Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Masaki Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to Masaki Inoue.

76 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Correlation of histological localization of tumor-associated macrophages with clinicopathological features in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: To clarify the pathophysiological role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), we performed clinicopathological analysis of CD68+ cells in 70 cases of human endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry for CD68, we classified CD68+ cells into four groups: (a) those infiltrated into cancer cell nests or in close contact with cancer cells (nest TAM); (b) those in necrosis in the tumor center (hot-spot TAM); (c) those infiltrated into cancer stroma (stroma TAM); and (d) those distributed along the invasive margin of a tumor (Margin TAM). RESULTS: The aggregation of nest TAM related to high relapse-free survival rate after surgery. On the contrary, increased hot-spot TAM was a hazard to relapse-free survival and was proportionately-associated with clinical stage, myometrial invasion and histological differentiation. The extent of stroma TAM was associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the histological location of infiltrated TAMs may be taken into account in the clinical evaluation of endometrial cancer.

Adult↗

Role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in advanced gastric carcinoma: the impact on FasL-mediated counterattack.

BACKGROUND: Exactly what role does tumor-derived Fas ligand (FasL) play in cancer: maintaining the immune privilege site or inducing a pro-inflammatory effect? One possible hypothesis is that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) act as the mediator that enables apoptosis of anti-tumor immune cells without FasL-related inflammation. We have evaluated the tumor FasL expression and TAM along the tumor margin and/or in cancer stroma, and their impact on the infiltration of immune-competent cells into the tumor nest. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissue specimens from consecutive 84 advanced gastric carcinoma patients, who had undergone a curative resection, were evaluated for TAM (CD68+ cells), tumor FasL expression and immune status (CD8 + T cells). RESULTS: A high number of TAM significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, intestinal type tumor and FasL expression. Although TAM had a tendency for an inverse correlation with the number of CD8+ T cells within the tumor nest (nest CD8) (p=0.0592), there was no correlation between FasL expression and nest CD8 (p=0.2158). This inverse association was found to be stronger in cases with both FasL-positive and high TAM tumors than in others (p=0.0139). The combination parameter of FasL-positive and high TAM became an independent prognostic factor in Cox's multivariate analysis, along with the pT status, nest CD8 and tumor cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: We suggest that TAM works harmoniously with tumor-derived FasL and serves as a barrier against the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the cancer nest.

Adult↗

Multiple roles of cyclooxygenase-2 in endometrial cancer.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role not only in maintenance of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle, but also in the progression of endometrial cancer. The role of COX-2 in tumor growth and development is complex and multifaceted. This review presents evidence for the expression of COX-2 being linked to angiogenesis, tumor cell apoptosis, tumor cell growth, metastasis and local immunosuppression in cancer progression. It also outlines the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of COX-2 in endometrial cancer.

Animals↗

Expression of Tn and sialyl-Tn antigens in endometrial cancer: its relationship with tumor-produced cyclooxygenase-2, tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes and patient prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Although many tumors arising from epithelial tissues produce mucins, little is known regarding the biological significance of mucins in cancer. Recent researches have revealed that mucins produced by cancer cells play a critical role in the initial induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the consequence of abnormal glycosylation and overexpression of mucins includes suppression of the host-immune function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of Tn/sialyl-Tn (s-Tn) antigen and its impact on COX-2 expression by tumor cells and infiltration of CD8+ T-cell into the cancer cell nest (nest CD8) in endometrial cancer was evaluated. Tissue specimens from 70 endometrial cancer patients who had undergone a curative resection were evaluated for Tn/s-Tn antigen, COX-2 and CD8 by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The overexpression of Tn and s-Tn antigen was significantly correlated with COX-2 overexpression (p <0.005 and p <0.001, respectively). There was a significant association between s-Tn overexpression and low infiltration of nest CD8 (p<0.05). Strong expression of s-Tn antigen was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p < 0. 005). Among several prognostic factors, s- Tn expression remained the strong independent predictor of survival by multivariate analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that tumor-produced mucins, which were associated with COX-2 induction and immunosuppression, provided additional prognostic information in endometrial cancer patients.

Adult↗