Down-regulation of mitochondrial NADH and cytochrome b gene associated with high tumor stages in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine mitochondrial mRNA expression levels and the relationships between these expression levels and various adverse clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

The mRNA expression levels of all 12 genes encoded protein, located on the heavy-strand of mitochondrial DNA including cytochrome b, NADH1, NADH2, NADH3, NADH4, NADH4L, NADH5, ATPase6, ATPase8, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 were analyzed in 30 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the corresponding normal tissues using reverse transcriptase quantitative real time PCR. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between these expression levels and categorical parameters.

RESULTS

The expression levels of 12 mitochondrial mRNAs were observed in all 30 HNSCC patients with down-regulation, ranging from 43.3% to 76.7% and up-regulation, ranging from 10.0% to 36.7%. Furthermore, the number of cases with down-regulations in all 6 NADH and cytochrome b mRNA with TMN stages III and IV were significantly higher than that in stages I and II (p=0.049 and 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Down-regulation of all mitochondrial NADH mRNA as well as mitochondrial cytochrome b mRNA was associated with high tumor stage among HNSCC patients.

SLC35B2 expression is associated with a poor prognosis of invasive ductal breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, including Thailand, and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Novel gene expression in breast cancer is a focus in searches for prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mRNA expression of novel B4GALT4, SLC35B2, and WDHD1 genes in breast cancer were examined in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) patients using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Among these genes, increased expression of SLC35B2 mRNA was significantly associated with TNM stage III+IV of IDC (p<0.001). Hence, up-regulation of SLC35B2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor prognosis, and is also a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Unveiling a novel biomarker panel for diagnosis and classification of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas

Thyroid cancer is the most common human endocrine malignancy with increasing global incidence. Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) are well-differentiated thyroid cancers (WDTC) accounting for 95% of all thyroid cancer cases, with survival rates of almost 100% when diagnosed early. Since PTC and FTC have different modes of metastasis, they require different treatment strategies. Standard diagnosis by fine needle aspiration with cytopathological examination can be inaccurate in approximately 10-30% of all cases and difficult to definitively classify as WDTC. Currently, there is no single or panel of biomarkers available for thyroid cancer diagnosis and classification. This study identified novel biomarkers for thyroid cancer diagnosis and classification using proteomics, which may be translated into a biomarker panel for clinical application. Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry were used to identify potential biomarkers in papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma cell lines, and the biomarkers were validated in five PTC and five FTC tissues, with their adjacent normal tissues from Thai patients. Eight biomarkers could distinguish PTC from normal tissues, namely enolase 1, triose phosphate isomerase, cathepsin D, annexin A2, cofilin 1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), copine 1 and heat shock protein 27 kDa (HSP27). These biomarkers can also discriminate FTC from normal tissues, except for annexin A2. On the contrary, annexin A2, cofilin 1, PCNA and HSP27 can be used to classify the types of WDTC. These findings have potential for use as a novel multi-marker panel for more accurate diagnosis and classification to better guide physicians on thyroid cancer treatment. Moreover, our results suggest the involvement of proteins in cell growth and proliferation, and the p53 pathway in the carcinogenesis of WDTC, which may lead to targeted therapy for thyroid cancer.

Expression of cdk6 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Cdk6 is a key regulator during the G1/S cell cycle transition. Aberrant expression of cdk6 protein has been observed in many cancer types. However, little is known about the expression of cdk6 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its clinical significance. This study evaluated the expression of cdk6 in HNSCC and analyzed the relationship between cdk6 expression and clinicopathological parameters of HNSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of cdk6 was immunohistochemically investigated in 98 HNSCCs. Nuclear and cytoplasmic positive cells were counted separately. Data were presented as the percentage of positive cells. The correlation between the percentage of positive cells and clinicopathological factors was determined.

RESULTS

Nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for cdk6 were detected in 91 cases and 97 cases, respectively. A significant correlation was found only between the percentage of nuclear positive cells and T classification (p value = 0.0410). Tumors with high nuclear cdk6-positive cells showed a linear trend toward advanced tumor status (p value = 0.0064).

CONCLUSIONS

Cdk6 was highly expressed in HNSCC. Tumors with high nuclear cdk6 expression tended to have advanced tumor status. These results suggest that cdk6 plays a vital role in HNSCC and is involved in tumor progression of this cancer.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

An increased nuclear cdk6 expression is an unfavorable factor for HNSCC. Cdk6 may serve as a therapeutic target in this cancer.

Identification of novel allergen in edible insect, Gryllus bimaculatus and its cross-reactivity with Macrobrachium spp. allergens

Edible insects have recently been promoted as a source of protein and have a high nutrition value. Identification of allergens and cross-reactivity between Macrobrachium spp. and the field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) is necessary for food safety control and to assist in the diagnosis and therapy of allergy symptoms. Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to separate proteins. Allergens were determined and identified by IgE-immunoblotting with pooled sera from prawn-allergic patients (n=16) and LC-MS/MS. Arginine kinase (AK) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were determined as the important allergens in muscle of Macrobrachium rosenbergii whereas, hemocyanin (HC) was identified as an allergen in Macrobrachium spp. The allergens in Macrobrachium lanchesteri were identified as AK and HC. In addition, hexamerin1B (HEX1B) was identified as a novel and specific allergen in G. bimaculatus. The important allergen in G. bimaculatus and Macrobrachium spp. is AK and was found to cross-react between both species.

Identification of a novel allergen from muscle and various organs in banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis)

BACKGROUND

The increasing consumption of shellfish can cause an increase in allergic symptoms. Shrimp allergy can be species specific, but specific allergies in different organs have not been studied. Identification of allergens in muscle and others organs of banana shrimp is necessary for improved diagnostics of allergies for shrimp and food safety control.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the IgE-binding proteins in various organs of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis by immunoblotting and tandem mass spectrometry.

METHODS

Proteomic methods were used to investigate the allergenic proteins from banana shrimp. Proteins from muscle and various organs were separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Allergens were analyzed by immunoblotting with pooled sera from shrimp allergic patients (n = 21) and tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The important allergens in banana shrimp are arginine kinase, sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, myosin heavy chain, hemocyanin, enolase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, which can be demonstrated by immunoblotting in muscle and shell. Moreover, vitellogenin, ovarian peritrophin 1 precursor, β-actin, and 14-3-3 protein were suggested as allergens in the ovary at different stages of ovarian development.

CONCLUSION

Ten allergens were identified as allergens in various organs, and they are suggested as novel allergens in banana shrimp. The major allergen in muscle and shell from this shrimp is arginine kinase, whereas the major allergen in the ovary is vitellogenin.

Aberrant O-GlcNAc-modified proteins expressed in primary colorectal cancer

O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification of serine and threonine residues which is dynamically regulated by 2 enzymes; O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) that catalyze the addition and removal of a single N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) molecule, respectively. This modification is thought to be a nutrient sensor in highly proliferating cells via the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, a minor branch of glycolysis. Although emerging evidence suggests that O-GlcNAc modification is associated with many types of cancer, identification of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins and their role in cancer remain unexplored. In the present study, we demonstrated that O-GlcNAcylation is increased in primary colorectal cancer tissues, and that this augmentation is associated with an increased expression of OGT levels. Using 2-dimensional O-GlcNAc immunoblotting and LC-MS/MS analysis, 16 proteins were successfully identified and 8 proteins showed an increase in O-GlcNAcylation, including cytokeratin 18, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1), hnRNP H, annexin A2, annexin A7, laminin-binding protein, α-tubulin and protein DJ-1. Among these identified proteins, annexin A2 was further confirmed to show overexpression of O-GlcNAc in all cancer samples. The results, therefore, indicate that aberrant O-GlcNAcylation of proteins is associated with colorectal cancer and that identification of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins may provide novel biomarkers of cancer.

Proteomic analysis and abrogated expression of O-GlcNAcylated proteins associated with primary breast cancer

O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic PTM of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, regulated by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase, which catalyze the addition and removal of O-GlcNAc, respectively. This modification is associated with glucose metabolism, which plays important roles in many diseases including cancer. Although emerging evidence reveals that some tumor-associated proteins are O-GlcNAc modified, the total O-GlcNAcylation in cancer is still largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that O-GlcNAcylation was increased in primary breast malignant tumors, not in benign tumors and that this augmentation was associated with increased expression of OGT level. Using 2D O-GlcNAc immnoblotting and LC-MS/MS analysis, we successfully identified 29 proteins, with seven being uniquely O-GlcNAcylated or associated with O-GlcNAcylation in cancer. Of these identified proteins, some were related to the Warburg effect, including metabolic enzymes, proteins involved in stress responses and biosynthesis. In addition, proteins associated with RNA metabolism, gene expression, and cytoskeleton were highly O-GlcNAcylated or associated with O-GlcNAcylation. Moreover, OGT knockdown showed that decreasing O-GlcNAcylation was related to inhibition of the anchorage-independent growth in vitro. These data indicate that aberrant protein O-GlcNAcylation is associated with breast cancer. Abnormal modification of these O-GlcNAc-modified proteins might be one of the vital malignant characteristics of cancer.

Determination of whole transcription profiles and specific pathways in invasive ductal breast carcinoma

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide including Thailand. Whole transcription profiles of invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) obtained by oligonucleotide microarray should lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of IDCs, allow for examination of specific markers for diagnosis, and provide novel targets for therapy. This study aimed to detect the whole transcript expression of approximately 35,000 target genes in Thai breast cancer patients, using Affymetrix GeneChip(®) Exon 1.0 Sense Target Arrays. Analysis revealed that the differential expression profiles of 928 genes (423 up-regulated and 505 down-regulated genes) were 2-fold or greater (unpaired t-test, p < 0.05) in invasive ductal breast cancer, compared with normal tissues. The Gene Ontology (GO) databases support important associations in 17 gene sets with p-value < 1E-10 and ≥ 4-fold changes, involving the tumorigenic pathways of cell cycles, extracellular regions, as well as cellular component organization. Likewise, the TGFBR and IL-6 pathways contain gene expression with statistically significant changes in IDC.

Genetic alteration in oral squamous cell carcinoma detected by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

Oral cancer ranks as one of the top ten cancers in Thailand. Molecular carcinogenesis of this disease remains unknown. The purpose of this report was to identify the genetic alteration profile in Thai oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients using arbitrarily primed PCR and to determine the association between genetic alterations and clinico-pathological characteristics. Band alteration profiles in the 32 OSCC tissues were compared with corresponding normal tissues amplified from 60 arbitrary primers using arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) were identified with 12 primers. Among these, 45 band patterns presented the alteration ranged from 36% to 88%. Primer AD15 at 750 base pairs (AD15-750 bp) was found to have both the highest band alteration (88%) and the highest band loss (37%). The highest DNA band amplification was found in primer AX11-1300 bp (56%). Primer AX-11 at 1300 base pairs at the altered frequency of 78% was significantly associated with smoking (p=0.007), and primer N20 at 800 base pairs showed association with low grade tumors (p=0.030). Our results indicate that AP-PCR is a useful technique for detect genetic alteration in oral squamous cell carcinoma and provide various genetic alternative data.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 expression associated with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell differentiation

The purpose of this study was to identify the gene alterations amplified from AO16 primer and examine whether the expression patterns of USP14 in clinical specimens from patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is associated with cancer cells. DNA from tumor and corresponding normal tissues of 52 patients was amplified with 33 arbitrary primers. The DNA fragment that altered most frequently in ICC was cloned, sequenced, and identified by comparison with known nucleotide sequences in the genome database. The DNA copy numbers of the allelic alterations in cholangiocarcinoma were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and interpreted as allelic loss or DNA amplification by comparison with the reference gene. Associations between allelic imbalance and clinicopathological parameters of ICC patients were evaluated by X²-tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival rates. Immunohistochemically, USP14 showed weak cytoplasmic staining in normal bile duct epithelial cells. It was strongly detected in 21 cancer patients (43.8%). There were correlations between USP14 expression level and the clinicopathological features of ICC, histological grade (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in age, gender, tumor size, metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and staging. USP14 expression was related to cholangiocarcinoma cell differentiation. Due to their emerging role in control of multiple signaling pathways and oncoproteins, USP14 inhibitors may be useful for anticancer agents.

Effectiveness of inflammatory cytokines induced by sericin compared to sericin in combination with silver sulfadiazine cream on wound healing

 Silk sericin (SS) has been shown to promote collagen synthesis during wound healing, but it lacks antimicrobial activity. We investigated the effectiveness and the induction of the inflammatory mediators IL-1bβ and TNF-aα by SS, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream, and SS in combination with SSD cream on wound healing in rats. The results show that SS at 8% w/w partially inhibits SSD antibacterial activity. Treating wounds with a combination of SS and SSD did not induce significant wound size reduction when compared to other treatments. However, SS can promote collagen production in wounds even in the presence of SSD. Wounds treated with the combination of SS and SSD cream showed higher levels of IL-1β and TNF-α when compared to wounds treated by SS alone, but the differences were not significant. Although SS may decrease the antimicrobial effect of SSD, SS in combination with SSD cream has the benefit of promoting collagen production without generating significant levels of inflammatory cytokines..

Novel DNA amplification on chromosomes 6q23-24 and 4p15.2 in breast cancer identified by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. The molecular basis of breast cancer has not yet been fully elucidated. In this report, novel DNA amplification on chromosomes 6q23-24 and 4p15.2 were identified by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction, gene cloning, nucleotide sequencing and identified by comparison with known sequences in genome data base, and quantitated by real-time PCR. Results revealed that 25 of 32 (78.1%) breast cancer cases harbored DNA amplification on chromosomes 6q23-24 and 4p15.2. There was a significant association between increase in tumor size (> 3cm) and DNA amplification on chromosome 6q23-24 (Odds ratio = 13.75, 95% CI = 1.26-350.38, P = 0.018). The results indicated that DNA amplification on chromosome 6q23-24 may be involved in the progression of breast cancer.

Genetic instability in cervical cancer detected by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

The genetic instability in 54 Thai cervical cancer tissues were analyzed by Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR). The band alterations produced from 54 arbitrary primers were compared between the DNA finger printing from the patients and their corresponding normal cervical tissues. Results revealed 7 arbitrary primers provided DNA alteration patterns. Of these, an allelic loss in tumor DNA was found in DNA fingerprinting obtained from primers F-2 (64.8%), F-11 (68.5%), U-8 (51.9%), AE-3 (75.9%), AE-11 (53.7%), respectively. Moreover, DNA amplification was exhibited in patterns with primers B-12 (42.6%), J-16 (24.1%) and U-8 (70.4%). When genetic instability was investigated for associations with clinicopathological features, only the DNA amplified fragment with primer U-8 was significantly associated with stage II (P=0.030). Likewise, allelic loss amplified from arbitrary primer AE-3 showed significantly associate with age lower than 50 years old (P=0.003). Our findings suggest that the DNA alteration fragments produced from arbitrary primers of U-8 and AE-11 might be relevant to the pathogenesis of cervical cancer in Thai patients.

Identification of genetic alterations in thai breast cancer patients by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Genetic alterations prevalent in breast cancer are still being elucidated. In this report, changes in 30 breast cancer tissues, in comparison with normal tissues from Thai patients, were analyzed by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR). Genetic instability was detected by DNA fingerprinting obtained with 13 of 60 random primers. Of these, at least one amplification band, the incidence ranging from 27 to 80%, was observed in DNA amplified with 8 primers, whereas a band loss was exhibited with from 6 primers, the incidences ranging from 23 to 40%. Likewise, an amplification band amplified from primer D15 was observed in 80% of this patient group and a band loss produced from primer B12 presented in 40% of all cases. These results showed that AP-PCR is effective for the detection of genetic alterations in breast cancer tissues.

Proteomic Studies of Galectin-3 Expression in Human Thyroid Diseases by Immunodetection

Galectin-3 expression in thyroid diseases was studied by 1-DE immunoblotting. Expression was markedly elevated in thyroid papillary carcinoma, compared to follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma or non-neoplastic diseases. Galectin-3 expression was also elevated in malignant cancers of bone, breast, colon, esophagus, larynx, lung and ovary. Four cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma with metastasis gave 2-3 bands on 1-DE immunoblotting. 2-DE immunoblotting of gelectin-3 showed 3 dark spots with MW/pI 32.9/8.29, 31.0/8.40 and 30.0/8.40 and 2 light spots.

Novel hMSH2, hMSH6 and hMLH1 gene mutations and microsatellite instability in sporadic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To detect the hMSH2, hMSH6 and hMLH1 DNA mismatch repair gene mutations and microsatellite instability in somatic colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The mutations of hMSH2, hMSH6, and hMLH1 genes, including microsatellite instability of BAT-26, BAT-40, D2S123, D5S346 and D17S250 were analyzed in 31 patients with colorectal.

RESULTS

The results revealed that eight cases (25.8%) harbored mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Of these, five novel mutations including I237V in exon 4 of hMSH2, ins T at codon 1196 in exon 7 of hMSH6, and ins G at codon 154 in exon 6, N158H in exon 6, and del A at codon 257 in exon 9 of hMLH1 were identified. Moreover, several intronic polymorphisms, including c-g transversion at IVS-1 nt211 + 9 of hMSH2, del T in poly T track at IVS-6 nt3559-5, ATCT duplicate in IVS-7 nt 3642 + 35 and t-g transversion at IVS-10 nt4080 + 185 of hMSH6 were demonstrated in these patients. In addition, seven cases (22.5%) exhibited microsatellite instability (MSI).

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the inactivation of DNA mismatch repair genes and microsatellite instability may play a minor role in somatic colorectal cancer development.

HMSH2 gene alterations associated with recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer, one of the ten most widespread cancers in Thailand, is a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess hMSH2 and hMLH1 gene mutations, microsatellite DNA alterations, and investigate the association between these alterations and clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in a sample of Thai patients. Microsatellite alterations at D2S391, D3S647, D17S513, and D17S520 were detected at a frequency of 40.6%. Among these alterations, 12.5% exhibited loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at D3S647 and D17S513, while 34.4% exhibited microsatellite instability (MI) at D2S391, D17S513, and D17S520. Polymorphic change in the intronic region of hMSH2 at IVS 1 nt 211+9, c-->g was observed in 50% of cases. Significant correlation was observed between IVS 1 nt 211+9 polymorphism and the recurrence status of the patients (p = 0.030, OR = 10.67). This study demonstrated that the polymorphism of hMSH2 at IVS 1 nt 211+9 (c-->g) was associated with oral cancer recurrence status and could be used as a biomarker for prognosis and follow-up treatment of oral cancer.

OCT4 expression on a case of poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma of the thyroid gland and minireview

Poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma of the thyroid gland is rare and defined as follicular-cell neoplasms that show limited evidence of structural follicular cell differentiation and occupy both morphologically and behaviourally an intermediate position between differentiated (follicular and papillary carcinomas) and undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinomas. The authors report a case of a 37-year-old Thai woman who presented with a prolonged left thyroid nodule. Final pathological diagnoses of her mass were poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion and nodular goiter. The tumor cell arrangements were nest (insular) and trabecular patterns with some follicular formations. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor cells revealed negative immunostaining for OCT4. Expression of OCT4 gene is involved in the regulation and maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells, germ cells, and in tumor cells. The authors believe that poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma of the thyroid gland probably develops from the remnant of thyroid stem cells and is not associated with dedifferentiation (anaplasia or loss of cellular differentiation) from nodular goiter or cells of other thyroid carcinomas. Although there was negative immunostain for OCT4 in the presented case, the authors assumed that the tumor cells behave with an intermediate position between thyroid stem cells and prothyrocytes Also they do not behave with thyroblasts. Additionally, the tumor may be associated with new cellular dedifferentiation. However, there is only one case of immunohistochemistry of OCT4 in poorly differentiated (insular) carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Thus, prognosis of the presented still is mainly correlated with clinical and histological findings. Further research on expression of OCT4 gene on thyroid cancers and other malignant tumors relating to tumorigenic cancer cells (cancer stem cells) may be useful to prognostic evaluation and administration of a new chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy that is specific for tumor-initiating cells.

Cutaneous granuloma in systemic lymphoma: a case report in Thailand

A 68-year-old woman presented with multiple erythematous infiltrative nodules and plaques on her face, trunk and extremities, 7 months after having complete remission from chemotherapy treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Biopsy from the skin lesion showed tuberculoid granuloma without lymphoma. Special stains and culture were negative for micro-organism. Immunohistochemistry revealed polymorphic T and B cells infiltration without evidence of malignancy. The skin lesions subsided completely after corticosteroid treatment. Two months later, she developed brain involvement of lymphoma that responded well to radiation and chemotherapy.

Polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase omega gene and risk of cancer

Polymorphic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes causing variations in enzyme activity may influence individual susceptibility to cancer. Though polymorphisms have been reported in GSTO1 and GSTO2, their predisposition to cancer risk has not yet been explored. In this case control study, 28 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 30 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 31 cases of colorectal cancer, 30 cases of breast cancer and 98 controls were compared for frequencies of GSTO1 and GSTO2 genotypes. The statistical analysis provided the support for the difference in genotypic distribution for GSTO1*A140D between hepatocellular carcinoma (OR 23.83, CI 95%: 5.07-127), cholangiocarcinoma (OR 8.5, CI 95%: 2.07-37.85), breast cancer (OR 3.71, CI 95%: 1.09-13.02) and control. With regards to GSTO2*N140D polymorphism, there was no difference in genotypic distribution between all the types of cancer and control. The study suggests that GSTO1*A140D polymorphism could play an important role as a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and breast cancer.

Anti-metastatic effects of aqueous extract of Helixanthera parasitica

Metastasis, the spread of cancer in body, is a major cause of death. We have screened anti-metastatic activity of aqueous and dichloromethane extracts of several not previously studied Thai herbs, using an in vitro invasion test. This involves the in vitro invasion of HCC-S102, a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line derived from a Thai patient, through a reconstituted-basement membrane (Matrigel). The aqueous extract of a plant (Helixanthera parasitica) revealed a significant inhibitory effect on the cancer cell invasion, and showed antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract was partially purified by silica gel column chromatography, and the highest anti-metastatic activity fraction showed 83% inhibition of invasion with low cytotoxic effect. However, anti-metastatic activity was not associated with the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract.

Detection of cathepsin B up-regulation in neoplastic thyroid tissues by proteomic analysis

Nodular or multinodular goiter is the most common non-neoplastic thyroid disease and may be difficult to distinguish from true neoplastic thyroid diseases using microscopic criteria. We have used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to study the protein patterns of thyroid tissues including normal thyroid, multinodular goiter, diffuse hyperplasia, follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma and papillary carcinoma. Specific proteins, in the region of molecular mass 15-30 kDa and isoelectric point 4.5-6.5, were identified by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and protein sequencing. The most distinctive protein found is cathepsin B, which could be detected as four spots, with differential expression in different thyroid diseases. In particular, two of these cathepsin B spots CB2 and CB3 are strongly up-regulated in neoplastic diseases, compared to non-neoplastic diseases. In addition, overexpression of ATP synthase D chain and prohibitin were observed in papillary carcinoma, which should allow it to be differentiated from follicular carcinoma. Changes in expression of other proteins were also observed in disease states compared to normal tissues, namely translationally controlled tumor protein, thioredoxin peroxidase 1, glutathione-S-transferase P, DJ-1 protein, superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn), and heat shock protein 27, but these changes are less characteristic, so they do not allow the differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues. Thus, the proteomic approach is a useful diagnostic tool for studying diseases involving the thyroid nodule.

Detection of cathepsin B up-regulation in neoplastic thyroid tissues by proteomic analysis

Nodular or multinodular goiter is the most common non-neoplastic thyroid disease and may be difficult to distinguish from true neoplastic thyroid diseases using microscopic criteria. We have used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to study the protein patterns of thyroid tissues including normal thyroid, multinodular goiter, diffuse hyperplasia, follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma and papillary carcinoma. Specific proteins, in the region of molecular mass 15-30 kDa and isoelectric point 4.5-6.5, were identified by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and protein sequencing. The most distinctive protein found is cathepsin B, which could be detected as four spots, with differential expression in different thyroid diseases. In particular, two of these cathepsin B spots CB2 and CB3 are strongly up-regulated in neoplastic diseases, compared to non-neoplastic diseases. In addition, overexpression of ATP synthase D chain and prohibitin were observed in papillary carcinoma, which should allow it to be differentiated from follicular carcinoma. Changes in expression of other proteins were also observed in disease states compared to normal tissues, namely translationally controlled tumor protein, thioredoxin peroxidase 1, glutathione-S-transferase P, DJ-1 protein, superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn), and heat shock protein 27, but these changes are less characteristic, so they do not allow the differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues. Thus, the proteomic approach is a useful diagnostic tool for studying diseases involving the thyroid nodule.

Intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn's disease: a case report

Inflammatory bowel disease is uncommon in Thailand. The authors report a case of Crohn's disease in a 47-year-old Thai female. The patient presented with a three-week history suggestive of an appendiceal abscess requiring an operation. The intra-operative findings of a lesion involving the terminal ileum and cecum, necessitated a right hemicolectomy to rule out reliably the presence of malignancy. Pathologic examination of the specimen suggested Crohn's disease.

Microsatellite alterations in non-small cell lung cancer

Genetic alterations at 12 dinucleotide repeat loci located on human chromosomes 2, 3, 12, and 17 have been analyzed in non-small cell lung cancer from Thai patients. Seventeen out of 30 cases (57%) harbored the microsatellite alterations. Of the 30 cases, 19 patients had a history of tobacco smoking, of whom 14 (74%) were in the group with microsatellite alterations, whereas 3 out of 11 non-smokers (26%) had these alterations. The frequency of microsatellite alterations among smokers was significantly higher than it was in non-smokers (P = 0.01 Fisher's exact test; odds ratio; 7.47).

Opportunistic infections in the liver of HIV-infected patients in Thailand: a necropsy study

Liver necropsy from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus was analyzed in 117 cases. Wide ranges of opportunistic infections were recorded in 47%. Cryptococcosis (21.4%) was the most outstanding infection, followed by tuberculosis (16.2%), cytomegalovirus (5.1%) and penicillosis (3.4%). Non-specific alterations of the liver tissues included fatty steatosis (49.6%), fibrosis (55.6%), portal inflammation and reactive hepatitis. Cases of chronic active and chronic passive hepatitis and one case of hepatocellular carcinoma were reported. In the infected liver, predominant pathological changes included granuloma and spotty necrosis, which were attributed to tuberculous hepatitis. Infection with Cryptococcus usually showed no associated pathological change. The sensitivity for the clinical diagnosis of Cryptococcus was 88.8% and specificity was 91.7%. For tuberculosis, sensitivity was 20% and specificity was 67.9%.

Flow cytometric DNA analysis of carcinoid tumors of the ileum and appendix

Although all carcinoid tumors are considered potentially malignant, the biologic behaviors of appendiceal and ileal carcinoids are distinctly different. Appendiceal carcinoids often behave in a benign fashion, whereas ileal carcinoids pursue an aggressive course with frequent metastasis. Whether differences in DNA ploidy are related to this disparity in tumor behavior was addressed in this study. Flow cytometric DNA analyses were performed on paraffin blocks from 11 ileal and seven appendiceal carcinoid tumor cases. The mean coefficient of variation for all samples was 3.4 +/- 0.7. DNA aneuploidy was seen in two of the appendiceal cases and in six of the ileal cases. Metastases were seen in one of the appendiceal carcinoid cases, and that tumor was aneuploid. In six cases of carcinoid of the ileum, metastases were seen; of these, five tumors were aneuploid. In the ileal cases, despite the low number of cases examined, the correlation between DNA aneuploidy and metastases nearly reached statistical significance (P = .07) and showed a much stronger correlation than tumor size and metastases (P = .4). Although no statistical significance was reached in this study, the results are highly suggestive of DNA aneuploidy being an important predictor of malignant behavior in carcinoids of the ileum.

Sequential tubular cell and basement membrane changes in polycystic kidney disease

Tubular basement membrane (BM) changes (dysmorphogenesis), cell proliferation, and fluid accumulation related to the altered location of Na,K-ATPase are purported essential key events in the development and progression of renal cysts. These changes were assessed daily in Phenol II (2-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl-5-phenyl thiazole)-treated rats, which rapidly develop marked and progressive cystic change of all collecting tubules (CT). At Day 1, 12% of CT were cystic and their BM were thickened severalfold. At Day 4, 30% of CT were cystic and their BM remained thickened. BM of cystic tubules showed decreased staining for heparan sulfate proteoglycan and increased staining for fibronectin. Proliferation, as determined by (3H)thymidine, incorporation, was not significant until Day 2 and involved cystic and noncystic tubular cells as well as interstitial cells. As cystic changes progressed, cell proliferation decreased. By immunohistochemistry, the altered location of Na,K-ATPase in epithelial cells lining cysts was primarily detected after Day 2 and consisted of focal loss from basal and/or lateral cell membranes and localization in the cell cytoplasm. Only rarely was Na,K-ATPase localized to the apical cell membrane. After the removal of Phenol II, cystic tubular cells, BM, and Na,K-ATPase returned to normal. Thus, in this model of polycystic kidney disease, initial cyst formation occurred in tandem with BM structural change whereas cell proliferation and altered location of Na,K-ATPase occurred after the appearance of cysts.

Cyst-derived cells do not exhibit accelerated growth or features of transformed cells in vitro

Progressive renal enlargement is a prominent feature in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), suggesting that the disease is due to hyperplasia and/or preneoplastic transformation of renal epithelial cells. In this study in vitro methods were developed to grow and propagate large numbers of cyst-derived epithelial cells from ADPKD kidneys and cortical epithelial cells from normal human kidneys (NK). In order to study their biologic features during early cell passages, cells were grown on Vitrogen (bovine dermal collagen)-FCS (fetal calf serum) coated dishes and fed a basic medium (DME:F12) supplemented with 10% FCS or a defined medium (Sens) containing insulin, transferrin, selenium, hydrocortisone, tri-iodothyronine and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Both ADPKD and NK cells grew as monolayers, were positive for keratin by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry and had ultrastructural features of renal epithelial cells. Confluent NK and ADPKD monolayers formed domes. In contrast to NK cells, the growth and propagation of ADPKD cells were not supported by defined medium alone but required serum supplementation and ADPKD cells did not respond to growth factors (insulin, transferrin, EGF) that promoted the growth of NK cells. In serum supplemented media, the growth rate, cell doubling time and end cell number of ADPKD and NK cells were the same. Moreover, ADPKD cells did not exhibit any in vitro features of transformed cells: they were not immortal, they were sensitive to contact inhibition, they were anchorage dependent and they were not tumorigenic in nude mice. These findings do not support an increased rate of cell growth or cell transformation as causative factors in ADPKD.

Tubular basement membrane change occurs pari passu with the development of cyst formation

Our previous studies have shown that 2-amino-4,5-diphenyl thiazole hydrochloride (DPT) administered orally to rats induces a urine concentrating defect (within 1 to 2 days) and progressive, but reversible, cystic change of all collecting tubules (prominent between 4 and 8 weeks). Cystic change was characterized by tubular cell and basement membrane changes consisting of alterations in cellular biosynthetic/secretory organelles, followed by thickening of the basement membrane with marked reduction (approximately 50%) of the de novo synthesis of sulfated proteoglycans, suggesting that altered synthesis of tubular basement membrane plays a role in the development of cystic disease. In this study, following the administration of [14C]-DPT in vivo, a major urinary metabolite (greater than 70%) was isolated by HPLC and characterized by gas chromatographic-mass spectral and NMR analyses as 2-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl-5 phenyl thiazole, designated phenol II. Phenol II was synthesized and administered orally to rats for four days to compare its biological effects with DPT. Phenol II induced a significantly greater impairment of concentrating ability and tubular cystic transformation than DPT. At day 5, in phenol II treated animals, basement membranes lining cysts were thickened several-fold and exhibited extensive loss and disorder of ruthenium red binding sites, indicative of loss of sulfated proteoglycans (heparin sulfate proteoglycan). The basement membrane changes occurred in tandem with the development of cystic transformation and strongly suggests that the basement membrane has a key role in the pathogenesis of PKD. The findings support the hypothesis that PKD may be due to a defect in the synthesis/degradation of one or more basement membrane components (sulfated proteoglycans) resulting in faulty tubular morphogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of necrosis in hepatocellular proliferation and liver tumors

A sequence of events which appear to be common in the development of cancer in all mammalian species includes atrophy, hyperplasia, and neoplasia. Evidence to date suggests that cell death (necrosis) is an integral, perhaps essential, factor in the initiation and maintenance of the process but the extent to which necrosis is involved, and the nature of that participation is unclear. Choline deficient B6C3F1 mice have been used to accentuate and investigate necrosis and the development of liver neoplasia following exposure to aflatoxin B1. The binding of AFB1 to DNA correlates with the level of acute necrosis and the early appearance of foci of alteration and later, tumor development. Adducts of GSH-DNA varied as do other parameters including products of peroxidation, but the relation of these variables to necrosis and cancer are unclear at present. These parameters are currently under study.

Toxicity of anguidine in mice

A characteristic of the trichothecene mycotoxin, anguidine, is its extreme toxicity to organs with populations of rapidly dividing cells. In preparation for evaluation of compounds that may protect against anguidine toxicity, we measured the LD50 of anguidine administered by gastric gavage (ig) or intraperitoneal injection (ip) and studied the dose- and time-dependent effects of anguidine on lymphohematopoietic organs, intestine, and testis, and measured hematocrit and peripheral blood leukocyte counts in male CD-1 mice. The ig LD50 at 96 hr was 15.5 mg/kg; after ip administration the LD50 at 96 hr was 20.0 mg/kg. Characteristic changes caused by sublethal doses of anguidine were cell depletion and necrosis in lymphohematopoietic organs, multifocal necrosis of intestinal epithelium, and diffuse necrosis of germinal epithelium followed by progressive tubule degeneration in the testes. There was leukocytosis due to both lymphocytosis and neutrophilia in the first few hours following anguidine exposure, followed by lymphopenia, neutropenia, and anemia by 3 days. After lethal doses, the intestinal necrosis was transmural, and there was extensive necrosis of lymphohematopoietic organs. There was rapid recovery after sublethal anguidine exposure of all anguidine-sensitive organs except for testis where decreased weights and abnormal spermatogenesis persisted for the 2-week observation period. Our results suggest that intestinal necrosis is an important cause of death following anguidine exposure. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules may have some value as an indicator of prior anguidine exposure, but the testicular changes are not unique to this compound.

Early stages of nodular transformation of the B6C3F1 mouse liver induced by choline deficiency

The B6C3F1 strain of mice is prone to develop liver nodules as animals grow older. This spontaneous tumor development is enhanced by dietary lipotrope deficiency. The present studies were performed to evaluate the liver of the B6C3F1 mice in early periods of lipotrope deficiency and before the nodules appear. Mice were fed high levels of dietary fat (cotton seed oil or beef fat) without choline or vitamin B12. The livers of these mice were compared with those of mice subjected to partial hepatectomy or dietary phenobarbital both of which enhance liver nodule formation. The ability of putative preneoplastic hepatocytes to exclude parenteral-administered iron was used to detect this eventual phenotype. A lipotrope-deficient condition was established which typically exhibited fatty liver and increased cell proliferation, the latter measured by autoradiography. In the time periods evaluated the lipotrope-devoid diets were not sufficient to induce nodular or putative preneoplastic lesions. An excessively high activity of p-nitroanisole-O-demethylase and a single small fatty nodule were obtained when phenobarbital was added to the lipotrope-deficient diet. Scattered eosinophilic hepatocytes were seen in every experimental group when the histologic slides were stained for iron pigments, but their biologic significance in the present experiments could not be established. Under the conditions of this study, the liver of the B6C3F1 strain of mouse exhibited only minor indications of future tumor development.