lateral condylar vein. The other one drained through the lateral and posterior condylar veins into the suboccipital cavernous sinus. All dural AVFs were completely occluded by selective transvenous embolization without any complications, and the symptoms disappeared within one week in all cases. Dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal can be successfully treated by selective transvenous embolization with critical evaluation of venous anatomy in each case.

Inferior mesenteric veno-caval shunt: imaging features and interventional treatment

AIM

To describe the imaging features of inferior mesenteric vein (IMV)-inferior vena cava (IVC) shunts, and to describe a treatment strategy for portosystemic encephalopathy, which can be caused by them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2000 and 2004, we treated seven patients who had symptomatic IMV-IVC shunts. The results of imaging investigations, which included contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), angiography, and CT during arterial portography, were reviewed retrospectively. We also present our results in the four patients who were treated by retrograde transcaval obliteration (RTCO).

RESULTS

The IMV-IVC shunts had a tortuous or cirsoid appearance ranging in size from 7.2-14.6 mm. The shunts were located at a level near to the first branch of the inferior mesenteric artery. The four patients were successfully treated by RTCO and their clinical symptoms improved.

CONCLUSION

IMV-IVC shunts show a tortuous or cirsoid appearance, connecting at or near the first branch of the inferior mesenteric artery. For symptomatic IMV-IVC shunts, RTCO is recommended as the first choice treatment.

Para-cavernous sinus venous structures: anatomic variations and pathologic conditions evaluated on fat-suppressed 3D fast gradient-echo MR images

BACKGROUND

The cavernous sinus communicates with several para-cavernous sinus venous structures, receiving blood flow from the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV), the sphenoparietal sinus (SPS), and the superior ophthalmic vein, and draining into the superior and inferior petrosal sinuses and pterygoid and basilar plexuses. Anatomic variations of these veins have been previously reported; however, some details, such as the relationship between the SPS and the SMCV, are incompletely characterized. The anatomic variations of para-cavernous sinus veins, especially drainage patterns of the SMCV, were evaluated on MR imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients, including those without any lesions affecting the cavernous sinus or para-cavernous veins and patients with carotid cavernous fistulas, were examined by using fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced 3D fast gradient-echo MR imaging. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the images on a viewer, regarding the normal anatomy and the pathologic findings of the para-cavernous sinus veins.

RESULTS

The fat-suppressed 3D fast gradient-echo MR images clearly depicted the para-cavernous sinus venous structures in all patients. SMCVs had 4 variations in the drainage patterns. The most frequent pattern was drainage into the SPS (39%), and other types were draining into cavernous sinus, pterygoid plexus, and tentorial sinus. The SPS had 3 variations. The most frequent pattern was drainage into cavernous sinus (72%), and others were the hypoplastic type or those draining into pterygoid plexus.

CONCLUSION

The fat-suppressed 3D fast gradient-echo MR image is useful for evaluating the venous structures in the skull base. Knowledge of the variations is important for diagnosis and endovascular treatment of the cavernous sinus lesions.

Clinical significance of Caveolin-1, Caveolin-2 and HER2/neu mRNA expression in human breast cancer

Caveolin-1 and -2 (CAV1, CAV2) are closely linked genes localised to the fragile region of 7q31 (FRA7G), and loss of heterozygosity involving this region has been reported in breast cancer. Several studies have suggested that CAV1 is a negative regulator of HER2/neu signal transduction in vitro. However, the clinical significance of CAV1 in breast cancer has not yet been clarified. We examined quantitatively the mRNA levels of CAV1, CAV2 and HER2/neu in 162 cases of breast cancer using real-time PCR. Caveolin-1 and -2 protein expression was also examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We then evaluated for correlations between CAV1, CAV2 and HER2/neu gene expression and clinicopathologic factors in the 162 breast cancer cases. Results showed higher HER2/neu mRMA levels and lower CAV1 and CAV2 mRMA levels in breast cancer tissues than in corresponding normal tissues (P<0.001). Caveolin-1 and -2 protein expression levels were also suppressed in cancer tissues compared to normal tissues by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CAV1 and CAV2 proteins were abundantly expressed in mammary gland myoepithelial cells, but only weakly in ductalepithelial cells. Reduced CAV1 mRNA level was significantly associated with increasing tumour size (P=0.041), and negative oestrogen receptor status (P=0.021). There was also a significant association between low CAV2 mRNA level and negative progesterone receptor status (P=0.013), and between high HER2/neu mRNA level and negative hormonal receptor status (ER, P=0.029, PgR, P=0.019). While there was no relationship between HER2/neu and CAV1 mRNA levels, a significant association between CAV1 and CAV2 mRNA levels was observed (P<0.001). Our results indicated that CAV1 suppression correlated closely with that of CAV2 in breast cancer, that CAV1 level was inversely correlated with tumour size, and that CAV1 and CAV2 levels were correlated with hormonal receptor status. Therefore, CAV1 and CAV2 play an important role in tumour progression in breast cancer patients.

[Primary malignant lymphoma of the rib; report of a case]

We experienced a rare case of primary malignant lymphoma of the rib. The case was a 67-year-old female. An abnormal shadow of the chest X-ray was pointed out. Preoperative diagnosis was extrapulmonary lesion on the chest computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tumor accompanied with chest wall resection was done. The tumor cell was appeared in the bone marrow diffusely. The tumor invaded the canal of bone cortex and expanded the neighbor tissue. Histologically tumor was diagnosis of the malignant lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type, stained by negative in L 26, positive in CD 43, positive in CD 79 a, negative in UCHL-1, and negative in CD 3. EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) and EBV-EBNA 2 was negative. This tumor was not able to proved to Epstein-Bar virus.

Epitope analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid IgG in HTLV-I associated myelopathy patients using phage display method

We, for the first time, analyzed the binding motifs of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients with a phage library displaying 12-mer random peptides. As a result, the sequences highly homologous to HTLV-I gp46 192-199, 237-243 and 255-261 were the common linear epitopes of high affinity- IgG exclusively detected in both CSF and sera of the patients. These IgG responses were confirmed with corresponding HTLV-I peptides and serum antibody titers significantly correlated with disease severity or duration. Gp46 237-243 has not been detected in previous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies using bound longer peptides, suggesting the usefulness of the phage display method.

[Technique for vascular management under thoracoscopic surgery]

Vascular injury is the most life-threatening complication under thoracoscopic surgery. To reduce the risk of vascular injury, knowledge of the anatomy of the pulmonary artery, variations in its branching, skillful techniques and careful maneuver are necessary. Pulmonary artery being adherent to bronchus is dangerous to dissect under thoracoscopy, so it is better to convert to open thoracotomy. A3 of the left upper lobe is occasionally injured during dissection. It is a safety technique for using vascular stapler under thoracoscopic surgery. Stapler leader can allow the passage of a stapler to encircle the vessel.

Transcription analysis of rpoH in Pseudomonas putida

We previously determined the complete DNA sequence of the rpoH gene encoding the heat-shock sigma factor (sigmaH) of Pseudomonas putida. In the present study, the transcriptional start sites of rpoH were determined to be 41 nucleotides (T1), 153 nucleotides (T2) and 157 nucleotides (T3) upstream from the translational start codon (AUG) of rpoH by rapid amplification of cDNA 5'-ends. Based on the locations of T2 and T3, a sigma70-type promoter (P2) was determined to be located in the open reading frame region of upstream ftsX in addition to the sigmaE-type promoter (P1; DNA Res. 6 (1999) 241). In the in vitro transcription assay with reconstituted RNA polymerases (Esigma70, EsigmaE, EsigmaH and EsigmaS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, EsigmaE transcribed rpoH from T1 and Esigma(70) transcribed it from T2 and T3. In both cases, the level of transcription was higher at 42 degrees C than at 30 degrees C. No transcript was detected when EsigmaH or EsigmaS was used. These results indicate that EsigmaE and Esigma70 recognize P1 promoter and P2 promoter, respectively, and also prove that the synthesis of rpoH mRNA is inducible upon heat shock.

Effect of sarsasapogenin and its derivatives on the stimulus coupled responses of human neutrophils

METHODS

The effects of three sapogenins (sarsasapogenin, tigogenin and hecogenin) on the stimulus-induced superoxide generation and protein tyrosyl phosphorylation in human neutrophils were investigated.

RESULTS

When the cells were preincubated with sapogenin, three sapogenins dose-dependently suppressed the superoxide generations induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), respectively. In both cases, their effects were in the order: sarsasapogenin>tigogenin>hecogenin. While sarsasapogenin suppressed the superoxide generation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) as well, the superoxide generation was scarcely suppressed by tigogenin and significantly enhanced by hecogenin. In parallel to their effects on the superoxide generation, the three sapogenins dose-dependently suppressed the fMLP-induced and PMA-induced tyrosyl phosphorylations of 45 kDa protein in neutrophils, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the sapogenins tested, sarsasapogenin may have the most clinical use as it suppresses superoxide generation.

Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy use and risk of endometrial cancer in Japanese women

The relationship between the risk of endometrial cancer and the use of noncontraceptive estrogens by Japanese postmenopausal women was investigated in a hospital-based case-control study of 1025 women with endometrial cancer and 1267 with other conditions. The overall odds ratio (OR) for estrogen use with or without progestins, compared with never use of any type of estrogens, was 0.917 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.622-1.353), suggesting that hormone replacement therapy is not a causative agent for endometrial cancer in Japanese women, and that a recent increase in the incidence of endometrial cancer in Japanese women may be related to changes in their life-style. However, although not statistically significant, women who used estrogen without progestin for 12 or more months had an OR of 2.552 (CI 0.231-28.192), while those who used estrogen with progestin for 12 or more months had an OR of 0.425 (CI 0.086-2.113). These results indicate that the addition of a progestin should be considered for reducing the risk of endometrial cancer in Japanese women.

Prognostic significance of thrombomodulin expression and vascular invasion in stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Thrombomodulin (TM) is an important modulator of intravascular coagulation. TM exists on endothelial cells and on several types of tumor cells, especially squamous cell carcinoma cells. Tumor cell TM is thought to be associated with progression and metastasis of the tumor. To evaluate the prognostic significance of TM in lung cancer, we examined TM expression and vascular invasion in surgical specimens obtained from 90 patients with completely resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, we correlate these pathologic data to other clinicopathologic data, including the outcome of the patients. Squamous cell carcinomas had a significantly higher incidence (P<0.0001) of TM expression (22/36 cases, 61%) than adenocarcinomas (9/54 cases, 17%). In 36 squamous cell carcinoma patients, both vascular invasion (P=0.0153; risk ratio 6.507) and TM non-expression (P=0.0282; risk ratio 3.584) were significant for a poor prognosis. Univariate analysis of patient survival rates also revealed that vascular invasion and TM expression were significant prognostic factors (P=0.0036 and 0.012, respectively). Further, combination analysis of vascular invasion and TM expression in the squamous cell carcinoma patients showed that the 5-year survival rate was 90% in patients with TM expression and without vascular invasion, but 21% in patients with vascular invasion and without TM expression (P=0.0004). Since our results suggest that vascular invasion and TM expression are independent prognostic factors of stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, and since the two factors play different roles in the metastatic process of cancers (promotion of metastasis by vascular invasion and inhibition of metastasis by TM expression), the combination evaluation of vascular invasion and TM expression may be very significant in evaluating the prognosis of patients with completely resected stage I squamous cell carcinoma.

beta-amyloid peptides enhance alpha-synuclein accumulation and neuronal deficits in a transgenic mouse model linking Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are associated with the cerebral accumulation of beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein, respectively. Some patients have clinical and pathological features of both diseases, raising the possibility of overlapping pathogenetic pathways. We generated transgenic (tg) mice with neuronal expression of human beta-amyloid peptides, alpha-synuclein, or both. The functional and morphological alterations in doubly tg mice resembled the Lewy-body variant of Alzheimer's disease. These mice had severe deficits in learning and memory, developed motor deficits before alpha-synuclein singly tg mice, and showed prominent age-dependent degeneration of cholinergic neurons and presynaptic terminals. They also had more alpha-synuclein-immunoreactive neuronal inclusions than alpha-synuclein singly tg mice. Ultrastructurally, some of these inclusions were fibrillar in doubly tg mice, whereas all inclusions were amorphous in alpha-synuclein singly tg mice. beta-Amyloid peptides promoted aggregation of alpha-synuclein in a cell-free system and intraneuronal accumulation of alpha-synuclein in cell culture. beta-Amyloid peptides may contribute to the development of Lewy-body diseases by promoting the aggregation of alpha-synuclein and exacerbating alpha-synuclein-dependent neuronal pathologies. Therefore, treatments that block the production or accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides could benefit a broader spectrum of disorders than previously anticipated.

Effect of three flavonoids, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy flavone, luteolin, and quercetin, on the stimulus-induced superoxide generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of proteins in human neutrophil

The effect of three flavonoids, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydoxy-3-methoxy flavone (THMF), luteolin, and quercetin, on the stimulus-induced superoxide generation and tyrosyl phosphorylation of proteins in human neutrophils were investigated. When the cells were preincubated with these flavonoids, the superoxide generation induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) was significantly suppressed, showing a dependence on amounts of the flavonoid. The suppressing effect of the flavonoid was THMF > luteolin > quercetin. These flavonoids also suppressed the superoxide generation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. In this case also, THMF was more effective than luteolin and quercetin. On the other hand, the superoxide generation induced by arachidonic acid was markedly suppressed by quercetin. The suppressing effect was quercetin >> THMF > luteolin. THMF, luteolin, and quercetin significantly suppressed tyrosyl phosphorylation of 80.1-, 58.0-, and 45.0-kDa proteins in fMLP-treated human neutrophils. The suppression depended on the concentration of the flavonoids, and the inhibition of tyrosyl phosphorylation was in parallel to that of the fMLP-induced superoxide generation, respectively. While luteolin and quercetin showed a weak hemolytic activity at 2.5 mM, THMF showed almost no hemolytic activity even at 5 mM, suggesting an advantage of THMF for its clinical use.

The activation of dopamine D4 receptors inhibits oxidative stress-induced nerve cell death

Oxidative stress is thought to be the cause of nerve cell death in many CNS pathologies, including ischemia, trauma, and neurodegenerative disease. Glutamate kills nerve cells that lack ionotropic glutamate receptors via the inhibition of the cystine-glutamate antiporter x(c)(-), resulting in the inhibition of cystine uptake, the loss of glutathione, and the initiation of an oxidative stress cell death pathway. A number of catecholamines were found to block this pathway. Specifically, dopamine and related ligands inhibit glutamate-induced cell death in both clonal nerve cell lines and rat cortical neurons. The protective effects of dopamine, apomorphine, and apocodeine, but not epinephrine and norepinephrine, are antagonized by dopamine D4 antagonists. A dopamine D4 agonist also protects, and this protective effect is inhibited by U101958, a dopamine D4 antagonist. Although the protective effects of some of the catecholamines are correlated with their antioxidant activities, there is no correlation between the protective and antioxidant activities of several other ligands. Normally, glutamate causes an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca(2+). Apomorphine partially inhibits glutamate-induced ROS production and blocks the opening of cGMP-operated Ca(2+) channels that lead to Ca(2+) elevation in the late part of the cell death pathway. These data suggest that the protective effects of apomorphine on oxidative stress-induced cell death are, at least in part, mediated by dopamine D4 receptors via the regulation of cGMP-operated Ca(2+) channels.

Design, synthesis, and discovery of a novel CCR1 antagonist

The CC chemokines may play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, and their effects are thought to be mediated through CCR1 receptors. Several nonpeptide CCR1 receptor antagonists that showed high affinity for human CCR1 receptors have been identified; however, their effectiveness in animal models of inflammatory diseases has been scarcely demonstrated, probably due to species selectivity of the antagonists. To elucidate the pathophysiological role of CCR1 receptors in murine models of disease, we looked for a potent antagonist for both murine and human CCR1 receptors. Screening of our chemical collection for inhibition of (125)I-MIP-1alpha binding to human CCR1 receptors transfected in CHO cells led to the identification of xanthene-9-carboxamide 1a as the lead compound. Derivatization of 1a by quaternarizing the piperidine nitrogen with various alkyl groups and by installing substituents into the xanthene moiety dramatically improved the inhibitory activity against both human and murine CCR1 receptors. As a result, 2q-1 showing IC(50) values of 0.9 and 5.8 nM for human and murine CCR1 receptors, respectively, was discovered. This compound is the first murine CCR1 receptor antagonist and may be a useful tool for clarifying the role of CCR1 receptors in murine models of disease.

Detection of serum thermolabile beta-2 macroglycoprotein (Hakata antigen) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using polysaccharide produced by Aerococcus viridans

Although a serum thermolabile beta-2 macroglycoprotein (TMG) may play a role in host defense as a lectin, little is known of its related physiological functions, mainly due to a lack of appropriate methods for tracing the functions of TMG. We identified a polysaccharide from Aerococcus viridans, PSA, which reacts with TMG, and based on this finding, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to trace the functions of TMG. Using ethanol precipitation and DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-400 column chromatographies, we isolated PSA from cultured medium of A. viridans, and it exhibited specific binding against TMG in blood samples. In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the isolated PSA showed ladder bands that implied the existence of repeating units composed of D-glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-mannose, and D-xylose, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. SDS-PAGE and immunochemical analysis, using rabbit anti-TMG antibody, showed that PSA specifically binds solely to intact serum TMG but not to TMG heated at 56 degrees C for 30 min, a condition under which antigenicity is lost. TMG in serum samples bound to PSA in a dose-dependent manner, and this binding was clearly suppressed by addition of PSA. These observations indicate that PSA is a useful adsorbent to TMG and can be used to develop appropriate methods for tracing the functions of TMG.

Flavonoids protect neuronal cells from oxidative stress by three distinct mechanisms

Flavonoids are a family of antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables as well as in popular beverages such as red wine and tea. Although the physiological benefits of flavonoids have been largely attributed to their antioxidant properties in plasma, flavonoids may also protect cells from various insults. Nerve cell death from oxidative stress has been implicated in a variety of pathologies, including stroke, trauma, and diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. To determine the potential protective mechanisms of flavonoids in cell death, the mouse hippocampal cell line HT-22, a model system for oxidative stress, was used. In this system, exogenous glutamate inhibits cystine uptake and depletes intracellular glutathione (GSH), leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in Ca(2+) influx, which ultimately causes neuronal death. Many, but not all, flavonoids protect HT-22 cells and rat primary neurons from glutamate toxicity as well as from five other oxidative injuries. Three structural requirements of flavonoids for protection from glutamate are the hydroxylated C3, an unsaturated C ring, and hydrophobicity. We also found three distinct mechanisms of protection. These include increasing intracellular GSH, directly lowering levels of ROS, and preventing the influx of Ca(2+) despite high levels of ROS. These data show that the mechanism of protection from oxidative insults by flavonoids is highly specific for each compound.