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Biomedical subjects

I Okayasu

Publications and source records attributed to I Okayasu.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Loss of DCC gene expression during ovarian tumorigenesis: relation to tumour differentiation and progression.

To clarify the possible role of DCC gene alteration in ovarian neoplasias, we immunohistochemically investigated 124 carcinomas, as well as 55 cystadenomas and 41 low malignant potential (LMP) tumours and compared the results with those for p53 protein expression, clinicopathological factors and survival. A combination of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot hybridization (SBH) for DCC mRNA levels was also carried out on 26 malignant, five LMP, eight benign and seven normal ovarian samples. Significantly decreased levels of overall DCC values in carcinomas compared with benign and LMP lesions were revealed by both immunohistochemical and RT-PCR/SBH assays. Similar findings were also noted when subdivision was into serous and mucinous categories. In carcinomas, reduction or loss of DCC expression was significantly related to the serous phenotype (serous vs non-serous, P < 0.0001), a high histological grade (grade 1 vs 2 or 3, P < 0.02) and a more advanced stage (FIGO stage I vs II/III/IV, P = 0.0083), while no association was noted with survival. Although p53 immunopositivity demonstrated significant stepwise increase from benign through to malignant lesions, there was no clear association with DCC score values. The results indicated that impaired DCC expression may play an important role in ovarian tumorigenesis. In ovarian carcinomas, the altered expression is closely linked with tumour differentiation and progression.

Base Sequence↗

Possible association of active gastritis, featuring accelerated cell turnover and p53 overexpression, with cancer development at anastomoses after gastrojejunostomy. Comparison with gastroduodenostomy.

To cast light on tumorigenesis in the remnant stomach after distal gastrectomy for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer, 45 cases in gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I, 17 cases) and gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II, 28 cases) groups were compared for a series of parameters. Cancers in Billroth II were significantly more predominant in the anastomosis area and more frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. Active gastritis, accelerated epithelial cell turnover (as assessed by measurements of apoptosis and cell proliferation), DNA damage, and foveolar cell hyperplasia were all greater in anastomotic areas after Billroth II than in proximal areas after Billroth II or either area after Billroth I. K-ras mutations were rare, but Epstein-Barr virus infection in cancers was seen frequently in anastomosis cases. In conclusion, active gastritis, possibly induced by enterogastric reflux, is linked to tumorigenesis in anastomosis sites in Billroth II cases.

Adult↗

Changes in expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in relation to progesterone receptor and pS2 status in normal and malignant endometrium.

To clarify changes in estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and ERbeta during endometrial tumorigenesis, 48 endometrial carcinomas (endometrioid type), as well as 40 samples of normal endometrial tissue, were investigated using a combination of reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction with Southern blot hybridization and western blot assays, and the results were compared with findings for progesterone receptor (PR) and pS2 mRNA status. In addition, 166 carcinomas were also examined for immunohistochemistry, along with 171 normal specimens. Relative amounts of ERalpha at both mRNA and protein levels were significantly greater than those for ERbeta in normal and malignant endometrial lesions. ERalpha mRNA showed a stepwise decrease from normal or grade (G) 1 through to G3 tumor lesions, in line with changes in the protein levels, in contrast to ERbeta mRNA or protein expression, which did not alter, suggesting a shift in the ratio of the two ER subtypes during endometrial tumorigenesis. PR mRNA expression was significantly correlated with ERalpha, but not ERbeta mRNA status. Although significantly higher expression of pS2 mRNA or protein was observed in carcinomas than in the normal cases, there was no apparent association with the ER status. The findings suggest that alteration in estrogen signaling pathways may occur during endometrial tumorigenesis, and provide evidence that ERalpha expression may play an important role in the regulation of PR, but not pS2 expression in normal and malignant endometrium.

Blotting, Southern↗

Significant increase in prostaglandin E-main urinary metabolite by laxative administration: comparison with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the production of prostaglandin E(2), an important chemical mediator in diarrhea induced by laxative administration, a prostaglandin E-main urinary metabolite (7alpha-hydroxy-5,11-diketotetranor-prosta-1,16-dioic acid, PGE-MUM) was measured in healthy volunteers and compared with the values of patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: PGE-MUM was determined by a simplified immunoassay of bicyclic PGE-MUM and analyzed for the influence of laxative administration and active/remission phases of ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: Administration of laxatives induced a significant increase in PGE-MUM in healthy volunteers. A significant elevation was also found in the active as compared with the remission phase of ulcerative colitis. The PGE-MUM levels were significantly correlated with our modified Talstad scores, clinical disease activity indices in ulcerative colitis. It was confirmed by time course studies of individual patients that changes in PGE-MUM correlated well with colitis activity. CONCLUSION: Laxative administration induces production of prostaglandin E(2) as one of the chemical mediators, although its production grade is relatively low as compared with ulcerative colitis in the active phase.

Aged↗

Acute intermittent porphyria associated with transient elevation of transaminases during an acute attack.

A 44-year-old woman with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) was admitted to Kudanzaka Hospital because of abdominal pain. A cholecystectomy was performed in another hospital without improvement. On admission, her transaminases were elevated to greater than 1,000 mU/ml. After an intravenous drip of mainly glucose, her transaminases returned to normal. Her acute attacks occurred during stress, and she died of respiratory failure after repetitive acute episodes. AIP should be included in a list of the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, neurosis, and hysteria. This is the first case of AIP accompanied by transient marked elevation of transaminases during an acute attack.

Adult↗

Markedly elevated cell turnover is characteristic of small, deeply invasive carcinomas of the colorectum.

BACKGROUND: Small, deeply invasive carcinomas invading the muscularis propria or deeper and measuring < or = 2 cm in greatest dimension (S-ADV) are rare in comparison with their larger counterparts (NS-ADV), and their clinicopathologic features are obscure. METHODS: S-ADV and NS-ADV cases as well as cases of submucosal carcinoma (SM-CA) were comparatively assessed for: 1) clinicopathologic findings; 2) Ki-67, mitotic, and apoptotic indices; 3) cathepsin G, p53, and bcl-2 immunoreactivities; and 4) c-Ki-ras mutations. RESULTS: S-ADV and SM-CA, which both are significantly smaller than NS-ADV, did not differ in size, but the frequency of moderately and poorly differentiated carcinoma elements at the leading edges was observed to be higher than in the central cores only in S-ADV, as was tumor "budding" of small clusters of undifferentiated carcinoma cells. The frequency of severe lymphatic involvement in S-ADV was as high as in NS-ADV, and significantly greater than in SM-CA. The Ki-67, mitotic, and apoptotic indices for S-ADV were significantly increased compared with those for NS-ADV and/or SM-CA. Expression of cathepsin G in S-ADV tumor and stromal cells was significantly decreased compared with NS-ADV and/or SM-CA cases. No significant differences in the expression of either p53 or bcl-2 or the incidence of c-Ki-ras mutations were observed among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: S-ADV can be considered a distinct type of deeply invasive carcinoma, presenting with poor tumor differentiation at the leading edge, and with increased tumor cell proliferation despite its small size.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Loss of expression of the gene deleted in colon carcinoma (DCC) is closely related to histologic differentiation and lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although frequent loss of the tumor suppressor gene deleted in colon carcinoma (DCC) has been demonstrated in endometrial carcinoma, an alteration of the expression during normal menstrual cycle and tumorigenesis from hyperplastic lesions is still unclear. METHODS: A total of 151 endometrial carcinomas (endometrioid type), along with 90 hyperplasias (23 simple, 30 complex, and 37 atypical) and 143 normal endometria (28 atrophic, 44 proliferative, and 71 secretory), were immunohistochemically investigated for expression of DCC as well as for estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR). Analysis for DCC mRNA levels was also performed on 37 endometrial carcinomas and 14 normal endometria. RESULTS: DCC expression was observed in endometrial glandular cells in both proliferative and secretory stages; the immunoreactivity scores were not related to values for either ER or PR. The values for DCC were significantly higher in hyperplasia than in normal endometria, and then decreased in the sequence leading to Grade 3 carcinoma. In endometrial carcinoma, reduction or loss of DCC expression was significantly related to the histologic evidence of malignancy and lymph node metastasis, and this was in keeping with the results of mRNA analysis. The transcripts derived from alternative splicing in the extracellular domain were not observed in any tumor samples. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that DCC expression may be linked to the maintenance of differentiated glandular cells during the normal menstrual cycle without any relation to immunoreactivity for ovarian hormone receptors. Moreover, loss or reduction of expression may be a significant event in the progression of endometrial carcinoma through metastatic features.

Alternative Splicing↗

Association of Bcl-2 protein expression with gallbladder carcinoma differentiation and progression and its relation to apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Bcl-2 protein is believed to play a role in neoplasia by inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis. To assess its contribution to gallbladder tumorigenesis and cancer progression, an immunohistochemical study was performed. METHODS: Fifteen adenomas and 68 adenocarcinomas were immunohistochemically and histopathologically investigated for the relation of Bcl-2 expression to p53 status, apoptosis (apoptotic index, AI), and proliferation activity (mitotic index, MI; Ki-67 labeling index, Ki-67 LI). RESULTS: The Bcl-2 score, based on intensity and extent, decreased in the order of adenoma, well-differentiated, and moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Early stage carcinomas demonstrated significantly higher Bcl-2 scores than their advanced counterparts (P < 0.05). On the other hand, p53 score, MI, Ki-67 LI, and AI increased in the same order. The Bcl-2 negative adenocarcinomas displayed higher AI and AI-to-MI ratios than the Bcl-2 positive group, especially in the early stage, well-differentiated lesions. A significantly positive correlation between MI(r=0.549) or Ki-67 LI(r = 0.446) and AI was observed. In early stage carcinomas, adenomatous components in the lesions were found more frequently in the polypoid lesions than in the nonpolypoid lesions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of Bcl-2 protein in gallbladder tumors appears to be positively associated with tumor cell differentiation and inversely with tumor progression. It may thus play a role in regulating carcinoma growth, especially in the early stage of tumorigenesis. It is believed that the polypoid carcinomas may arise from preexisting adenomas but the nonpolypoid carcinomas may arise as de novo carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Down-regulation of CD44 standard and variant isoforms during the development and progression of uterine cervical tumours.

To clarify the possible role of CD44 in the development or progression of uterine cervical tumours, an immunohistochemical investigation was carried out on 125 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 78 invasive squamous cell carcinomas (ISCC), 61 cervical adenocarcinomas (AC), nine adenosquamous carcinomas (ASq), and 15 carcinomas with co-existent SCC and AC components, as well as 87 samples of normal cervix. A combination of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot hybridization (SBH) was also applied to 16 cervical carcinomas and 24 normal cervical specimens. Immunoreactivity for CD44s, CD44v3, and CD44v6 did not alter during the progression of CIN, while significantly decreased expression was observed in ISCC, associated with invasive features in some tumours. Reduced levels of CD44 expression in AC were also found, compared with normal cervical glandular epithelia. The average immunoreactivity scores for CD44s, CD44v3, and CD44v6 were significantly higher in ISCC than in AC, in line with the RT-PCR/SBH assay results. However, CD44 scores did not correlate with any clinicopathological factors or with survival in ISCC or AC. The ASq and AC CD44 scores were similar, while staining patterns in mixed tumours were dependent on the morphological phenotype, suggesting a close association between CD44 expression and the cell types. The results suggest that whereas CD44 is down-regulated during cervical tumourigenesis, positivity may not be useful as a consistent prognostic indicator.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cyclin D2, but not cyclin D1, overexpression closely correlates with gastric cancer progression and prognosis.

Expression of cyclins D1 and D2, as well as cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry in 455 gastric cancer cases. Additional western blotting was performed for four breast cancer and four gastric cancer cell lines and 35 fresh frozen gastric cancer samples, to confirm the cyclin D1, D2, and cdk4 data. Cyclin D1 was restricted to the nucleus of cancer cells with a few exceptions, whereas cyclin D2 was present in both cell compartments, but predominantly in the cytoplasm. Cdk4 was intermediately expressed. Cyclin D1 was overexpressed in 93 cases (20.4 per cent) and cyclin D2 in 105 (23.0 per cent). In the cyclin D2 cases, this correlated with greater age (p=0.0004), better differentiation (p=0.0023), greater depth of cancer invasion (p=0. 003), the presence of lymph node metastasis (p=0.0014), vascular invasion by cancer cells (p< 0.0001), and poor prognosis (p< 0.0001), while cyclin D1 did not correlate with any of these except age (p=0.00193). Multivariate analysis revealed cyclin D2 overexpression to be an independent prognostic factor, in addition to depth of cancer invasion and lymph node status. Cdk4 overexpression was linked to cyclin D1, but not cyclin D2 overexpression. The results indicate that cyclin D2 up-regulation plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer independently of cdk4, whereas cyclin D1 overexpression does not.

Adult↗

CD44 expression in benign, premalignant, and malignant ovarian neoplasms: relation to tumour development and progression.

To clarify the possible role of CD44 expression in ovarian tumour development and progression, an immunohistochemical investigation was undertaken of a series of 115 carcinomas, 32 tumours with low malignant potential (LMP), and 53 cystadenomas. A combination of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot hybridization (SBH) assays was also performed for 17 malignant, four LMP, six cystadenoma, and seven normal ovarian samples. Immunoreactivity scores for CD44s, CD44v3, and CD44v6 were significantly higher in LMP and malignant tumours than in the benign or normal cases, in line with the results of gross mRNA-based assays. Exon-specific RT-PCR/SBH assays revealed that the expression of large CD44 transcripts containing v6 to v8 exons and small isoforms containing v2 and v3 was common among normal and neoplastic tissues, while a simultaneous increase of large isoforms containing v2 to v5 was also revealed in LMP and malignant tumours. In ovarian carcinomas, the scores for CD44s, CD44v3, and CD44v6 were inversely related to the FIGO stage, but there was no association with lymph node status or expression of hormone receptors. Multivariate analysis revealed loss of CD44v3 expression to be an independent factor for poor survival. The findings indicate that CD44 is up-regulated during the development of ovarian carcinomas but is subsequently down-regulated during their progression, resulting in aggressive behaviour and an unfavourable prognosis.

Adult↗

The role of the Epstein-Barr virus in the oncogenesis of EBV(+) gastric carcinomas.

Five hundred and thirteen cases of gastric carcinoma were investigated for the presence of viral RNA, and the clinico-pathological data, geno-type, BamHIF restriction fragment polymorphism (RFLP) and specific LMP-1 30 bp gene deletion were also examined. EBVs detected in lymphocytes in 20 normal gastric mucosa, 7 lymphoma cell lines (LCLs) maintained in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and 18 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were compared with those in the gastric carcinoma cases. Thirty-three cases (6.4%) were demonstrated to be positive for EBV by means of EBER-1 RNA in situ hybridization. Clinico-pathological data showed no statistically significant difference in histological grading, location of cancer and status of vessel and lymphatic invasion between the EBV-positive and -negative groups, although the former significantly predominated in the submucosal invasion group (submucosal vs mucosal P=0.021; submucosal vs advanced cancer P=0.033). Some of these data were different from corresponding data in earlier reports. In cases that were evaluated by molecular biology, type A, wild-type F and LMP-1 gene deletion predominated except one in 21 informative cases, one in 24 and two in 16, respectively. EBVs detected in lymphocytes in normal gastric mucosa, LCLs in SCID mice and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were also predominantly affected by type A, wild-type F and LMP-1 gene deletion with few exceptions. The results indicate a lack of genetic differences among EBVs in gastric carcinoma, normal population, LCLs of SCID mice and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Some EBV infections in gastric carcinomas may be transient, especially in the submucosal invasion group.

Animals↗

Effect of icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, on the development of experimental ulcerative colitis in mice.

Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice has been recognized as a model for human ulcerative colitis. Using this model, we carried out a study on the preventive effect of Icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist previously called HOE 140, on the development of colitis. Subcutaneous administration of Icatibant (0.3 or 1.5 mg/kg) significantly suppressed shortening of the large intestine and worsening of the general health. Oral administration of Icatibant (50 mg/kg) significantly suppressed shortening of the large intestine, the onset of diarrhea, and worsening of the general health. In addition, the oral treatment significantly inhibited the development of colitis that was observed histopathologically. These results indicate a role of BK in the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice, and suggest that BK could be important in human ulcerative colitis.

Administration, Oral↗

DCC expression is related to mucinous differentiation but not changes in expression of p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p27Kip1, apoptosis, cell proliferation and human papillomavirus infection in uterine cervical adenocarcinomas.

To clarify possible roles of DCC expression in tumour differentiation and cell kinetics, we immunohistochemically investigated 80 uterine cervical adenocarcinomas (C-ACs), including 31 mucinous (M) and 31 endometrioid (E) lesions, and 18 adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS), along with 39 normal cervical samples. The results were compared with findings for p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p27Kip1 expression, apoptosis, cell proliferation and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Nine C-AC cases were also examined using a combination of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization, as well as Western blot assays. Significantly decreased DCC scores were observed in E-ACs but not M-ACs, as compared to normal cervical glandular epithelia and AIS. Average p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p27Kip1 scores were significantly higher in E-ACs than M-ACs, in line with high apoptotic, mitotic and Ki-67 labelling indices. A concordance of the results for DCC and p21(WAF1/Cip1) expression between mRNA- and protein-based assays was also noted. Change of DCC expression, however, was not related to any of the cell kinetic markers or clinicopathological features in ACs of either type. There was also no association with the HPV status, although infection was significantly linked with high values for cell kinetics. These results suggest that DCC expression in C-ACs is closely associated with mucinous differentiation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Down-regulation of p27Kip1 expression is correlated with increased cell proliferation but not expression of p21waf1 and p53, and human papillomavirus infection in benign and malignant tumours of sinonasal regions.

AIMS: Although p27Kip1(p27) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and a contribution to tumorigenesis has been hypothesized, the possible role in tumours arising in the nasal and paranasal sinus regions is still unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-six sinonasal tumours, including 28 inverted papillomas (IPs) and 48 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), were immunohistochemically investigated, along with 46 exophytic papillomas (EPs) of upper respiratory tract and 34 samples of normal paranasal sinus epithelium. The results were also compared with expression of p21WAF1 (p21) and p53, cell proliferation assessed in terms of Ki67 labelling indices (LIs), and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The average p27 scores decreased from normal through to malignant lesions, while Ki67 LI scores showed a stepwise increase, the inverse correlation between scores for all categories being significant (r = - 0.639, P < 0. 0001). In the SCCs, p27 expression was significantly higher in keratinizing than nonkeratinizing type tumours (P < 0.05), while there was no association with p21 and p53 expression. Although HPV DNAs for type 16 and 18 were detected in two (7.4%) of 27 EPs, six (35.8%) of 28 IPs, and nine (28.1%) of 32 SCCs, no relation with p27 scores was evident. CONCLUSION: Loss of p27 expression correlates with increased cell proliferation in sinonasal tumours. Moreover, the expression appears to be associated with keratinization in SCCs of the paranasal sinus. These findings indicate that p27 expression may be a useful marker for the dysregulation of cell kinetics in these tumours.

Blotting, Southern↗

A case of adenocarcinoma of the small intestine in a Japanese patient with Crohn disease: a report with immunohistochemical and oncogenic analyses.

We report a rare case of Crohn disease accompanied by a small-bowel carcinoma that developed in a 54-year-old Japanese man. The ulcerating tumor, which histologically proved to be a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and dysplasia surrounding the carcinoma, was located in the diseased ileum. The Ki-67 immunoreactive epithelial cells were increased in regenerative mucosa as compared with values for normal mucosa. The Ki-67- and p53-positive cells were increased in dysplasia and carcinoma as compared with values for regenerative or normal mucosa. In contrast, the p21(WAF1/CIP1) immunoreactive cells were decreased in this order. Intense DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) expression was constantly shown among normal, regenerative, dysplastic and cancerous tissues. No bcl-2 expression and c-Ki-ras mutations were apparent. In conclusion, enhanced epithelial cell proliferation, p53 overexpression, and decrease of p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression may predispose the small-bowel mucosa to dysplasia and carcinoma development in Crohn disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Cell kinetics, p53 and bcl-2 expression, and c-Ki-ras mutations in flat-elevated tubulovillous adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the colorectum: comparison with polypoid lesions.

BACKGROUND: Flat(-elevated) tubulovillous adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the colorectum constitute a specific type of neoplasm with superficial spreading growth. To establish their characteristics, a comparative investigation of a series of tumors was performed. METHODS: A total of 56 flat tubulovillous tumors (39 adenomas, 17 invasive carcinomas) and 154 polypoid tubular or villous tumors (77 adenomas, 77 invasive carcinomas) were comparatively assessed for cell kinetics and molecular alterations. RESULTS: Ki-67 labeling and p53 expression for both types of tumors increased along with degree of dysplasia or invasion, whereas bcl-2 expression showed an inverse decrease. However, apoptotic activity was invariably low in the flat tubulovillous tumors, as compared with the polypoid tumors, in which increase was apparent with tumor progression. The flat tubulovillous tumors also showed a higher frequency of c-Ki-ras mutations (92.9%) than the polypoid tubular tumors (40.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The flat tubulovillous tumor can be considered a distinct entity, with characteristics different from the polypoid counterpart.

Adenocarcinoma↗