Biomedical subjects

M Masuda

Publications and source records attributed to M Masuda.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Mechanism of enhanced lipid peroxidation in the liver of Long-Evans cinnamon (LEC) rats.

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is a mutant strain of rats that accumulate copper (Cu) in the liver in much the same way as individuals who suffer from Wilson's disease (WD) and has been suggested as a model for this disease. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is considered to be involved in the toxic action of Cu in the livers of LEC rats. We investigated the mechanism of LPO in the livers of LEC rats showing apparent signs of hepatitis. Several-fold higher LPO levels were observed in post-mitochondrial supernatant (S-9) fraction of livers from hepatitic LEC rats than in those from Wistar rats. To mimic living cells, we introduced NADPH-generating system (NADPH-gs) into the S-9 incubation system. Thus was ensured a constant supply of NADPH to vital enzymes that may be directly or indirectly involved in the generation and/or elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROSs), such as glutathione reductase (GSSG-R), which require NADPH for their reactions. The levels of LPO in liver S-9 from hepatitic LEC rats were further increased by incubating liver S-9 at 37 degrees C in the presence of NADPH-gs. This increase was inhibited by EDTA, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and catalase (CAT), suggesting that some metal, most likely the accumulated Cu, and ROSs derived from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are involved in the increased levels of LPO in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats. The requirement of NADPH-gs for enhanced LPO in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats indicates the consumption of NADPH during reactions leading to LPO. It is known that H2O2, and consequently hydroxyl radical are generated during Cu-catalyzed glutathione (GSH) oxidation. The cyclic regeneration of GSH from GSSG by NADPH-dependent GSSG-R in the presence of NADPH-gs may cause sustained generation of hydroxyl radical in the presence of excess free Cu. The generation of H2O2 in S-9 fraction of livers from hepatitic LEC rats was observed to be significantly higher than that in S-9 fraction of livers from non-hepatitic LEC rats and Wistar rats. Moreover, in addition to the reported decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, we found that CAT activity was markedly decreased in LEC rats with hepatitis. The increased generation of H2O2 with reduced activities of GPX and CAT may result in cellular accumulation of H2O2 in the liver of hepatitic LEC rats. Taken altogether, it is suggested that the accumulated H2O2 undergoes the Fenton-type reaction with also accumulated free Cu, thus generating hydroxyl radical in the livers of hepatitic LEC rats and increasing LPO levels in these animals.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1999

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↗

PubMed1999

A new method for the treatment of graft infection in the thoracic aorta: in situ preservation.

BACKGROUND: We have developed a new method to control graft infection by a combination of two procedures, extensive disinfection followed by tissue flap implantation, allowing preservation of the original graft. METHOD: Soon after the diagnosis of graft infection was confirmed, the wound was re-explored, and debridement, irrigation and packing with sponges soaked with 10% iodine solution were employed. This procedure was repeated every 8 hours for the first 48 hours. For the second step, tissue flaps using omentum or muscle were implanted around the graft as well as in dead space, and the wound was closed primarily. MATERIALS: A total of 6 patients were treated: 4 in the acute and 2 in the chronic phase of infection. The original procedures were a Bentall procedure + arch replacement (1), ascending aorta replacement + arch (3) and replacement of the descending aorta (2). In descending aorta cases, an extended thoracoplasty was concomitantly added to eliminate dead space in the pleural cavity. RESULTS: Graft infections were controlled in all 6 patients. One hospital death unrelated to infection was encountered. Five patients were discharged, but 1 died of a stent-graft complication. The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 10 years. CONCLUSION: Our method of extensive disinfection followed by tissue flap coverage of the graft proved to be highly effective in controlling the serious complication of graft infection associated with surgery of the thoracic aorta.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Clinical results of mitral valve repair by reconstructing artificial chordae tendineae in children.

OBJECTIVE: There are an increasing number of reports concerning mitral valve repair by reconstructing the chordae tendineae with the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures in adults. However, little information is available about application or results of this technique in children. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1997, 16 children who had from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation mainly as the result of a prolapse of the anterior leaflet (age range, 5 months-12.8 years) underwent mitral valve repair by reconstruction of artificial chordae. Either unilateral or bilateral Kay-Reed annuloplasty was also performed to correct annular dilatation in all patients. RESULTS: No operative death or morbidity was observed. Before discharge, immediate postoperative echocardiography showed less than trivial mitral regurgitation in all patients. The follow-up was complete in all cases by a clinical examination and serial echocardiograms, and the median follow-up period was 14.8 months (range, 1.3-26.4 months). There were no valve-related events during the entire follow-up period. The degree of mitral regurgitation, estimated by echocardiography performed at recent follow-up period, was none in 5 patients, trivial in 10 patients, and mild in 1 patient. The diastolic and systolic dimensions of the left ventricle decreased and were 95.0% and 96.2% of the normal values, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although further investigations and long-term results are still called for, mitral valve repair by reconstruction of the artificial chordae was found to be safe and effective even in infants and children.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Clinical results of arterial switch operation for double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary VSD.

OBJECTIVE: An arterial switch operation is considered a good alternative for the repair of double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) with atrioventricular concordance connection and subpulmonary ventricular septal defect (VSD) when intraventricular rerouting is not feasible. The clinical results of an arterial switch operation with ventricular septal defect closure for this anomaly were studied. METHODS: Between 1986 and 1997, 27 patients ranging from 10 days to 5 years of age (mean 0.4 years) underwent an arterial switch operation with ventricular septal defect closure for the correction of double outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary VSD. The 50% rule was used to define double-outlet right ventricle. Arch anomalies were associated in nine cases, and were corrected either previously or simultaneously. A subarterial muscle resection was performed in 14 without any subsequent stenosis of the ventricular outflow tract. The relationship of the great arteries was mostly anteroposterior in 15 and mostly side by side in 12. The left coronary artery (main trunk or circumflex artery) courses behind the pulmonary artery in 15/27 (six/15 in the anteroposterior relation and ten/12 in the side by side relation). The Lecompte maneuver was used to reconstruct the pulmonary artery in all but five cases with a side by side relationship of the great arteries. RESULTS: There was one operative death (3.7%) and three late deaths. The actuarial survival rate was 83 +/- 8% at 9 years. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction including peripheral pulmonary stenosis developed in seven cases operated on in the early era. The reoperation free rate was 46 +/- 20% at 9 years. CONCLUSION: Although double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary VSD has complex features, including an aortic arch obstruction and coronary artery anomalies, an optimal definitive surgical repair using an arterial switch operation can be performed safely with a thorough understanding of this variable anomaly. The prevention of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction at the time of an arterial switch operation may thus help improve the rate of late morbidity.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1999

Frequent chromosome arm 13q deletion in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

To clarify the role of allelic loss on chromosome arm 13q in lymphomagenesis, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of a total of 43 primary lymphomas, including both indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD), using the specific probes at RB1 and D13S319 loci on the centromeric portion of chromosome arm 13q. Monosomy at either or both RB1 and D13S319 loci was detected in 15 of 43 (35%) lymphomas (14 of 43 cases at RB1 locus and seven of 43 cases at D13S319 locus); the 13q deletion was frequently detected in the aggressive NHLs (40%; 12 of 30 cases) compared with that in indolent NHL (17%; one of six cases) and a subset of HD (29%; two of seven cases). There are only six cases of 43 which have total monosomy 13q14, all aggressive NHL, 14% of total or 20% of this subgroup. In addition, we analyzed the loss of heterozygosity in 15 of the 43 primary lymphoma samples for several polymorphic microsatellite loci (D13S168, RB1 and D13S272) on the chromosome arm 13q, and confirmed the 13q deletion in four of five cases that were positive on FISH analysis. The subchromosomal region frequently altered in lymphoma on 13q14 is the region around RB1 locus and centromeric to D13S319 locus, which is an overlapped region frequently deleted in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Together, our data indicate that the 13q alterations are present in a variety of types of lymphoma and occur in a significant proportion of aggressive NHLs, suggesting the possible presence of common candidate gene(s) on the 13q14 region, whose alteration may play an important role in the formation or development of a wide variety of mature lymphoid malignancies.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Cytochrome P450 isoforms responsible for the N-deethylation and cyclohexane-hydroxylation of NS-21.

1. Cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms responsible for the N-deethylation and cyclohexane-hydroxylation of (+/-)-4-diethylamino-1,1-dimethylbut-2-yn-1-yl 2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetate monohydrochloride monohydrate (NS-21) have been identified in rat and man. 2. Anti-CYP2C11 antibody inhibited the N-deethylation of S- and R-NS-21 in rat hepatic microsomes by 84 and 66% respectively, indicating that CYP2C11 is mainly responsible for these activities in male rats. 3. Of several human recombinant P450 isoforms, CYP3A4 had the activities for the N-deethylation of S- and R-NS-21. In addition, triacetyloleandomycin (TAO), an inhibitor of the CYP3A subfamily, significantly inhibited the N-deethylation of S- and R-NS-21 in human hepatic microsomes by 67 and 69%, respectively. CYP3A4 therefore contributes to it in man. 4. Quinine, an inhibitor of the rat CYP2D subfamily, significantly inhibited the cyclohexane-4-cis-hydroxylation of S-NS-21 by 48% in rat hepatic microsomes. In contrast, this inhibitor had little effect on the cyclohexane-4-trans-hydroxylation of S-NS-21, and the cyclohexane-4-cis- and trans-hydroxylation of R-NS-21. 5. Human recombinant CYP3A4 catalysed the cyclohexane-4-trans-hydroxylation of S-NS-21, and CYP2D6 supported the cyclohexane-4-cis- and trans-hydroxylation of S-NS-21. Quinidine, an inhibitor of human CYP2D6, had little effect on these latter activities in human hepatic microsomes. TAO significantly inhibited the cyclohexane-4-trans-hydroxylation of S-NS-21 by 75%, indicating that CYP3A4 catalyses this reaction.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Role of CCK-A receptor in the regulation of pancreatic bicarbonate secretion in conscious rats: a study in naturally occurring CCK-A receptor gene knockout rats.

Whether cholecystokinin (CCK) has a direct action on duct cells and the role of CCK-A receptor in bicarbonate secretion were examined by comparing the results obtained from OLETF (CCK-A receptor-deficient rats) and control (LETO) rats. Rats were prepared with cannulae for draining bile and pancreatic juice separately, with two duodenal cannulae and an external jugular vein cannula. The experiments were conducted without anesthesia. The responses of bicarbonate secretion to intravenous infusion of CCK, acetyl-beta-methylcholine (Ach), and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), and to intraduodenal infusion of HCl and a liquid meal were examined. To examine the synergistic effect between CCK and secretin, the effect of CCK during a background secretin infusion was examined in LETO rats. CCK did not stimulate bicarbonate secretion in either strain, nor in LETO rats with secretin infusion. When gastric acid secretion was prevented by administration of omeprazole, Ach did not increase bicarbonate secretion, but 2DG did in both strains. Intraduodenal infusion of HCI and a liquid meal significantly increased bicarbonate secretion in both strains; however, the responses were much less in OLETF than LETO rats. In conclusion, intravenous injection of CCK did not stimulate bicarbonate secretion, and the lack of CCK-A receptor decreased bicarbonate secretion in response to luminal stimulants.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 2 produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli deamidates a gln residue in the conserved G-3 domain of the rho family and preferentially inhibits the GTPase activity of RhoA and rac1.

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor types 1 and 2 (CNF1 and -2) produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains have 90% conserved residues over 1,014-amino-acid sequences. Both CNFs are able to provoke a remarkable increase in F-actin structures in cultured cells and covalently modify the RhoA small GTPases. In this study, we demonstrated that CNF2 reduced RhoA GTPase activity in the presence and absence of P122(RhoGAP). Subsequently, peptide mapping and amino acid sequencing of CNF2-modified FLAG-RhoA produced in E. coli revealed that CNF2 deamidates Q63 of RhoA-like CNF1. In vitro incubation of the C-terminal domain of CNF2 with FLAG-RhoA resulted also in deamidation of the FLAG-RhoA, suggesting that this region contains the enzymatic domain of CNF2. An oligopeptide antibody (anti-E63) which specifically recognized the altered G-3 domain of the Rho family reacted with glutathione S-transferase (GST)-RhoA and GST-Rac1 but not with GST-Cdc42 when coexpressed with CNF2. In addition, CNF2 selectively induced accumulation of GTP form of FLAG-RhoA and FLAG-Rac1 but not of FLAG-Cdc42 in Cos-7 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that CNF2 preferentially deamidates RhoA Q63 and Rac1 Q61 and constitutively activates these small GTPases in cultured cells. In contrast, anti-E63 reacted with GST-RhoA and GST-Cdc42 but not with GST-Rac1 when coexpressed with CNF1. These results indicate that CNF2 and CNF1 share the same catalytic activity but have distinct substrate specificities, which may reflect their differences in toxic activity in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Identification of functional domains of Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin.

Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin (DNT) stimulates the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions by deamidating Gln63 of the small GTPase Rho. To clarify the functional and structural organization of DNT, we cloned and sequenced the DNT gene and examined the functions of various DNT mutants. Our analyses of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed that the start codon of the DNT gene is a GTG triplet located 39 bp upstream of the reported putative initiation ATG codon; consequently, DNT contains an additional 13 amino acids at its N-terminal end. All of the N-terminally truncated mutants were found to modify Rho. The shortest fragment of DNT possessing the Rho modification activity consists of amino acids from Ile1176 to the C-terminal end. This fragment overlaps the region homologous to Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNFs), which show activity similar to that of DNT. The introduction of a mutation at Cys1305 located in the highly conserved region between CNFs and DNT eliminated the activity, indicating that this domain is the catalytic center of DNT. The N-terminal fragment (1 to 531) of DNT failed to modify Rho but reduced the DNT-induced polynucleation in MC3T3-E1 cells when simultaneously added with the holotoxin, suggesting competitive inhibition in the receptor-binding or internalizing step. Our finding that DNT consists of an N-terminal receptor-binding and/or internalizing domain and a C-terminal catalytically active domain may facilitate analysis of the overall action of the toxin on the mammalian target cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Analysis of receptor usage by ecotropic murine retroviruses, using green fluorescent protein-tagged cationic amino acid transporters.

Entry of ecotropic murine leukemia virus (MuLV) into host cells is initiated by interaction between the receptor-binding domain of the viral SU protein and the third extracellular domain (TED) of the receptor, cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1). To study the molecular basis for the retrovirus-receptor interaction, mouse CAT1 (mCAT1) was expressed in human 293 cells as a fusion protein with jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP). Easily detected by fluorescence microscopy and immunoblot analysis with anti-GFP antibodies, the mCAT1-GFP fusion protein was expressed in an N-glycosylated form on the cell surface and in the Golgi apparatus, retaining the ecotropic receptor function. The system was applied to compare Friend MuLV (F-MuLV) and its neuropathogenic variant, PVC-211 MuLV, which exhibits a unique cellular tropism and host range, for the ability to use various CAT family members as a receptor. The results indicated that F-MuLV and PVC-211 MuLV could infect the cells expressing wild-type mCAT1 at comparable efficiencies and that rat CAT3, but not mCAT2, conferred a low but detectable level of susceptibility to F-MuLV and PVC-211 MuLV. The data also suggested that CAT proteins might be expressed in an oligomeric form. Further application of the system developed in this study may provide useful insights into the entry mechanism of ecotropic MuLV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Atropine-resistant secretion of a putative luminal CCK-releasing peptide in conscious rats.

The changes in levels of the newly discovered luminal CCK-releasing factor (LCRF) in the small intestinal lumen before and after bile-pancreatic juice diversion in conscious rats were examined by a specific RIA. Moreover, we also examined whether LCRF secretion was under cholinergic control. Anti-LCRF antiserum was raised in rabbits, and a sensitive RIA was established. The localization of LCRF was examined by immunohistochemistry. The luminal content of LCRF was significantly increased by bile-pancreatic juice diversion, during which luminal trypsin activity was eliminated. The increase in luminal LCRF content was not inhibited by intravenous infusion of atropine. The changes in plasma levels of CCK and pancreatic secretion were similar to those in luminal LCRF contents. LCRF immunostaining was observed in villus tip enterocytes of the small intestine and was most prominent in the duodenal portion. These results support our original hypothesis that LCRF may be released spontaneously into the small intestinal lumen from the villus tip enterocytes and its intraluminal degradation by proteases regulates CCK release. Furthermore, LCRF release was not subject to cholinergic regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

The worst histologic elements predict prognosis in moderately-differentiated prostate cancer patients with androgen-withdrawal endocrine therapy.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the prognostic value of the worst histologic elements in 155 patients with moderately-differentiated prostate cancer (Gleason sum 5-7) treated with androgen-withdrawal endocrine therapy. METHODS: In individual cases, the proportion (%) of medullary/solid combined with columns-and-cords/trabecular (MED & C-C), regarded as the worst histologic elements, determined according to WHO-Mostofi's classification of histologic patterns, within the total adenocarcinoma area obtained from needle specimens was estimated. RESULTS: Patients with proportion of MED & C-C >5% had a significantly poorer prognosis than those with <5% (p < 0.05). A significant difference was also found in the survival curves of patients grouped by stage (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference among the patients with Gleason sum of 5, 6 and 7. Multivariate analysis showed that stage and MED & C-C had independent prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: Proportion of MED & C-C may provide useful prognostic information about patients with moderately-differentiated, Gleason sum 5-7, prostate cancer treated with androgen-withdrawal endocrine therapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Acute type A aortic dissection involving the left main trunk of the coronary artery--a report of two successful cases.

This report describes 2 cases of a type A acute aortic dissection combined with myocardial infarction caused by a retrograde dissection into the left main trunk of the coronary artery. Successful surgical treatments, including the replacement of the ascending aorta, aortic valve resuspension and coronary artery bypass grafting, were performed in both patients, and they recovered well from cardiogenic shock. However, left ventricular function of both patients remained depressed postoperatively, which limited their quality of life. Because no definite method for salvaging infarcted myocardium has yet been established, either more timely surgery or the preoperative placement of a perfusion catheter in the left main coronary artery is mandatory.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Increases in plasma ouabainlike immunoreactivity during surgical extirpation of pheochromocytoma.

The ouabainlike factor (OLF) is thought to be an important modulator of salt and water metabolism. Plasma OLF could be derived from the central nervous system and/or the adrenal gland. Since the adrenal medulla is of neural origin, the cytology of pheochromocytoma of adrenomedullary origin resembles that of neuronal cells. Ouabainlike immunoreactivity (OLI) is, in fact, present in the adrenal medulla as shown by immunohistochemistry. The plasma levels of catecholamines and OLI were significantly elevated during surgical extirpation of pheochromocytoma in this case. To clarify the origin of circulating OLI in a patient with pheochromocytoma, the relationship between plasma OLI and catecholamines during adrenalectomy was investigated. Plasma catecholamine levels exceeded the normal reference interval, and plasma OLI was positively correlated with the patient's plasma level of norepinephrine. The peak level during operation was about 10 times higher than the baseline level. Both levels reached a maximum when the tumor was mechanically pressed, and then gradually decreased thereafter. The level of OLI in the tumor was higher than that of the normal adrenal cortex. When OLI in the tumor was characterized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, the retention time of OLI corresponded with that of authentic ouabain. These results suggest that the circulating OLI in this patients was derived mainly from the pheochromocytoma of adrenomedullary origin.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Health consciousness of young people in relation to their personality.

Personality of targeted individuals can be assumed to influence behavior modification by health education. In this study the influence of personality on health consciousness was analyzed by a questionnaire for lifestyle, health consciousness, and the NEO-FFI personality test. Subjects were 942 new students in the Tokyo University of Agriculture who were surveyed in April, 1998. Separately performed health examination data were used to verify reliability of answers to the questionnaire. Among students, 83.2% of males and 90.4% of females felt themselves to be healthy, and more than 80% students desired to improve their health more. The rate of having no physical complaints, however, was only 31.7% in males and 20.4% in females. Distribution of NEO-FFI scores of neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), openness (O), agreeableness (A), and conscientiousness (C) corresponded well between males and females, except for significantly higher scores of O and A in females. Odds ratios (ORs) between high and low tertial points of NEO-FFI score for health consciousness were significantly elevated in the high scoring groups of E and C (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = 1.46-26.82, and OR = 6.04, 95% CI = 1.42-25.71, respectively) in males. On the contrary, high N and O groups had low health consciousness. Smoking habit was associated with high E scores (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.13-4.43). Dietary habits, regular eating time, and avoidance of salty foods were associated with high C scores in both males and females. The OR of regular eating time was 2.66 (95% CI = 1.42-1.98), and 2.20 (95% CI = 1.31-3.71) for males and females, respectively. The OR of avoidance of salty foods were 2.09 (95% CI = 1.11-3.91), 1.87 (95% CI = 1.11-3.16) for males and females, respectively. Significant associations between lifestyle and personality require further study for risk association analysis and for relationship to interventive practices for prevention of lifestyle associated diseases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Expression and prognostic value of CD44 isoforms in transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis and ureter.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the expression and prognostic value of CD44 isoforms in transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a labeled streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method we performed immunohistochemical staining of archival tissue specimens from 62 men and 26 women with a mean age of 66.5 years who had transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter. RESULTS: The expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) and splice variant 6 (CD44v6) proteins was significantly decreased in relation to histological grade and pathological stage, while expression of the CD44 splice variant 3 (CD44v3) protein was decreased in relation to histological grade. The prognosis was more favorable in patients with greater versus less than 25% CD44s positive cells. CD44v3 and CD44v6 proteins had no prognostic value. Multivariate analysis indicated that only pathological stage has an independent prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CD44 isoforms is closely associated with tumor differentiation and progression. However, it is not an independent marker and has no statistical significance greater than that of stage.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Successful treatment of metastatic bone cancer from colon with combination treatment (radiation and 5-FU); a case report].

An 80-year-old woman with metastatic bone cancer from ascending colon showed a remarkable response to combination therapy of 5-FU and radiation. 5-FU (500 mg/day) was administered daily through intra-arterial catheter. The total dose of 5-FU was 15.5 g. Radiotherapy was performed (total radiation dose, 45 Gy). After therapy, metastatic lesions were remarkably reduced in size according to various imaging techniques, and the serum CEA level dramatically decreased from 249 ng/ml to 5.2 ng/ml. Other tumor markers such as CA19-9, NSE, and CYFRA were also dramatically decreased. Various tumor-related symptoms, especially the pain caused by tumor invasion, were also decreased. Drug toxicity caused slight nausea and leucopenia. These results suggested that the combination therapy of 5-FU and radiation is useful for the pain caused by metastatic bone cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗