The Clinical Impact of the Prognostic Immune and Nutritional Index in Gastric Cancer Patients Who Received Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The prognostic immune and nutritional index (PINI) was developed and reported as a promising prognostic factor. This study aimed to clarify the clinical impact of the PINI in gastric cancer (GC) patients who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent curative resection for GC at Yokohama City University between 2005 and 2020 were selected based on their medical records. The PINI was calculated by dividing the serum albumin concentration (g/dl) by the serum monocyte concentration. Both measurements were performed prior to surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 262 patients were included in this study. Based on the 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS), we set the cutoff value of the PINI at 3.4 in the present study. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 69.0% and 66.1%, respectively, in the PINI-low group and 90.5% and 82.8% in the PINI-high group. There were significant differences between the two groups (p<0.001). A multivariate analysis of factors associated with OS identified PINI as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio=1.996; 95% confidence interval=1.096-3.636, p=0.024). Similar results were observed for RFS. In addition, the PINI status affected the recurrence pattern, postoperative anastomotic leakage, and the introduction of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The PINI is a promising nutritional and inflammatory marker for patients with GC and might be a useful marker for the treatment and management of patients with GC.

The Clinical Impact of the Pretreatment Albumin to Fibrinogen Ratio in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR) has been identified as a promising prognostic marker for some malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of AFR in esophageal cancer patients who received curative resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study included 123 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters were compared between patients with high and low AFRs.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS) stratified by each clinical factor was compared using the log-rank test, and a significant difference was observed when using a pretreatment AFR of 1.23. When comparing the patient backgrounds between the high-AFR (AFR ≥12.3) and low-AFR (AFR<12.3) groups, significant differences were noted in the pathological T status. The high-AFR group had significantly higher OS rates at 3 years (70.8%) and 5 years (59.3%) after surgery in comparison to the low-AFR group (46.6% and 37.4%, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses for OS showed that the AFR was a significant prognostic factor. In addition, when comparing the site of first recurrence, a marginally significant difference was noted in hematological recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The AFR is a significant risk factor in patients with esophageal cancer, holding promise as a valuable prognostic factor.

The Prognostic Immune and Nutritional Indices Are Independent Prognostic Factors for Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Recently, the prognostic immune and nutritional index (PINI) was developed and reported to be a promising nutritional and inflammatory prognostic marker. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical impact of the PINI for esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records and collected data on consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative resection at Yokohama City University between 2005 and 2020. The PINI was calculated by dividing the serum ALB concentration (g/dl) by the serum monocyte concentration, both of which were measured before surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients were included in this study. The cutoff value of the PINI was 3.0 in the present study. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 45.2% and 33.5%, respectively, in the PINI-low subgroup, and 69.1% and 61.8%, respectively, in the PINI-high subgroup. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PINI was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio=2.091, 95% confidence interval=1.287-3.399, p=0.003). Similar results were observed for recurrence-free survival. When comparing the sites of recurrence between the two groups, the incidence of hematological recurrence was significantly greater in the PINI-low subgroup compared to the PINI-high subgroup (46.8% vs. 21.1%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The PINI is a promising nutritional and inflammatory marker for esophageal cancer patients. The PINI might be a useful marker for the treatment and management of esophageal cancer patients.

The CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) Index Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index is a promising biomarker. We clarified the clinical impact of the CALLY index in gastric cancer patients who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer at Yokohama City University from 2005 to 2020 were selected based on medical records. The CALYY index was calculated as follows: serum ALB level (g/dl) × lymphocyte count (cells/μl)/C-reactive protein (mg/dl) ×104 Results: Two hundred fifty-nine patients were included in the present study. The three- and five-year overall survival (OS) rates were 64.8% and 57.0%, respectively, in the CALLY index-low group, and 86.2% and 78.2%, respectively, in the CALLY index-high group. There were significant differences between the two groups. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the CALLY index was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio=1.791; 95% confidence interval=1.067-3.009; p=0.028). When comparing the perioperative clinical course between the CALLY index-low and CALLY index-high groups, there were significant differences in postoperative surgical complications and adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The CALLY score was an independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer. Our results suggest that the CALLY index is a promising tool for assessing inflammation and nutritional status in patients undergoing gastric cancer treatment and management.

The Naples Prognostic Score Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) in patients with gastric cancer and to clarify the potential of the NPS as a nutritional and inflammation evaluation system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 158 patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinical pathological parameters of the high-NPS (NPS >2) and low-NPS (NPS=0, 1) groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS) rates at 3 and 5 years were 86.7% and 77.7%, respectively, in the low-NPS group and 55.4% and 47.4%, respectively, in the high-NPS group. There were significant differences in OS between the two groups. Uni- and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the NPS was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR=2.495, 95%CI=1.240-5.451). In addition, the 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 82.1% and 76.0%, respectively, in the NPS-low group, and 43.8% and 36.6% in the NPS-high group. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the NPS was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR=2.739, 95%CI=1.509-4.972). When the first site of recurrence was compared between the low-NPS group and high-NPS group, there were significant differences in peritoneal recurrence (8.7% vs. 34.3%, p=0.001) and hematologic recurrence (5.6% vs. 21.9%, p=0.004).

CONCLUSION

The NPS was a significant prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer who received curative treatment. The NPS may be a promising biomarker for the treatment and management of gastric cancer.

The Clinical Benefit of the Modified Neutrophil-Platelet Score as a Surrogate Prognostic Marker in Patients With Resectable Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Gastric cancer is a common cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in East Asia. This study evaluated the impact of preoperative modified Neutrophil-Platelet Score (mNPS) on the survival and recurrence of patients with resectable gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study analyzed 168 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and subsequently received adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer between 2015 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

Patients were divided into two groups: 76 patients with an mNPS of 0 were classified into the low-mNPS group, whereas 92 patients with an mNPS of ≥1 were classified into the high-mNPS group. The 3- and 5-year OS rates in the low-mNPS group were 65.6% and 56.2%, respectively, and those in the high-mNPS group were 45.3% and 36.9%, respectively. The difference in OS between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.007). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates in the low-mNPS group were 45.6% and 38.7%, respectively, whereas those in the high-mNPS group were 33.4% and 28.1%, respectively. The difference in RFS between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.043). A multivariate analysis showed that the mNPS was a significant independent prognostic factor for OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

mNPS is a potential prognostic marker for patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy. Higher mNPS values were associated with lower 3- and 5-year OS and RFS rates, indicating a potential correlation between elevated mNPS and worse outcomes.

Albumin-Globulin Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients who Received Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) is a useful biomarker for predicting postoperative complications and a poor prognosis in patients with various types of cancer and can be evaluated without invasive testing or surgery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the AGR in predicting the short- and long-term prognoses of patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical resection at our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis in which eligible patients were selected from the medical records of patients who underwent radical resection for gastric cancer at Yokohama City University from 2000 to 2020 and their medical records were reviewed. A total of 240 patients with gastric cancer were classified into high-AGR (>1.57) and low-AGR (≤1.57) groups and their overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and postoperative complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

Of the total 240 patients, 87 were classified into the high AGR group and 153 were classified into the low AGR group; the incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent (34.4% vs. 39.2%, p=0.491). The long-term findings showed that the 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly better in the high AGR group [84.0% vs. 64.8% (p=0.005), 80.0% vs. 61.9% (p=0.015), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Preoperative low AGR is a risk factor for OS and DFS in patients with gastric cancer who undergo surgery. The AGR may be a useful biomarker that can be applied as a prognostic indicator for patients with gastric cancer.

CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) Index Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for the Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Received Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Perioperative inflammation and the nutritional status affect both short- and long-term oncological outcomes in various malignancies. We clarified the clinical impacts of the CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index in patients with esophageal cancer who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study included 180 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters were compared between a high-fibrinogen group and a low-fibrinogen group.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 50.0% and 42.6%, respectively, in the CALLY index-low group, and 75.9% and 66.6% in the CALLY index-high group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the CALLY index was an independent prognostic factor [hazard ratio=2.310, 95% confidence interval=1.416-3.767, p<0.001]. Similar results were observed in recurrence-free survival. When comparing the details of postoperative surgical complications, there was a significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leakage. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 40.2% in the CALLY index-low group, while it was 27.5% in the CALLY index-high group (p=0.030).

CONCLUSION

The pretreatment CALLY index is one of the independent prognostic factors for esophageal cancer. The CALLY index might become a promising biomarker for the treatment and management of esophageal cancer.

Lymphocyte to Monocyte Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study evaluated the clinical impact of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with esophageal cancer who received curative treatment and perioperative adjuvant treatment. The association between LMR and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with esophageal cancer was also investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 181 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of patients with high and low LMR statuses were analyzed.

RESULTS

The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly lower (40.6% and 33.8%, respectively) in the low-LMR group than in the high-LMR group (67.1% and 58.4%, respectively). The pretreatment LMR was selected as an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis model [hazard ratio (HR)=2.606; 95%CI=1.504-4.516, p<0.001]. Similar results were observed for RFS. Furthermore, LMR was associated with the occurrence of postoperative surgical complications and hematological recurrence. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 63.3% in the low-LMR group and 27.2% in the high-LMR group (p<0.001). Moreover, the hematologic recurrence rate in the low-LMR group was significantly higher than that in the high-LMR group (46.7% vs. 23.8%, p=0.011).

CONCLUSION

The LMR may be a promising prognostic and predictive factor for esophageal cancer, and may be used to select optimal treatment strategies in the future.

Pretreatment Fibrinogen Level Is a Prognostic Factor for Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pretreatment fibrinogen levels are a promising prognostic marker for some malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of fibrinogen levels before treatment in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent curative resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 123 patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters in the high fibrinogen and low fibrinogen groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) stratified by individual clinical factors was compared using the log-rank test, and a significant difference was observed when a pretreatment fibrinogen level of 400 g/dl was used as a cutoff value. The comparison of the patient background factors between the high fibrinogen (400 g/dl) and low fibrinogen (<400 g/dl) groups revealed significant differences in pathological T status and lymph node metastasis. In the low fibrinogen group, the OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery (71.4% and 58.1%, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the high fibrinogen group (38.3% and 32.4%, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses for OS showed that the fibrinogen level prior to treatment was a significant prognostic factor. Similar results were observed for recurrence-free survival. In addition, when the first recurrence site was compared, there were marginally significant differences in hematologic recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment fibrinogen levels are a significant risk factor in patients with esophageal cancer. Therefore, pretreatment fibrinogen levels are a promising prognostic factor for patients with esophageal cancer.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The perioperative nutritional status has recently been reported to influence the prognosis of various types of cancer. We investigated the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with esophageal cancer who received radical and adjuvant therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent radical resection for esophageal cancer at our hospital (n=187) were included. Background characteristics, surgical factors, and OS were examined retrospectively. The GNRI was calculated using preoperative values, with GNRI <98 classified as low-GNRI.

RESULTS

Seventy-five and 112 patients were classified into the GNRI-low and -high groups, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 75.7% and 66.7%, respectively, in the GNRI-high group and 43.2% and 36.7% in the GNRI-low group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, low-GNRI was selected as a risk factor for OS. The hazard ratio for low-GNRI was 2.184 (95% confidence interval=1.361-3.508, p=0.001). The 5-year RFS rate in the high- and low-GNRI groups was 54.6% and 25.0%, respectively (p=0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, low-GNRI was a risk factor for RFS. The hazard ratio for low-GNRI was 1.704 (95%CI=1.121-2.590, p=0.013). Regarding the type of recurrence, lymph node recurrence was significantly more common in the low-GNRI group (p=0.008).

CONCLUSION

Low-GNRI was an independent risk factor for OS and RFS after radical resection of esophageal cancer. The preoperative GNRI may be a useful prognostic factor after esophageal cancer surgery.

The clinical impacts of the prognostic nutritional index for the esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment

BACKGROUND

We investigated the impact of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment.

METHODS

This study included 120 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by the adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

The PNI of 49 was regarded to be the optimal critical point of classification considering the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rate. The OS rates at three and five years after surgery were 47.4% and 36.0% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 62.5% and 56.5% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.020). The RFS rates at three and five years after surgery were 31.0% and 24.8% in the PNI low group, respectively, and 50.9% and 42.8% in the PNI high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.020). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PNI was a significant independent risk factor for the OS and a marginally significant independent risk factor forRFS.

CONCLUSION

The PNI was a risk factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer. It is necessary to develop the effective plan of the perioperative care and the surgical strategy according to the PNI.

The Clinical Influence of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients With Gastric Cancer Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

We evaluated the clinical impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients who received curative treatment and perioperative adjuvant treatment. We also investigated the association between the GNRI and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 280 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of the high-GNRI and low-GNRI groups were compared.

RESULTS

In the GNRI-high group, the overall survival (OS) rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly lower (82.7% and 77.9%, respectively) than those in the GNRI-low group (56.4% and 40.8%). The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for OS. The GNRI was also a significant prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 79.1% and 74.8%, respectively, in the GNRI-high group, and 48.0% and 38.6% in the GNRI-low group. The GNRI was selected for the final multivariate analysis model for RFS. The GNRI was also found to affect the postoperative clinical course, including postoperative surgical complications and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The GNRI may be a promising prognostic and predictive factor for gastric cancer. In the future, the GNRI may be used to select optimal treatment strategies.

The Clinical Impact of the Pretreatment Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a promising prognostic marker in some malignancies. The present study evaluated the clinical impact of the PLR in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 258 patients who underwent curative treatment for gastric cancer between 2005 and 2020. The prognosis and clinicopathological parameters between the high- and low-PLR statuses were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall survival (OS) stratified by each clinical factor was compared using the log-rank test, and a significant difference was observed using a pretreatment PLR of 150. When comparing the patient backgrounds between the high-PLR (PLR≥150) and low-PLR (PLR<150) groups, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were significantly higher at 70.8% and 60.4%, respectively, for the high-PLR group than at 83.6% and 79.7%, respectively, for the low-PLR group. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the OS showed that the PLR was a significant prognostic factor. In addition, when comparing the first recurrence sites, there were significant differences in peritoneal recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The PLR is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer, making it a promising prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer.

Influence of the Oral Health Assessment Tool Score on Survival of Patients With Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

We investigated the influence of the preoperative Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) score on the outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer after curative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 90 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent curative surgery and who were screened with the OHAT between 2008 and 2021. The OHAT consists of eight categories with three possible scores. The risk factors for 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into healthy (n=42) and unhealthy (n=48) groups. The OHAT score was identified as a significant risk factor for postoperative pneumonia (11.9% vs. 43.8%, p=0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (20.5 days vs. 50.1 days, p=0.042). The 5-year OS rate after surgery was 71.2% in the healthy group and 43.2% in the unhealthy group, which was a significant difference (p=0.015). A multivariate analysis showed that a high OHAT score was a significant independent factor for 5-year OS (p=0.034).

CONCLUSION

The OHAT score was a useful prognostic marker in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer. To improve the oncological outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer, it is necessary to carefully plan perioperative oral/dental care using the OHAT score.

Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Predictor of Prognosis in Postoperative Patients With Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been reported as an immunonutritional index that can easily evaluate nutritional status and immunocompetence from blood tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of PNI as a prognostic factor in postoperative gastric cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 258 patients with pStage I-III gastric cancer who underwent radical resection at Yokohama City University Hospital, from 2015 to 2021. To examine the association with prognosis, we analyzed clinicopathological factors including PNI (<47/≥47), age (<75/≥75), sex (male/female), depth (pT1/≥pT2), lymph node metastasis (pN+/pN-), lymphatic invasion (ly+/ly-), vascular invasion (v+/v-), histological type (enteric/spread) and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, PNI (p<0.001), depth of tumor invasion (p<0.001), lymph node involvement (p<0.001), age (p=0.002), lymphatic invasion (p<0.001), vascular invasion (p<0.001), and postoperative complications (p=0.003) were associated with overall survival. In multivariate analysis, PNI (HR=2.100, 95% confidence interval 1.225-3.601, p=0.007), tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and postoperative complications were shown as poor prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSION

PNI is an independent prognostic factor for overall and recurrence-free survival in postoperative gastric cancer patients. PNI could be implemented in clinical practice to identify patients at higher risk for poor outcomes.

The clinical impacts of lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio for esophageal cancer patients who receive curative treatment

Background

We investigated the impact of the lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment.

Patients and Methods

This study included 89 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

Results

LCR of 12,177 was regarded to be the optimal critical point of classification considering the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 33.2% and 29.9% in the LCR low group, respectively, and 74.0% and 60.9% in the LCR high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 25.3% and 21.7% in the LCR low group, respectively, and 52.1% and 47.4% in the LCR high group, which amounted to a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the LCR was a significant independent risk factor for both the OS and RFS.

Conclusion

LCR was a risk factor for survival in patients who underwent curative treatment for esophageal cancer. It is necessary to develop the effective plan of the perioperative care and the surgical strategy according to the LCR.

Clinical Course of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Patients After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Patients are at-risk for vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy due to a lack of intrinsic factors. The aim of the study was to clarify the clinical course and risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer were selected from the medical records of the Yokohama City University from 2000 to 2020. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency.

RESULTS

We evaluated 47 patients. The median serum vitamin B12 levels before surgery were 359 pg/ml, while those at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery these were 255 pg/ml, 197.5 pg/ml, 195 pg/ml, and 206 pg/ml, respectively. Univariate analyses to identify factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after surgery showed that the occurrence of postoperative complications was a significant risk factor (OR=6.347, 95%CI=1.607-25.774, p=0.009), while adjuvant chemotherapy was a marginally significantly risk factor (OR=3.562, 95%CI=0.877-14.477, p=0.076).

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the patients were diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. In addition, the occurrence of postoperative complications and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency at 6 months after surgery.

The Albumin-Bilirubin Score Is a Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is a promising tool for the evaluation of the perioperative hepatic function. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of the preoperative ALBI status in patients with gastric cancer (GC) who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study included 244 patients who underwent curative treatment for GC between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cut-off value for the ALBI score at -2.7849. The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 87.3% and 80.9%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group, and 66.9% and 60.6% in the ALBI-high group; these differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). The ALBI score was included in the final multivariate analysis model [Hazard ratio (HR)=2.120, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.177-3.818, p=0.012]. Similar results were observed for RFS. In addition, the ALBI score correlated with the introduction of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative ALBI score correlated with both the OS and RFS of GC patients as well as the clinical course of adjuvant chemotherapy. Taken together, the ALBI score is a promising prognostic factor for GC.

The Systemic Inflammation Score Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Esophageal Cancer Patients who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

Perioperative systemic inflammation affects the long-term oncological outcomes in cases of malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of the preoperative systemic inflammation score (SIS) in resectable esophageal cancer patients who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 168 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by perioperative adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rate, we set the cut-off value for SIS at 2 in the preset study. Among the 168 total patients, 119 were categorized as the Low-SIS group, and 49 were categorized as the High-SIS group. The respective 3- and 5-year OS rates were 61.9% and 52.4% in the Low-SIS group and 33.3% and 26.6% in the High-SIS group. There were significant differences in OS (p<0.001). The SIS was therefore selected for the final multivariate analysis model (hazard ratio=2.094, 95% confidence interval=1.355-3.234, p<0.001). On comparing the perioperative clinical course between the High- and Low-SIS groups, there were significant differences in the rate of postoperative anastomosis leakage of grade ≥2 between the groups (61.5% in the High-SIS group vs. 30.3% in the Low-SIS group; p=0.021).

CONCLUSION

The systemic inflammation score had a clinical effect on the long-term oncological outcomes in esophageal cancer patients, suggesting that it might be a promising prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients.

Clinical Impact of Preoperative Albumin-Bilirubin Status in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, which evaluates the perioperative liver function, was developed, and had a clinical impact on both the short- and long-term oncological outcomes in some malignancies. We evaluated the clinical impact of preoperative albumin-bilirubin status in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 121 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2018. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

Based on the 3- and 5-year OS rates, we set the cut-off value for the ALBI score at -2.7. Eighty patients were classified into the ALBI-low group (ALBI score <-2.7), 41 patients were categorized into the ALBI-high group (ALBI score >-2.7). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 62.2% and 53.2%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group, and 42.2% and 35.2% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in OS (p=0.0113). The 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 43.1% and 40.3%, respectively, in the ALBI-low group and 37.7% and 26.1% in the ALBI-high group. There was a significant difference in RFS (p=0.048). When comparing the perioperative clinical course between the ALBI-high and ALBI-low groups, the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage was 46.3% (19/41) in the ALBI-high group, and 27.5% (22/80) in the ALBI-low group (p=0.038).

CONCLUSION

The ALBI status had a clinical impact on both OS and RFS in esophageal cancer patients. Therefore, ALBI may have potential application as a prognostic factor for esophageal cancer patients.

Clinical Influence of the Lymph Node Ratio on Lymph Node Metastasis-positive Gastric Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study investigated the clinical impact of the lymph node ratio (LNR) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in cancer patients with lymph node metastasis who received curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-six patients who received curative surgery for gastric cancer between 2000 and 2015, and in whom lymph node metastasis was pathologically confirmed, were included in this study. The LNR was defined as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of harvested lymph nodes.

RESULTS

A lymph node ratio of 0.23 was considered the optimal cutoff point for classification according to OS. Statistically significant differences were observed in the 3- and 5-year OS rates and 3- and 5-year RFS rates. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates in the LNR <0.23 group were 57.6% and 57.6%, respectively, whereas those in the LNR ≥0.23 group were 33.0% and 0% (p<0.001). The 3-year and 5-year RFS rates in the LNR <0.23 group were 45.9% and 43.6%, respectively, whereas those in the LNR >0.23 group were 25.2% and 0% (p=0.002). Regarding the site of first relapse, the incidence rates of peritoneal and lymph node metastasis in the LNR >0.23 group were significantly different in comparison to the LNR <0.23 group.

CONCLUSION

A high LNR was associated with significantly worse OS and RFS in patients who received curative treatment for gastric cancer. The lymph node metastasis status should be utilized in the development of treatment strategies for gastric cancer.

Low Preoperative Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Is a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

AIM

Recent studies have reported that the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) may be a useful inflammatory-nutritional biomarker to predict postoperative complications and poor prognosis in various types of patients with cancer. However, its prognostic value in patients with esophageal cancer is still unclear. We aimed to examine the utility of the AGR for predicting the short- and long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent curative resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis reviewing the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for clinical stage I to III esophageal cancer at Yokohama City University. A total of 105 patients were identified between 2005 and 2018. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and postoperative complication rates were compared between patients with high AGR (>1.48) and those with low AGR (≤1.48) group.

RESULTS

A total of 57 and 48 patients were classified into the high and low AGR groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of overall postoperative complications of more than Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (50.9% vs. 54.2%, p=0.85). The long-term findings showed that 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly better for the group with a high AGR (67.2% vs. 33.8%, p<0.001 and 51.6% vs. 28.5%, p=0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a low preoperative AGR is a risk factor for poor RFS and OS in patients who are planning to undergo curative surgery for esophageal cancer. AGR may be a useful biomarker for establishing treatment strategies to improve patients' survival.

Can D3 Lymph Node Dissection for Patients With Colon Cancer With a Poor C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Improve Survival Outcomes?

AIM

D3 lymph node dissection (LND) for stage II and III colon cancer has been shown to improve prognosis, however, it generally increases surgical stress. Studies have reported that the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) may be a useful inflammatory-nutritional biomarker to predict postoperative complications and poor prognosis for with various types of cancer. Our purposes were to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of D3 LND in patients with a high preoperative CAR (≥ 0.04).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis reviewing a prospectively collected database of Yokohama City University and three affiliated hospitals. A total of 449 patients with stage II or III colon cancer with high CAR who underwent primary resection with D2 or D3 LND were identified between 2008 and 2020. The primary and secondary outcomes of interests were the 3-year recurrence-free survival and postoperative complication rates.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, 230 patients were evaluated. There was no significant difference between the D3 and D2 groups in the rate of postoperative complications overall (14.8% versus 11.3%, p=0.558), however, the incidence of anastomotic leakage tended to be greater in the D3 group (9.6% versus 2.6%, p=0.050). The long-term findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups (3-year recurrence-free survival rate: 77.2% versus 77.2%, p=0.880).

CONCLUSION

D3 LND did not improve survival outcomes for patients with colon cancer with a poor CAR in this study. D2 LND may be a treatment option for patients with stage II-III colon cancer with a high preoperative CAR.

The Lymph Node Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIM

We investigated the clinical impact of the lymph node ratio (LNR) on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in esophageal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 were included in this study. The LNR was defined as the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) to the total number of harvested LNs.

RESULTS

A lymph node ratio of 10% was regarded as the optimal critical point for classification based on the overall survival rate. The 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 65.5% and 57.0%, respectively, in the LNR<10% group, and 11.8% and 0% in the LNR≥10% group; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The 3-year and 5-year RFS rates were 52.6% and 44.6%, respectively, in the LNR<10% group, and 0% and 0% in the LNR>10% group; the difference was also statistically significant (p<0.001). When comparing the sites of first relapse, the incidence of distant lymph node metastasis in the LNR>10% group was significantly higher than that in the LNR<10% group.

CONCLUSION

The LNR was a risk factor for both OS and RFS in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer.

The Number of Harvested LNs Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Lymph Node Metastasis-negative Patients Who Received Curative Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal number of harvested LNs (LNs) in patients who were LN metastasis-negative after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017 and diagnosed as lymph node metastasis-negative were included in this study.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rates were 27.8% for 0-20 harvested LNs, 35.7% for 21-30 harvested LNs, 79.4% for 31-40 harvested LNs, and 85.2% for ≥41 harvested LNs. Thirty harvested LNs was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification, considering the 5-year OS rate. The number of harvested LNs was selected as a significant prognostic factor in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The respective 3- and 5-year OS rates were 50.3% and 36.7% for <30 harvested LNs and 82.4% and 82.4% for ≥30 harvested LNs (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Thirty or more harvested LNs was a significant prognostic factor in patients with metastasis-negative LNs after curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Therefore, the number of harvested LNs might be useful for predicting the LN metastasis status in esophageal cancer.

The Clinical Impact of the Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index on Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

We investigated the impact of the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) on esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2017. The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

An ACCI of 5 was regarded as the optimal critical point of classification considering the survival rates. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 64.2% and 54.4% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 42.3% and 29.2% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.035). The RFS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 50.2% and 43.6% in the low-ACCI group, respectively, and 28.5% and 21.3% in high-ACCI group, respectively (p=0.021). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACCI was a significant independent risk factor for both the OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

ACCI is a risk factor for survival in patients who undergo curative treatment for esophageal cancer. An effective plan for the perioperative care and surgical strategy should be developed according to ACCI.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Anastomosis Leak After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study aimed to identify risk factors for anastomosis leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One-hundred twenty-two patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018 were included. The rate of AL was measured based on the definition of leak as adapted from the Surgical Infection Study Group. To identify the risk factors for AL, logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

AL was found in 44 of the 122 patients (36.1%). Among the factors examined, the lymph node dissection status (p=0.007) and preoperative serum albumin level (p=0.022) were significant independent risk factors for AL. The incidence of AL was 26.7% (20 of 75) among patients who received 2-field lymph node dissection and 51.1% (24 of 47) among those who received 3-field lymph node dissection. The incidence of AL was 29.9% (23 of 77) in the preoperative serum albumin levels ≥4.0 g/dl group and 46.7% (21 of 45) in the serum albumin levels <4.0 g/dl group.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node dissection status and preoperative serum albumin levels were risk factors for AL in patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Influence of the Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio on Survival and Recurrence in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Several immune-inflammatory markers are associated with cancer progression. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the influence of the preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CRP/ALB ratio) on survival of patients with esophageal cancer and recurrence after curative resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The preoperative CRP/ALB ratio was evaluated in 122 patients who underwent radical resection for esophageal cancer from 2005 to 2018. The correlations between the CRP/ALB ratio and cancer-specific overall (OS), recurrence-free (RFS) survival and the clinicopathological status were analyzed.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off value of the CRP/ALB ratio determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.04. Patients were divided into two groups based on this cut-off value: the low CRP/ALB group (n=59) and the high CRP/ALB group (n=50). The OS rate at 5 years after surgery was significantly lower in the group with high CRP/ALB at 40.5% whilst it was 63.5% in the low CRP/ALB group (p=0.005). The corresponding RFS rates at 5 years after surgery were 32.5% and 48.3%, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.007). A multivariate analysis showed that a high CRP/ALB ratio was a significant independent risk factor for poorer cancer-specific OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative CRP/ALB ratio was a strong prognostic marker for patients with esophageal cancer. The surgical strategy, including procedure and perioperative care should be carefully planned for patients with a high CRP/ALB ratio.

Postoperative Bleeding After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer in Patients Receiving Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation Treatment

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the perioperative use of antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were selected from the medical records of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with primary esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and who underwent complete resection at Yokohama City University from January 2005 to September 2018. The patients were divided into the antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment group and the non-treatment group. We compared the safety and feasibility of esophagectomy between two groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer and were analyzed in the present study. Among them, 18 (14.8%) received anti-thrombotic therapy (anticoagulation group). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients overall was 8.2% (10/122). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in the anticoagulation group was 22.2% (4/18), while that in the non-anticoagulation group was 5.8% (6/104). Preoperative anticoagulation therapy was identified as a significant independent risk factor for postoperative bleeding (hazard ratio=4.673, 95% confidence interval=1.170-18.519; p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

The perioperative use of anti-thrombotic therapy was a significant risk factor for postoperative bleeding after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Thus, when patients receive perioperative antiplatelet/anticoagulation treatment, careful attention is required after esophagectomy due to their increased risk of postoperative bleeding.

The Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer in Patients Older than 75 Years

BACKGROUND

The short- and long-term outcomes of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were fully evaluated in patients older than 75 years of age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study selected patients who received esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients were divided into non-elderly patients [age <75 years (non-elderly group)] and elderly patients [age ≥75 years (elderly group)]. The postoperative surgical morbidity, postoperative 30-days mortality, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were evaluated between the non-elderly group and elderly group.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two patients were evaluated in this study. Ninety-eight patients and 24 patients were classified into the non-elderly group and elderly group, respectively. The postoperative surgical complication rates in the non-elderly and elderly groups were 71.4% and 75.0%. There was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.710). Mortality was observed in 1 patient in the elderly group (4.2%) due to cardiovascular disease. Significant differences were observed in the five-year OS and RFS rates of the elderly and non-elderly groups (55.4% vs. 29.7%, p=0.0017 and 42.2% vs. 21.2%, p=0.0334, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Although the rate of postoperative surgical complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer was almost equal in the elderly and the non-elderly patients, significant differences were observed in the mortality and long-term outcomes of the two groups. Thus, the surgical strategy and perioperative care must be carefully planned for esophageal cancer patients older than 75 years of age.

Association between postoperative pneumonia and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer

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Background: We examined the association between postoperative pneumonia and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer after curative surgery. Methods: We enrolled 122 patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The patients who had postoperative pneumonia were categorized into the pneumonia group, while those without postoperative pneumonia were classified into the non-pneumonia group. We identified the risk factors for the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the overall survival (OS). Postoperative pneumonia was defined using the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score. Results: Thirty-four of the 122 patients (27.9%) had postoperative pneumonia. The 5-year OS rate after surgery in the pneumonia group was significantly lower than that in the non-pneumonia group (28.2% versus 55.1%, p = 0.006). Although not significant, the 5-year RFS rate after surgery in the pneumonia group tended to be lower than that in the non-pneumonia group (18.9% versus 49.2%, p = 0.061). A multivariate analysis identified postoperative pneumonia as a significant independent risk factor for the OS (hazard ratio = 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 3.68; P = 0.006). Conclusions: Our analysis showed postoperative pneumonia was an independent risk factor for worse overall survival in patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer. This finding suggests that we should plan the surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical strategy to prevent postoperative pneumonia.

Clinical Impact of Perioperative Oral/Dental Care on Cancer Surgery Outcomes

Perioperative oral/dental care has been introduced to cancer surgery patients as perioperative management using a multimodal approach. Several approaches were tested for managing perioperative oral/dental health care in this population. However, while the clinical impact of perioperative oral/dental care on patients with various types of malignancies has been evaluated, most previous studies have used and evaluated data obtained from relatively small sample sizes of fewer than 200 patients from individual institutions. Therefore, the recommendation of perioperative oral/dental care is controversial. Recent studies have shown that perioperative oral/dental care affects the cancer surgery outcomes. In addition, perioperative oral/dental care by dentistry professionals and the number of oral/dental care sessions have been shown to be important for this beneficial effect, even when patients were temporarily intubated. Further studies are, therefore, necessary to establish the optimal perioperative dental/oral care regiment and verify the beneficial effect of perioperative oral/dental care on cancer surgery outcomes. This review summarizes the background, current status, and future perspectives of perioperative oral/dental care for cancer surgery.

Influence of Postoperative Pneumonia on Esophageal Cancer Survival and Recurrence

BACKGROUND/AIM

Postoperative pneumonia after esophageal cancer can lead to additional pain, prolonged hospital stay, and respiratory failure. These adverse events might lead to early recurrence and/or death. We investigated the influence of postoperative pneumonia on the esophageal cancer survival and recurrence after curative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 122 patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2018. The patients were classified into: i) those with postoperative pneumonia (pneumonia group) and ii) those without postoperative pneumonia (non-pneumonia group). The risk factors for the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified. The rate of postoperative pneumonia was measured by the revised Uniform Pneumonia Score.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications were found in 34 of the 122 patients (27.9%). The OS rate at 5 years following surgery was 28.2% in the pneumonia group and 55.1% in the non-pneumonia group (p=0.006). The RFS rate at 5 years after surgery was 18.9% in the pneumonia group and 49.2% in the non-pneumonia group (p=0.061). A multivariate analysis showed that postoperative pneumonia was a significant independent risk factor for OS.

CONCLUSION

The development of postoperative pneumonia was a risk factor for a decreased overall survival in patients who underwent curative surgery for esophageal cancer. The surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical strategy should be carefully planned in order to avoid postoperative pneumonia.

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves refractory depression by influencing catecholamine and brain-derived neurotrophic factors

INTRODUCTION

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive and easily tolerated method of altering cortical physiology. To date, numerous open and sham controlled clinical trials have explored the antidepressant potential of rTMS. In the present study, we investigated clinical trials of high-frequency rTMS (20 Hz) for treatment of refractory depression, and also examined the effect of rTMS on plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF).

METHODS

Twenty-six depressed inpatients who met the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and had failed to respond to treatment with at least two antidepressant drugs given at adequate doses (above 150 mg/day in an equivalent dose of imipramine) and durations (at least 4 weeks for each drug) were enrolled in this study. Eleven were males, 15 females. The ages of the subjects ranged from 19 to 78 years old (mean +/- SD = 52.9 +/- 17.8). All patients were administered left prefrontal 20 Hz rTMS at 80 % MT (total 800 pulses a day) over ten daily sessions. The plasma levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma levels of BDNF were also measured with the sandwich ELISA method.

RESULTS

The mean 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D) score of 20.5 +/- 5.2 before rTMS was significantly decreased to 15.6 +/- 7.3 after rTMS. Nine of 26 patients (35 %) demonstrated some improvement (Ham-D > or = 25 %) by rTMS. The levels of plasma MHPG, but not those of HVA, were significantly reduced after rTMS treatment, and a negative correlation was observed between the change in plasma MHPG levels and the change in scores of agitation. In addition, the plasma levels of BDNF were significantly increased by 23 % in responders and partial responders, but not in nonresponders, after rTMS treatment, and a trend for association was found between the changes in Ham-D scores and changes in plasma BDNF levels in all patients after rTMS treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that rTMS treatment brings about some improvement in refractory depression, especially for symptoms such as agitation, by influencing MHPG and BDNF, which is in accordance with previous reports showing that BDNF was increased by various antidepressants treatments.

Motor hand representation in cortical area 44

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate whether area 44 of human frontal cortex is essential for the organization of voluntary hand movements or not, the authors examined effects of single transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of human area 44 on voluntary hand movement and electromyography (EMG) activities in hand muscles.

METHOD

Surface EMG responses were recorded from the thenar muscles of 10 normal subjects following TMS over area 44. Stimuli were applied 2 cm anterior to the primary tongue motor area.

RESULTS

Single TMS over area 44 could easily interrupt target-oriented hand movements. Human area 44 has facilitatory and inhibitory effects over both tonic and phasic finger movements. It is shown that single TMS of area 44 produces motor evoked potential from hand muscles.

CONCLUSION

Human area 44 is involved in voluntary hand movements and has direct fast-conducting corticospinal projections.

Effects of exercise training on home blood pressure values in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of exercise training on the blood pressure (BP) values of older adults, using home blood pressure measurement.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of thirty-nine free-living older adults (including 19 men) aged from 60-81 years with home systolic blood pressure > 120 mmHg and without significant cardiopulmonary-musculoskeletal disease, were randomly allocated to either 25 weeks of exercise training (exercise group) or to a control program (control group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Change in the 2-week averages of home systolic and diastolic blood pressure values measured with a validated automatic device before, during and after the intervention period.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed a significant decrease in values for home systolic blood pressure (maximum between-group difference = 7.7 mmHg, P = 0.003) and home diastolic blood pressure (4.2 mmHg, P = 0.001). These changes were observed for both genders.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise training was effective for older adults in lowering home blood pressure values. This is the first trial to demonstrate the usefulness of home blood pressure measurement in examining the effect of exercise training on blood pressure values.

Adjuvant-induced improvement of glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetic KK-Ay mice through interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

We reported that administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) improved glucose tolerance test (GTT) results in obese diabetic KK-Ay mice. In this study, we investigated its mechanism. An injection with CFA remarkably improved GTT for more than a week in KK-Ay mice, although insulin response was not changed compared with saline controls. The hypoglycemic effect of insulin was significantly, but partially, potentiated in the CFA-treated mice compared with the controls, suggesting that CFA stimulated insulin-mediated and non-insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Improvement in the GTT with CFA was partially transferable to nontreated mice by peritoneal exudative cells, but not spleen or lymph node cells. Pretreatment with anti-interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and -1 beta antibodies or anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody significantly abrogated the improvement in the GTT with CFA. The results indicate that CFA-induced improvement in glucose intolerance in KK-Ay mice was mediated at least by IL-1 and TNF-alpha.

Randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older people (Sendai Silver Center Trial; SSCT): study design and primary outcome

Physical exercise is expected to improve and maintain physical function in older people, thus promoting health and preventing or postponing the onset of disability in later life. The Sendai Silver Center Trial (SSCT) was a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of exercise training among healthy free-living older people. Sixty-five eligible participants, aged from 60 to 81 years, were randomly allocated to an exercise group or a control group. The subjects in the exercise group were asked to attend training classes at the Sendai Silver Center, a municipal health and welfare facility in the center of Sendai City, at least twice a week for 25 weeks. Each training class, lasting two hours, started with a warm-up session, followed by an endurance session with a bicycle ergometer, and a resistance exercise training session using rubber films, and ended with a cool-down session. The subjects in the control group were asked to attend recreational classes at the Center twice a month. There were no drop-outs or accidents during the intervention. Comparison of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) before and after the 25-week intervention revealed a significant increase in the exercise group (2.1 ml/kg/min) but no significant change in the control group. Our result is equivalent to the participants becoming younger in aerobic capacity by five years after six months of exercise training.

A single optical fiber fluorometric device for measurement of intracellular Ca2+ concentration: its application to hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo

We developed a new system to measure the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the deep region of the central nervous system with a single optical fiber (300 microns in diameter), used for both excitation and detection of the fluorescence of previously loaded fura-2. With this system, a brain region loaded with fura-2 was illuminated by a rotating disc bearing three different interference filters of 340, 360 and 380 nm at a rate of 600 rpm. The emitted fluorescence was collected by the same fiber connected to a photomultiplier whose output was fed into a computer which regulates the timing of illumination and detection. The time course of the change in the fluorescence due to 340, 360 or 380 nm excitation was measured simultaneously at the maximum sampling rate of 10 points/s. Ratios of fluorescence intensities were obtained after the experiment. After confirming that this system was sensitive enough to detect the change of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured hippocampal neurons and hippocampal slices during depolarization by high potassium medium (50 mM), we applied this system to anesthetized rats. In the hippocampus preloaded with fura-2, characteristic changes in fluorescence intensities ascribed to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration were detected after asphyxia. The system is potentially useful for investigating the physiological and pathological roles of Ca2+ in the brain.

Peritoneal washing cytology at second-look laparotomy in cisplatin-treated ovarian cancer patients

The use of peritoneal washing cytology during second-look laparotomy in 58 cisplatin-treated ovarian cancer patients was evaluated. Washing was performed for the 41 patients who showed no gross evidence of persistent disease. Peritoneal washing cytology was positive in 8 of 18 cases with histologically identified residual disease and in 4 of 23 cases without residual disease. However, three of the four cytologically positive patients without other evidence of disease later died of recurrences. The five-year survival rate of the 23 patients who showed no residual carcinomas macroscopically was 60.9%; when their washing cytologies were negative, there was a 73.7% five-year survival rate. These findings indicate that, despite its limitations, a peritoneal washing cytology at the time of second-look laparotomy is important to assess the response to treatment and to evaluate the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.