Propolis Has an Anticancer Effect on Early Stage Colorectal Cancer by Affecting Epithelial Differentiation and Gut Immunity in the Tumor Microenvironment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Due to the westernization of diets, young patients with CRC are often diagnosed at advanced stages with an associated poor prognosis. Improved lifestyle choices are one way to minimize CRC risk. Among diet choices is the inclusion of bee propolis, long recognized as a health supplement with anticancer activities. Understanding the effect of propolis on the gut environment is worth exploring, and especially its associated intratumoral immune changes and its anticancer effect on the occurrence and development of CRC. In this study, early stage CRC was induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for one month in an animal model, without and with propolis administration. The phenotypes of early stage CRC were evaluated by X-ray microcomputed tomography and histologic examination. The gut immunity of the tumor microenvironment was assessed by immunohistochemical staining for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and further comparative quantification. We found that the characteristics of the CRC mice, including the body weight, tumor loading, and tumor dimensions, were significantly changed due to propolis administration. With further propolis administration, the CRC tissues of DMH/DSS-treated mice showed decreased cytokeratin 20 levels, a marker for intestinal epithelium differentiation. Additionally, the signal intensity and density of CD3+ and CD4+ TILs were significantly increased and fewer forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) lymphocytes were observed in the lamina propria. In conclusion, we found that propolis, a natural supplement, potentially prevented CRC progression by increasing CD3+ and CD4+ TILs and reducing FOXP3 lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of early stage CRC. Our study could suggest a promising role for propolis in complementary medicine as a food supplement to decrease or prevent CRC progression.

Identification of the Hepatic Metabolites of Flumazenil and their Kinetic Application in Neuroimaging

Studies of the neurobiological causes of anxiety disorders have suggested that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system increases synaptic concentrations and enhances the affinity of GABA_A (type A) receptors for benzodiazepine ligands. Flumazenil antagonizes the benzodiazepine-binding site of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) complex in the central nervous system (CNS). The investigation of flumazenil metabolites using liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry will provide a complete understanding of the in vivo metabolism of flumazenil and accelerate radiopharmaceutical inspection and registration. The main goal of this study was to investigate the use of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (PR-HPLC), coupled with electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-QqQ MS), to identify flumazenil and its metabolites in the hepatic matrix. Carrier-free nucleophilic fluorination with an automatic synthesizer for [¹⁸F]flumazenil, combined with nano-positron emission tomography (NanoPET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging, was used to predict the biodistribution in normal rats. The study showed that 50% of the flumazenil was biotransformed by the rat liver homogenate in 60 min, whereas one metabolite (M1) was a methyl transesterification product of flumazenil. In the rat liver microsomal system, two metabolites were identified (M2 and M3), as their carboxylic acid and hydroxylated ethyl ester forms between 10 and 120 min, respectively. A total of 10-30 min post-injection of [¹⁸F]flumazenil showed an immediate decreased in the distribution ratio observed in the plasma. Nevertheless, a higher ratio of the complete [¹⁸F]flumazenil compound could be used for subsequent animal studies. [¹⁸F] According to in vivo nanoPET/CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution assays, flumazenil also showed significant effects on GABA_A receptor availability in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cortex, and hippocampus in the rat brain, indicating the formation of metabolites. We reported the completion of the biotransformation of flumazenil by the hepatic system, as well as [¹⁸F]flumazenil's potential as an ideal ligand and PET agent for the determination of the GABA_A/BZR complex for multiplex neurological syndromes at the clinical stage.

Dramatic improvement in the stability and mechanism of high-performance inverted polymer solar cells featuring a solution-processed buffer layer

In this study, we demonstrate inverted PTB7:PC₇₁BM polymer solar cells (PSCs) featuring a solution-processed s-MoO₃ hole transport layer (HTL) that can, after thermal aging at 85 °C, retain their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) for at least 2200 h. The T₈₀ lifetimes of the PSCs incorporating the novel s-MoO₃ HTL were up to ten times greater than those currently reported for PTB7- or low-band-gap polymer:PCBM PSCs, the result of the inhibition of burn-in losses and long-term degradation under various heat-equivalent testing conditions. We used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study devices containing thermally deposited t-MoO₃ and s-MoO₃ HTLs and obtain a mechanistic understanding of how the robust HTL is formed and how it prevented the PSCs from undergoing thermal degradation. Heat tests revealed that the mechanisms of thermal inter-diffusion and interaction of various elements within active layer/HTL/Ag electrodes controlled by the s-MoO₃ HTL were dramatically different from those controlled by the t-MoO₃ HTL. The new prevention mechanism revealed here can provide the conceptual strategy for designing the buffer layer in the future. The PCEs of PSCs featuring s-MoO₃ HTLs, measured in damp-heat (65 °C/65% RH; 85 °C per air) and light soaking tests, confirmed their excellent stability. Such solution-processed MoO₃ HTLs appear to have great potential as replacements for commonly used t-MoO₃ HTLs.

The Titrated Mannitol Improved Central [99mTc] Tc TRODAT-1 Uptake in an Animal Model-A Clinically Feasible Application

[^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 is a widely used single photon emission tomography (SPECT) radiopharmaceutical in Asian practice for early detection of central dopaminergic disorders. However, its imaging quality remains sub-optimal. To overcome this problem, mannitol, an osmotic agent was used to observe its effect on improving striatal [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 uptake in rat brain by titrated human dosages to investigate a clinically feasible way to improve human imaging quality. [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 synthesis and quality control were performed as described. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. The animal in vivo nanoSPECT/CT and ex vivo autoradiography were employed to observe and verify the striatal [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 uptake in rat brains using clinically equivalent doses (i.e., 0, 1 and 2 mL groups, each n = 5) of mannitol (20% w/v, equivalent to 200 mg/mL) by an intravenous administration. Specific binding ratios (SBRs) were calculated to express the central striatal uptake in different experimental groups. In the NanoSPECT/CT imaging, the highest SBRs of striatal [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 were reached at 75-90 min post-injection. The averaged striatal SBRs were 0.85 ± 0.13 (2 mL normal saline, the control group), 0.94 ± 0.26 (1 mL mannitol group) and 1.36 ± 0.12 (2 mL mannitol group, p < 0.01 which were significantly different than the control as well as 1 mL mannitol groups (p < 0.05). The SBRs from ex vivo autoradiography also showed a comparable trend of the striatal [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 uptake in the 2 mL, 1 mL mannitol and the control groups (1.76 ± 0.52, 0.91 ± 0.29, and 0.21 ± 0.03, respectively, p < 0.05). No remarkable changes of vital signs were found in the mannitol groups and the controls. Pre-treated mannitol revealed a significant increase of the central striatal [^99mTc]Tc TRODAT-1 uptake in a rat model which not only enabled us to perform pre-clinical studies of dopaminergic related disorders but also provided a potential way to further optimize image quality in clinical practice.

Electrospun P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofibers for triboelectric nanogenerators

This paper describes a simple electrospinning approach for fabricating poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) semiconductive nanofiber mat triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Measurements of the electrical properties of the P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENGs revealed that the output voltage could be enhanced up to 78 V with an output current of 7 μA. The output power of the device reached 0.55 mW, sufficient to power 500 red light-emitting diodes instantaneously, as well as a digital watch. The P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENG could be used not only as a self-powered device but also as a sensor for monitoring human action. Furthermore, it displayed good durability when subjected to 20,000 cycles of an external force test.

Very-Low-Dose Radiation and Clinical Molecular Nuclear Medicine

Emerging molecular and precision medicine makes nuclear medicine a de facto choice of imaging, especially in the era of target-oriented medical care. Nuclear medicine is minimally invasive, four-dimensional (space and time or dynamic space), and functional imaging using radioactive biochemical tracers in evaluating human diseases on an anatomically configured image. Many radiopharmaceuticals are also used in therapies. However, there have been concerns over the emission of radiation from the radionuclides, resulting in wrongly neglecting the potential benefits against little or any risks at all of imaging to the patients. The sound concepts of radiation and radiation protection are critical for promoting the optimal use of radiopharmaceuticals to patients, and alleviating concerns from caregivers, nuclear medicine staff, medical colleagues, and the public alike.

Butyrate supplementation regulates expression of chromosome segregation 1‑like protein to reverse the genetic distortion caused by p53 mutations in colorectal cancer

The chromosome segregation 1-like (CSE1L) protein, which regulates cellular mitosis and apoptosis, was previously found to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells harboring mutations. Therefore, regulating CSE1L expression may confer chemotherapeutic effects against CRC. The gut microflora can regulate gene expression in colonic cells. In particular, metabolites produced by the gut microflora, including the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, have been shown to reduce CRC risk. Butyrates may exert antioncogenic potential in CRC cells by modulating p53 expression. The present study evaluated the association between CSE1L expression and butyrate treatment from two non-transformed colon cell lines (CCD-18Co and FHC) and six CRC cell lines (LS 174T, HCT116 p53^+/+, HCT116 p53^−/−, Caco-2, SW480 and SW620). Lentiviral knockdown of CSE1L and p53, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (CSE1L, c-Myc and p53), western blotting [CSE1L, p53, cyclin (CCN) A2, CCNB2 and CCND1], wound healing assay (cell migration), flow cytometry (cell cycle analysis) and immunofluorescence staining (CSE1L and tubulin) were adopted to verify the effects of butyrate on CSE1L-expressing CRC cells. The butyrate-producing gut bacteria Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum was administered to mice with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon tumors before the measurement of CSE1L expression. The effects of B. pullicaecorum on CSE1L expression were then assessed by immunohistochemical staining for CSE1L and p53 in tissues from CRC-bearing mice. Non-cancerous colon cells with the R273H p53 mutation or CRC cells haboring p53 mutations were found to exhibit significantly higher CSE1L expression levels. CSE1L knockdown in HCT116 p53^−/− cells resulted in G₁-and G₂/M-phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, in HCT116 p53^−/− cells, CSE1L expression was already high at interphase, increased at prophase, peaked during metaphase before declining at cytokinesis but remained relatively high compared with that in HCT116 expressing wild-type p53. Significantly decreased expression levels of CSE1L were also observed in HCT116 p53^−/− cells that were treated with butyrate for 24 h. In addition, the migration of HCT116 p53^−/− cells was significantly decreased after CSE1L knockdown or butyrate treatment. Tumors with more intense nuclear p53 staining and weaker CSE1L staining were found in mice bearing DMH/DSS-induced CRC that were administered with B. pullicaecorum. Taken together, the results indicated that butyrate can impair CSE1L-induced tumorigenic potential. In conclusion, butyrate-producing microbes, such as B. pullicaecorum, may reverse the genetic distortion caused by p53 mutations in CRC by regulating CSE1L expression levels.

Supplementation of Probiotic Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum Mediates Anticancer Effect on Bladder Urothelial Cells by Regulating Butyrate-Responsive Molecular Signatures

In bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma is the most common histologic subtype, accounting for more than 90% of cases. Pathogenic effects due to the dysbiosis of gut microbiota are localized not only in the colon, but also in regulating bladder cancer distally. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut microbial metabolism, is mainly studied in colon diseases. Therefore, the resolution of the anti-cancer effects of butyrate-producing microbes on bladder urothelial cells and knowledge of the butyrate-responsive molecules must have clinical significance. Here, we demonstrate a correlation between urothelial cancer of the bladder and Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum. This butyrate-producing microbe or their metabolite, butyrate, mediated anti-cancer effects on bladder urothelial cells by regulating cell cycle, cell growth, apoptosis, and gene expression. For example, a tumor suppressor against urothelial cancer of the bladder, bladder cancer-associated protein, was induced in butyrate-treated HT1376 cells, a human urinary bladder cancer cell line. In conclusion, urothelial cancer of the bladder is a significant health problem. To improve the health of bladder urothelial cells, supplementation of B. pullicaecorum may be necessary and can further regulate butyrate-responsive molecular signatures.

HDACi protects against vascular cognitive impairment from CCH injury via induction of BDNF-related AMPA receptor activation

We previously showed a hydroxamic acid‐based histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), compound 13, provides neuroprotection against chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) both in vitro under oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions and in vivo under bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) conditions. Intriguingly, the protective effect of this HDACi is via H3K14 or H4K5 acetylation–mediated differential BDNF isoform activation. BDNF is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation in development, synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory related with receptors or synaptic proteins. B6 mice underwent BCCAO and were randomized into 4 groups; a sham without BCCAO (sham), BCCAO mice injected with DMSO (DMSO), mice injected with HDACi‐compound 13 (compound 13) and mice injected with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). The cortex and hippocampus of mice were harvested at 3 months after BCCAO, and levels of BDNF, AMPA receptor and dopamine receptors (D1, D2 and D3) were studied using Western blotting analysis or immunohistochemistry. We found that the AMPA receptor plays a key role in the molecular mechanism of this process by modulating HDAC. This protective effect of HDACi may be through BDNF; therefore, activation of this downstream signalling molecule, for example by AMPA receptors, could be a therapeutic target or intervention applied under CCH conditions.

Synthesis, Radiolabeling, and Preliminary in vivo Evaluation of [68Ga] IPCAT-NOTA as an Imaging Agent for Dopamine Transporter

Introduction

Novel radiotracer development for imaging dopamine transporters is a subject of interest because although [^99mTc]TRODAT-1, [¹²³I]β-CIT, and [¹²³I]FP-CIT are commercially available; ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator is in short supply and ¹²³I production is highly dependent on compact cyclotron. Therefore, we designed a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer based on a tropane derivative through C-2 modification to conjugate NOTA for chelating ⁶⁸Ga, a radioisotope derived from a ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generator.

Methods

IPCAT-NOTA 22 was synthesized and labeled with [⁶⁸Ga]GaCl₄⁻ at room temperature. Biological studies on serum stability, LogP, and in vitro autoradiography (binding assay and competitive assay) were performed. Furthermore, ex vivo autoradiography, biodistribution, and dynamic PET imaging studies were performed in Sprague Dawley rats.

Results

[⁶⁸Ga]IPCAT-NOTA 24 obtained had a radiochemical yield of ≥90% and a specific activity of 4.25 MBq/nmol. [⁶⁸Ga]IPCAT-NOTA 24 of 85% radiochemical purity (RCP%) was stable at 37°C for up to 60 minutes in serum with a lipophilicity of 0.88. The specific binding ratio (SBR%) reached 15.8 ± 6.7 at 60 minutes, and the 85% specific uptake could be blocked through co-injection at 100- and 1000-fold of the cold precursor in in vitro binding studies. Tissue regional distribution studies in rats with [⁶⁸Ga]IPCAT-NOTA 24 showed striatal uptake (0.02% at 5 minutes and 0.007% at 60 minutes) with SBR% of 6%, 25%, and 62% at 5–15, 30–40, and 60–70 minutes, respectively, in NanoPET studies. The RCP% of [⁶⁸Ga]IPCAT-NOTA 24 at 30 minutes in vivo remained 67.65%.

Conclusion

Data described here provide new information on the design of PET probe of conjugate/pendent approach for DAT imaging. Another chelator or another direct method of intracranial injection must be used to prove the relation between [⁶⁸Ga]IPCAT-NOTA 24 uptake and transporter localization.

Intercomparison of conventional and QuickScan dicentric scoring for the validation of individual biodosimetry analysis in Taiwan

PURPOSE

The dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), the gold standard for radiation biodosimetry, evaluates an individual absorbed radiation dose by the analysis of DNA damage in human lymphocytes. The conventional (C-DCA) and QuickScan (QS-DCA) scoring methods are sensitive for estimating radiation dose. The Biodosimetry Laboratory at Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER), Taiwan, participated in intercomparison exercises conducted by Health Canada (HC) in 2014, 2015 and 2018 to validate the laboratory's accuracy and performance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Blood samples for the conventional dose response curve for Taiwan were irradiated with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Gy. Ten blind blood samples were provided by HC. Either or both of two methods of conventional (C) or QuickScan (QS) scoring could be chosen for the HC's intercomparison. For C-DCA triage scoring, only cells with 46 centromeres were counted and each scorer recorded the number of dicentrics in the first 50 metaphases or stopped scoring when 30 dicentrics were reached. Scorers also recorded how much time it took to analyze 10, 20, and 50 cells. Subsequently, the data were entered into the Dose Estimate software (DoseEstimate_v5.1) and dose estimates were calculated. With QS-DCA scoring, a minimum of 50 metaphase cells (or 30 dicentrics) were scored in apparently complete metaphases without verification of exactly 46 centromeres.

RESULTS

For the blinded blood samples irradiated at HC and shipped to INER, the mean absolute deviation (MAD) derived after scoring 50 cells for C-DCA and QS-DCA was <0.5 Gy for all three intercomparisons, meeting the criteria for acceptance.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the Biodosimetry Laboratory at INER can provide reliable dose estimates in the case of a large-scale radiation accident.

The molecular functions of Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflamed dental pulp cells

AIM

To explore the proliferation, adhesion and differentiation response and the underlying mechanisms that occur in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflamed dental pulp cells (DPCs) in contact with Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

METHODOLOGY

The DPCs were isolated from three healthy donors and named DPC-H1 to DPC-H3. The DPCs were pre-cultured with 2 or 5 μg mL^-1 LPS for 24 h to induce inflammation. The expression of inflammation marker miR-146a was detected by q-PCR. The normal and LPS-induced DPCs were further treated with 0.14 mg mL^-1 Biodentine or 0.13 mg mL^-1 MTA for 24 h. MTT assay and adhesion assay were used to analyse the changes of cell phenotypes. DSPP, AKT and ERK expressions were detected by Western blotting. The data were analysed by Mann-Whitney test or two-way anova. Differences were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05.

RESULTS

In LPS-induced DPCs, Biodentine and MTA treatment neither induced nor aggravated LPS-induced inflammation, but their presence did increase the expression of the odontogenic differentiation marker DSPP. Under 2 or 5 μg mL^-1 LPS-induced inflammation, Biodentine and MTA promoted the proliferation of DPC cells, and significantly in DPC-H2 (P < 0.0001 for both reagents). With the treatment of 2 μg mL^-1 LPS, the cell adhesion of DPCs on the fibronectin-coated culture plates was increased significantly by Biodentine (P = 0.0413) and MTA (P < 0.0001). Biodentine and MTA regulated cell adhesion on the fibronectin-coated culture plates (P < 0.0001 for both reagents) and proliferation (P < 0.0001 for both reagents) via the AKT pathway. However, the AKT pathway was not involved in the expression of DSPP induced by Biodentine and MTA.

CONCLUSION

Biodentine and MTA enhanced the proliferation, adhesion and differentiation of LPS-induced DPCs. The proliferation and adhesion process induced by Biodentine and MTA was via the AKT pathway. However, the cellular differentiation process might not use the same pathway, and this needs to be explored in future studies.

Benefits of Early In-Hospital Antivenom Administration to Patients with Protobothrops mucrosquamatus Envenomation

Protobothrops mucrosquamatus is one of the common venomous snakes in Southeast Asia. This retrospective cohort study conducted in six medical institutions in Taiwan aimed to obtain information on the optimal management strategies for P. mucrosquamatus snakebite envenomation. Data were extracted from the Chang Gung Research Database from January 2006 to December 2016. The association between early antivenom administration and patient demographics, pain requiring treatment with analgesic injections, and hospital length of stay was analyzed. A total of 195 patients were enrolled; 130 were administered antivenom within 1 hour after emergency department arrival (early group), whereas 65 were treated later than 1 hour after arrival (late group). No in-hospital mortality was identified. The difference in surgical intervention rates between the early and late groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.417). Compared with the early group, the late group showed a higher rate of antivenom skin test performance (46.9% versus 63.1%, respectively, P = 0.033), longer hospital stay (42 ± 62 hours versus 99 ± 70 hours, respectively, P = 0.016), and higher rate of incidences of pain requiring treatment with analgesic injections (29.2% versus 46.2%, respectively, P = 0.019). After adjusting for confounding factors, early antivenom administration was associated with decreased pain requiring treatment with analgesic injections (adjusted odds ratio: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.260-0.985). Antivenom administration within 1 hour of arrival was associated with a decreased likelihood of experiencing pain and hospital length of stay in patients with P. mucrosquamatus snakebites. Antivenom skin testing was associated with delays in antivenom administration.

SPECT imaging evaluation of 111indium-chelated cetuximab for diagnosing EGFR-positive tumor in an HCT-15-induced colorectal xenograft

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a tumor target for developing the anti-tumor theranostic agents. Cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody against EGFR-positive tumors, inhibits cell proliferation and growth was labeled with radioactive ¹¹¹indium (¹¹¹In) in this study for diagnosing EGFR-positive CRC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive nuclear imaging agent ¹¹¹In-cetuximab and investigate the biological distribution of ¹¹¹In-cetuximab in the HCT-15-induced EGFR-positive CRC tumor xenografts.

METHODS

We conjugated cetuximab with an isotope chelator, diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA), and consequently labeled cetuximab-DTPA with ¹¹¹In and measured the labeling efficacy by an instant thin layer chromatography (iTLC). Furthermore, the ¹¹¹In-cetuximab was investigated and compared for imaging small (50 mm³) and large (250 mm³) tumor of CRC xenografts, respectively.

RESULTS

The conjugated ratio between cetuximab and DTPA was 1:6 measured by MALDI-TOF-MS. The better labeling concentration of cetuximab with 10 mCi of ¹¹¹In was calculated and experimented as 48 μg, resulting in labeling efficacy >80% detected by iTLC. The results revealed that the ¹¹¹In-cetuximab accumulated in the both sizes of tumors as a reliable noninvasive diagnostic agent, whereas the ratio of tumor to muscle in the large tumor was 7.5-fold. The biodistribution data indicated that the ¹¹¹In-cetuximab bound to tumor specifically that was higher than that in other organs.

CONCLUSION

We suggested that the ¹¹¹In-cetuximab was potential for early diagnosis and prognostic monitor of EGFR-positive CRC in further clinical practice.

Effects of dextromethorphan on MDMA-induced serotonergic aberration in the brains of non-human primates using [123I]-ADAM/SPECT

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a common recreational drug, is known to cause serotonergic neurotoxicity in the brain. Dextromethorphan (DM) is a widely used antitussive reported to exert anti-inflammatory effect in vivo. In this study, we examined the long-term effect of MDMA on the primate serotonergic system and the protective property of DM against MDMA-induced serotonergic abnormality using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Nine monkeys (Macaca cyclopis) were divided into three groups, namely control, MDMA and co-treatment (MDMA/DM). [¹²³I]-ADAM was used as the radioligand for serotonin transporters (SERT) in SPECT scans. SERT levels of the brain were evaluated and presented as the uptake ratios (URs) of [¹²³I]-ADAM in several regions of interest of the brain including midbrain, thalamus and striatum. We found that the URs of [¹²³I]-ADAM were significantly lower in the brains of MDMA than control group, indicating lower brain SERT levels in the MDMA-treated monkeys. This MDMA-induced decrease in brain SERT levels could persist for over four years. However, the loss of brain SERT levels was not observed in co-treatment group. These results suggest that DM may exert a protective effect against MDMA-induced serotonergic toxicity in the brains of the non-human primate.

Effect of MDMA-Induced Axotomy on the Dorsal Raphe Forebrain Tract in Rats: An In Vivo Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as “Ecstasy”, is a common recreational drug of abuse. Several previous studies have attributed the central serotonergic neurotoxicity of MDMA to distal axotomy, since only fine serotonergic axons ascending from the raphe nucleus are lost without apparent damage to their cell bodies. However, this axotomy has never been visualized directly in vivo. The present study examined the axonal integrity of the efferent projections from the midbrain raphe nucleus after MDMA exposure using in vivo manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI). Rats were injected subcutaneously six times with MDMA (5 mg/kg) or saline once daily. Eight days after the last injection, manganese ions (Mn²⁺) were injected stereotactically into the raphe nucleus, and a series of MEMRI images was acquired over a period of 38 h to monitor the evolution of Mn²⁺-induced signal enhancement across the ventral tegmental area, the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), and the striatum. The MDMA-induced loss of serotonin transporters was clearly evidenced by immunohistological staining consistent with the Mn²⁺-induced signal enhancement observed across the MFB and striatum. MEMRI successfully revealed the disruption of the serotonergic raphe-striatal projections and the variable effect of MDMA on the kinetics of Mn²⁺ accumulation in the MFB and striatum.

Forced degradation behavior of epidepride and development of a stability-indicating method based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was applied to study the forced degradation behavior and stability of epidepride. ¹²³I radioisotope-labeled epidepride, [(−)-N-{[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl}-5-iodo-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide] is a radiotracer with a high affinity for dopamine D₂ receptors in the brain and has been used as an imaging agent for single-photon emission computed tomography. HPLC studies were performed using ¹²⁷I-epidepride (the nonradioactive compound), instead of ¹²³I-epidepride, with an RP-18 column using a mobile phase consisting of methanol, acetonitrile, and ammonium acetate (pH 7.0, 10 mM). The eluent flow rate and the wavelength for HPLC detection were 0.5 mL/min and 210 nm, respectively. The ligand was exposed to acid (1 N HCl) and alkaline (1 N NaOH) media and was subjected to oxidative decomposition at room temperature using 3% H₂O₂ and to thermal decomposition at 50°C. After various reaction times (30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours), the substances were investigated by HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Although no decomposition products were observed after the acidic, alkaline, and thermal treatments, > 80% of the initial amount of ¹²⁷I-epidepride was oxidized within 24 hours in the presence of H₂O₂. Only one major oxidation product with an m/z value of 435 was observed, in addition to the ¹²⁷I-epidepride species (m/z 419). The product was characterized by LC-MS/MS fragmentation, and the deteriorated type and fragmentation pathways were proposed for epidepride.

Oral carcinoma with perineural invasion has higher nerve growth factor expression and worse prognosis

BACKGROUND

This study elucidated the association between histopathological factors and the prognosis of oral carcinoma. As the histopathological factors were determined from the surgical specimen and this can only be used for the choices of postoperative regimens, this study also investigated the linkage between prognostic factors and the expression of key molecules to examine the feasibility of markers as predictors.

METHODS

Clinicopathological factors of 101 oral carcinomas were cross-analyzed with disease-free survival. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor, tyrosine kinase A receptor, was assayed with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Nodal metastasis was the most crucial clinical predictor for disease-free survival. Perineural invasion (PNI) was an independent histopathological predictor for both nodal metastasis (P = 0.004) and disease-free survival (P = 0.019). Patients with advanced tumor and PNI exhibited the high hazard for tumor progression and poor disease-free survival. NGF immunoreactivity in tumors was correlated with PNI (P = 0.005) and neck lymph node metastasis (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Perineural invasion is the indicator of worst prognosis. As NGF immunoreactivity was found to be associated with PNI and nodal metastasis, the NGF immunoreactivity of oral carcinoma revealed by diagnostic biopsy suggests that alternative therapeutic approaches might be appropriate.

[123I]Iodooctyl fenbufen amide as a SPECT tracer for imaging tumors that over-express COX enzymes

This study is concerned with the development of an agent for single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) for imaging inflammation and tumor progression. [(123)I]Iodooctyl fenbufen amide ([(123)I]IOFA) was prepared from the precursor N-octyl-4-oxo-4-(4'-(trimethylstannyl)biphenyl-4-yl)butanamide with a radiochemical yield of 15%, specific activity of 37 GBq/μmol, and radiochemical purity of 95%. Analysis of the binding of [(123)I]IOFA to COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes by using HPLC and a gel filtration column showed a selectivity ratio of 1:1.3. An assay for the competitive inhibition of substrate transfer showed that IOFA exhibited a comparable IC(50) value compared to fenbufen. In the normal rat liver, a lower level and homogeneous pattern of [(123)I]IOFA radioactivity was observed by SPECT. In contrast, in the rat liver with thioacetamide-induced cholangiocarcinoma, a higher uptake and heterogeneous pattern of [(123)I]IOFA radioactivity was seen as hot spots in tumor lesions by SPECT imaging. Importantly, elevated COX-1 and COX-2 expressions from immunostaining were found in the bile ducts of tumor rats but not of normal rats. Therefore, [(123)I]IOFA was found to exhibit the potential for imaging tumors that over-express COX.

Effects of [123I]ADAM, a serotonin transporter radiopharmaceutical, on pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats

Serotonin transport abnormalities are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. [(123)I]ADAM ([(123)I]-2-([2-({dimethylamino}methyl)phenyl]thio)-5-iodophenylamine) is a novel radiotracer that targets serotonin transporters. We assessed the toxicity of [(123)I]ADAM (18.5 MBq) administered in early- and late-phases (8 and 14 day postfertilization, respectively) of pregnancy. The mortality, clinical status, and gross necropsy were measured in pregnant rats, and the fertility index was measured in rat offspring (weight, clinical observations). We found no dosing-related clinical signs. In conclusion, [(123)I]ADAM was not toxic in an animal pregnancy model.

[123I]Epidepride neuroimaging of dopamine D2/D3 receptor in chronic MK-801-induced rat schizophrenia model

PURPOSE

[(123)I]Epidepride is a radio-tracer with very high affinity for dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptors in brain. The importance of alteration in dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor binding condition has been wildly verified in schizophrenia. In the present study we set up a rat schizophrenia model by chronic injection of a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, to examine if [(123)I]epidepride could be used to evaluate the alterations of dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor binding condition in specific brain regions.

METHOD

Rats were given repeated injection of MK-801 (dissolved in saline, 0.3mg/kg) or saline for 1month. Afterwards, total distance traveled (cm) and social interaction changes were recorded. Radiochemical purity of [(123)I]epidepride was analyzed by Radio-Thin-Layer Chromatography (chloroform: methanol, 9:1, v/v) and [(123)I]epidepride neuroimages were obtained by ex vivo autoradiography and small animal SPECT/CT. Data obtained were then analyzed to determine the changes of specific binding ratio.

RESULT

Chronic MK-801 treatment for a month caused significantly increased local motor activity and induced an inhibition of social interaction. As shown in [(123)I]epidepride ex vivo autoradiographs, MK-801 induced a decrease of specific binding ratio in the striatum (24.01%), hypothalamus (35.43%), midbrain (41.73%) and substantia nigra (37.93%). In addition, [(123)I]epidepride small animal SPECT/CT neuroimaging was performed in the striatum and midbrain. There were statistically significant decreases in specific binding ratio in both the striatum (P<.01) and midbrain (P<.05) between the saline and MK-801 group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that [(123)I]epidepride is a useful radio-tracer to reveal the alterations of dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor binding in a rat schizophrenia model and is also helpful to evaluate therapeutic effects of schizophrenia in the future.

Association between somatization subscale score and serotonin transporter availability in healthy volunteers--a single photon emission computed tomography study with [¹²³I] ADAM

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

Serotonin is one of the key neuromodulators involved in fundamental cerebral functions and behaviors. Previous study has demonstrated that somatization symptoms are probably associated with central serotonergic circuits, which are implicated in anxiety and nociception regulation. This study aims to examine the correlation between somatization subscale score and serotonin transporter (SERT) availability in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Sixty-four healthy participants, 26 males and 38 females, were enrolled from the community and were administered the single somatization subscale of the Chinese symptom checklist 90 revised (SCL90-R). Single photon emission computed tomography with [(123)I] 2-((2-((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl)thio)-5-iodophenylamine was also performed to examine SERT availability.

RESULTS

The somatization scores were negatively correlated with SERT availability (Spearman's ρ = -0.35, p = 0.005), particularly in males (Spearman's ρ = -0.54, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

This result reconfirmed the correlation between central serotonergic activity and the intensity of somatization symptoms, even in healthy participants. However, a gender difference exists in this correlation.

CT analysis demonstrates that cochlear height does not change with age

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CH measurements can often be useful in the diagnosis of inner ear malformations associated with SNHL. Our aim was to establish the relationship between CH and age by using analysis of CT images in patients who underwent coronal CT scans of the temporal bone between 2001 and 2007.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured CH on coronal CT scans of the temporal bone of 422 ears scanned from 2001 to 2007 in 211 patients, 1 month to 23 years of age. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, we determined the relationship of CH to age, sex, and HL type. In addition, 11 patients with multiple scans at different ages were assessed for change in CH with age.

RESULTS

Average CH was 5.3 mm (normal range, 4.4-6.2 mm). Analysis showed no statistically significant change in CH across ages from 1 month to 23 years (95% CI for regression line slope = -0.003, 0.013). Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in CH for patients with multiple scans at different ages. ICW increased with age as expected with increased cranial size. A small difference in CH between sexes was noted with males having greater CHs than females (P < .01). All patients with hypoplastic cochleas, defined by a CH <2 SDs from the mean (4.48 mm for males and 4.25 mm for females), had HL with a positive predictive value of 86%.

CONCLUSIONS

CH does not change from 1 month of age to adulthood and is slightly greater in males than in females.

Development of acute and subacute toxicity with the serotonin transporter radiopharmaceutical, ADAM

It is predicted that depression will become the most common neurological disease in the new millennium. Its incidence is currently about 3% of diseases worldwide. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter for the central and peripheral nervous systems and plays a crucial role in neuropsychiatric disorders. (123)I-labeled ADAM was developed to facilitate an early diagnosis of serotonin transporter (SERT) abnormalities in the brain. Many studies have confirmed that the binding of this radiotracer to SERTs is associated with depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of ADAM and to determine its no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) by administering it via intravenous injection to Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 consecutive days. None of the animals died, and no treatment-related clinical signs were observed. Urinalysis, hematology, and clinical chemistry analysis revealed that daily administration of ADAM (2-2-dimethylaminomethylphenylthio-5-iodophenylamine) for 2 weeks had no toxicological effects. It is concluded that ADAM exerts no adverse toxic effects on this animal model. The NOAEL was 155 microg/kg/day.

Acute toxicity of two Alzheimer's disease radiopharmaceuticals: FDDNP and IMPY

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in memory deficits. The effect of AD is the leading cause of dementia in the United States and constitutes a burgeoning public health problem. AD is characterized by the presence of two aberrant structures, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles, present in the brain of the patients. [(18)F]FDDNP and [(123)I]IMPY were developed for the early diagnosis of AD by Dr. J. Barrios and Dr. H. Kung, respectively. These two radiotracers could bind with the amyloid location site in the AD patient brain. The aim of this study was to analyze the acute single toxic effects dose of two nonradiochemical labeled compounds in rats. Animals were injected from the tail vein with nonlabeled-FDDNP (0- 5 mg/kg) and nonlabeled-IMPY (0-300 microg/kg), respectively, and observed for 2 weeks. These doses provide safety margins of 35,000- to 140-fold and 1,000- to 100-fold over the maximal recommend human dose (0.1 mg/70 kg) and (20 microg/60 kg) (by FDDNP and IMPY), respectively. With IMPY, there were no changes in mortality, clinical situation, and gross necropsy. With FDDNP, the high dose (5 mg/kg) produced mortality in 2 of 5 and 1 of 5 in male and female rats, respectively. The high dose of FDDNP showed liver damage in dying animals. No other adverse toxic effects at dose levels up to 1.0 mg/kg of FDDNP were noted. FDDNP exerted no adverse toxic effects in rats given doses up to 1 mg/kg and IMPY at the dose levels up to 300 microg/kg.

Salivary gland anlage tumor in a neonate presenting with respiratory distress: radiographic and pathologic correlation

We present a case of congenital salivary gland anlage tumor (SGAT) of the nasal septum in a 2-week-old infant who had difficulty breathing through her nose since birth. CT and MR imaging demonstrated a circumscribed mass within the nasal cavity that did not communicate with the intracranial compartment. Differential diagnosis and clinical significance of recognizing this rare lesion are reviewed.

The synthesis and characterization of [(124)I]IMPY, a thioflavin-S derivative, in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

6-[(124)I]iodo-2-(4'-N,N-dimethylamino)-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ([(124)I]IMPY) was synthesized and characterized as a positron-emitting probe to identify Alzheimer's disease in transgenic mouse models. A significant reduction in radioactivity retention in the hippocampus and frontal cortex by co-incubation with nonradioactive IMPY was observed. Highly specific retention of radioactivity in beta-amyloid-rich regions of brain sections was also noted. This study demonstrated that [(124)I]IMPY was a promising probe for the mouse model and may be useful for positron emission tomography to image beta-amyloid plaques in the human brain.

Imaging of regional metabolic activity by (18)F-FDG/PET in rats with transient cerebral ischemia

Changes in regional metabolic activities induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) can influence patient outcome. Our aim was to demonstrate in a rat model that (18)F-FDG with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a quantitative, reproducible approach for identifying acute and sub-acute metabolic variations in infarct regions. We found that imaging with (18)F-FDG/PET enabled detection and quantification of ischemia-induced metabolic deficits and provided a sensitive and reliable means of assessing cerebral ischemic lesions compared with conventional neurological scoring systems in rodents.

Daily feeding of fresh Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) for worm control in sheep

This study was Conducted To Evaluate The Anthelmintic Effect Of Neem (azadirachta Indica) On Nematode Parasites Of Sheep. Twelve Santa Ines Cross Bred Sheep From A Government Farm were randomly selected and equally divided into control (n = 6) and treated groups (n =6). Faecal egg counts (FEC) using the modified McMaster technique and the FAMACHA score for assessing clinical anaemia were carried out daily and recorded for 6 weeks. At the end of the study all the animals were slaughtered and the total worm count (TWC) was done. The results of FEC showed that there was no significant difference between the control and treated group (p = 0.081). However, worm burden estimations showed that the number of parasites was significantly higher in the control group compared to the treated group (p < 0.05). This result indicated that feeding Neem had an effect on worm numbers in sheep, but was not reflected in their faecal egg counts. Further work is needed to reconfirm the effect of Neem on helminth infections of sheep.

The organisation of the Department of Veterinary Services in Malaysia

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Malaysia was established in 1888 as an agency to control exotic and domestic animal diseases. Over the years, the structure and functions of the organisation have evolved to meet the growing demand for veterinary services. The responsibilities of the Veterinary Services are enshrined in the Constitution of Malaysia. The current organisation of the DVS is structured to achieve the following objectives:---to prevent, control and eradicate animal and zoonotic diseases--to facilitate the growth and development of a strong animal industry--to ensure that animal products for human consumption are wholesome, clean, safe and suitable to be consumed--to facilitate the growth and development of the animal feed industry--to ensure the welfare and well-being of all animals. To meet these objectives the DVS has nine different divisions, as follows: Planning and Evaluation, Epidemiology and Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Public Health, Research and Development, Industry Development, Production and Development of Genetic Resources, Human Resource Development (HRD), Enforcement, and Administration. The development of the animal industry is managed through national development policies, including the Third National Agriculture Policy. The basis for current programmes for disease control and animal industry development is the Eighth Development Plan (2001-2005). Over the period of this Plan, Malaysia will address the need for sanitary and phytosanitary measures by developing specific programmes covering all fields of the animal industry. This is just one way in which Malaysia is meeting the challenges of the increased liberalisation of trade created by the World Trade Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Area. The development of the industry is focused on the major commodities, namely, beef, mutton, poultry meat, eggs, pork and milk. Other commodities receive support if it is considered economically viable. All support services are being strengthened, particularly the HRD division. The organisation and functions of the DVS are constantly being reviewed in accordance with changes in the animal industry and the nature of the services in demand.

Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication on platelet recovery in children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

AIM

Little is known about the influence of environmental factors on the epidemiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in relation to the development and/or persistence of ITP in infected patients remains controversial. Therapy used for eradicating H. pylori has led to a rise in platelet counts in a significant number of adult patients. but few paediatric studies have been undertaken to evaluate such treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori and to evaluate whether H. pylori eradication can induce chronic ITP regression in children.

METHODS

To investigate new, noninvasive techniques for diagnosis of H. pylori infection, an enzyme immunoassay for H. pylori antigens in faeces (HpSA) was evaluated. Patient eligibility criteria included isolated thrombocytopenia (< or = 50 x 10(9) L-(-1)) for more than 6 months without any identifiable cause and either normal or increased marrow megakaryocytes. H. pylori status was monitored before eradication and 4, 12, and 24 mo, after the end of treatment using Premier Platinum HpSA.

RESULTS

In this study we evaluated 22 chronic ITP patients, 9 of whom were infected with H. pylori. Using repeated HpSA testing, we demonstrated for eradication of H. pylori after treatment in all infected patients. Five of the nine patients had increased platelet counts that persisted throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

These results should stimulate additional research into the involvement of H. pylori infection in chronic ITP in childhood. This approach may offer an accepted algorithm at least for some of these patients.

Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication on platelet recovery in children with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

AIM

Little is known about the influence of environmental factors on the epidemiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in relation to the development and/or persistence of ITP in infected patients remains controversial. Therapy used for eradicating H. pylori has led to a rise in platelet counts in a significant number of adult patients. but few paediatric studies have been undertaken to evaluate such treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori and to evaluate whether H. pylori eradication can induce chronic ITP regression in children.

METHODS

To investigate new, noninvasive techniques for diagnosis of H. pylori infection, an enzyme immunoassay for H. pylori antigens in faeces (HpSA) was evaluated. Patient eligibility criteria included isolated thrombocytopenia (< or = 50 x 10(9) L-(-1)) for more than 6 months without any identifiable cause and either normal or increased marrow megakaryocytes. H. pylori status was monitored before eradication and 4, 12, and 24 mo, after the end of treatment using Premier Platinum HpSA.

RESULTS

In this study we evaluated 22 chronic ITP patients, 9 of whom were infected with H. pylori. Using repeated HpSA testing, we demonstrated for eradication of H. pylori after treatment in all infected patients. Five of the nine patients had increased platelet counts that persisted throughout the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

These results should stimulate additional research into the involvement of H. pylori infection in chronic ITP in childhood. This approach may offer an accepted algorithm at least for some of these patients.

Splenic abscess caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus

A case of a pyoderma complicated with splenic abscess and bacteraemia caused by group A streptococcus was treated successfully with antibiotics alone for 4 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of splenic abscess associated with group A streptococcal bacteraemia. Advances in antibiotic therapy and imaging techniques have improved the management and outcomes of splenic abscesses. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of splenic abscess after a pyoderma or a sepsis-like episode.

CONCLUSION

Splenic abscesses can be diagnosed by serial ultrasound or CT scan examinations and should be treated with antibiotics for 4-6 weeks.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase gene of Xanthomonas campestris is required for virulence

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xc) is the casual agent of black rot in crucifers. The Xc gene (udgH) coding for UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronic acid, was previously shown to be required for the biosynthesis of xanthan gum, a substance necessary for the bacterium to cause disease. In this study, the transcription start site of the udgH was determined and the promoter activity monitored by the xylE reporter system indicated that expression of the udgH increases following cell growth and that the udgH gene may possess a second promoter that is responsive to stationary-phase change retaining high levels of expression. Results of Southern hybridization suggest that the udgH gene may be ubiquitous in Xanthomonas, coincident with the notion that members of this genus are capable of xanthan gum biosynthesis. Mutation of the udgH gene in Xc and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria, the casual agent of leaf spot in pepper and tomato, was found to cause a loss of virulence.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome masquerading as lymphoma: a case report

Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a non-neoplastic, generalized histiocytic proliferation with prominent hemophagocytosis associated with a systemic viral infection. Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one candidate virus for this association, thorough serologic and molecular biologic studies to determine the presence of the viral infection have been lacking in many reports. Whereas elevated liver function tests are common findings in patients with VAHS, exudative ascites and abdominal lymphadenopathy are rare. We describe a case of EBV-AHS masquerading as lymphoma in which treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins was associated with complete clinical remission at 2 years and 6 months after the onset. Regardless of the exact mechanism responsible for ascites formation in VAHS, this case adds support to the possible involvement of EBV in patients with abdominal lymphadenopathy and ascites.

Establishment and characterization of an oral melanoma cell line (ME)

A new cell line, ME, has been established from a melanoma of the palatal mucosa. The cultured monolayer of cells was fusiform and melanin-producing. The cells were highly tumorigenic and metastatic in nude mice. The xenographic tumors resembled the original tumor in morphology, melanin production, and the expression of S-100 and HMB-45 antigens. The metaphase karyotype of ME indicated multiple aberrations of chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 7-11, 13, 19, 21 and X. A homozygous loss of the p16/MTS1 gene during the establishment of ME correlated with karyotypic evidence of chromosome 9 abnormalities. Absence of nm23 protein expression and elevated expression of CD44 protein (indicative of metastatic phenotypes) were demonstrated in primary and xenographic tumors. ME cells could be valuable in developing novel therapeutic strategies for oral melanoma.

A case report of primary hyperparathyroidism with severe bony involvement and nephrolithiasis

INTRODUCTION

Although the majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have a relatively asymptomatic benign disorder, there are patients who have a more aggressive disorder.

CLINICAL PICTURE

We report a case of primary hyperparathyroidism presenting during pregnancy complicated by antepartum haemorrhage and severe prematurity. The diagnosis was made postpartum, when her problems rapidly progressed to result in severe neuromuscular weakness, bilateral pathological hip fractures as well as nephrolithiasis.

TREATMENT

Surgical parathyroidectomy was performed. The underlying lesion was a large solitary parathyroid adenoma with cystic elements.

CONCLUSION

Primary hyperparathyroidism is not an innocuous disease and can result in severe morbidity if left untreated.

Menetrier's disease associated with cytomegalovirus infection in a child

Menetrier's disease is a rare disease with unknown etiology characterized by protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy and hypoproteinemia. We report on a 4-year-old boy who presented with a 2-week history of vomiting and periorbital edema. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed prominent gastric rugae, while pathological examination showed hyperplastic mucosa with proliferation, elongation, and basal cystic dilatation of the gastric glands replaced by mucous-secreting epithelium, confirming the diagnosis of Menetrier's disease. Virus isolation from urine revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV); and CMV immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected in the serum. His condition gradually improved under omeprazole, with complete histological recovery after 3 months.

Alstrom syndrome with hepatic dysfunction: report of one case

Alstrom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with early childhood retinopathy, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, truncal obesity, and acanthosis nigricans. We report a 10-year-old boy with Alstrom syndrome presenting with general malaise and abnormal liver function for 1 year. In addition to the above mentioned features, he also had hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. The mechanism responsible for the persistent elevation of liver enzymes could not be identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-reported case of Alstrom syndrome with hepatic dysfunction in Taiwan.

Overexpression of p53 in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in young patients with no known risk factors is not associated with mutations in exons 5-9

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the status of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in patients less than 40 years of age who had squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue develop with no known risk factors.

METHODS

Histologic sections from 21 patients were prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and were processed for standard immunohistochemistry for detection of the p53 protein. In addition, tumors were evaluated by single-strand conformation polymorphism and by DNA sequencing to identify potential mutations in the conserved exons (5-9) of the p53 gene.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent (17 of 21) of the patients overexpressed p53 by immunohistochemical analysis. However, none of these patients demonstrated mutations in exons 5-9 of the gene.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms by which the young individuals with no risk factors had altered p53 function in oral squamous cell carcinoma may differ from those of the more typical population of individuals who have this malignancy develop.

Overexpression of p53 in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in young patients with no known risk factors is not associated with mutations in exons 5-9

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the status of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in patients less than 40 years of age who had squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue develop with no known risk factors.

METHODS

Histologic sections from 21 patients were prepared from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and were processed for standard immunohistochemistry for detection of the p53 protein. In addition, tumors were evaluated by single-strand conformation polymorphism and by DNA sequencing to identify potential mutations in the conserved exons (5-9) of the p53 gene.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent (17 of 21) of the patients overexpressed p53 by immunohistochemical analysis. However, none of these patients demonstrated mutations in exons 5-9 of the gene.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms by which the young individuals with no risk factors had altered p53 function in oral squamous cell carcinoma may differ from those of the more typical population of individuals who have this malignancy develop.

Establishment and characterization of a cell line (HCDB-1) derived from a hamster buccal pouch carcinoma induced by DMBA and Taiwanese betel quid extract

This study identified that the carcinogenesis of hamster buccal pouch (HBP) induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) was greatly enhanced (18 folds) by a combination treatment with Taiwanese betel quid (BQ) extract. A new cell line, HCDB-1, has been established from induced carcinomas. The cultured monolayer cells were epithelioid in shape with irregular nuclei. They demonstrated abundant cytokeratin and tonofilaments; however, ultrastructural well-organized desmosomes were lacking. The HCDB-1 cell exhibited population doubling in 19 h and was highly tumorigenic in nude mice. A C-->T transition at codon 141 (Ala to Val) of the p53 gene was detected in this cell. This mutation is equivalent to a specific temperature-sensitive mouse p53Ala135Val mutant that causes transformation by shifting to 37.5 degrees C. HCDB-1 is the first cell line established from the HBP model of oral carcinogenesis induced by DMBA/Taiwanese BQ extract. It might be valuable for exploring the molecular pathogenesis of oral cancer.

P53 expression, p53 and Ha-ras mutation and telomerase activation during nitrosamine-mediated hamster pouch carcinogenesis

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) induced in hamster buccal pouch (HBP) by 22 weeks of topical N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine (MBN) treatment (twice-weekly, 10 mg MBN/ml propylene glycol) were evaluated for: (i) altered expression of p53 using immunohistochemistry (IHC); (ii) mutations in Ha-ras and p53 using PCR/single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP); (iii) telomerase activity using the telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). Precancerous lesions were also evaluated using p53 IHC. Hamsters were killed for lesion analysis at either 3 days (group A, eight hamsters, 89 carcinomas) or 7 weeks (group B, six hamsters, 105 carcinomas) following the final MBN application. Between 3 days and 7 weeks post-treatment the proportion of tumors exhibiting p53 IHC activity (at least 10% of nuclei stained using D07 antibodies for detection of both mutant and wild-type p53) fell from 91 to 50%. However, during this same post-treatment period the frequency of tumors analyzed exhibiting confirmed sequence alterations in the conserved exons (E5-E8) of p53 remained constant (5/15 = 33% in group A versus 14/45 = 31% in group B). Heightened expression of wild-type p53 resulting from DNA damage in the immediate post-treatment period is likely to have contributed to the high proportion of group A tumors exhibiting p53 IHC activity. Nearly 80% of the identified p53 mutations were G-->A and C-->T transitions. The identified p53 point mutations occurred at or near (within three codons) of the corresponding hot-spot codons (175, 245, 248 and 273) of human oral SCC. The proportion of group A and group B tumors analyzed exhibiting Ha-ras mutations was 1/15 (7%) and 7/45 (16%), respectively. Only four of the observed eight Ha-ras mutations occurred in codons known to result in activation of this gene. Telomerase activation was demonstrated in 11 of 13 group A tumors (85%) and in 23 of 24 (96%) group B tumors analyzed. The alterations in p53, Ha-ras and telomerase activity observed in this HBP-MBN model are similar in many respects to those observed in the analogous human lesions of the head and neck. This model may be particularly useful for development of cancer chemoprevention regimens and multimodality cancer therapies.

Alterations of adenomatous polyposis Coli (APC) gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The present study assessed the roles of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene during oral carcinogenesis. Reduction of APC transcript levels and APC loss of heterozygosity (LOH) were found in 39% (7/18) and 29% (10/34) cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), respectively. The apparent APC heterozygosity (27%) in non-cancerous matched oral tissue (NCMOT) adjacent to OSCC at an exon 11 locus was significantly lower than normally found in the Taiwanese population (49%). These findings suggest that the allelic status of APC could indicate a cancer risk. No polymorphism of 11307 allele of APC was identified in NCMOT or OSCC. Our data indicated that alterations of APC are frequent molecular changes of OSCC. Advances in understanding of the APC alterations that accompany OSCC development might provide a means for early diagnosis and possibly new therapeutic strategies.

Alterations of p16/MTS1 gene in oral squamous cell carcinomas from Taiwanese

To determine the alterations of the p16/MTS1 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we examined in Taiwanese patients the mutation, deletion and methylation of p16/MTS1 in primary OSCCs associated mostly with betel quid (BQ)/tobacco use. Among 110 tumors undergoing mutational analyses, seven (6%) showed mutations in exon 2 or the intron 1/exon 2 splice site. All but one mutation disrupted the encoded proteins. Base transitions represented the vast majority (6/7) of the mutations identified in BQ/tobacco consuming subjects. It was noted that 15/56 (27%) tumors examined by restriction fragment methylation analysis revealed a significant level of methylation in different loci of exon 1 as compared with the respective non-cancerous tissue. Mutation of p16/MTS1 was exclusively identified in carcinomas of buccal mucosa, whereas methylation of the p16/MTS1 promoter region occurred preferentially in carcinomas of the tongue (54%) rather than at other sites (22%). Homozygous deletion was not found in 56 paired samples examined, nor was hemizygous deletion indicated in 12 informative cases. The results indicated aberrant methylation and mutation as the molecular abnormality of p16/MTS1 in the OSCC from Taiwanese.