Significance of circulating hepatocyte growth factor level as a prognostic indicator in primary breast cancer

The circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor level is frequently increased in advanced cancer patients. In this study, we have assessed the prognostic value of the circulating HGF level determined by enzymatic immunoassay in primary breast cancer patients. Of 200 primary breast cancer patients, 54 (27.0%) showed the increase of serum HGF level according to the age-matched cutoff values. The prognosis of the patients with the increased HGF level was statistically worse than that of the patients with normal HGF level (P = 0.0001, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the increase in HGF level was an independent prognostic indicator in primary breast cancer patients. In the background analysis, the increase in serum HGF level was significantly associated with tumor size, nodal status, and histological evidence of venous invasion. The data indicate that up-regulation of the circulating HGF level may predict systemic tumor spread and early relapse in primary breast cancer patients.

Inhibitory effect of OPC-15161, a component of fungus Thielavia minor, on proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells

A component of fungus Thielavia minor, OPC-15161, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of extracellular matrix-producing mesangial cells in the kidney in vivo. In this study, we examined the effects of OPC-15161 on the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of rat cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To determine the effect of OPC-15161 on proliferation of HSCs, the cell number and the uptake of [3H]thymidine were investigated in the presence and absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). IL-1beta significantly increased the uptake of [3H]thymidine in the HSCs, and the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited the uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The cell number of HSCs was also increased by IL-1beta, which was inhibited by OPC-15161. Production of extracellular matrix by OPC-15161 was studied by the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the presence and absence of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). TGF-beta1 significantly increased the production of [3H]-hydroxyproline in the cells, whereas the addition of OPC-15161 inhibited this effect dose dependently. We also investigated the effects of OPC-15161 on Ca2+ mobilization and measured D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) in the HSCs. IL-1beta induced the increase of intracellular Ca2+ and IP3 concentrations in the HSCs, which were decreased by OPC-15161. Based on these results, we conclude that OPC-1 5161 inhibited the proliferation and production of hydroxyproline in cultured rat HSCs, and thus, it may have a role in prevention of liver fibrosis in vivo.

Homogeneous assay for measuring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum with triblock copolymer and alpha-cyclodextrin sulfate

We have developed a fully automated method for measuring LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in human serum without the need for prior separation, using a nonionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolyether (POE-POP), and a sodium salt of sulfated cyclic maltohexaose, alpha-cyclodextrin sulfate. Of the surfactants tested, POE-POP with a higher molecular mass of the POP block and a greater hydrophobicity reduced the reactivity of cholesterol in lipoprotein fractions; the reactivity in descending order was LDL >> VLDL > chylomicron approximately HDL. Gel filtration chromatographic studies revealed that POE-POP removed lipids selectively from the LDL fraction and allowed them to participate in the cholesterol esterase-cholesterol oxidase coupling reaction system. By contrast, alpha-cyclodextrin sulfate reduced the reactivity of cholesterol, especially in chylomicrons and VLDL. A combination of POE-POP with alpha-cyclodextrin sulfate provided the required selectivity for the determination of LDL-C in serum in the presence of magnesium ions and a small amount of dextran sulfate without precipitating lipoprotein aggregates. There was a good correlation between the results of LDL-C assayed by the proposed method and the beta-quantification reference method involving 161 sera with triglyceride concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 22.6 mmol/L.

[A case report: inhaled nitric oxide improves respiratory function in an infant with pulmonary hypertension]

Nitric oxide (NO) was administered to an infant in a near fatal crisis of pulmonary hypertension after total correction of double outlet right ventricle. Inhaled NO of 4 parts per million reduced pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and increased tidal volume during pressure limit ventilation. Both respiratory system compliance and resistance were improved with NO inhalation. There was a significant negative correlation between mean PAP and respiratory system compliance. We speculated that a reduction in PAP with NO inhalation resulted in the improvement of respiratory function. He was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation.

Reduced contractility and histological changes in the gallbladder due to portal hypertension in a hamster cirrhosis model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Little is known about the relationship of portal venous pressure to contractility and histological changes in the gallbladder. In this study, we investigated the relationship between portal hypertension and contractility and histological changes in the gallbladder in a hamster cirrhosis model.

METHODS

Liver cirrhosis was induced in the hamsters (n = 20) by thioacetamide (TAA). Portal venous pressure was directly measured using a pressure-measuring instrument. The contractility of the gallbladder was appraised by the diameter before and after caerulein treatment. Gallbladder wall thickness and vessel areas in tissues were evaluated in relation to the portal venous pressure.

RESULTS

The portal venous pressure, gallbladder wall thickness with submucosal edema and area of vessels in the gallbladder wall in the cirrhosis group were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (n = 20, receiving saline instead of TAA). The gallbladder contraction rate in the cirrhosis group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group. In the cirrhosis group, there were positive correlations between the portal venous pressure and the gallbladder contraction rate, gallbladder wall thickness, and area of vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

In the gallbladders of experimental cirrhotic hamsters, portal hypertension caused dilatation of the vessels as well as submucosal edema, and was an important factor in the increased thickness and reduced contractility of the gallbladder wall.

Oral absorption tests: absorption site of each substrate

Three oral absorption tests have been used in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) to evaluate the absorption site of each substrate. In this study, three absorption tests were applied: the oral pancreatic function test using N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (NBT-PABA), the D-xylose tolerance test, and the oral fat tolerance test. Examinations were performed in eight patients with either a duodenostomy or a jejunostomy located less than 60 cm from the ligament of Treitz, and in a patient with an end ileostomy. Forty-six healthy volunteers participated as controls for the oral fat tolerance test. PABA and D-xylose concentrations were measured in urine. The serum triacylglycerol concentration was determined at 0, 1, 2, and 3 h after ingestion. All eight patients with SBS demonstrated pathologic absorption on each test. We conclude that small bowel integrity is critical for evaluation of the NBT-PABA test. We also determined that the duodenum and proximal jejunum do not play an important role in the absorption of D-xylose and triacylglycerol. We could also evaluate limitations and advantages of the other kinds of oral absorption tests and nutrients through patients with SBS.

[New molecular target of cancer therapy--angiogenesis regulator VEGF]

Recent studies on angiogenesis in human solid tumors have underlined its importance as therapeutic target. In particular, of interest is to suppress the function of several positive regulators including vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor and thymidine phosphorylase, because they are evident to be responsible for the promotion of neovascularization in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we picked up VEGF, probably one of most promising target, and discuss about the therapeutic tools for controlling VEGF function in human tumors.

Surgical management of late esophageal perforation

Over sixteen years we have gained experience in the delayed surgical management of esophageal rupture in nine patients who received treatments more than 24 hours after perforation. The causes of perforation were Boerhaave's syndrome or barotrauma in four patients, foreign bodies in two, and other causes in three. Three patients presented in septic shock and four in respiratory failure. Three surgical options were used for treatment: simple thoracic drainage in two patients, T-tube placement in four, and esophagectomy with secondary reconstruction in three. Eight patients (89%) survived. T-tube placement was effective in that it was a one-stage operation which could be used on severe esophageal injuries in patients in poor general condition. Three patients who underwent esophagectomy and secondary alimentary restoration required long hospital stays (119,201, and 648 days). Although the number of cases is small, T-tube insertion for the late management of esophageal rupture appears to be a simple and effective method which avoids the postoperative complications associated with primary closure or two-stage operations.

Cloning of cDNA for vitellogenin of the parasitoid wasp, Pimpla nipponica (Hymenoptera: Apocrita: Ichneumonidae): vitellogenin primary structure and evolutionary considerations

The cDNA for vitellogenin (Vg) of the parasitoid wasp Pimpla nipponica (Hymenoptera: Apocrita) was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence with 1807 residues was obtained. The N-terminal 20 amino acids chemically determined for vitellin (Vn) agreed completely with the deduced 20 amino acids that follow the 16 amino acid residues for putative signal peptide. The cDNA clone for the Vg of the turnip sawfly Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Symphyta), previously obtained and partially sequenced, was also completely sequenced and the amino acid sequence deduced. Amino acid sequences were compared between these two species and also with known Vg sequences from other insects. Common to all these insects is the presence of two long regions with relatively well-conserved amino acid sequences, one near the N-terminal extending 267-282 residues (including two cysteines at conserved locations), and the other starting at position 450 to 655 and extending 279-283 residues, and of a region at the C-terminal extending some 200 residues (about 250 in Aedes aegypti due to the presence of a serine-rich stretch) with 10 cysteines at conserved locations. A molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed.

[Information processing deficits in depression in terms of event-related potentials: in comparison with schizophrenics and normal controls]

Information processing deficits characteristic of remitted major depression, which may be a vulnerability marker for the disease, were examined from two aspects by means of visual event-related potentials (ERPs) obtained during simple and discriminative response tasks: 1. To clarify the difference in cognitive dysfunction between both depressives and schizophrenics in remission, we compared the ERPs in remitted depressive patients (n = 11) and remitted schizophrenic patients (n = 9) with those of age, and sex-matched controls (n = 10). 2. To clarify the influence of aging on information processing in remitted depression, ERPs in young remitted depressives (20-46 years old, n = 11) were compared with those in older remitted depressives (52-75 years old, n = 11) in contrast to young (n = 10) and older (n = 11) controls. The remitted schizophrenics showed a retardation in NA and N2 latencies and a reduction in P3 amplitude. However, P1 increased in amplitude exclusively in the remitted depressives. The effect of stimulus discrimination on N1 seen in the controls was absent in both patient groups. The results suggest that the remitted depressives had an attentional deficit in early information processing reflected on P1 and N1 potentials, while the remitted schizophrenics had an extensive cognitive dysfunction reflected on N1, NA, N2, and P3 potentials. Although the effect of stimulus discrimination on N1 was absent in both young and older remitted depressive patients, older patients showed no effects of normal aging on ERPs such as P1 increase or N1 increase during discrimination tasks. Significant interaction effects between diagnosis and aging were found by ANOVA only in the laterality of the P1 amplitude. Older remitted depressives showed an unbalanced right-predominance in P1 amplitude. These results suggest that older remitted depressives had the same early information-processing deficit seen in the young remitted depressives as well as an overactivation over the right hemisphere in the attentional mechanism, irrespective of normal aging.

Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of leukemia cells induced by L-asparaginase

Apoptotic cell death of murine leukemia cells induced by E. coli L-asparaginase was studied. Deprivation of L-asparagine from the culture of L5178Y cells by L-asparaginase caused the fragmentation of chromosomal DNA of the leukemia cells within 24 h. Prior to the degradation of DNA, cell cycles of L5178Y cells were found to be arrested in G1 phase, and evidence of the DNA strand breaks was initially observed in G1 phase cells as early as 8 h after the asparaginase treatment. Therefore, apoptosis of leukemia cells induced by L-asparaginase is an event that is associated with the cell cycle arrest in G1 phase.

Formation of black pigment gallstone in a hamster model of experimental cirrhosis

The relationship between liver cirrhosis and the pathogenesis of black pigment stones has not been clarified. We attempted to induce black pigment stone formation in the gallbladders of hamsters. Male golden hamsters were divided into a cirrhosis group and a control group. Liver cirrhosis was induced by administering drinking water containing thioacetamide. The control group was given tap water. Gallstones at 48 weeks after treatment were examined by stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The copper content of the black pigment stones was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Black pigment stones in the gallbladder were detected in 25% of the cirrhosis group. Their surface and cross-section appeared amorphous. Black pigment stones contained copper. We confirmed the formation of gallstones in an animal model of cirrhosis by thioacetamide. Our findings may contribute to the clarification of the relationship between the pathogenesis of black pigment stones and the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis.

Coordinated expression of integrin alpha6beta1 and laminin in hepatocellular carcinoma

The interaction between tumor cells and laminin mediated by laminin-binding integrins is critical for tumor invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to clarify the altered expression of laminin-binding integrins with the change of laminin deposition in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison with cirrhotic or normal liver by immunohistochemistry. In HCC, hepatoma cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells expressed integrins alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha6beta1. Integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha6beta1 were detected in a continuous pattern along the sinusoids in accordance with laminin assembly. Integrins alpha2beta1 and alpha3beta1 were detected in a discontinuous pattern at these sites. Integrin alpha6beta4 was not detected. In cirrhotic liver, although integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha6beta1 as well as laminin were detected in a continuous pattern along the sinusoids, integrins alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha6beta4 were not detected. In normal liver, although integrin alpha1beta1 was detected in a continuous pattern along the sinusoids, neither integrins alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, alpha6beta1, alpha6beta4, nor laminin were detected. We have clarified that, of laminin-binding integrins, the localization of integrin alpha6beta1 shows the best correspondence with the localization of laminin. These results suggest that of laminin-binding integrins, integrin alpha6beta1 is very important for cell-laminin interactions in HCC.

Basic fibroblast growth factor regulates proliferation and motility of human hepatoma cells by an autocrine mechanism

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Basic fibroblast growth factor has mitogenic and angiogenic properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of fibroblast growth factor in the development and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, and a receptor isoform was investigated by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis and confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The influence of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor on DNA synthesis and motility of human hepatoma cells were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 messenger RNAs were present mainly in tumor cells and less so in hepatocytes from noncancerous liver tissue. Immunoreactive products of basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 were observed in tumor cells. The isoform IIIc was expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and hepatoma cell lines. Exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor stimulated DNA synthesis and motility of hepatoma cells. The effect was more marked in poorly-differentiated hepatoma cells than in well-differentiated hepatoma cells. Fibroblast growth factor-1 expression on hepatoma cells was also more marked in poorly-differentiated hepatoma cells than in well-differentiated hepatoma cells. The stimulated motility on basic fibroblast growth factor was suppressed by an anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic fibroblast growth factor may play an important role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via an autocrine mechanism involving fibroblast growth factor and its receptor.

The significance of colocalization of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and vitronectin in hepatic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

We examined the relationships among vitronectin (VN), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in liver diseases to evaluate the presence of plasmin cascade in human hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

Blood and liver tissues were obtained from 57 patients with liver disease. Plasma VN, PAI-1 antigen, and PAI-1 activity levels were evaluated. Biopsied liver specimens were observed by light and electron microscopy after immunohistochemical staining. Morphometric analysis was performed on these specimens.

RESULTS

Plasma VN and PAI-1 activity levels decreased significantly with the progression of hepatic fibrosis and were particularly marked in the liver cirrhosis group. Plasma PAI-1 antigen level increased significantly. The immunolocalization of the active form of TGF-beta became more intense with the progression of hepatic fibrosis, whereas that of the dual-stained positive areas of PAI-1 and VN (PAI-1.VN) decreased. There was a positive correlation between TGF-beta and PAI-1, whereas there was a negative correlation between TGF-beta and PAI-1.VN. Immunoelectron microscopy showed the localization of PAI-1-VN in the extracellular space around the sinusoidal cells or surface of aggregating platelets, TGF-beta mainly in Ito cells, and VN in hepatocytes near the focal necrotic area or fibrous septa.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that VN and PAI-1 are related to the active form of TGF-beta and that it is possible that the plasmin cascade is present in the human liver.

Molting hormonal and larvicidal activities of aliphatic acyl analogs of dibenzoylhydrazine insecticides

Dibenzoylhydrazines are the nonsteroidal ecdysone agonists. Using comparative molecular field analysis, we previously found that the alkyl side chain of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is three-dimensionally superposable with one of their two aryl moieties. To identify the aryl moiety that is better superposable on the alkyl chain, we synthesized compounds in which one of the two aryl groups of tebufenozide (N-t-butyl-N-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl-N'-4-ethylbenzoylhydrazine) is replaced by alkyl groups such as C4H9, C5H11, and C6H13. The molting hormonal activity of these compounds was measured using cultured integuments prepared from rice stem borers, Chilo suppressalis Walker, in terms of stimulation of incorporation of N-acetyl-[14C]glucosamine. N-t-Butyl-N-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl-N'-acylhydrazines with a hexanoyl or heptanoyl group were about 20-fold higher than that of 20E, whereas N-acyl-N-t-butyl-N'-4-ethylbenzoylhydrazines with a hexanoyl or heptanoyl group were much weaker than 20E. Their larvicidal activity was also measured against rice stem borers. The former series of compounds were much more active than the other series as well as 20E. Thus, the benzoyl moiety of dibenzoylhydrazines, which is bound to the secondary nitrogen atom (-NH-), is replaceable by aliphatic acyl groups without greatly affecting the biological activities.

[A case of far-advanced gastric cancer treated with continuous 5-fluorouracil injection and intrahepatic arterial infusion of low-dose cisplatin]

A 57-year-old man suffering from gastric cancer with esophageal invasion and liver and paraaortic lymph nodes metastases was treated with continuous 5-FU injection and intra-hepatic arterial infusion of low-dose cisplatin following non-curative surgery. The patient had shown a partial response (PR) in both metastatic lesions with little side effect. In the period following his operation, he was able to sustain a relatively good quality of life and died 16 months after the operation. Continuous injection of 5-FU and low-dose cisplatin infusion could become one of the effective pre-operative chemotherapies for patients with far-advanced gastric cancer when performing a curative resection.

Orientation of photosynthetic reaction center reconstituted in neutral and charged liposomes

The photosynthetic reaction center from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides was reconstituted into neutral, positively charged, or negatively charged liposomes. About 70% of photosynthetic reaction centers were reconstituted in the proteoliposomes exposing their H-subunit outside with positively charged lipids while only 30-40% of them were in the same topological orientation with neutral or negatively charged lipids.

Hepatic stellate cells and intralobular innervation in human liver cirrhosis

In normal and cirrhotic human liver tissues, we examined immunolocalization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), endothelin-1 receptor (ET-1R), and S-100 protein, with special emphasis on the intralobular spaces, using immunohistochemical methods. The ratio of the number of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with closely apposing nerve endings to the total number of HSCs in normal livers was compared with that in cirrhotic livers by electron microscopy. Immunolocalization of alpha-SMA and ET-1R was obviously recognized along the sinusoidal walls in cirrhotic liver and was significantly increased in cirrhotic liver compared with that in normal liver. Immunoreactive products for these substances were mainly localized in HSCs. However, immunolocalization of S-100 protein in intralobular spaces was markedly decreased in cirrhotic liver compared with that in normal liver. Nerve fibers were ultrastructurally hardly visible in intralobular spaces of cirrhotic livers. The ratio of the number of HSCs with closely apposing nerve endings to the total number of HSCs was significantly reduced in cirrhotic liver compared with that in normal liver. These results indicate that in liver cirrhosis, alpha-SMA-positive HSCs may play an important role in hepatic sinusoidal microcirculation through vasoactive agents such as ET-1 rather than through intralobular innervation.

[Regression of atherosclerosis and centrally depressed lesions in rabbit aortas]

Atherosclerotic plaque with central depression (depressed lesion) has been hypothesized to be a morphological feature of atherosclerosis regression. We tested this hypothesis in New Zealand white rabbits. After the animals were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol for three months, they were changed to a normal diet for 6 to 9 months. Several aortas had centrally depressed lesions similar to those found in elderly people, and the animals had low serum cholesterol levels. Immunohistochemical study showed that the depressed lesions contained more smooth muscle cells and collagen type IV, and fewer macrophage-derived foam cells than did common atherosclerotic elevated lesions found in rabbits. We know of no other report of depressed lesions in rabbits with atherosclerosis. Thus we believe that the centrally depressed lesion is a histological characteristic of regression of atherosclerosis.