Effect of iguratimod and other anti-rheumatic drugs on adenocarcinoma colon 26-induced cachexia in mice

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of iguratimod (T-614) and other anti-rheumatic drugs on a mouse model of adenocarcinoma-induced cachexia.

METHODS

Cachexia was induced in BALB/c mice by s.c. inoculation of colon 26/clone 20 cells (day 0). The drugs were administered p.o. daily from day 0 for 15 days for prophylactic experiments and from day 7 for 8 days for therapeutic experiments. Serum biochemical parameters and wasting of adipose tissue and muscle were evaluated as the nutritional condition in tumor-bearing mice at day 14. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in serum and tumor tissue of those mice were also quantified.

RESULTS

Administration of T-614 did not inhibit the tumor growth, but it resulted in attenuation of cachexia symptoms, such as the reduction in epididymal fat and gastrocnemius muscle, and the decrease of serum albumin. Furthermore, T-614 decreased the serum levels of IL-6, and reduced its gene expression in the tumor tissues. Exogenously administered IL-6 nullified the suppressive effect of T-614. Prednisolone prevented the weight loss and the wasting without inhibiting tumor growth. Methotrexate and indomethacin did not exert any preferable effects in a therapeutic dosing schedule.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that T-614 exerts an anticachectic effect in tumor-bearing mice through the inhibition of IL-6 gene expression.

A new technique for harvesting costal cartilage with minimum sacrifice at the donor site

With conventional procedures for harvesting costal cartilage, several large, full-thickness cartilage blocks are harvested from the chest wall and are cut, shaped, and joined to create the desired form. Many pieces of unused cartilage are discarded excluding those preserved for future use. Conventional procedures for costal cartilage harvesting are also associated with severe problems such as pain, deformity of the chest wall, and a long scar. We developed a new technique that permits only the necessary size and shape of cartilage to be directly harvested with the use of a chisel. With this technique, both sides and the bottom of the cartilage remain intact at the donor site. The anterior perichondrium can be harvested simultaneously. This technique was performed in 28 patients. The required quantities could be harvested in all patients without severe complications such as perforation of the pleura and excessive bleeding. The procedure required 30 min or less in all patients. The length of the skin incision was less than 3 cm in 25 patients and greater than 3 cm in two obese patients and a young man who had hard subcutaneous connective tissue. Pain intensity was markedly lower than that after conventional techniques. Twenty-six patients could walk 1 day after the operation. There were virtually no deformities of the thorax, even in children younger than 10 years. The structure of the reconstructed site was maintained during at least 2 years follow-up in all patients. Our technique for harvesting costal cartilage is associated with smaller scars, less pain, and less deformity of the chest wall than conventional procedures. In addition, it is minimally invasive and can be performed in a short time.

Basaloid squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung in a young woman

We report a rare case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in a young Japanese woman. An 18-year-old woman presented with productive cough. Chest radiogram and computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor in the left hilum accompanied by partial atelectasis of the left upper lobe and pleural effusion. Transbronchial fine-needle aspiration cytology supported a tentative diagnosis of primary squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung. The clinical stage was T4N2M1, with multiple bone metastases. Despite a transient response to chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel, the patient died because of tumor progression 2 months after the start of the chemotherapy. Necropsy established the diagnosis of basaloid squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung. Immunohistochemical studies of the necropsy specimen indicated that the tumor was positive for keratin, vimentin, and S100, and negative for chromogranin A, cytokeratin CAM5.2, and bcl-2. Besides the rarity of the disease itself, the present case seemed to have additional uniqueness in that the patient was 18 years old and female. This is the youngest patient with a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the lung ever reported.

Malignant mixed mullerian tumor of primary mesenteric origin

Malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) is a rare tumor. A literature search revealed very few reports on MMMT, especially those arising in the peritoneum. We recently encountered an MMMT of primary mesenteric origin associated with left fallopian tube cancer. There have been no previous reports about its occurrence in the mesentery. When cases of peritoneal MMMT were reviewed, the disease was found to be associated with synchronous or metachronous gynecologic tumors of müllerian duct origin (ie, ovarian tumors, primary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, and adenocarcinoma of the cervix) in 12 out of 32 patients (37.5%). Peritoneal MMMT are frequently associated with gynecologic tumors.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 drives the motility of the erythroid progenitor cell line, UT-7/Epo, via autocrine motility factor

OBJECTIVE

It is well known that hypoxic stress strongly enhances erythropoiesis, but the effect of hypoxia on erythroid progenitors has not been examined precisely. In the present study, using the erythropoietin-dependent cell line UT-7/Epo, which has characteristics of erythroid progenitors, we investigated a novel role of hypoxia in erythropoiesis.

METHODS

UT-7/Epo and four other hematopoietic and lymphoid cell lines (HL-60, THP-1, Raji, and CEM) were cultured in 20%, 5%, or 1% O2. Morphology was observed under a phase-contrast microscope. Cell motility was evaluated using the Transwell migration assay. An analysis of the protein level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) alpha and autocrine motility factor (AMF) was conducted using Western blotting and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the expression of AMF mRNA. Human bone marrow stromal cells were used in cocultures with UT-7/Epo. Apoptosis of UT-7/Epo was examined by immunocytochemistry using an antiactive form of caspase 3 antibody.

RESULTS

Among the five cell lines, UT-7/Epo exhibited active pseudopodial extension in hypoxia (1% O2), and cell motility was increased. HL-60, THP-1, Raji, and CEM did not show an increase in cell motility even in 1% O2. In addition, expression of the alpha-subunit of HIF-1 was activated by hypoxia, and expression of the mRNA and protein of AMF induced by HIF-1, increasing cell motility, was promoted. The addition of an HIF-1 inhibitor, cadmium chloride (CdCl2), or alpha-ketoglutarate (2-oxoglutarate) decreased the AMF mRNA expression, and an AMF inhibitor, erythrose 4-phosphate, decreased the cell motility. When UT-7/Epo was cocultured with human bone marrow-derived stromal cells that significantly inhibit the apoptosis of UT-7/Epo, the migration of UT-7/Epo under the stromal cells (pseudoemperipolesis) was increased in hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

Under hypoxic conditions, erythroid progenitors may exhibit active migration in the bone marrow and the opportunity for contact with stromal cells increases, inhibiting apoptosis.

Monocyte/Macrophage-specific marker CD163+ histiocytic sarcoma: case report with clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic studies

We report a case of a very rare disorder, histiocytic sarcoma, from a review of our autopsy cases. The neoplastic cells that proliferated in organs throughout the body were large cells containing eosinophilic cytoplasm and pleomorphic nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In the bone marrow, erythrophagocytosis by neoplastic cells was observed. The neoplastic cells were positive not only for lysozymes and CD68 (KP-1, PG-M1, and Ki-M1P) but also for a monocyte/macrophage-specific marker, CD163. In contrast, the results of tests for markers of myeloid cells, lymphoid cells, and epithelial cells were all negative. In a polymerase chain reaction study of paraffin-embedded tissues, analyses for the rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor-gamma genes were negative. The current World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for histiocytic sarcoma regard immunohistochemical investigation as crucial. In this regard, the highly specific positivity for CD163 in this patient indicates that immunohistochemical staining of CD163 is very useful for the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma.

A pilot study of weekly docetaxel therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer

We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of salvage chemotherapy with weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer after treatment with regimens containing platinum or paclitaxel. The 15 subjects were managed as outpatients and received at least two courses of docetaxel therapy (35 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15). Antitumour activity was assessed radiologically and from the CA-125 level. Among five patients with measurable lesions, one showed partial remission and three showed stable disease. Based on CA-125 levels, there were three partial remissions and five patients with stable disease (progression-free survival was 7.5 months and 7.6 months, respectively). During 61 courses, the severe toxicities were grade 3 leukopaenia/neutropaenia (6.7%) or grade 2 oedema and pleural effusion (13.3%). Weekly docetaxel may be useful salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, tubal cancer, and peritoneal cancer, especially as tumour dormancy therapy.

Evaluation of floating impeller phenomena in a gyro centrifugal pump

The Gyro centrifugal pump, developed as a totally implantable artificial heart, was designed with a free impeller in which the rotational shaft (male bearing) of the impeller was completely separated from the female bearing. For this type of pump, it is very important to keep the proper magnet balance (impeller-magnet and actuator-magnet balance) to prevent thrombus formation or bearing wear. When the magnet balance is not proper, the impeller is jerked down into the bottom bearing. On the other hand, if magnet balance is proper, the impeller is lifted off the bottom of the pump housing within a certain range of pumping conditions. In this study, this floating phenomenon was investigated in detail. The floating phenomenon was proven by observation of the impeller behavior by means of a transparent acrylic pump. The impeller floating phenomenon was mapped on a pump performance curve. The impeller floating phenomenon is affected by the magnet-magnet coupling distance and the rotational speed of the impeller. To keep the proper magnet balance and to maintain the impeller floating phenomenon at the driving conditions of right and left pumps, the magnet-magnet coupling distance was altered by a spacer that was installed between the pump and actuator. It became clear that the same pump could handle different conditions (right and left ventricular assist) by changing the thickness of the spacer. When magnet balance is proper, the floating impeller phenomenon occurs automatically in response to the impeller revolution. This is called "the dynamic revolutions per minute suspension."

Multiple myeloma complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia

A 57-year-old man was admitted with severe anemia and hypergamma globulinemia. After a diagnosis of multiple myeloma and autoimmune hemolytic anemia was made, chemotherapy rapidly decreased the M-protein level and improved his anemia with normalization of the direct Coombs test. The immunoglobulin binding to the patient's red cells was immunoglobulin G kappa chain like the myeloma M-protein. However, monoclonal immunoglobulin G derived from short-term culture of the patient's bone marrow mononuclear cells did not bind to a panel of red cells. Therefore, the relationship between the M protein produced by his myeloma cells and hemolysis remained unclear.

Detection of bone marrow and extramedullary involvement in patients with non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma by whole-body MRI: comparison with bone and 67 Ga scintigraphies

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) for the detection of bone marrow and extramedullary involvement in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. WB-MRI, which was performed on 34 patients, consisted of the recording of T1-weighted spin-echo images and a fast STIR sequence covering the entire skeleton. The WB-MRI findings for bone marrow and extramedullary involvement were compared with those from (67)Ga and bone scintigraphies and bone marrow biopsy results. Two MRI specialists reviewed the WB-MRI results and two expert radiologists in the field of nuclear medicine reviewed the bone and (67)Ga scintigraphy findings. Bone marrow and extramedullary involvement of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were confirmed by follow-up radiographs and CT and/or a histological biopsy. The detection rate of WB-MRI was high. More bone marrow involvement was detected by biopsy, and more lesions were detected by scintigraphies. In total, 89 lesions were detected by WB-MRI, whereas 15 were found by biopsy, 5 by (67)Ga scintigraphy, and 14 by bone scintigraphy. WB-MRI could also detect more extramedullary lesions than (67)Ga scintigraphy; i.e., 72 lesions were detected by WB-MRI, whereas 54 were discovered by (67)Ga scintigraphy. WB-MRI is useful for evaluating the involvement of bone marrow and extramedullary lesions throughout the skeleton in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Dome-shaped magnetic phase diagram of thermoelectric layered cobaltites

Using muon spin spectroscopy we have found that, for both NaxCoO(2) (0.6<or=x<or=0.9) and three- and four-layer cobaltites, a common low temperature magnetic state (which in some cases is manifest as an incommensurate spin density wave) forms in the CoO(2) planes. Here we summarize those results and report an almost dome-shaped relation between the transition temperature into the low-T magnetic state and the composition x for NaxCoO(2) and/or the high-temperature asymptotic limit of thermopower in the more complex three- and four-layer cobaltites. This behavior is explained using the Hubbard model on a two-dimensional triangular lattice in the CoO(2) plane.

MLL/AF-1p Fusion in Therapy-Related Early Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with t(1;11)(p32;q23) Translocation Developing in the Relapse Phase of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

We report the development of therapy-related early pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a patient administered a topoisomerase II inhibitor, etoposide, a consolidation therapy agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Our case is of interest because of simultaneous relapse of the original leukemia and onset of therapy-related leukemia and relatively rare t(1;11)(p32;q23) translocation with confirmed MLL/AF-1p fusion. This case suggests that careful monitoring for MLL gene rearrangements is necessary after administration of topoisomerase II inhibitors.

Preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer by imaging

Primary cancer of the fallopian tube (FTC) is among the most unusual gynecologic malignancies and rarely is diagnosed correctly before surgery. The imaging results of eight patients with FTC and four with benign tubal disease were analyzed. FTCs were small cystic or solid masses that typically were shaped like a sausage, a snail, or a gourd, regardless of clinical stage.

Effective weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case report

We experienced a case of recurrent ovarian cancer that responded to weekly docetaxel. The patient had stage IIIC ovarian cancer (poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma). After initial remission was achieved by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin plus cytoreductive surgery, the disease recurred and irinotecan therapy achieved temporary remission. During maintenance therapy with oral etoposide, the disease recurred again. We then tried five courses of weekly docetaxel therapy and it successfully controlled the disease. The progression-free survival time on weekly docetaxel treatment is now 7 months and the toxicity was extremely low. This patient demonstrates the effectiveness of weekly docetaxel as salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Effective weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case report

We experienced a case of recurrent ovarian cancer that responded to weekly docetaxel. The patient had stage IIIC ovarian cancer (poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma). After initial remission was achieved by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin plus cytoreductive surgery, the disease recurred and irinotecan therapy achieved temporary remission. During maintenance therapy with oral etoposide, the disease recurred again. We then tried five courses of weekly docetaxel therapy and it successfully controlled the disease. The progression-free survival time on weekly docetaxel treatment is now 7 months and the toxicity was extremely low. This patient demonstrates the effectiveness of weekly docetaxel as salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Operating point control system for a continuous flow artificial heart: in vitro study

We proposed and developed a practical and effective servo control system for rotary blood pumps. A rotary blood pump for assisting the failing natural heart should be operated only in physiologically acceptable conditions. The operation of a rotary blood pump is based on the rotational speed of the impeller and pressure head. If the pump flow and the pressure head are set within an acceptable range, the driving condition is deemed normal condition, and this control system maintains the preset operating point by applying proportional and detective control (PD control). If the pump flow or pressure head is outside the acceptable range, the driving condition is determined to be abnormal condition, and this system operates the pump in a recovery fashion. If the driving condition is kept under abnormal conditions of sudden decrease of the flow, the condition is termed a suction condition. The controller releases the pump from the suction condition and later returns it to the normal condition. In this study, we evaluated these servo control modes of the centrifugal pump and confirmed whether the performance of this proposed operating point control system was practical.

Effects of SRT and DO on N2O reductase activity in an anoxic-oxic activated sludge system

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is emitted from wastewater treatment processes, and is known to be a green house gas contributing to global warming. It is thus important to develop technology that can suppress N2O emission. The effects of sludge retention time (SRT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) on N2O emission in an anoxic-oxic activated sludge system were estimated. Moreover, the microbial community structure in the sludge, which plays an important role in N2O suppression, was clarified based on nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) gene analysis by molecular biological techniques. The results showed that under low SRT conditions, nitrification efficiency was reduced and the N2O emission rate in the oxic reactors was increased. It was also observed that N2O emission was enhanced under low DO conditions, where the available oxygen is insufficient for nitrification. Moreover, molecular analysis revealed that the clones identified in this study were closely related to Ralstonia eutropha and Paracoccus denitrificans. The fact that the identified sequences are not closely related to known culturable denitrifier nosZ sequences indicates a substantial in situ diversity of denitrifiers contributing to N2O suppression, which are not reflected in the cultivatable fraction of the population. The further application of these new molecular techniques should serve to enhance our knowledge of the microbial community of denitrifying bacteria contributing to N2O suppression in wastewater treatment systems.