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H Sasano

Publications and source records attributed to H Sasano.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Urocortin and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor expression in the human colonic mucosa.

Urocortin is a newly identified member of the CRF neuropeptide family. Urocortin has been found to bind with high affinity to CRF receptors. The present study investigated urocortin and CRF receptor expression in human colonic mucosa. Non-pathologic sections of adult colorectal tissues were obtained from patients with colorectal cancer at surgery. Urocortin expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and messenger (m) RNA in situ hybridization. Isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) and epithelial cells were also analyzed by flow cytometry for the characterization of urocortin-positive cells, and by RT-PCR for detection of urocortin, CRF, and CRF receptor mRNA. Urocortin peptide distribution at various stages of human development (n = 35, from 11 weeks of gestation to 6 years of age) was examined by immunohistochemistry using surgical and autopsy specimens. Immunoreactive urocortin and urocortin mRNA were predominantly detected in lamina propria macrophages. Urocortin peptide expression was detected from as early as three months of age, but not before birth or in neonates. Urocortin, CRF receptor type 1 and type 2 alpha mRNA were detected in LPMC. CRF receptor type 2 beta mRNA, a minor isoform in human tissues, was also detected in LPMC, but at lower levels. Urocortin is locally synthesized in lamina propria macrophages and may act on lamina propria inflammatory cells as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of the mucosal immune system. The appearance of urocortin after birth indicates that the exposure to dietary intake and/or luminal bacteria after birth may contribute to the initiation of urocortin expression in human gastrointestinal tract mucosa.

Adult↗

Binding sites for melanin-concentrating hormone in the human brain.

Binding sites for melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in human brain were investigated and characterized by radioligand binding. Specific binding sites for MCH were present in every region of human brain (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pons, and medulla oblongata) obtained at autopsy. alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone or ACTH was a poor inhibitor of (125)I-MCH binding (IC(50) 1 microM) compared with MCH (IC(50) = 0.3 +/- 0.07 nM, mean +/- SEM, n = 3). Scatchard plots of (125)I-MCH binding in human brain (thalamus) gave a dissociation constant of 0.2 +/- 0.06 nM and maximal binding of 5.8 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg protein (n = 3). These findings suggest that specific MCH binding sites that differ from the melanocortin receptors exist in human brain.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Immunohistochemical distribution of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II in human tissues.

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is an orphan member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. The present study examines the immunohistochemical distribution of COUP-TFII in human adult tissues. In the reproductive and endocrine systems, COUP-TFII immunoreactivity was detected in the stroma, vascular endothelium and smooth muscle, while it was less frequent in adrenal 4 binding protein (Ad4BP) positive steroidogenic cells. In lung, COUP-TFII immunoreactivity was detected in the vascular endothelium of alveolar septae. In kidney, the glomerular endothelium and Bowman's capsule were immunopositive for COUP-TFII. COUP-TFII immunoreactivity in the gastro-intestinal tract, liver and spleen were detected in mesenchymal cells, sinusoid endothelium and reticuloendothelium, respectively. Results from this study demonstrated the detection of COUP-TFII immunoreactivity in all human tissues examined, especially in mesenchymal cells. The widespread expression of COUP-TFII suggests that COUP-TFII may play an important role in the function and homeostasis of various human tissues and organs.

Adult↗

Recent advances in surgical pathology of adrenal incidentaloma.

Adrenal incidentaloma has recently increased in number because of the advances in radiologic diagnostic means. The clinical management and histopathological diagnosis of the resected adrenal mass has therefore become increasingly important. When evaluating the resected adrenal mass of the patients with adrenal incidentaloma, it is very important to evaluate the following aspects: 1) is the mass functional or not? 2) is the mass malignant or not? and 3) is the mass of adrenocortical origin or not? In this mini review, the recent advances in endocrine pathology of adrenal incidentaloma are briefly summarized, with emphasis on the three aspects above,

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Expression and activity of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase in human gastric mucosa.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA-ST) is a key enzyme in the formation of Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and is thought to be involved in the conversion of various substances such as bile acids and cholesterol. The existence of DHEA-ST in the small intestine in addition to the adrenal gland and liver in adult humans was recently reported. As the sulfotransferases can act on toxic or potentially toxic substances to reduce their biological activity, we attempted to clarify the significance of DHEA-ST in gastrointestinal tract. We examined surgically resected human stomach for the presence of DHEA-ST and attempted to determine its possible biological significance. DHEA-ST activity ranged widely from 6 to 84 pmoles/mg protein/90 min in 7 cases. Immunoblotting revealed one single band of a 35-kDa protein corresponding to the moleculr weight of DHEA-ST. Both DHEA-ST immunoreactivity and mRNA hybridization signals were localized in parietal cells of the gastric glands. The results of our present study demonstrated that the sulfation of DHEA by DHEA-ST occurs in the gastric glands. The localization of DHEA-ST in parietal cells suggests that this enzyme is correlated to mucosal function in the human stomach in addition to detoxification of exogenous substances.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67, p53, p21, and p27 in benign and malignant apocrine lesions of the breast: its correlation to histologic findings in 43 cases.

We examined Ki-67, p53, p21, and p27 immunolocalization in 43 cases of apocrine lesions of the breast and correlated these findings with histologic parameters to understand their biologic significance. Twenty cases were benign, 1 case was borderline, and 22 cases were diagnosed as malignant, including 9 intraductal and 13 invasive apocrine carcinomas. Both the ratio of Ki-67-positive cases (17 of 21 [88.9%] versus 1 of 19 [5.3%]; P < .001) and the Ki-67 labeling index of positive cases examined (15.0% versus 2.7%; P < .005) were significantly higher in malignant than in benign apocrine lesions. None of the benign or borderline cases was immunohistochemically positive for p53, but 15 of 22 malignant cases (68.2%) demonstrated p53 (P < .001). In addition, the ratio of p53-positive cases was significantly higher in high nuclear grade cases (11 of 13 [84.6%]) than in intermediate nuclear grade cases (4 of 9 [44.4%]; P < .05). P53 immunoreactivity was also positively correlated with the nuclear grade of carcinoma cases examined in this study. Neither p21 nor p27 demonstrated any correlation with histologic parameters or findings of the apocrine lesions. Results of these studies suggest that Ki-67 and p53 may be good markers for differentiation between benign and malignant breast apocrine lesions.

Apocrine Glands↗

A case of adrenocortical carcinoma associated with recurrence after laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become increasingly popular because of its minimally invasive nature, but guidelines for selection of cases suitable for this surgical procedure have not been established. We report a 52-year-old woman with adrenocortical carcinoma, manifesting as Cushing's syndrome, treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The tumour was removed in toto and had been histologically diagnosed as adrenocortical adenoma. However, the patient developed intra-abdominal peritoneal dissemination of carcinoma 15 months after surgery. Review of the histopathological findings of the resected adrenocortical tumour revealed that the neoplasm met five out of nine histological criteria for adrenocortical malignancy, and was diagnosed as adrenocortical carcinoma. Histopathological examination of the tumour was also consistent with adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient responded extremely well to chemotherapy, including carboplatin, etoposide and o,p'-DDD (1,1-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane), and a subsequent CT (computed tomography) scan 12 months after the start of chemotherapy demonstrated no evidence of disease. However, the patient developed neurological impairment, including dysarthria, as a side-effect of o, p'-DDD. The patient died of aspiration pneumonia due to a decreased pharyngeal reflex. Postmortem examination revealed no foci of residual carcinoma. This case report emphasizes the importance of excluing possible adrenocortical malignancy in patients considered for laparoscopic adrenalectomy, histopathological diagnosis of adrenocortical malignancy and careful monitoring for neurotoxicity during o,p'-DDD treatment.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

Developmental changes in steroidogenic enzymes in human postnatal adrenal cortex: immunohistochemical studies.

Adrenarche is considered to occur as a result of intra-adrenal changes in steroidogenic enzymes involved in C19 steroid production. The present study was conducted because developmental changes in steroidogenic enzymes have not been examined well in human postnatal adrenal. Twenty-four specimens of nonpathological human adrenals from 7 months to 62 years retrieved from autopsy files. Immunohistochemistry for P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), 17alpha hydroxylase (P450c17), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA-ST), P450 oxidoreductase, cytochrome b5, and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) was per-formed in these specimens, and the immuno-intensity was evaluated using CAS 200 computed image analysis system. Immunoreactivity of P450scc was marked in the zona glomerulosa, fasciculata and reticularis in the adrenal glands of all the cases examined. P450c17 and DHEA-ST immunoreactivity was weak in the zona fasciculata and reticularis in the adrenals of age 7 months to 5 years, but thereafter became prominent in the zona reticularis. Immunoreactivity of P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5, components of the electron transfer system hypothesized to regulate the 17-20 lyase activity of P450c17, was weak in all three zones of adrenal cortex from 7 months to 5 years, and became more marked in the zona reticularis after age 5 years. 3betaHSD immunoreactivity was marked in all three zones of the adrenal cortex from 7 months to 8 years but thereafter decreased in the zona reticularis. These data suggest that the human adrenal zona reticularis markedly begins to develop morphologically and functionally at around 5 years of age. The increased level of P450c17, DHEA-ST, P450 oxidoreductase, and cytochrome b5, and the decreased level of 3betaHSD in the reticularis is likely to contribute to increased C19 steroid production during adrenarche.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Adrenal rest tumor of the liver: a case report with immunohistochemical investigation of steroidogenesis.

A case of adrenal rest tumor arising in the liver of a 62-year-old male with chronic hepatitis type C is reported. The tumor was clinically non-functioning and required distinction from hepatocellular carcinoma. The yellowish-brown tumor measured 25 x 18 x 15 mm and was located in the subcapsular portion of the right hepatic lobe. Histologically, the tumor presented features similar to those of the adrenal cortex and was predominantly composed of pale cells. Electron micrograph revealed lipid droplets and mitochondria with tubulo-vesicular cristae, consistent with the characteristics of steroid-producing cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor expressed the adrenal 4 binding protein and a number of enzymes involved in the synthesis of adrenocortical steroids. At surgery, the right adrenal gland was present independently from the liver. This hepatic tumor was considered to be an adrenal rest tumor with steroidogenic capability.

Adrenal Rest Tumor↗

Endomyometriosis arising in the uterosacral ligament: a case report including a literature review and immunohistochemical analysis.

We report a case of endomyometriosis arising in the left uterosacral ligament of a 29-year-old woman. The central cavity of the uterine-like mass was lined by pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium and endometrial stroma. The wall of the cyst consisted of bundles of smooth muscle cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated both alpha-estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor immunoreactivities in the epithelial, stromal and smooth muscle cells. A relatively high proliferating activity was also demonstrated in these cells by Ki-67 immunostaining. These findings suggest that the mass was hormone dependent and had a relatively rapid evolution.

Adult↗

An autopsy case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with massive pulmonary edema and pleural effusion.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the most serious complication of ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins, such as human menopausal gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone. These hormones are considered to increase capillary permeability and cause third space fluid shift. We report an autopsy case of severe OHSS in a 28-year-old Japanese female. The patient developed bilateral chest pain and progressive dyspnea during the course of administration of human gonadotropins. Pleural effusion and hypouresis clinically disappeared 4 days after the onset of the symptoms, but the patient died suddenly of rapid respiratory insufficiency. Autopsy examination revealed massive pulmonary edema, intra-alveolar hemorrhage and pleural effusion without any evidence of pulmonary thromboembolism. Histopathological examination of the ovary demonstrated multiple well-developed follicle formations, consistent with OHSS. It is very important to recognize that massive pulmonary edema can occur in a patient with OHSS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first autopsy report of a patient with severe OHSS.

Adult↗

17Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 in human breast carcinoma: a correlation to clinicopathological parameters.

The expression of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) type 1 and type 2 was examined immunohistochemically in 111 invasive ductal carcinomas, and correlated with various clinicopathological parameters. This study investigates local regulatory mechanisms of oestrogens in human breast carcinoma. 17Beta-HSD type 1 was immunolocalized in carcinoma cells of 68 out of 111 invasive ductal carcinoma cases (61.3%). 17Beta-HSD type 2 immunoreactivity was not detected in all cases examined. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the immunohistochemical expression of 17beta-HSD type 1 and histological grade of the carcinoma (P < 0.02). There was a significant correlation between 17beta-HSD type 1 and oestrogen receptor (ER) labelling index (LI) (P < 0.05). In addition, carcinoma cells expressing immunoreactive 17beta-HSD type 1 were frequently positive for ER. 17Beta-HSD type 1 was also correlated with progesterone receptor (PR) LI (P < 0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between 17beta-HSD type 1 and Ki-67 LI (P < 0.0001). No significant correlations were detected between 17beta-HSD type 1 and other clinicopathological parameters, including patient age, menopausal status, stage, tumour size, lymph node status and prognosis. This study suggests that 17beta-HSD type 1 plays an important role in the regulation of in situ oestradiol production in hormone-dependent breast carcinomas.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Progesterone receptor isoforms A and B in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma: immunohistochemical and RT-PCR studies.

Human epithelial ovarian carcinoma is well-known as a sex steroid-dependent neoplasm, but the possible biological significance of progesterone receptor (PR) in this cancer remains controversial. Recently, two isoforms of human PR, PRA and PRB, have been characterized and different functional characteristics have been reported for these two isoforms. We therefore examined immunohistochemistry (107 cases) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (16 cases) for PRA, PRB, and oestrogen receptor-a (ER-a). Labeling indices (LI) for PRA and PRB were 2.4 and 43.6, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. PRB LI, but not PRA LI, as well as performance status, stage, and residual tumour turned out to be independent prognostic factors following multivariate analysis. There was also a significant correlation between ER-a LI and PRB LI (r = 0.595, P < 0.0001), suggestive of a possible interaction between these two receptors. RT-PCR also detected the expression of PR isoform transcripts in the same pattern as was observed with immunohistochemistry. Results of these studies indicate that PRA and PRB both mediate distinct pathways of progesterone action in ovarian carcinoma. Moreover, it is important to examine PRB LI as a prognostic factor in the cases of human epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Analysis of Variance↗

Distribution of steroidogenic enzymes involved in androgen synthesis in polycystic ovaries: an immunohistochemical study.

To find an explanation for the possible working mechanism of laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery for the treatment of anovulation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), we evaluated the distribution of steroidogenic enzymes involved in the synthesis of ovarian androgens in surgical pathology specimens of entire polycystic ovaries. A total of 13 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples of the ovaries of patients with clinically proven PCOS were immunostained with specific antibodies against cholesterol side-chain-cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), 17alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) and adrenal 4-binding protein (Ad4BP), a transcription factor of steroidogenic enzymes. Follicular theca cells of all ovaries demonstrated marked immunoreactivity for Ad4BP, P450scc, 3beta-HSD and P450c17. Granulosa cells of seven ovaries expressed Ad4BP, while granulosa cells of three ovaries also showed P450scc. In the granulosa cells of all ovaries, 3beta-HSD and P450c17 immunoreactivity was not observed. In the stroma, luteinized cells of most ovaries demonstrated Ad4BP, P450scc, 3beta-HSD and P450c17 immunoreactivity, but at a much lower level compared with the follicular theca cells. Non-luteinized stromal cells sporadically demonstrated Ad4BP, P450scc, 3beta-HSD and P450c17 immunoreactivity. The stromal steroidogenic cells were mainly located in the ovarian cortex, except for some hilus steroidogenic cells. These data demonstrate that in polycystic ovaries, androgens are mainly produced in the follicular theca cells and to some extent in luteinized stromal cells. This suggests that the working mechanism of laparoscopic electrocautery of the ovary is primarily explained through the reduction of ovarian hyperandrogenism by coagulation of follicular theca cells and concomitant stroma.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Analysis of estrogen receptor alpha and beta in endometrial carcinomas: correlation with ER beta and clinicopathologic findings in 45 cases.

Estrogens play important roles in the pathogenesis of the great majority of endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Recently, a novel estrogen receptor (ER), ER beta, has been characterized, but little is known about the status of ER beta in endometrial carcinoma. We therefore examined expression of both ER alpha and ER beta in 45 cases of endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma using mRNA in situ hybridization, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry. We also correlated the findings with various clinicopathologic parameters in these cases to examine their possible biologic significance. Accumulation of mRNA hybridization signals for both ER alpha and ER beta was detected predominantly in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells, and to a lesser extent in some stromal cells. ER beta mRNA was detected in 16/45 cases (35.6%), and ER alpha mRNA hybridization signals were detected in 36/45 cases (80.0%). Among the 16 ER beta positive cases, 15 cases also had ER alpha mRNA hybridization signals. In the cases that expressed both ER alpha and ER beta, ER alpha mRNA hybridization signals were more widely distributed than ER beta mRNA. In 21 cases, carcinoma cells had ER alpha mRNA hybridization signals but not ER beta mRNA. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the results of mRNA in situ hybridization and semiquantitative RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry for both ER alpha and ER beta. There were no significant correlations between ER beta mRNA expression and PR labeling index, Ki67 LI, age, or histologic grade. The results from our study indicate that ER beta is coexpressed with ER alpha, and that the estrogenic effects occur predominantly through ER alpha in endometrial carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Mechanism of anti-tumor effect of combination of bleomycin and shock waves.

We have previously reported marked enhancement of the cytocidal effect of bleomycin (BLM) on cancer cell suspensions in vitro by the combination with shock waves. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effects on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in solid tumors. A spherical piezo-ceramic element was used as the shock wave source, with a pressure peak of 40 MPa. A human colon cancer cell line, SW480 was implanted onto the back of nude mice. Two thousand shock waves were administered to the tumor immediately following an intravenous injection of BLM at a dose of one-tenth of the LD(50). The tumor was extirpated at 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 h and 1 week following shock exposure. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by Ki-67 using antibody MIB-1 and by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The lowest percentage (35.7%) of Ki-67-positive cells appeared 24 h following the treatment. The maximum apoptotic index was detected within 6 h following the treatment. Moreover, numerous large cells with enlarged nuclei were detected histologically. These results suggest that shock waves may enhance chemotherapeutic effects by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell proliferation in the tumor tissue.

Animals↗

Retinoic acid receptor and retinoid X receptor in ductal carcinoma in situ and intraductal proliferative lesions of the human breast.

Retinoic acid (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR) are essential in the transcriptional actions of retinoids. To date, RAR and RXR have not been examined in precancerous lesions and / or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in human breast. Therefore, we examined RAR and RXR subtypes in DCIS (58 cases), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) (32 cases), and proliferative disease without atypia (PDWA) (32 cases) to study the status of these RARs and RXRs. Immunoreactivities for RAR alpha, RXR alpha, RXR beta, and RXR gamma were all detected in the nuclei of normal ductal epithelia. Immunoreactivity for RAR beta was detected exclusively in the nuclei of myoepithelial cells, but not in normal ductal epithelia. Immunoreactivity for RAR gamma was not detected in any of the breast tissues examined except for a few cases of PDWA and ADH, and 11 cases of DCIS. The RXR alpha labeling index (LI) was significantly higher in both DCIS (mean 77.9) and ADH (mean 77.7) than in PDWA (mean 62.8) (P < 0.001). RXR beta LI was significantly lower in DCIS (mean 81.5) than in both ADH (mean 91.1) and PDWA (mean 91.9) (P = 0.0001). Immunoreactivity for RAR alpha, RXR alpha, RXR beta and RXR gamma was widely distributed compared to that of RAR beta and RAR gamma in DCIS, ADH and PDWA. RAR alpha LI was significantly correlated with Ki67 LI in DCIS (P = 0.0040), especially in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive DCIS. Our results suggest that RXRs are much more widely distributed than RARs in intraductal proliferative lesions of tne human breast, but ER-positive DCIS cases with high cell proliferative activity are associated with RAR alpha, suggesting the possible involvement of retinoids through RAR alpha in tumor cell proliferation in DCIS.

Adult↗

17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human breast and endometrial carcinoma. A new development in intracrinology.

Intratumoral metabolism and synthesis of estrogens are considered to play very important roles in the pathogenesis and development of various sex steroid-dependent neoplasms including breast and endometrial carcinoma. 17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) isozymes catalyze the interconversion of estradiol (E(2)) and estrone (E(1)), and thereby serve to modulate the tissue levels of bioactive E(2). 17 beta-HSD type 1 primarily catalyzes the reduction of E(1) to E(2), whereas 17 beta-HSD type 2 primarily catalyzes the oxidation of E(2) to E(1). In the human breast and its disorders, 17 beta-HSD type 1 is expressed in proliferative diseases without atypia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma. 17 beta-HSD type 2 is not detected in any of the lesions. In addition, 17 beta-HSD type 1 coexpression is significantly correlated with estrogen receptor status in invasive ductal carcinoma cases. These results indicate that breast carcinoma can effectively convert E(1), produced as a result of in situ aromatization, to E(2), a biologically potent estrogen, and exerts estrogenic actions on tumor cells through the estrogen receptor. On the other hand, in the human endometrium, 17 beta-HSD type 2 is expressed, but not 17 beta-HSD type 1. 17 beta-HSD type 2 is expressed in the secretory phase but not in any proliferative phase in the endometrial mucosa. The enzyme is expressed in 75% of endometrial hyperplasias and 37% of carcinoma cases. In endometrial carcinoma cases, a significant inverse correlation has been detected between 17 beta-HSD type 2 immunoreactivity and age (p < 0.02). These results indicate that oxidation of E(2) to E(1) is dominant in endometrial carcinoma, 17 beta-HSD types 1 and 2 play an important role in the regulation of in situ estrogen production in breast and endometrial carcinoma.

Blotting, Northern↗