The Impact of Intestinal Microbiota and Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling on α-Synuclein Pathology in Nontransgenic Mice Injected with α-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils

Intestinal microbiota and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), which can bind lipoteichoic acid produced by microbiota, might contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), which is characterized by α-synuclein accumulation. Although the contribution of intestinal microbiota and TLR2 to PD pathology was validated in genetic PD models, evidence suggests that the effects of TLR2 signaling on proteinopathy might depend on the presence of a genetic etiology. We examined the impact of intestinal microbiota and TLR2 signaling on α-synuclein pathology in a nontransgenic mouse model of sporadic PD. While an α-synuclein preformed fibrils injection successfully reproduced PD pathology by inducing accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates, microglial activation and increased TLR2 expression in the brains of nontransgenic mice, antibiotic-induced reduction in the density of intestinal microbiota and TLR2 knockout had small impact on these changes. These findings, which are in contrast to those reported in transgenic mice harboring transgene encoding α-synuclein, indicate that the contribution of intestinal microbiota and TLR2 signaling to α-synuclein pathogenesis might be influenced by the presence of a genetic etiology. Additionally, these findings suggest that integrating insights from this experimental model and genetic models would further advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sporadic PD.

Global survival trends for brain tumors, by histology: analysis of individual records for 556,237 adults diagnosed in 59 countries during 2000-2014 (CONCORD-3)

BACKGROUND

Survival is a key metric of the effectiveness of a health system in managing cancer. We set out to provide a comprehensive examination of worldwide variation and trends in survival from brain tumors in adults, by histology.

METHODS

We analyzed individual data for adults (15-99 years) diagnosed with a brain tumor (ICD-O-3 topography code C71) during 2000-2014, regardless of tumor behavior. Data underwent a 3-phase quality control as part of CONCORD-3. We estimated net survival for 11 histology groups, using the unbiased nonparametric Pohar Perme estimator.

RESULTS

The study included 556,237 adults. In 2010-2014, the global range in age-standardized 5-year net survival for the most common sub-types was broad: in the range 20%-38% for diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma, from 4% to 17% for glioblastoma, and between 32% and 69% for oligodendroglioma. For patients with glioblastoma, the largest gains in survival occurred between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009. These improvements were more noticeable among adults diagnosed aged 40-70 years than among younger adults.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the largest account to date of global trends in population-based survival for brain tumors by histology in adults. We have highlighted remarkable gains in 5-year survival from glioblastoma since 2005, providing large-scale empirical evidence on the uptake of chemoradiation at population level. Worldwide, survival improvements have been extensive, but some countries still lag behind. Our findings may help clinicians involved in national and international tumor pathway boards to promote initiatives aimed at more extensive implementation of clinical guidelines.

Multiplatform metabolomic analysis of the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. To investigate the metabolic alterations that occur in HD, here we examined plasma and whole-brain metabolomic profiles of the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Plasma and brain metabolomic analyses were conducted using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS). In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was also applied to plasma metabolomic analyses, to cover the broad range of metabolites with various physical and chemical properties. Various metabolic alterations were identified in R6/2 mice. We report for the first time the perturbation of histidine metabolism in the brain of R6/2 mice, which was signaled by decreases in neuroprotective dipeptides and histamine metabolites, indicative of neurodegeneration and an altered histaminergic system. Other differential metabolites were related to arginine metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism, suggesting upregulation of the urea cycle, perturbation of energy homeostasis, and an increase in oxidative stress. In addition, remarkable changes in specific lipid classes are indicative of dysregulation of lipid metabolism. These findings provide a deeper insight into the metabolic alterations that occur in HD and provide a foundation for the future development of HD therapeutics.

Intestinal Clostridium species lower host susceptibility to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection

Susceptibility to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection varies among humans. The intestinal microbiota seems to play an essential role in host defense against EHEC; thus, we hypothesized that indigenous bacteria, such as Clostridium ramosum and Clostridium perfringens, could influence the susceptibility to EHEC infection. To evaluate the effect of indigenous bacteria on EHEC infection, germ-free mice were precolonized with each indigenous bacterium, and then infected with EHEC O157:H7. Precolonization with C. ramosum or C. perfringens completely prevented death from EHEC infection througout a test period. Precolonization with C. ramosum also reduced the level of secreted Shiga toxin (Stx) 2 and prevented histopathological changes in the kidneys in a similar way to precolonization with Bifidobacterium longum, which is used as a model for preventing EHEC infection. In contrast, the mice precolonized with C. perfringens showed mild renal injuries. When evaluated using an in vitro co-culturing system, again C. ramosum inhibited the growth and Stx production of EHEC more potently than C. perfringens. These results indicate that C. ramosum and C. perfringens suppressed EHEC infection; however, the extent of their preventive effects differed. Therefore, the susceptibility to EHEC infection and its severity can depend on the functional bacteria present in the intestinal microbiota of individuals.

Immortalization of Fetal Bovine Colon Epithelial Cells by Expression of Human Cyclin D1, Mutant Cyclin Dependent Kinase 4, and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase: An In Vitro Model for Bacterial Infection

Cattle are the economically important animals in human society. They are essential for the production of livestock products such as milk and meats. The production efficiency of livestock products is negatively impacted by infection with zoonotic pathogens. To prevent and control infectious diseases, it is important to understand the interaction between cattle tissue and pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we established an in vitro infection model of an immortalized bovine colon-derived epithelial cell line by transducing the cells with lentiviral vectors containing genes encoding cell cycle regulators cyclin D1, mutant cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). The established cell line showed continuous cell proliferation, expression of epithelial markers, and an intact karyotype, indicating that the cells maintained their original nature as colon-derived epithelium. Furthermore, we exposed the established cell line to two strains of Salmonella enterica and EHEC. Interestingly, S. Typhimurium showed higher affinity for the established cell line and invaded the cytoplasm than S. Enteritidis. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that gene expression of Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR 2 and TLR 3, whereas TLR 4, 5 and 6 were not detectable in established cells. Our established immortalized colon-derived epithelial cell should be a useful tool for studies evaluating the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial infection.

Expression of smooth muscle calponin in synovial sarcoma

Purpose. Histogenesis of synovial sarcoma remains controversial and reliable molecular markers for diagnosis are necessary. Expression of basic calponin, a smooth muscle differentiation-specific actin-binding protein, was studied in synovial sarcoma.Subjects and Methods. The basic calponin gene and the gene product were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR analysis (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in 14 synovial sarcomas and a human synovial sarcoma cell line (HS-SY-II).Results and Discussion. Immunoreactivity for basic calponin was detected in the cytoplasm of 6 synovial sarcomas (43% positive). In the basic calponin-positive tumors and the HS-SY-II cells, expression for smooth muscle-specific genes, including basic calponin and SM22alpha , was detected by RT-PCR, suggesting a lineage relationship between synovial sarcoma cells and smooth muscle-like mesenchymal cells.Conclusions. A subset of synovial sarcomas expressing the basic calponin gene and the gene product were identified. The basic calponin may have potential utility as a novel molecular marker identifying certain synovial sarcomas.

Increased Serotonergic Innervation of Lumbosacral Motoneurons of Rolling Mouse Nagoya in Correlation with Abnormal Hindlimb Extension

Rolling Mouse Nagoya (RMN) carries a mutation in a gene encoding for alpha(1A) subunit of P/Q-type Ca(2+) channel (Ca(v)2.1). In addition to ataxia, this mutant mouse exhibits abnormal hindlimb extension, which is characterized by a sustained excessive tone of hindlimb extensor muscles. This study aimed to clarify whether serotonergic (5-HTergic) innervation of the spinal motoneurons was altered in RMN in relation to the abnormal hindlimb extension. The density of 5-HT immunoreactive fibres in the ventral horn of lumbar and sacral regions of spinal cord was significantly greater in RMN than in controls. Retrograde wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) labelling combined with 5-HT immunostaining revealed that the number of 5-HT immunoreactive terminals adjoining femoris quadriceps motoneurons was about 2.5-fold greater in RMN than in controls. Furthermore, 5-HT immunostaining in the lumbar cord ventral horn was examined in three other Ca(v)2.1 mutant mice (tottering, leaner and pogo) as to whether or not they showed the abnormal hindlimb extension. Among these mutants, the increased density of 5-HT immunoreactive fibres was observed in correlation with the presence of the abnormal hindlimb extension. The results suggest an increased 5-HTergic innervation of the lumbosacral motoneurons in correlation with the abnormal hindlimb extension in RMN and other Ca(v)2.1 mutant mice. As 5-HT is known to induce the sustained membrane depolarizations without continuous excitatory synaptic inputs (plateau potentials) in spinal motoneurons, the increased 5-HTergic innervation may cause the sustained excitation of hindlimb extensor motoneurons, resulting in the abnormal hindlimb extension.

Conformational change of dimerization initiation site of HIV-1 genomic RNA by NCp7 or heat treatment

Dimerization initiation site (DIS) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome has been identified as a primary sequence that can form a stem-loop structure with a self-complementary sequence in the loop and a bulge in the stem. A DIS RNA fragment spontaneously forms a kissing dimer and is converted into an extended-duplex dimer by supplement of nucleocapsid protein NCp7. This two-step dimerization reaction can be also executed by a heat treatment instead of the binding proteins. However, it has not identified whether mechanisms of the conformational conversion by two different treatments are identical or not. In the present study, we used a series of DIS RNA oligonucleotides and the conformations of two extended-duplex dimers produced by the two different treatments were compared by the analysis of NMR spectra in the imino proton region. It was found that the effects of the two kinds of treatments are quite similar and the conformations of the two extended-duplex dimers are identical. These findings suggest that the conversion mechanisms DIS RNA by NCp7 and heat treatments are similar.

The clinical significance of sialyl Lewis antigen expression in the spread of gastric cancer. Flow cytometric DNA analysis

We previously reported significant relationships between sialyl Lewis antigen expression on gastric cancer cells and both hepatic metastasis and clinical prognosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of sialyl Lewis antigens on gastric cancer cells to elucidate the possible role of sialyl Lewis antigens in predicting the spread of a tumor with regard to histological findings. Subjects consisted of 38 patients with gastric cancer. For comparison we measured the values for sialyl Lewisa (sLea) and sialyl Lewisx (sLex) expression on the surface of about 10,000-30,000 cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies CA19-9 and KM-93 were used to determine the frequency (%) and quantity (channel) of the expression by flow cytometry. We assessed the correlation of sLea and sLex expression with histological findings (depth of tumor invasion (pT), lymphatic invasion (ly), venous invasion (v), and lymph node metastasis (pN)), by comparing sLea and sLex expression in relation to the grade of histological findings. A significant relationship was found between lymphatic invasion and the frequency of sLea expression (r = 0.40, p<0.05). The mean values of sLea frequency in cases categorized as ly 2 (36.30) and ly 3 (31.81) were statistically higher than those in ly 1 cases (12.74) (p<0.05). A significant relationship was also observed between lymph node metastasis and the frequency of sLea expression (r = 0.46, p<0.01). The mean value of sLea frequency in pN 3 cases (44.14) was statistically higher than those in pN 0 (17.11) and pN 1 (19.03) cases (p<0.05). Neither the depth of tumor invasion nor venous invasion showed any correlation with the expression of sialyl Lewis antigens. In conclusion the frequency of sLea expression on the surface of gastric cancer cells was greater in those patients who developed lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis. However, the mechanism by which sialyl Lewisa expression is upregulated remains unclear.

Cell cycle-regulated factors in esophageal cancer

Alterations of cell cycle-regulated genes play an important role in the process of carcinogenesis, and some of them are thought to be prognostic factors in esophageal cancer. The expressions of p53, p16, pRB and Cyclin D1 proteins were evaluated immunohistochemically in 144 patients who underwent curative esophagectomy without any adjuvant therapy before surgery. p53 overexpression was observed in 99 (69%) out of the 144 patients. No significant correlation was noted between p53 and any other gene expression. p16 expression was observed in 12 (8.3%) out of all cases. A negative correlation was recognized between p16 and Cyclin D1 expression (P=0.0004). pRB expression was observed in 130 (90.3%) out of all cases, whereas pRB expression was not observed in 11 out of the 12 patients with p16-positive tumors. A negative correlation was also found between p16 and pRB (P < 0.0001). A positive correlation was noted between pRB and Cyclin D1 expression (P=0.0009). The cumulative survival rate of patients without pRB expression was significantly lower than that of patients with positive expression (P=0.003). In the multivariate survival analysis, pRB expression was an independent prognostic factor. In 98% of all patients with esophageal cancer, impairment of the G1 checkpoint is due to a loss of function by p16, pRB or Cyclin D1, which showed a negative correlation in each factor. In addition, aberrant expression of pRB is useful as a prognostic factor in esophageal cancer.

Temporary restoration of immune response against Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-infected individuals after HAART, as studied in the hu-PBMC-SCID mouse model

We studied immune reconstitution against the parasite T. gondii in HIV-infected patients treated for 1 years with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We used SCID mice, humanized with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients, which were then infected with T. gondii cysts. Mice humanized with PBMC from patients before the start of HAART were highly susceptible to infection. In contrast, mice humanized with PBMC from patients who had received HAART for 6 months displayed higher survival rates, correlating with lower intracerebral parasite loads. However, this resistance was lost during follow up because mice humanized with PBMC from patients treated with HAART for 12 months survived for no longer than mice that had not been humanized. Specific lymphocyte proliferation assays showed that the increase in proliferative response depended on treatment duration and that HAART induced changes in IFN-gamma secretion in the presence of Toxoplasma antigens. Thus, our results indicate partial immune reconstitution against T. gondii in HIV-infected patients following HAART, possibly due to changes in the patterns of specific IFN-gamma production and redistribution of functional memory CD4+ cells.

Effects of single and repeated administration of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline analogs on the binding of [11C]raclopride to dopamine D2 receptors in the mouse brain

We investigated the effects of intraperitoneal injection of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) analogs and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on the binding of [11C]raclopride to striatal dopamine D2 receptors in mice. The binding of [11C]raclopride, but not of [11C]N-methylspiperone or [11C]nemonapride with higher affinity, to the receptors was significantly decreased immediately after TIQ injection. Neither a dopamine transporter blocker induced such effect nor TIQ affected the dopamine transporter-radioligand binding. Among the compounds investigated, including parkinsonism-inducing TIQ and (R/S)-1-benzyl-TIQ, parkinsonism-preventing (R)- and (S)-1-methyl-TIQ, and probable N-methylated metabolites of TIQ and 1-methyl-TIQ, TIQ and (S)-1-methyl-TIQ had the strongest effect on the binding of [11C]raclopride, and N-methylated derivatives showed less of an effect than the respective parent compounds. The decrease in the binding of [11C]raclopride continued for 7 hours and was followed by an increase until 10 days after the single and subchronic administration of TIQ. These findings suggest that TIQ analogs profoundly stimulated dopamine release which resulted in the competitive inhibition of the binding of [11C]raclopride to dopamine D2 receptors, but did not induce degeneration of the receptors.

Comparative study of self-expandable metallic stent and bypass surgery for inoperable esophageal cancer

We evaluated the effect of two different therapies for 23 patients with inoperable esophageal cancer, of whom 13 patients underwent placement of a metallic stent and 10 received bypass surgery. We newly defined the improved level of food intake and the effective rate based on the grade of the patient's status in order to evaluate objectively. Although the effect of stent placement was significantly better than that of bypass surgery, there were no significant differences in the improved level of food intake and the effective rate between the two groups. Four out of 10 patients in the bypass group had suture insufficiency, resulting in no oral intake and a fatal outcome. In addition, the ratio of survival period of ability to ingest orally and in-hospital mortality was significantly favorable in the stent group compared with the bypass group. In conclusion, stent placement should be the first choice for inoperable malignant stenosis or esophageal fistula.

Mammary ductoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of intraductal lesions of the breast

BACKGROUND

Mammary ductoscopy (mammoscopy) is an ideal diagnostic method for intraductal lesions. The usefulness of mammoscopy for intraductal lesions was evaluated.

METHODS

Mammoscopy was performed in 315 cases with nipple discharge. The mammoscopic findings of 46 breast cancer cases (47 lesions) and 109 intraductal papilloma cases (119 lesions) were compared with pathological findings.

RESULTS

Carcinoma was recognized by mammoscopy in 38 of 47 lesions (80.9%). Intraductal masses were detected by mammoscopy in 115 of 119 intraductal papilloma lesions. The shape of the mass was classified as hemispheric, papillary, or flat protrusion. The hemispheric and papillary shapes were most common in cases of intraductal papilloma and the flat protrusion type was most common in cases of carcinoma. The amount of material collected by intraductal biopsy under mammoscopic observation was smaller in carcinoma than in intraductal papilloma because the carcinoma lesions were usually located in peripheral duct-lobular units and had weak tissue cohesion compared with that of intraductal papilloma. Of 133 intraductal biopsies performed for 69 intraductal papillomas, 17 biopsies yielded material insufficient for diagnosis in. The effectiveness of treatment by intraductal biopsy was recognized in 38 of 46 intraductal papillomas in which clinical follow-up continued for more than two years (82.6%). The therapeutic results of biopsy were poor in cases of multiple intraductal masses in multiple duct-lobular units.

CONCLUSIONS

Mammoscopy contributes not only the diagnosis in cases of nipple discharge, but is also of benefit in the treatment of intraductal papilloma.

Is frozen section effective for diagnosis of unsuspected gallbladder cancer during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Although frozen section is recommended to prevent tumor dissemination following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for unsuspected gallbladder cancer, there are no reports concretely demonstrating its effectiveness and outcome.

METHODS

Frozen section during LC was performed in 990 patients with gallstones. The sensitivity, specificity of frozen section, and false-negative cases were evaluated in comparison with postoperative entire cross sections.

RESULTS

In frozen section, 983 cases were diagnosed as benign and 7 cases as malignant. Of the benign cases, cancer was discovered in 4 patients postoperatively in which frozen section was diagnosed as regenerative epithelial severe atypia. Sensitivity was 64% and specificity was 100%. Concerning the results of frozen section by p-TNM classification, cancer was diagnosed in 40% of Tis lesions, whereas it was found in 83% of T2 or T3 lesions.

CONCLUSION

Frozen section is effective in cases with T2 or greater lesions for which conversion to radical surgery should be required.

[A case of AFP producing early gastric cancer successfully treated with small dose CDDP and 5-FU (PF) therapy]

A case of AFP producing early gastric cancer successfully treated with a small dose of CDDP and 5-FU therapy administered intermittedly is reported with a review of the literature. A 63-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of liver metastasis with a high level of serum AFP (185.8 ng/ml) three months after gastrectomy. Systemic chemotherapy was performed twice with a regimen of CDDP 20 mg and 5-FU 750 mg/day in 5 days. After hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) was performed once, the patient obtained partial response according to CT scan and was discharged. After he underwent HAIC once as an outpatient, liver metastasis completely disappeared 5 months after surgery. He was administered oral 5-FU, 150 mg and Krestin 3.0 g/day and underwent HAIC with CDDP 20 mg and 5-FU 750 mg/day every 2 weeks. After serum AFP level was returned to the normal range 7 months after surgery; HAIC was performed every 4 weeks and continued until one year after surgery. One year and 11 months after surgery, serum AFP remains within the normal limit and there is no evidence of recurrence.

Genetic analysis of HIV type 2 from Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, West Africa

The phylogenetic variability of part of the long terminal repeat (LTR) region of HIV-2 strains isolated in 1995 from five individuals residing in Bissau, the capital city of Guinea-Bissau, and collected from seven persons from Kumasi, Ghana in 1996-1997, was analyzed. All Guinean samples and all but one Ghanaian sample clustered with HIV-2 subtype A. One Ghanaian sample (14%) was classified as HIV-2 subtype B. This study adds to previous reports on HIV-2 subtype distribution in West Africa indicating local prevalence of HIV-2 subtype B in Ivory Coast and neighboring Ghana.

Evaluation of neurotoxicity of TIQ and MPTP and of parkinsonism-preventing effect of 1-MeTIQ by in vivo measurement of pre-synaptic dopamine transporters and post-synaptic dopamine D(2) receptors in the mouse striatum

Parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxicity of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ), as contrasted to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), and parkinsonism-preventing effect of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-MeTIQ) have been investigated in mice by measuring their effects on the in vivo binding of radioligand to pre-synaptic dopamine transporters (DATs) or to dopamine D(2) receptors (D2R) in the striatum. A significant reduction of the ligand-DATs binding was found in the mice treated with MPTP, but not with TIQ, under the dosage inducing behavioral abnormality and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra. A slight decrease in the ligand-DATs binding was observed in the mice given a larger dose of TIQ. Compensatory up-regulation in the post-synaptic D2Rs was found in the MPTP-treated mice. Pre-treatment with (S)-enantiomer, but not (R)-enantiomer, of 1-MeTIQ prevented the degeneration of DATs to some extent. We concluded that the TIQ-induced parkinsonism model is different from the MPTP-induced model as evaluated by the radioligand-DATs binding and that (S)-1-MeTIQ has a preventing effect for the degeneration of the DATs to a certain extent.

Comparison of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis

OBJECTIVE

We compared the efficacy of plastic prostheses and self-expandable metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects were 31 patients with esophageal cancer, 4 with esophagotracheal fistula, and 1 with esophageal stenosis. A plastic prosthesis was inserted in 15 patients (group A) and a self-expandable metallic stent in 21 patients (group B). We evaluated food ingestion improvement, effectiveness, complications, mean survival, food ingestion duration, the percentage of food ingestion capability in total survival time, and inhospital mortality.

RESULTS

No differences were seen in food intake improvement or in the effectiveness between groups, whereas fatal complications were higher in Group A. No significant differences were seen in mean survival, food ingestion duration, percentage of food ingestion capability, or inhospital mortality between groups.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that a self-expandable metallic stent was safer than a plastic prosthesis because of fewer serious complications such as bleeding, and recommended the use of metallic stents in the treatment of malignant esophageal stenosis and/or fistula.

Dye-staining stereomicroscopic examinations for fine mucosal structures of the gallbladder

BACKGROUND

In order to diagnose an unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma and to examine whether a differential diagnosis could be made between cancer and noncancerous lesions during surgery, we evaluated the findings of fine structures of various types of gallbladder mucosa.

METHODS

We used stereomicroscopy with a dye-contrast technique under water and measured the maximum blood vessel diameters of the gallbladder mucosa: normal gallbladder, chronic cholecystitis, and carcinoma.

RESULTS

All normal gallbladders showed fine-reticular-type findings. In chronic cholecystitis, 5.8% of the specimens (n = 69) had fine reticular type, 87.0% had rough reticular type, and 7.2% had atrophic type. All the cases of adenomyomatosis (n = 16) showed rough reticular type. In eight specimens of pancreaticobiliary maljunction, 75% of them showed high reticular type, and the other 25% showed papillary type. The two adenoma specimens showed fine granular type. In five gallbladder carcinomas, the lattice-like pattern completely disappeared and showed rough granular type. The average of maximum vessel diameters in the gallbladder mucosa were 41.0 microm in normal gallbladders, 99.1 microm in patients with chronic cholecystitis, and 614.8 microm in patients with a carcinoma. There were significant differences among them (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that differential diagnosis between cancer and noncancerous lesion is possible by dye-staining mucosal pattern and measurement of maximum vessel diameters by stereoscopic examination.

Improved nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with trabeculotomy

PURPOSE

To examine surgical effects and complications of improved nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with trabeculotomy in glaucoma patients.

METHODS

Glaucoma patients in two medical institutions underwent nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy with or without trabeculotomy, and the results were compared retrospectively in the two groups by evaluation of final intraocular pressure, drug score, and occurrence of postsurgical complications.

RESULTS

Of the 63 eyes of 51 patients in this study, 31 were treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy without trabeculotomy and 32 eyes were treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy and trabeculotomy. The mean follow-up period was 17.0 months. The clinical features in both groups were similar in terms of age, presurgical intraocular pressure (P = 0.96), and presurgical drug score. The eyes treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy without trabeculotomy had significantly reduced intraocular pressures from 21.0 +/- 4.3 (mean +/- SD) to 15.8 +/- 6.3 mm Hg (P = 0.0003) and drug scores from 2.4 +/- 1.2 to 1.6 +/- 1.1 without postsurgical complications. The eyes treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy and trabeculotomy had significantly reduced intraocular pressures from 22.3 +/- 7.5 to 12.5 +/- 2.3 mm Hg (P < 0.0001) and drug scores from 2.5 +/- 1.9 to 0.9 +/- 1.3 without postsurgical complications. Thus, the eyes treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy and trabeculotomy had significantly lower intraocular pressures (P = 0.016) and drug scores than did those treated with nonpenetrating trabeculectomy with sinusotomy without trabeculotomy.

CONCLUSION

The authors obtained satisfactory results in reducing intraocular pressure by the combination of nonpenetrating trabeculectomy, sinusotomy, and trabeculotomy.

Two basic regions of NCp7 are sufficient for conformational conversion of HIV-1 dimerization initiation site from kissing-loop dimer to extended-duplex dimer

Nucleocapsid (NC) protein possesses nucleotide-annealing activities, which are used in various processes in retroviral life cycle. As conserved characters, the NC proteins have one or two zinc fingers of CX(2)CX(4)HX(4)C motif surrounded by basic amino acid sequences. Requirement of the zinc fingers for the annealing activities of NC protein remains controversial. In this study, we focused the requirement in the process of maturation of dimeric viral RNA. Discrimination between immature and mature dimers of synthetic RNA corresponding to the dimerization initiation site of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genomic RNA was performed based on their Mg(2+)-dependent stability in gel electrophoreses and on their distinct signal pattern from NMR analysis of imino protons. Chaperoning activity of the HIV-1 NC protein, NCp7, and its fragments for maturation of dimeric RNA was investigated using these experimental systems. We found that the two basic regions flanking the N-terminal zinc finger of NCp7, which are connected by two glycine residues instead of the zinc finger, were sufficient, although about 10 times the amounts of peptide were needed in comparison with intact NCp7. Further, it was found that the amount of basic residues rather than the amino acid sequence itself is important for the activity. The zinc fingers may involve the binding affinity and/or such a possible specific binding of NCp7 to dimerization initiation site dimer that leads to the maturation reaction.

OX40 stimulation by gp34/OX40 ligand enhances productive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

OX40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and known to be an important costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells. To investigate the role of costimulation of OX40 in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection by its natural ligand, gp34, the OX40-transfected ACH-2 cell line, ACH-2/OX40, chronically infected with HIV-1, was cocultured with paraformaldehyde (PFA)-fixed gp34-transfected mouse cell line, SV-T2/gp34. The results showed that HIV-1 production was strongly induced. This was followed by apparent apoptosis, and both processes were specifically inhibited by the gp34-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody 5A8. Endogenous TNF alpha (TNF-alpha) and TNF-beta production were not involved in the enhanced HIV-1 production. Furthermore, enhanced HIV-1 transcription in gp34-stimulated ACH-2/OX40 cells was dependent on the kappa B site of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat, and the OX40-gp34 interaction activated NF-kappa B consisting of p50 and p65 subunits. When primary activated CD4(+) T cells acutely infected with HIV-1(NL4-3) (CXCR4-using T-cell-line-tropic) were cocultured with PFA-fixed gp34(+) human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-bearing MT-2 cells or SV-T2/gp34 cells, HIV-1 production was also markedly enhanced. The enhancement was again significantly inhibited by 5A8. The present study first shows that OX40-gp34 interaction stimulates HIV-1 expression and suggests that OX40 triggering by gp34 may play an important role in enhancing HIV-1 production in both acutely and latently infected CD4(+) T cells in vivo.

[Experience of gamma-detecting probe for the survey of sentinel node in gastroesophageal malignancies]

Gamma-detecting probe NAVIGATOR GPS (Autosuture Japan) was evaluated by using of 99mTc. Linearlity of counting in radioactivity was fairly good, but the sensitivity of the prove is so low, that sentinel node (SN) should contain the 3.7 x 10(-3) MBq (0.1 microCi) of 99mTc or more for the most effective use of it. And the count rate of the gamma-detecting probe was influenced by the distance and angle from the 99mTc source variously. It is important for the operator to know such characteristics of the gamma-detecting probe in order to obtain the correct SN judging.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of low-dose CPT-11 + CDDP]

Side effects due to administration of anti-cancer drugs often cause the treatment to be abandoned or a decrease in the amount of anti-cancer drugs. Recently, the anti-tumor effects of "low-dose CPT-11", which can be administered at the outpatient clinic, are reported. We performed "low-dose CPT-11 + CDDP" as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy to a patient with advanced gastric cancer. CPT-11 and CDDP combination chemotherapy caused very few side effects, so we could continue the treatment and achieve anti-tumor effects. Consequently, surgery could be performed, but disseminated metastasis was found so that the surgery ended as a non-curative operation. However, it was considered that this method of "low-dose CPT-11 + CDDP" was very effective as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a patient with advanced gastric cancer.

Isolation and characterization of a full-length molecular DNA clone of Ghanaian HIV type 1 intersubtype A/G recombinant CRF02_AG, which is replication competent in a restricted host range

We have isolated a replication-competent, full-length molecular clone of HIV-1 CRF02_AG, designated p97GH-AG1, by reconstituting two separately amplified genomic regions of an HIV-1 provirus of a 1997 Ghanaian isolate. The phylogenetic and recombination breakpoint analyses revealed that 97GH-AG1 had an A/G recombinant structure similar to that of prototype Nigerian isolate IbNG. The 17-nucleotide insertion downstream of the primer-binding site appeared to be a common sequence signature specific to most CRF02_AG strains, including 97GH-AG1. 97GH-AG1 showed an R5 phenotype and exerted productive infection in both HOS and NP2 cell infectivity assays, whereas it failed to show a detectable level of progeny production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The data may suggest the presence of unknown determinant(s) that dictate efficient replication in PBMCs, but that are not required for replication in immortalized cell lines.

Is preventive resection of the extrahepatic bile duct necessary in cases of pancreaticobiliary maljunction without dilatation of the bile duct?

BACKGROUND

No consensus has been reached on whether preventive resection of the extrahepatic bile duct is necessary in cases of pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) without dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct (undilated type).

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with PBM underwent corrective surgery and several clinical characteristics and pathological findings including K-ras point mutation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Unlike dilated bile duct, none of the patients with undilated type duct had clinical symptoms in early childhood. In patients with either cystic or spindle type duct, amylase levels in the bile duct were >10(4) U/l, whereas those in patients with undilated type duct were <10(4) U/l. Postoperative scintigraphy of the biliary system of undilated type revealed no evidence of cholestasis. After surgery, eight patients with undilated type duct, in whom the bile duct had been preserved, had no further clinical symptoms and no evidence of malignancy. Bile duct tissue specimens revealed no hyperplasia, dysplasia or cancerous lesions and they had no K-ras mutation in undilated type.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that there was little bile stasis, injury to the mucosa was mild and less genetic changes could be seen in patients with undilated type duct. Therefore, in patients without dilatation of bile duct and advanced cancer, cholecystectomy alone is sufficient.

[Recurrent breast cancer successfully treated with a weekly dose of paclitaxel--a case report]

The patient was a 46-year-old women who was treated for axillary lymph node recurrence of breast cancer by a variety of methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but who experienced recurrences in the cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes and skin, and developed hydrothorax and ascites. Although the recurrent foci responded to 4 cycles of CAF chemotherapy, there was concern that the foci would become refractory or resistant to chemotherapy. The administration of paclitaxel was therefore initiated. The patient received a dose of paclitaxel once a week for 5 consecutive weeks followed by a 1-week recovery period (one cycle). After two cycles of the paclitaxel treatment, a marked shrinkage of the lymph nodes and complete resolution of the hydrothorax and ascites were observed. Even though the patient exhibited bone marrow suppression and G-CSF was administered twice for neutropenia, there were no adverse effects except mild alopecia, again suggesting the possibility that paclitaxel is effective chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer.

The significance of thymidine phosphorylase expression in colorectal cancer

We measured thymidine phosphorylase activity in colorectal cancer tissue and conducted immunostaining to investigate enzyme expression in the tumor tissue. The results showed a correlation between staining ratio of thymidine phosphorylase and cancer progression as well as a correlation between enzyme activity and staining ratios of cancer cells and stromal cells. Since enzyme activity levels can be judged by staining ratios, this method may be useful for assessing cancer malignancy.

Hematopoietic progenitor cell counts performed by the Sysmex SE-9000 analyzer can guide timing of peripheral blood stem cell harvest

BACKGROUND

We studied whether the hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) count in peripheral blood as evaluated by an automated counter, the Sysmex SE-9000, correlated with CD34 positive (+) cell count and therefore could guide the timing of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPC count and flow cytometric CD34+ cell count were measured in 90 peripheral blood samples and 30PBSC samples. The correlation between HPC count and apheretic CD34+ cell yield was examined in 19 patients.

RESULTS

HPC count showed good correlations with CD34+ cell count in peripheral blood (r = 0.699) and PBSC (r = 0.892). The correlation between peripheral blood HPC count and apheretic CD34+ cell yield also was good (r = 0.789).

CONCLUSION

Automated HPC counting can be used as a screening test to guide the timing of PBSC harvest.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis criteria using scoring for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

PURPOSE

For diagnosis of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), ultrasonography (US) is a useful and objective diagnostic method. In the current study, pyloric diameter, muscular thickness, and pyloric length were measured in normal infants (n = 26) and infants which is an adequate (n = 57). Each score was assigned to relevant measurements, and diagnostic criteria obtained with a scoring system were prepared using statistical skills by the probit analysis.

METHODS

For scoring, points were given to relevant measurements in conformity with the probit analysis. Zero points were given to patients with no possibility of HPS, 1 point to those with less than 25% probability, 2 points to those with 25% or more but less than 50% probability, and 3 points to patients with 50% or more probability. Points were totaled, and analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The composite score was evaluated by probit analysis, and cases with a composite score of 2 or less were all included in the normal group, whereas those with a composite score of 3 or more were all in the HPS group. Both groups could thereby be 100% identified.

CONCLUSION

US was able to diagnose cases with overall score of 2 or less as normal and those with overall score of 3 or higher as having HPS. In addition, after the current diagnostic criteria were prepared, preoperative diagnoses were performed prospectively using them for vomiting neonates and infants, and all cases were correctly discriminated and diagnosed. These findings indicate our ultrasonographic diagnosis criteria are useful for diagnosing HPS.

[Efficient replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in cytokine induced CD 4+ T helper 1 (Th 1)- and Th 2-type conditions]

Potent stimuli for CD 4+ T cell differentiation are cytokines. Among them, IL-12 or IL-4 induce naive CD 4+ T cells to Th 1 or Th 2 cells, respectively. In this study we found that macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) HIV-1 strains more efficiently replicated in interleukin 12 (IL-12) induced T helper 1 (Th 1)-type culture derived from normal CD 4+ T cells than T-cell-line-tropic (T-tropic) strains did. In contrast, T-tropic strains preferentially infected IL-4 induced Th 2-type culture derived from same donor CD 4+ T cells. Additional studies using chimeric viruses demonstrated that the V 3 region of gp 120 was the principle determinant for this efficient replication. It was also isolated T-tropic viruses from an acutely infected patient who had been evidenced as severe CD 4 depletion during short time course. These results indicate that HIV-1 isolates exhibit differences in the ability to infect CD 4+ T cell subset such as Th 1 or Th 2 cells, and that this difference may partly correlate with the viral pathogenesis. The findings suggest that immunological condition is one of the factors responsible for inducing selection of HIV-1 strains.

Role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and telomeric-repeat binding factor proteins 1 and 2 in human hematopoietic cells

Telomerase, an enzyme that adds hexameric repeats of 5'-TTAGGG-3', termed telomeres, to the ends of chromosomal DNA, has been implicated in cellular immortalization and cellular senescence. Recently several relevant genes have been cloned, including those encoding three major components of human telomerase: human telomerase RNA component (hTR), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and telomerase-associated protein-1 (TEP1). Also important are genes encoding human telomeric-repeat binding factor proteins (TRF) 1 and 2. We compared 10 human malignant hematopoietic cell lines, 19 samples from patients with acute leukemia and normal granulocytes and monocytes to study telomerase activity and expression of these various genes using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In all 10 malignant cell lines with telomerase activity, hTR, hTERT mRNA, and TEP1 mRNA were expressed, while in normal monocytes and granulocytes without telomerase activity, expression of hTR, but not hTERT mRNA was detected. TEP1 mRNA was expressed in normal monocytes, but not granulocytes. Expression of TRF1 and TRF2 mRNAs was greater in the normal cells than in human malignant hematopoietic cell lines and in 16 samples of patients with acute leukemia. When differentiation of the malignant hematopoietic cell line HL-60 was induced using tumor-necrosis-factor 471 and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), telomerase activity decreased gradually during differentiation. Of the three telomerase components, only hTERT mRNA expression showed changes paralleling telomerase activity, becoming undetectable with differentiation. In contrast, initially low expression of TRF1 and TRF2 mRNAs increased during differentiation. Not only hTERT, but also TRF1 and TRF2 are important regulators of telomerase activity that represent potential targets for gene therapy against cancer.

[A case of breast cancer with multiple metastases successfully treated by medroxyprogesterone acetate with intermittent intra-arterial infusion low-dose chemotherapy to hepatic metastasis]

A 48-year-old woman who underwent breast-conserving therapy for left breast cancer developed bone, pleural, and liver metastases with local recurrence. The result was an improvement in each image with a marked improvement as seen by elevated tumor marker levels, with treatment by MPA (800 mg/day p.o.) and intermittent low-dose chemotherapy with hepatic arterial infusion. The side effects were acceptable. Normalization of imagings and an improvement in tumor markers continued for two years. Thus, in spite of being a palliative treatment, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastasis from breast cancer might lead to prolongation of survival because of the improvement of other metastases due to the increased passage effect with MPA.

Nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin in intestinal-type gastric carcinoma: correlation with early tumor invasion

Mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene, which is known to be an early event in the carcinogenesis of intestinal-type gastric carcinoma, leads to accumulation of beta-catenin. In addition, beta-catenin has been found to activate down stream signaling molecules in the wingless/Wnt pathway. In this study, the clinical significance of nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin was evaluated in gastric carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining showed nuclear localization in 16 (12%) of 139 (94 intestinal-type and 45 diffuse-type) gastric carcinomas, and all 16 lesions with nuclear staining were intestinal-type adenocarcinomas. Of the 16 cases, 15 were in the early clinical stage. In the remaining case, the lesion had invaded the subserosal layer and showed strong nuclear staining at the invasive front. In 14 of the 16 cases with nuclear localization, there were no abnormal mobility shifts detected using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism analysis. This was confirmed using direct sequencing analysis, which revealed the wild-type sequence in the 12 cases tested. Nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin did not correlate with lymph node metastasis or 5-year survival. These findings suggest that high intranuclear levels of beta-catenin protein play an important role in early tumor growth and may function in initiation of invasive processes in intestinal-type gastric carcinoma.

Relation between K-ras codon 12 mutation and p53 protein overexpression in gallbladder cancer and biliary ductal epithelia in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction

It is well known that the incidence of biliary cancer is higher in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) than in individuals without PBM. However, the relationship between PBM and the carcinogenesis remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine histopathologic changes in the mucosa of the gallbladder and bile duct in patients with PBM, and to investigate K-ras oncogene mutation and overexpression of p53 protein in the mucosa. We examined 47 surgical specimens of gallbladder and 36 surgical specimens of bile duct obtained from 48 patients with PBM. The 48 patients were divided into three age groups: group A (0-3 years), group B (4-39 years), and group C (40 years or more). Investigation of K-ras mutation and overexpression of p53 protein was performed using an enriched polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked mini-sequence assay (ELMA), and by the streptavidin-biotin (SAB) method, using DO-7 antibodies, respectively. Hyperplastic changes in the gallbladder mucosa were observed in patients in the three groups. However, metaplastic or dysplastic changes were observed in the mucosa of only groups B and C. K-ras gene mutation in the gallbladder mucosa was found in 18.8% of the hyperplastic mucosae in group B and in 20% in group C. The mutation was found in 33.3% of lesions with metaplastic change associated with hyperplastic changes and in 25% of lesions with dysplastic changes in group C. No mutation was observed in the non-cancerous mucosae of gallbladders and bile ducts without congenital dilatation of the bile duct. Overexpression of p53 protein was observed only in carcinoma of the gallbladder; in seven of nine advanced carcinomas and in two of three carcinomas in situ. We concluded that the mucosal epithelia of the biliary system in patients with PBM showed a high frequency of gene mutations and the carcinogenesis appeared in involve a multistage process of mutation in the K-ras gene and the p53 suppressor gene.

Relation between K-ras codon 12 mutation and p53 protein overexpression in gallbladder cancer and biliary ductal epithelia in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction

It is well known that the incidence of biliary cancer is higher in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) than in individuals without PBM. However, the relationship between PBM and the carcinogenesis remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine histopathologic changes in the mucosa of the gallbladder and bile duct in patients with PBM, and to investigate K-ras oncogene mutation and overexpression of p53 protein in the mucosa. We examined 47 surgical specimens of gallbladder and 36 surgical specimens of bile duct obtained from 48 patients with PBM. The 48 patients were divided into three age groups: group A (0-3 years), group B (4-39 years), and group C (40 years or more). Investigation of K-ras mutation and overexpression of p53 protein was performed using an enriched polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked mini-sequence assay (ELMA), and by the streptavidin-biotin (SAB) method, using DO-7 antibodies, respectively. Hyperplastic changes in the gallbladder mucosa were observed in patients in the three groups. However, metaplastic or dysplastic changes were observed in the mucosa of only groups B and C. K-ras gene mutation in the gallbladder mucosa was found in 18.8% of the hyperplastic mucosae in group B and in 20% in group C. The mutation was found in 33.3% of lesions with metaplastic change associated with hyperplastic changes and in 25% of lesions with dysplastic changes in group C. No mutation was observed in the non-cancerous mucosae of gallbladders and bile ducts without congenital dilatation of the bile duct. Overexpression of p53 protein was observed only in carcinoma of the gallbladder; in seven of nine advanced carcinomas and in two of three carcinomas in situ. We concluded that the mucosal epithelia of the biliary system in patients with PBM showed a high frequency of gene mutations and the carcinogenesis appeared in involve a multistage process of mutation in the K-ras gene and the p53 suppressor gene.

[A case of postoperative lung and pleural recurrence after 20 years in a breast cancer patient with marked response to orally administered UFT and cyclophosphamide]

A 62-year-old woman who underwent standard radical mastectomy for left breast cancer developed pleural and pulmonary metastases 16 years later. She complained of slight dyspnea, and computed tomography of the chest revealed a tumor with marked pleural effusion. Her serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen was also increased (49 ng/ml). Systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) was performed, but she did not show a marked response to CAF therapy. Therefore, she was orally administered UFT and CPA for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 drug-free days. Pleural disseminated foci and a lung tumor were reduced in size on chest CT and the CEA level was decreased within the normal limit. Recently, it was reported that UFT demonstrated significant antiangiogenic activity. This effect may play an important role in the efficacy seen in this patient.

[Analysis of the salvage synthesis within biosynthesis of nucleic acid route in colon cancer]

Orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), uridine phosphorylase (UP), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), and thymidylate synthetase (TS) are enzymes which analyze the salvage synthesis within the biosynthesis of the nucleic acid route of colon cancer. These enzymes were measured in carcinoma and normal tissue. OPRT was 0.065 +/- 0.041 nmol/min/mg protein, TP 4.04 +/- 2.81 nmol/min/mg protein, UP 1.79 +/- 1.19 nmol/min/mg protein, DPD 23.8 +/- 12.0 pmol/min/mg protein, and TS 6.1 +/- 4.4 pmol/g tissue in the normal tissue, and OPRT was 0.199 +/- 0.146 nmol/min/mg protein, TP 13.63 +/- 6.04 nmol/min/mg protein, UP 5.84 +/- 2.37 nmol/min/mg protein, DPD 22.0 +/- 13.4 pmol/min/mg protein, TS 16.9 +/- 7.8 pmol/g tissue in the carcinoma. OPRT, TP, and UP in the carcinoma mainly existed about 3.06-3.37 times that in normal tissue and TS at about 2.77 times. No significant difference was seen in DPD. A correlation was found between OPRT in normal tissue and carcinoma. Biosynthesis of nucleic acid via salvage synthesis is actively stimulated. Enzymatic activity related to uracil was high, and was thought to be closely connected to the growth of the cancer.