Verification of the Usefulness of an Assessment and Risk Control Sheet that Promotes Management of Cancer Drug Therapy

Background: Proper management of adverse events is crucial for the safe and effective implementation of anticancer drug treatment. Showa University Hospital uses our interview sheet (assessment and risk control [ARC] sheet) for the accurate evaluation of adverse events. On the day of anticancer drug treatment, a nurse conducts a face-to-face interview. As a feature of the ARC sheet, by separately describing the symptoms the day before treatment and the day of treatment and sharing the information on the medical record, it is possible to clearly determine the status of adverse events. In this study, we hypothesized that the usefulness and points for improvement of the ARC sheet would be clarified by using and evaluating a patient questionnaire.

Methods: This study included 174 patients (144 at Showa University Hospital (Hatanodai Hospital) and 30 at Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital (Toyosu Hospital) who underwent pre-examination interviews by nurses and received cancer chemotherapy at the outpatient center of Hatanodai and Toyosu Hospital. In the questionnaire survey, the ARC sheet’s content and quality, respondents’ satisfaction, structural strengths, and points for improvement were evaluated on a five-point scale.

Results: The patient questionnaire received responses from 160 participants, including the ARC sheet use group (132 people) and the non-use group (28 people). Unlike the ARC sheet non-use group, the ARC sheet use group recognized that the sheet was useful to understand the adverse events of aphthous ulcers (p = 0.017) and dysgeusia (p = 0.006). In the satisfaction survey questionnaire, there was a high sense of security in the pre-examination interviews by nurses using the ARC sheet.

Conclusions: The ARC sheet is considered an effective tool for comprehensively evaluating adverse events. Pre-examination interviews by nurses using ARC sheets accurately determined the adverse events experienced by patients with anxiety and tension due to confrontation with physicians.

Multicenter 1-month follow-up study of the patch-test reaction to the gold sodium thiosulfate of the TRUE Test and its association with piercings and dental metal history

BACKGROUND

There is controversy over late and long-lasting reactions to gold sodium thiosulfate (GST).

OBJECTIVES

To study the GST patch-test reaction by observing the application site after 1 month, and to clarify the relevance of GST sensitization by piercings and dental metals.

PATIENTS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 746 patients (143 male; 603 female) who were patch tested using GST of the TRUE Test. We conducted a questionnaire on the presence of piercings or dental metals in these patients.

RESULTS

The GST positive rate was 27.9% at day (D)3 and/or D7 and 40.3% up to the 1-month reading. The positive rate was significantly higher in female patients and increased with age. Sixty-two percent of cases with a positive reaction at D7 continued to show a positive reaction after 1 month. Eleven percent of cases with a negative reaction at D3 and D7 showed a late reaction. Both piercings and dental metals were related to gold sensitization.

CONCLUSIONS

The GST of the TRUE Test had a high positive and low false-negative rate. The 1-month reading after the patch test was important for identifying late reactions. Piercing history and dental metal were associated with gold sensitization.

Detection of Minimal Bone Marrow involvement of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplastic Cells - CD303 immunostaining as a diagnostic tool

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) neoplasm (BPDCN) is a relatively rare hematological malignancy with significantly complex clinicopathological features that are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological data of BPDCN and evaluate immunohistochemical detection of minimal bone marrow (BM) involvement. In this study, we examined skin and BM lesions from 6 patients with BPDCN. Neoplastic cells tested positive for CD303 (polyclonal, 100%; monoclonal, 40%) in the skin lesions and for CD303 (polyclonal, 100%; monoclonal, 67%) in the BM clots. Although immunostaining of CD4, CD56, CD123, CD303, and TCLl detected minimal BM involvement in 3 patients, morphological identification was challenging in the BM clots stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the significance of observing BM smears to detect neoplastic cells and that immunohistochemical examination, including CD303 antibodies, is useful to detect minimal BM involvement. This study is the first to report the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and its receptor in BPDCN cells. Therefore, the TSLP/TSLP receptor axis may be associated with the proliferation of BPDCN, and consequently, the survival of patients.

Genome-wide association study identifies pharmacogenomic loci linked with specific antihypertensive drug treatment and new-onset diabetes

We conducted a discovery genome-wide association study with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) annotation of new-onset diabetes (NOD) among European Americans, who were exposed to a calcium channel blocker-based strategy (CCB strategy) or a β-blocker-based strategy (β-blocker strategy) in the INternational VErapamil SR Trandolapril STudy. Replication of the top signal from the SNP*treatment interaction analysis was attempted in Hispanic and African Americans, and a joint meta-analysis was performed (total 334 NOD cases and 806 matched controls). PLEKHH2 rs11124945 at 2p21 interacted with antihypertensive exposure for NOD (meta-analysis p=5.3×10⁻⁸). rs11124945 G allele carriers had lower odds for NOD when exposed to the β-blocker strategy compared with the CCB strategy [OR=0.38 (0.24-0.60), p=4.0×10⁻⁵], while A/A homozygotes exposed to the β-blocker strategy had increased odds for NOD compared with the CCB strategy [OR=2.02 (1.39-2.92), p=2.0×10⁻⁴]. eQTL annotation of the 2p21 locus provides functional support for regulating gene expression.

Targeted next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders

We developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based mutation screening strategy for neurodevelopmental diseases. Using this system, we screened 284 genes in 40 patients. Several novel mutations were discovered. Patient 1 had a novel mutation in ACTB. Her dysmorphic feature was mild for Baraitser-Winter syndrome. Patient 2 had a truncating mutation of DYRK1A. She lacked microcephaly, which was previously assumed to be a constant feature of DYRK1A loss of function. Patient 3 had a novel mutation in GABRD gene. She showed Rett syndrome like features. Patient 4 was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome with PTPN11 mutation. He showed complete agenesis of corpus callosum. We have discussed these novel findings.

Phase I and biomarker study of OPB-51602, a novel signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid malignancies

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of OPB-51602, an oral, direct signal transduction activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three cohorts were studied: cohort A, a sequential dose escalation of OPB-51602 administered intermittently (days 1-14 every 21 days); cohort B, an expansion cohort evaluating the dose lower than the MTD; cohort C, evaluating continuous daily dosing.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were studied at 2, 4, and 5 mg per day dosing. The MTD was 5 mg; first-cycle dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were grade 3 hyponatremia in one patient, and grade 3 dehydration in another. Intermittent dosing of both 2 and 4 mg doses were tolerable, and the recommended phase II dose was 4 mg. Cohort B investigated 4 mg intermittently, whereas cohort C investigated 4 mg continuously. Common toxicities included fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Drug-induced pneumonitis occurred in two patients in cohort C. Continuous dosing was associated with a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy and a lower mean relative dose intensity, compared with intermittent dosing. Steady-state pharmacokinetics was characterized by high oral clearance, mean elimination half-life ranging from 44 to 61 h, and a large terminal-phase volume of distribution. An active metabolite, OPB-51822, accumulated to a greater extent than OPB-51602. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated pSTAT3 (Tyr(705)) inhibition following exposure. Two patients achieved partial responses at 5 mg intermittently and 4 mg continuously; both had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure.

CONCLUSION

OPB-51602 demonstrates promising antitumor activity, particularly in NSCLC. Its long half-life and poorer tolerability of continuous dosing, compared with intermittent dosing, suggest that less frequent dosing should be explored.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01184807.

A Case of Inflammatory Generalized Type of Peeling Skin Syndrome Possibly Caused by a Homozygous Missense Mutation of CDSN

A 54-year-old Japanese woman had repetitive superficial skin peeling and ensuing erythematous changes in the sites since infancy. Her parents had a consanguineous marriage, and she was the only individual affected in her family tree. The erythematous changes seemed to worsen in the summer. Histologically, hyperkeratosis and splitting of the epidermis within the stratum corneum was noted, and electron microscopy revealed shedding of corneal cells in the horny layer and normal-looking corneodesmosomes. Gene analysis revealed a homozygous missense mutation at c.1358G>A in CDSN. Electron microscopic examination of the length and number of corneodesmosomes revealed statistically significant shortness and sparsity in the affected individual (mean ± SD 386.2 ± 149.5 nm) compared with that of an age- and site-matched control (406.6 ± 182.3 nm). We speculate that this size shrinkage of corneodesmosomes might be the result of a missense mutation of CDSN and that this could be one of the factors contributing to the pathological process of skin peeling.

Chronic headaches and sleepiness caused by facial soap (containing hydrolyzed wheat proteins)-induced wheat allergy

A 38-year-old woman was suffering from irregular headaches and sleepiness. She had used soap containing Glupearl 19S (hydrolyzed wheat proteins) every day for approximately one year and had experienced an episode of rash eruption on her face seven months ago. Wheat-specific IgE antibodies were detected in her serum. A Western blot analysis revealed a high titer of IgE antibodies against Glupearl 19S and wheat proteins. The patient was sensitive to these compounds in a skin prick test. After avoiding eating wheat, her headaches and sleepiness disappeared. A hidden food allergy is a possible cause of these symptoms.

Laparoscopy-assisted spleen-preserving pancreatic resection for epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen

A rare case of an epidermoid cyst originating in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen in a 50-year-old Japanese female is reported. A hypoechoic cystic tumor was detected incidentally by abdominal ultrasonography. It appeared to be a single cyst in the pancreatic tail with a contrasted mass lesion beside it. Laparoscopy-assisted spleen-preserving pancreatic tail resection was performed. Microscopic examination revealed that the cyst was surrounded by fibrous tissue and a thin layer of splenic tissue, adjacent to normal pancreatic parenchyma. The inner surface of the cyst was lined with non-keratinizing squamous epithelium. The diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst occurring in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen was confirmed. Laparoscopy-assisted spleen-preserving pancreatic resection is a safe and effective procedure for benign or low-grade malignant cystic diseases in the pancreas.

Common variant in 6q26-q27 is associated with distal colon cancer in an Asian population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease with both environmental and genetic factors contributing to its development. The incidence of CRC is increasing year by year in Japan. Patients with CRC in advanced stages have a poor prognosis, but detection of CRC at earlier stages can improve clinical outcome. Therefore, identification of epidemiologial factors that influence development of CRC would facilitate the prevention or early detection of disease.

METHODS

To identify loci associated with CRC risk, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for CRC and sub-analyses by tumour location using 1583 Japanese CRC cases and 1898 controls. Subsequently, we conducted replication analyses using a total of 4809 CRC cases and 2973 controls including 225 Korean subjects with distal colon cancer and 377 controls.

RESULTS

We identified a novel locus on 6q26-q27 region (rs7758229 in SLC22A3, p = 7.92 × 10⁻⁹, OR of 1.28) that was significantly associated with distal colon cancer. We also replicated the association between CRC and SNPs on 8q24 (rs6983267 and rs7837328, p = 1.51 × 10⁻⁸ and 7.44 × 10⁻⁸, ORs of 1.18 and 1.17, respectively). Moreover, we found cumulative effects of three genetic factors (rs7758229, rs6983267, and rs4939827 in SMAD7) and one environmental factor (alcohol drinking) which appear to increase CRC risk approximately twofold.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a novel susceptible locus in SLC22A3 that contributes to the risk of distal colon cancer in an Asian population. These findings would further extend our understanding of the role of common genetic variants in the aetiology of CRC.

Risk factors for depression after kidney transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Kidney transplantation is recognized as the only potentially curative treatment for end-stage renal failure. But many psychiatric problems are associated with the procedure. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of a risk for depression after kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study recruited 116 first kidney-only Japanese recipients whose mean age was 50.2 +/- 11.87 years include a male/female ratio of 63/53. They underwent transplantation between 1990 and 2008. At enrollment, we used the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale score as well as characterized demographic and clinical features of recipients and donors. Comparisons between depressed and non-depressed patients concerning sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were used chi(2) tests for categorical variables and Student's t-tests for continuous variables. Risk factors with significant correlation coefficients (P < .05) were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model to identify the best single risk factor for depression after kidney transplantation.

RESULT

The prevalence of depression in this study was 41.4%. Depressed patients were significantly more likely to not have regular incomes, nor to have desired kidney transplantation, to have experienced a rejection episode, and to live alone (P < .05). The single best predictor of future depression was living alone; subjects living alone were 2.51 times more likely to be depressed as those living with others (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-5.22; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Although depression after kidney transplantation is driven by multiple, complex, and often overlapping risk factors, we observed characteristic features of recipients including their social environment and follow-up treatment.

Phase I clinical trial with VEGFR2-epitope peptide and gemcitabine for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

2567

Background: The prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is one of the most dismal of all cancers. Gemcitabine is a potent anticancer drug for pancreatic cancer, however, one should consider that the clinical benefit of anticancer drugs is limited and other potent therapeutic tool is eagerly awaited. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a glycoprotein which is predominantly related to the neoplastic angiogenesis. VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGFR2; Flk-1 and KDR) is an essential target for tumor angiogenesis. We first identify the epitope peptides of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and confirmed that stimulation using these peptides induces CTLs with potent cytotoxicity in HLA class I-restricted fashion. Methods: We proceeded to Phase I clinical trial using gemcitabine and one of these peptides. Patients were sequentially allocated to cohorts of 6 patients per group receiving 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mg of peptides/body. No intra-patient dose escalation was permitted. The eligibility criteria are: being aged between 20- and 80- year old, expecting the survival more than 3 months after the initiation of this treatment, adequate organ function including bone marrow function, and having HLA-A*2402 (A24) genotype. The enrolled patients received 4 cycles of VEGFR2 peptide sc. and 3 cycles of 1,000 mg/m2 gemcitabine weekly. Results: No patients had grade 3 and 4 toxicity, and dose escalation was succeeded without any DLT. CTL response was observed in 50%, 67%, and 67% of 0.5mg, 1.0mg, and 2.0mg cohort, respectively. The delayed type hypersensitivity of the peptide-injection site was recognized in 83%, 67%, and 100% of 0.5mg, 1.0mg, and 2.0mg cohort, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that MTD should be 2.0mg of peptide. Disease control rate (>SD) was 67% (12/18 patients), and one patient had PR. The median survival time was 8.72 months. Conclusions: These results are promising to proceed the pivotal clinical trial, and the randomized phase II/III trial will start in 2009.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Kernohan's phenomenon associated with left ruptured occipital arteriovenous malformation

A 23-year-old woman presented with ipsilateral hemiparesia due to rupture of a left occipital arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Emergency decompression (the onset-operation interval was 46 minutes,) was carried out and the patient could leave the hospital upon recovery without neurological deficits. In general, Kernohan's phenomenon is caused by the gradual displacement of the cerebral peduncle against the tentorial edge caused by compression by the contralateral mass. This phenomenon is very rare among the cases with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and only three cases including the present one have been reported in the literature. In all cases the onset-operation intervals of were very short. Kernohan's phenomenon associated with a ruptured AVM is a rare condition and emergency decompression is required.

A study of the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU when S-1 was administered orally as an adjuvant agent in gastric cancer patients

15024

Background: S-1 is an effective oral anti-cancer drug which is formulation of 5-FU, and it is widely used for gastric cancers in Japan. However, the compliance of S-1 treatment is not satisfactory due to its side effects. We hypothesized that the plasma concentration of 5-FU could be verified individually, because the drug is administered orally. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU when it was administered orally in the form of S-1. Methods: The plasma concentration of 5-FU after S-1 oral administration for adjuvant chemotherapy was measured in 22 advanced gastric cancer patients (Stage II or III). Total gastrectomy was performed in 12 patients and distal gastrectomy was performed in 10 patients. All patients were given S-1 (80mg/m2) orally at 8:00 and 20:00, daily. Blood samples were collected at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 on the 7th day after S-1 administration and we measured 5-FU concentration of plasma. Results: Pharmacokinetic parameters of plasma concentration of 5-FU were as follows: Cmax, 157.92 ± 42.9 ng/ml; Tmax, 2.36 ± 0.79 h; T1/2, 2.90 ± 2.36 h; and AUC 0–8 ,731.8 ± 236.4 ng ·h/ml in all patients given the usual dosage. The plasma concentration of 5-FU was quite different between patients. The difference of Cmax and AUC was 3∼ 4 times. The AUC0- 8 in the total gastrectomy patients (752.6± 273.3 ng·h/ml) was higher than that in distal gastrectomy patients (714.5±211.7 ng·h/ml), however this difference did not reach significance. Adverse events of more than grade 3 were observed in 7 patients. AUC0–8 of 4 of 7 patients were more than 800 ng·h/ml and those of 2 other patients were more than 750 ng·h/ml. The patients with high AUC0–8 levels had a tendency to show more severe adverse events. Conclusions: We conclude that physicians should pay close attention to individual differences in the plasma concentration of 5-FU in postoperative gastric cancer patients when this drug is given orally as S- 1.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I/II study of docetaxel /S-1 with radiation for esophageal cancer patients

15061

Background: The combined therapy of CDDP/5-FU with radiation is the standard therapy for esophageal cancer patients. However, this therapy is associated with a comparatively high incidence of gastrointestinal disorders resulting in therapy interruptions and long hospital stays. Herein, we propose a new regimen of Docetaxel / S-1 combined with radiation to improve the success rate and outcome. The clinical phase Istudy was conducted from May, 2004 until June, 2006. and we report on the results in this paper. Methods: Patients were given S-1 (60mg/m2/day) orally from days 1 to 14, and Docetaxel (20mg/m2 in level 1, 25mg/m2 in level 2, and 30 mg/m2 in level 3) intravenously on days 1 and 8. Patients received radiation in 2.0 Gy daily fractions from days 1 to 21, for a total of 30 Gy. Patients were given a seven-day rest after the first course, and then treated with the same regimen from days 28 to 49.P The phase I study was completed for 10 cases. Results: All patients completed the treatment schedule, with no treatment-related deaths and no grade 4 adverse events were observed. As for hematotoxicity, one case revealed leucopenia of grade 3 and neutropenia of grade 2. A non-hematotoxic adverse event (grade 3 anorexia) was observed in one patient. The response rate evaluated by RECIST was 66 % (CR in 2 cases, PR in 4 cases). We assumed that the recommended dosage of TXT and S-1 was 30mg/m2 and 60mg/m2, respectively, combined with a radiotherapy dose of 60Gy. Conclusions: This combination therapy may be superior to other treatments because of its lower rate of adverse events and higher response rates. We continue this study to Phase II in order to generate data on the response rate and adverse effect rate in a greater number of patients with esophageal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Efficacy of carotid artery stenting

SUMMARY

Carotid Artery Stenting(CAS) was performed for 51 lesions in 46 patients for almost clinically symptomatic stenotic (> 70%)lesions of cervical carotid arteries. The lesions involved the contralateral occlusion cases in eight cases, the bilateral stenotic cases in six cases and the ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenotic cases in two cases. In all cases, endovascular technique was performed from a transfemoral approach under local anesthesia primarily. Under systemic heparinization, CAS was performed using a selfexpanding stent system. For the pre-stenting and post-stenting dilatation, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheters were used. The balloon was inflated up to the pressure of six to ten atoms for 20 to 30 seconds.After CAS, stenotic lesion dilated successfully in all cases (0-20% residual stenosis; mean, 5.5%) even if in the case of the contra-lateral occlusion cases, more than 90% severe stenotic cases, and the tortuous artery cases. The cerebral protection system was always used, mainly distal blocking balloon type. Only one symptomatic complication occurred after CAS. Follow-up ultrasonic carotid echogram was performed in 30 cases.No cases showed restenosis (more than 50% restenosis). Clinical follow up was performed in all cases for one to 41 months (mean, 15.2 months) and no clinical deterioration such as TIA or stroke occurred. CAS is technically feasible and can be performed with relatively low morbidity even if complicated stenotic cases. It may be useful, but the increase the number of patients and the long-term follow-up are necessary to evaluate the safety and usefulness of this method.

Risk factors for de novo acute cardiac events in patients initiating hemodialysis with no previous cardiac symptom

An initial major adverse cardiac event (MACE) is an important predictor of future cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to identify factors influencing occurrence of initial MACE in new maintenance hemodialysis patients without previous cardiac symptoms during the predialysis phase of CKD. Among 112 participating patients with no predialysis cardiac history, 57 underwent coronary angiography, whereas the other 55 underwent stress thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography within 1 month of beginning hemodialysis to detect asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). In subsequent follow-up for a median of 24 months, subjects experiencing an initial MACE were compared with those who did not have such an event based on several clinical parameters at the end of predialysis phase. Asymptomatic CAD was present in 47 patients (42%), who had a higher cumulative MACE rate, than subjects without CAD (49 vs 3%, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox's regression analysis showed that three variables independently predicted initial MACE: asymptomatic CAD (hazard ratio or HR, 611.31; 95% confidence interval or CI, 14.07-26549.23; P<0.001), diabetes (HR, 20.41; 95% CI, 2.07-200.00; P=0.010), and each 1 mg/l increment in C-reactive protein (CRP) (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.27-2.94; P=0.002). In conclusion, detection of asymptomatic CAD, presence of diabetes, or elevated CRP at the end of the predialysis phase were significantly associated with occurrence of an initial MACE in CKD patients starting hemodialysis who had no CAD symptoms.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding Krüppel-like factor 7 are associated with type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Although genetic susceptibility plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, most of the genes that influence susceptibility to type 2 diabetes have yet to be identified. Krüppel-like transcription factors are known to play important roles in development and cell differentiation, and have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to examine the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding members of the Krüppel-like-factor (KLF) family with type 2 diabetes in a large cohort of Japanese subjects.

METHODS

We genotyped 33 SNP loci found in 12 KLF genes in subjects with type 2 diabetes and in subjects from the general population using the PCR-Invader assay. We also examined the effects of the overexpression of KLF7 on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.

RESULTS

We identified a significant association between an SNP in KLF7 and type 2 diabetes (A vs C: p=0.004 after Bonferroni's correction, odds ratio=1.59, 95% CI 1.27-2.00). The expression of Klf7 decreased in response to the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and the overexpression of KLF7 resulted in significant inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These results indicate that the gene encoding KLF7 is a novel candidate for conferring genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.

The expression of platelet-derived growth factor and connective tissue growth factor in different types of abdominal aortic aneurysms

AIM

An atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAA) differ from inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA), which are characterized by a non specific inflammatory reaction leading to considerable aneurysmal wall thickness from the media to adventitia and retroperitoneal fibrosis in the surrounding tissue. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor have been localized to specific cell types within atherosclerotic plaques. Human connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine rich polypeptide that has similar structures to PDGF and has been implicated in connective tissue formation. PDGF and CTGF may play a role in the development of aneurysmal walls in both AAAA and IAAA.

METHODS

Using in situ hybridization technique with DIG-labeled RNA probes and immunostaining, we investigated CTGF gene expression, and expression of PDGF and its receptor protein, in human aneurysmal walls.

RESULTS

Expression of CTGF mRNA was found on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in specimens from AAAA and IAAA. Strong CTGF expression was localized in VSMC around calcification in AAAA. In IAAA, strong expression of CTGF was observed around inflammatory cells. In the aneurysmal walls of AAAA, PDGF A and B chains were strongly stained on small vessels, and the PDGF beta receptor was also strongly stained on VSMC around calcification. In the aneurysmal wall of IAAA, weak expressions of PDGF A and B chains were observed in endothelial cells of vessel walls around the inflammatory cells, but the intensity of expression was much weaker than that on the vessel walls in AAAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Such differences in fibrogenic cytokine expression may be involved in characteristic aneurysmal formation.

CUL1, a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase, alters lymphocyte signal transduction with possible effect on rheumatoid arthritis

Ubiquitination affects various immune processes and E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3) play an important role in determining substrate specificity. We identified 11 human E3 ligase genes of potential importance in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by search of public databases and screened them for candidacy of biological investigation with case-control linkage disequilibrium tests on multiple SNPs in the genes using rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a model of autoimmune diseases. Significant association with RA was observed in an SNP in intron 3 of Cullin 1 (CUL1) that affected transcriptional efficiency of the promoter activity in lymphocytic cell lines. Quantitative expression analysis revealed that CUL1 mRNA was highly detected in lymphoid tissues including spleen and tonsil, and was specifically expressed in T and B lymphocytes in fractionated peripheral leukocytes. Histological evaluation of tonsils indicated that CUL1 protein expression was relatively specific for maturing germinal centers. Suppression of CUL1 expression had influence on the phenotype of T-cell line, that is, it inhibited IL-8 induction, which is known to play an important role in the migration of inflammatory cells into the affected area seen in RA. Our data suggest that the regulation of CUL1 expression in immunological tissues may affect the susceptibility of RA via altering lymphocyte signal transduction.