A study on the lectin reactivity of alpha-fetoprotein produced by hepatoid adenocarcinomas and yolk sac tumors

The carbohydrate structure of glycoproteins is considered to be tissue-specific or cell type-specific, but there have been no reports on the differences of the carbohydrate structure of alpha-fetoproteins (AFPs) produced by histologically identical tumors in different tissues. The lectin affinity electrophoresis of hepatoid adenocarcinomas and yolk sac tumors from different organs suggested that either the tumor heterogeneity or the tissue specificity is possibly involved, the lectin reactivity of the AFP sugar chain structure produced by the tumors in different tissues.

[Hematological manifestations]

Hematological manifestations as the clinicopathological features of connective tissue disease are described. Secondary anemia, so called anemia of chronic disorders (ACD), is one of the most common features of connective tissue disease. In addition, quantitative abnormalities of leukocytes or thrombocytes which reflect upon the pathophysiology of underlying connective tissue disease are variously observed. Patients with connective tissue disease sometimes develop hematological malignancies. Increased risk of lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome has been known. The use of alkylating agents as immunosuppressive therapy is also associated with the risk of secondary or therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Pancytopenia or bicytopenia can be caused by hemophagocytosis which is related to connective tissue disease itself. Such condition is recognized as autoimmune-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (AAHS). Possible mechanism inducing hemophagocytosis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of AAHS are discussed.

Assessment of inflammatory mediators in patients with generalized peritonitis

We investigated the pathology and the involvement of type II phospholipase A2 (type II PLA2), inflammatory cytokines, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), and endotoxin in generalized peritonitis. All of the factors except endotoxin were higher in the non-surviving group, the shock group, and the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) group than in the surviving group, the shock-free group, and the MODS-free group, respectively. Significant differences were not found in endotoxin or other factors at sites of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation. These findings suggest that inflammatory cytokines, type II PLA2, and NO are highly involved in the evolution of the pathology of generalized peritonitis.

A mutation in the gene for trigger factor suppresses the defect in cell division in the divE42 mutant of Escherichia coli K12

A total of sixteen spontaneously generated, independent suppressor mutants was isolated from a mutant (divE42) of Escherichia coli K12 that is defective in cell division. One of the suppressor mutants, designated TR4, had a novel phenotype: it was able to grow at 42 degrees C but not at 32 degrees C. The Kohara genomic library was screened for complementing clones. Clone 148 was able to complement the mutation responsible for the cold-sensitive phenotype, and the gene for trigger factor (tig), which encodes a ribosome-associated peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, was identified as the mutated gene by deletion analysis with the insert DNA from clone 148. DNA sequencing revealed that the mutation in the tig gene of the TR4 suppressor mutant was a single nucleotide insertion (+A) at a distance of 834 nucleotides from the initiation codon for this enzyme. When the wild-type tig gene was introduced into the TR4 suppressor mutant, the bacteria were able to grow at 32 degrees C but not at 42 degrees C, an indication that the intergenic suppressor mutation was recessive to the wild-type allele. A model is proposed that accounts for the phenotypes of the divE42 mutant and the TR4 suppressor mutant.

Persistent and secondary adenovirus-mediated hepatic gene expression using adenovirus vector containing CTLA4IgG

Adenovirus vectors can transfer recombinant genes efficiently into a wide variety of cells in vivo, but have serious limitations: gene expression is transient and secondary gene transfer is inefficient or impossible because of cellular and humoral immune responses against adenovirus-transduced cells. To solve these limitations, we have constructed an adenovirus vector, Adex1CACTLA4IgG, that expresses CTLA4IgG molecules. After in vivo administration of Adex1CACTLA4IgG (9.0 x 10(9) PFU), the peak level of serum CTLA4IgG was 29.8 mg/ml on day 4. The serum CTLA4IgG concentration gradually fell but was still 5.7 mg/ml on day 90. However, the serum concentration of CTLA4IgG was elevated after a second administration of Adex1CACTLA4IgG. The production of antibody against adenovirus was completely prevented after treatment with Adex1CACTLA4IgG. In addition, coadministration of Adex1CALacZ with Adex1CACTLA4IgG induced persistent hepatic expression of beta-Gal molecules, while administration of Adex1CALacZ alone induced transient expression of beta-Gal molecules. More importantly, on day 160 a secondary challenge with Adex1CALacZ was possible in mice treated with Adex1CALacZ plus Adex1CACTLA4IgG. Thus, we have demonstrated that (1) gene expression of a recombinant adenovirus, Adex1CACTLA4IgG, is persistent in liver and secondary administration of this adenovirus is possible, (2) coadministration of Adex1CACTLA4IgG virus with another adenovirus, AdexCALacZ, prolongs AdexCALacZ-mediated gene expression, and (3) Adex1CACTLA4IgG is useful for secondary challenge with Adex1CALacZ.

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of steroidogenic cells in the stroma of ovarian tumors

The presence of steroidogenic or enzymatically active stromal cells in ovarian tumors can lead to various endocrine manifestations by the overproduction of sex steroids. We studied the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of histologically identified steroid-type cells or enzymatically active cells in the stroma of ovarian lesions. Among 1,249 ovarian tumors or tumorlike lesions, steroid cells were histologically identified in the stroma in 32 ovarian neoplasms, of which 29 were mucinous cystadenomas. The cells were Leydig- or hilus-type cells in 4 of the tumors and were lutein-type cells in the remaining 28. None of the 32 tumors were immuno-reactive for human chorionic gonadotropin or luteinizing hormone. Lutein-like steroid cells were intermingled with spindle-shaped stromal cells and capillaries, while Leydig-type cells were more often associated with dilated vessels. The transcription factor of steroidogenesis, adrenal 4-binding protein (Ad4BP), was present in nearly all steroid-type stromal cells. However, steroidogenic enzymes, 17 alpha-hydroxylase (C17) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta SD), were expressed only in 10 of 15 cases of histologically identified steroid cells. Steroid cells in which Ad4BP but not C17 or 3 beta HSD were expressed were all lutein-type. Aromatase was rarely detected in lutein-and Leydig-type cells. The presence of morphologically identified steroid cells does not necessarily indicate expression within these cells of steroidogenic enzymes, a finding that merits further attention.

Reactive hemophagocytosis in systemic lupus erythematosus

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed reactive hemophagocytosis. This case did not show any underlying diseases such as infection or malignancy other than SLE itself. The mechanisms inducing hemophagocytosis in SLE seem to be heterogeneous and remain to be elucidated. Although an immune complex-mediated mechanism in cases with acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome has been proposed, we suggest the possible involvement of IL-1beta as the pathogenesis of our case.

Effect of B. subtilis TRNA(Trp) on readthrough rate at an opal UGA codon

Bacillus subtilis has been thought to have a high readthrough rate at the UGA stop codon because no opal suppressor tRNA has been isolated so far [Lovett et al. (1991) J. Bacteriol. 173, 1810-1812]. To examine whether a tRNATrp which we have characterized [Matsugi et al. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20, 3514] has the ability to read the UGA codon, in vitro translation was performed with a synthetic mRNA containing a test codon, UGA, UAG, UAA, or UGG, in a reading frame. Addition of Trp-tRNATrp to the system significantly increased the readthrough rate only in the case of UGA. This suggests that this tRNATrp has a dual recognition pattern in B. subtilis, i.e., for the canonical tryptophan codon and for readthrough at the UGA stop codon.

Induced expression of Thy-1 molecules on dermal endothelial cells in skin allografts

We obtained evidence in a foregoing study that inducible Thy-1 on vascular endothelial cells functions as a possible vascular permeability modulator in the rat. We now report on the regulation and function of endothelial Thy-1 in skin allograft rejection in the rat. While no obvious expression of Thy-1 antigen on the vasculature can be seen in normal organs, dermal endothelial cells do express Thy-1 during allogeneic skin graft rejection and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced inflammation. The antigen was weakly induced on tubular epithelial, but not on endothelial cells during kidney allograft rejection, and not in FCA-induced inflammation of the kidney. In contrast, Thy-1 antigen was not induced in the rejected lung or in FCA-induced inflammation of the lung. This pattern of Thy-1 regulation was transcriptionally regulated. Administration of anti-Thy-1 antibodies generated increased vascular permeability in skin allografts, although this procedure did not modulate survival of the grafts.

Interleukin-6 produced by pancreatic carcinoma cells enhances humoral immune responses against tumor cells: a possible event in tumor regression

Production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by human pancreatic carcinoma cells inversely correlates with potentials for blood-borne metastasis to the liver in nude mice. IL-6 cDNA was transfected to PCI-43, one of our cultured pancreatic carcinoma cell lines that does not produce IL-6 and generates numerous metastases to the liver. An IL-6 high-producer clone (PCI-43h) generated few metastases; IL-6 production thus has a direct effect on metastasis, whereas other transfectants (PCI-43l and PCI-43n), which are IL-6 low-, and IL-6 non-producers, respectively, did generate metastases. Tumor-reactive IgG, which mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro, was detected in sera from recipient nude mice inoculated with PCI-43h but not in sera from mice given PCI-43l, PCI-43n or parent PCI-43. Tumor-reactive IgM was detected in sera from all mice, irrespective of inoculated PCI-43 species, with a slight augmentation being noted in PCI-43h-inoculated nude mice. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) beige mice were then used as recipients for PCI-43 species, and tumorigeneity was examined by s.c. inoculation of a suboptimal number of PCI-43 transfectants (1 x 10(6)/0.1 ml). Only PCI-43h formed palpable masses in SCID beige mice, whereas it first grew to be palpable but subsequently became not palpable in nude mice, thereby revealing a dual action of tumor-derived IL-6. Thus, tumor-derived IL-6 confers growth promotion in SCID beige mice, while the same cytokine exhibits anti-tumorigenic functions, presumably through humoral immune responses, in nude mice.

Inhibitory effects of the antiangiogenic agent TNP-470 on establishment and growth of hematogenous metastasis of human pancreatic carcinoma in SCID beige mice in vivo

Effects on the liver of the antiangiogenesis agent O-(chloroacetyl-carbamoyl) fumagillol (TNP-470) on hematogenous metastasis of a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line were examined. One million PCI-43 cells, a human pancreas carcinoma cell line, were injected into the spleen of SCID beige mice, then TNP-470 at 30 mg/kg was administered subcutaneously every other day. The mice were killed 6 or 10 weeks thereafter and metastatic nodules in the liver were counted and measured microscopically. Metastases were inhibited and an approximately 10% loss of weight was evident in the TNP-470-administered mice. There was no suppression in maximal size of metastatic colonies in mice given the agent for 6 weeks, while inhibition was apparent in mice given the drug for 10 weeks. Suppression of proliferation and an increase in apoptosis were evident in metastatic nodules in the TNP-470-administered groups, following stainings for proliferative cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxytransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling, respectively. TNP-470 inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells but not PCI-43 in vitro. TNP-470 did not suppress production of vascular endothelial growth factor by PCI-43 cells. Neovascularization in vivo induced by PCI-43 cells was suppressed in the TNP-470-administered mice, using a diffusion chamber placed in subcutaneous tissues of SCID beige mice. These observations suggest that inhibition of angiogenesis is effective in suppressing establishment and subsequent growth of hematogenous micrometastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to the liver.

Predictive factors for long-term survival in patients with pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Although numerous clinico-pathological parameters have been demonstrated to predict the prognosis in patients with pancreatic carcinoma after surgical resection, the factor most significant for their post-operative survival is still controversial. Herein, the authors have performed histopathological studies on patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and reviewed their clinical records to detect the most significant factor influencing their long term survival.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed clinical records and histological findings retrospectively. Then we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to find a correlation between the factors and the survival of the patients.

RESULTS

The overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 30.0% and 5.6%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival was 9.0%. Univariate analysis resulted in the detection of 14 factors which correlated with patient prognosis. Multivariate analysis resulted in the detection of histologic differentiation as an independent predictor for longterm survival.

CONCLUSION

Histological differentiation is recommended as the most reliable predictor for the prognosis of patients with pancreatic carcinoma after surgical removal.

Perineural invasion by ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The correlation between various levels of perineural invasion by pancreatic carcinoma and the patient's prognosis has never been cleared. The authors carried out a histopathologic study of resected pancreatic carcinoma to elucidate the significance of a new histologic finding concerning perineural invasion, which we designated "intrapancreatic, extratumoral perineural invasion (nex)," and also to determine its predictive value for prognoses of patients after surgical removal of the tumor.

METHODS

We investigated 90 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had undergone pancreatic resection. The prognoses of all patients were explored, and correlations between survival and pathologic factors were statistically examined for neural invasion.

RESULTS

Nex was found in more than 50% of resected pancreases. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of nex and the grade of intrapancreatic neural invasion or the presence of extra-pancreatic neural plexus invasion. Nex was also found to be associated with patient survival after removal of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Nex appears to be an element predicting pancreatic cancer infiltration to the extrapancreatic nerve plexus and also to be a factor influencing postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

Adult onset Still's disease associated hemophagocytosis

Reactive hemophagocytosis is characterized by the activation of histiocytes with prominent hemophagocytosis in the reticuloendothelial system, and usually occurs in association with underlying disorders such as viral or bacterial infection and malignancy. We describe 3 cases of adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) who developed hemophagocytosis in bone marrow. Extensive studies could not identify any viral infection or other known underlying disorders for reactive hemophagocytosis except for active AOSD. Although the causative mechanisms of reactive hemophagocytosis in AOSD are not clear, our cases suggest the possibility of AOSD associated hemophagocytosis.

Gastrointestinal hepatoid adenocarcinoma: venous permeation and mimicry of hepatocellular carcinoma, a report of four cases

AIMS

Four cases of hepatoid adenocarcinoma, three in the stomach, and one in the sigmoid colon, are presented to emphasize venous permeation and mimicry of hepatocellular carcinoma by metastatic liver nodules.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Tumour cells in all cases extensively invaded vems, and intravenous tumour thrombi in two cases were grossly observed as anastomosing, worm-like cords up to 10 mm in diameter in the lesser omentum and mesentery in continuity with the primary mucosal lesions. The cytological features and trabecular architecture of the metastatic liver nodules in these subjects mimicked primary hepatocellular carcinoma. In a third case the tumour contained grossly visible bile in a metastatic lung nodule, but there was no evidence of bile production in the primary gastric or metastatic liver lesions. In the fourth case, detailed histopathological study revealed a gastric origin of the hepatoid adenocarcinoma, rather than primary hepatocellular carcinoma metastatic to the stomach, the initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases are reported here to draw attention to this rare variant of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, its mimicry of hepatocellular carcinoma when metastatic to the liver and other sites, and its propensity for venous permeation.

Perineural invasion by ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The correlation between various levels of perineural invasion by pancreatic carcinoma and the patient's prognosis has never been cleared. The authors carried out a histopathologic study of resected pancreatic carcinoma to elucidate the significance of a new histologic finding concerning perineural invasion, which we designated "intrapancreatic, extratumoral perineural invasion (nex)," and also to determine its predictive value for prognoses of patients after surgical removal of the tumor.

METHODS

We investigated 90 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had undergone pancreatic resection. The prognoses of all patients were explored, and correlations between survival and pathologic factors were statistically examined for neural invasion.

RESULTS

Nex was found in more than 50% of resected pancreases. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of nex and the grade of intrapancreatic neural invasion or the presence of extra-pancreatic neural plexus invasion. Nex was also found to be associated with patient survival after removal of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Nex appears to be an element predicting pancreatic cancer infiltration to the extrapancreatic nerve plexus and also to be a factor influencing postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

Biphenotypic blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia: abnormalities of p53 and retinoblastoma genes

The molecular mechanisms responsible for progression of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) to blast crisis have not been well defined. Blast crisis may be partially related to inactivation of tumor suppressor genes/such as p53 or retinoblastoma (Rb) gene. There is evidence for an association of blast cell phenotypes in CML with alterations of these genes: a strong association of myeloid phenotypes with abnormalities of the p53 gene and a weaker association of lymphoid phenotypes with abnormalities of the Rb system. We found a marked decrease in Rb gene product and rearrangements of the p53 gene simultaneously in two cases of biphenotypic blast crisis of CML (myeloid and B-lymphoid). These results support the association of blast cell phenotypes with alterations in tumor suppressor genes in CML blast crisis.

Generation of NK1.1+ T cell antigen receptor alpha/beta+ thymocytes associated with intact thymic structure

The development of T cells within the thymus is largely dependent on intact cortical and medullary epithelial cells. However, it has been reported that positive selection of natural killer antigen 1.1+ (NK1.1+) T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-alpha/beta+ thymocytes recently identified among CD4+8- and CD4-8- subpopulations is attributable to major histocompatibility complex class Ib ligands expressed on bone marrow (BM)-derived components in the thymus. In the present study, we investigated generation of NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ cells in the thymus of the aly/aly mouse which lacks lymph nodes and Peyer's patches and shows abnormalities of thymic and splenic structure. We found that the proportion of the NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ thymocytes was extremely low in these mice as compared with aly/+ and normal C57BL/6 mice. Thymic reconstitution by BM cells from aly/+ mice that possess a normal population of NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ cell population did not restore the NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ cell population in the thymus of lethally irradiated aly/aly mouse. When deoxyguanosine-treated fetal thymi from (B6 x B10.G)F1 mice were transplanted to aly/aly mice that had been thymectomized and reconstituted with BM cells of aly/aly mice, normal proportions of the NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ thymocytes were present in the thymus grafts. These findings demonstrate that the development of NK1.1+ TCR-alpha/beta+ thymocytes is accomplished under the influence not only of BM-derived components, but also of irradiation-resistant or deoxyguanosine-resistant components and an intact microenvironment of the thymus.