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Biomedical subjects

T Tajiri

Publications and source records attributed to T Tajiri.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy using carboplatin (CBDCA) and surgery against an esophageal small cell carcinoma.

A 63-year-old man presented to our hospital with persistent dysphagia. Radiologic and endoscopic examination disclosed a 2.0-cm exophytic tumor in the middle third of the esophagus. An endscopically obtained biopsy specimen was found to represent undifferentiated small cell carcinoma. Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, and cervical region was performed, as were gallium and bone scintigraphy. Metastasis to an adjacent lymph node was detected, without metastasis to distant organs. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin (CBDCA) (400 mg/m2) and etoposide (VP-16) (100 mg/m2), endoscopy and barium-swallow esophagography showed regression. Thoracic esophagectomy then was performed with mediastinal, abdominal and cervical lymph node dissection. The resected tumor was polypoid, measuring 0.5 x 0.5 cm. The lesion consisted mainly of small anaplastic cells, but included a small focus of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient has survived for more than 7 months with no further treatment and no evidence of recurrent disease.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Malignant germ cell tumors: clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome. A report from the study group for Pediatric Solid Malignant Tumors in the Kyushu Area, Japan.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the prognostic factors and optimal treatments for malignant germ cell tumors (MGCT) in childhood. METHODS: Among 117 MGCT, the clinical features were analyzed. Regarding the histology, there were 89 embryonal carcinomas, 13 dysgerminomas, 4 choriocarcinomas, and 11 others. The prognostic factors and treatments were assessed based on the 5-year survival rate. RESULTS: (1) Stage: 100% for stage I (n = 54), 75.0% for stage II (n = 4), 67.3% for stage III (n = 14), and 54.8% for stage IV (n = 33); Unknown: n = 12. (2) Primary site: 93.4% for the testis (n = 52), 86.7% for the ovary (n = 31), 56.9% for the sacrococcygeal (n = 21), and 60.6% for others (n = 12); unknown: n = 1. (3) Surgical intervention for primary tumor: 100% for stage I with a complete resection (n = 53), 78.4% for stage III, IV with a complete resection (n = 26), and 33.3% for stage III, IV with an incomplete resection (n = 21). (4) Type of chemotherapy for the stage III and IV: 83.9% for the PVB (cisplatin, vinblastin, bleomycin; n = 13), 66.7% for the VAC (vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide; n = 6), and 47.1% for other regimens (n = 25). CONCLUSIONS: An early stage, a diagnosis under 1 year of age and a primary site in the gonads were favorable prognosis factors, whereas histologic findings of choriocarcinoma and liver or lung metastasis were unfavorable. Radical complete resection alone is a sufficient treatment for localized MGCT. The PVB regimen is optimal chemotherapy for advanced MGCT; however, high-risk cases still may require more aggressive treatment.

Adolescent↗

An 8-cM interstitial deletion on 4q21-q22 in DNA from an infant with hepatoblastoma overlaps with a commonly deleted region in adult liver cancers.

We performed molecular analysis of a germline interstitial deletion of chromosome 4 [del(4)(q21.22q23)], which had been observed in a male infant manifesting early-onset hepatoblastoma (HBL). The chromosomal anomaly in this child was associated with a unique congenital syndrome including HBL, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, mental retardation, and seizures. However, the patient did not exhibit a megalencephaly typical of 4q21-22 deletions. His HBL was associated with an increasing serum alpha-fetoprotein level and rapid growth. To define the chromosomal deletion at the molecular level in this child, we analyzed his lymphoblasts with fluorescence in situ hybridization, using as probes a panel of BAC/PAC genomic clones containing STS markers covering the 4q12-27 region. The analysis revealed that the affected chromosome had an 8-cM deletion within 4q21-q22, flanked by markers D4S2964 and D4S2966. This microdeletion overlaps with the commonly deleted region at 4q21-q22 that was recently defined in adult hepatocellular carcinomas.

Adult↗

Clinical and biologic characteristics for recurring neuroblastoma at mass screening cases in Japan.

BACKGROUND: It is said that most cases detected by neuroblastoma mass screening at 6 months of age tend to have a favorable clinical course after a surgical resection either with or without mild chemotherapy. However, a few cases have an unfavorable outcome. In the current study, the authors analyzed the clinical and biologic characteristics for recurring neuroblastoma in mass screening cases. METHODS: In 245 cases detected through mass screening in the Kyushu area in Japan, the clinical data and biologic features (N-myc status, DNA ploidy, Shimada histology, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ferritin) were investigated, whereas, in particular, the data for recurring cases also were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 245 cases, 28 tumors had one or more biologically unfavorable prognostic factors, and 6 patients experienced recurrence. Three of the six patients with recurring disease underwent a complete resection of the primary tumor, whereas three cases had undergone an incomplete resection of the tumor. Regarding the initial chemotherapy, three cases received mild chemotherapy, two cases received no chemotherapy, and one case had high-dose multidrug chemotherapy. Regarding biologic prognostic factors, four of six cases with recurring disease had one or more unfavorable factors, whereas two cases had no unfavorable factors. Regarding the outcome after recurrence, four cases are CR, one case has a stable residual tumor, and one case died of disease with N-myc amplification. CONCLUSIONS: Most neuroblastomas detected by mass screening at 6 months of age have biologically favorable factors. However, approximately 10% of the cases had one or more unfavorable factors and thus might have a higher risk of recurrence than the patients with no unfavorable factors. Conversely, some cases with recurring disease had no unfavorable factors; however, the reason for this is still unclear. A long-term follow-up for mass screening cases is important, and it also might be necessary to research the established biologic factors and identify other new prognostic factors.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Quick quantitative analysis of gene dosages associated with prognosis in neuroblastoma.

The amplification of the N-myc gene and a gain of the chromosome 17q arm correlate with an unfavorable outcome in patients with neuroblastoma. In this study, we determined the gene dosage of the N-myc gene (located at 2p24) and Survivin gene (located at 17q25) using the p53 gene (located at 17p13) as the internal control gene by the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based gene dosage analysis in 25 neuroblastoma samples. Based on the assumption that the gene dosages of each gene of a normal individual lymphocytes are 1.0, 11 of the 25 cases with a corrected gene dosage of N-myc (N-myc/p53) of more than 2.0 had a more unfavorable prognosis than the 14 cases with a N-myc gene dosage of less than 2.0 (5-year survival rate: 18 vs. 71%, P<0.01). Ten of 25 cases with a corrected Survivin gene dosage (Survivin/p53) of more than 2.0 had a more unfavorable prognosis than the 15 cases with a Survivin gene dosage of less than 2.0 (5-year survival rate: 10 vs. 67%, P<0.01). This quantitative PCR system is considered to be useful for quickly and accurately evaluating the degree of malignancy of neuroblastoma in order to select the optimal treatment.

Child↗

Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum reduces levels of TNF-a mRNA in the brain, liver, and peritoneum in mice.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines are important regulators of the biological response to surgical stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum would change the expression of TNF-a mRNA in the visceral organs, including the brain, in mice. METHODS: Mice were randomly assigned to one of six groups: control, anesthesia alone, insufflation with carbon dioxide, insufflation with air, laparotomy by short incision, or laparotomy by long incision. The brain, liver, jejunum, and peritoneum were harvested either 3 or 24 h after surgery. Levels of TNF-a mRNA in each tissue was measured by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The air insufflation group showed higher TNF-a mRNA levels in the brain and liver than the short-incision group. Levels of TNF-a mRNA in the brain, liver, and peritoneum were lower in the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum group than in the air insufflation group. Plasma IL-6 and catecholamine in the urine were lower in the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum group than the air insufflation group. CONCLUSION: Reduced synthesis of TNF-a in the visceral organs, including the brain, is correlated with a less marked biologic response to laparoscopic surgery.

Animals↗

Reconstruction of the portal vein using a peritoneal patch-graft.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the portal vein with autologous veins requires extra incisions. Prosthetic material is associated with an increased risk of infection. We therefore created an animal model of portal vein reconstruction using the peritoneum. METHODS: A 2.5 x 2.5 cm piece of the peritoneum was resected from Landrace pigs weighing 30 to 40 kg and was dipped in 100% alcohol for 10 minutes. The anterior wall of the portal vein measuring 1.2 x 0.6 cm was resected. The peritoneal patch-graft fitting the defect of the portal vein was used to repair it. RESULTS: All 7 pigs survived the surgery, and were killed at 2, 7, 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 days, respectively, after surgery. There was no evidence of thrombosis or obstruction of the reconstructed portal vein or any other complications. Complete endothelialization of the patches were noted at day 14. CONCLUSIONS: Our patch-graft technique using the peritoneum is considered to be a good and safe alternative for reconstruction after partial resection of the portal vein in clinical surgery.

Animals↗

Acute cholecystitis caused by a cholesterol polyp.

A 39-year-old man hospitalized with upper abdominal pain had been found to have a 3mm polyp in the body of the gallbladder 3 years previously. Laboratory tests on admission showed mild liver dysfunction. Ultrasonography depicted a dilated gallbladder with increased wall thickness; the polyp could no longer be seen. Computed tomography with drip infusion cholangiography again showed a dilated gallbladder, and also stenosis of the distal cystic duct. The resected specimen obtained by laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed disappearance of the polyp from the body of the gallbladder. A cholesterol stone was incarcerated in the cystic duct, representing an impacted detached cholesterol polyp causing acute cholecystitis. Spontaneous detachment of a cholesterol polyp from the gallbladder mucosa, then, can result in acute cholecystitis.

Acute Disease↗

Celiac artery aneurysm: a case evaluated preoperatively with three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography.

In a 63-year-old woman computed tomography (CT) incidentally detected a celiac artery aneurysm approximately 3 cm in diameter. While conventional angiography suggested that the splenic artery and common hepatic artery arose from the celiac artery aneurysm, three-dimensional CT angiography indicated that the aneurysm involved only the mid portion of the celiac artery. Considering the risk of eventual aneurysm rupture, surgery was performed. Aneurysmectomy and devascularization of hepatic, splenic, and celiac arteries were carried out following complete cross-clamping of the celiac artery. The distal segment of the celiac artery was directly anastomosed to the proximal segment in an end-to-end fashion. Histologically, the aneurysm wall showed atheromatous changes. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT confirmed complete removal of the celiac artery aneurysm, and postoperative angiography confirmed good arterial flow. The patient recovered uneventfully after surgery, with normalization of transiently abnormal hepatic function parameters. In this case of celiac artery aneurysm, three-dimensional CT angiography was found to be valuable in determining the relationships of the aneurysms to important arterial branches.

Aneurysm↗

Liver cell adenoma in a 26-year-old man.

This is a report of a case of liver cell adenoma (LCA) in a 26-year-old man with no prior history of liver disease or glycogen storage disease and no record of hormonal therapy. He was found to have an asymptomatic hepatic mass during a routine medical examination. The physical findings were unremarkable, and the results of routine laboratory studies were all within normal limits. Selective hepatic arteriography showed a hypervascular mass within the right lobe of the liver. Despite the radiological examination, the nature of the mass was unknown, and preoperative biopsy was unadvisable because of the risk of bleeding. Because of the difficulty of determining the malignancy of the hepatic tumor preoperatively, elective laparotomy for diagnosis and hepatectomy as treatment appeared to be the best available approach. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen resulted in a diagnosis of LCA. A review of the literature revealed that LCA unassociated with the use of oral contraceptives is rare.

Adenoma, Liver Cell↗

Spontaneous disappearance of a hepatic cyst.

The spontaneous disappearance of a hepatic cyst is described. A 62-year-old woman presented with symptoms of general fatigue in August 1992. Her past medical history was significant for chronic hepatitis, which was diagnosed in 1990 but not treated. Initial laboratory tests revealed mild liver dysfunction with a positive serologic test for hepatitis C. In August 1992, ultrasonography and computed tomography disclosed a cystic lesion along the middle hepatic vein in the right anterior segment of the liver, which was 40 mm in diameter. Repeat radiologic studies in June 1994 demonstrated that the size of the cyst was unchanged. In May 1995, the cyst was only 25 mm in diameter, and it continued to decrease in size thereafter, to 10 mm in September 1995 and 7 mm in September 1996. No hepatic cyst was visualized in December 1996, though the region in which the cyst existed was hyperechoic. Laboratory data were essentially unchanged from August 1992 to December 1996. Clinically the patient remained asymptomatic.

Cysts↗

Genomic imprinting of insulin-like growth factor-2 in infant leukemia and childhood neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Loss of imprinting (LOI) of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain human cancers and tumor-predisposing overgrowth disorders, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. In a previous study, the authors revealed that certain patients with childhood acute leukemia and neuroblastoma had had rapid somatic growth after birth, suggesting the involvement of growth factor(s) in tumorigenesis. In the current study, the authors examined whether relaxation of IGF-2 imprinting occurred in infant leukemia and childhood neuroblastoma. METHODS: The genomic DNA of infant leukemia, childhood neuroblastoma, and control individuals was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients who had heterozygous genotype were selected as informative cases using Apa I polymorphism in exon 9 of the IGF-2 gene. Total RNA was isolated from informative cases, followed by cDNA synthesis. cDNA was amplified by PCR, and direct sequence was performed for determining allele specific transcription. RESULTS: Twenty of 22 infant leukemia blasts and all of 16 neuroblastoma cells showed normal monoallelic expression of IGF-2 as well as 23 controls. The height and weight of two acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with LOI were within normal ranges for Japanese children. CONCLUSIONS: The current study revealed that the imprinting status of IGF-2 was generally maintained in infant leukemia and confirmed that it was maintained in childhood neuroblastoma. The results suggest that LOI of IGF-2 does not play a major role in the carcinogenesis of these diseases or in rapid physical growth of the patients.

Female↗

Accumulation of adenine DNA glycosylase-sensitive sites in human mitochondrial DNA.

The mitochondrial respiratory chain inevitably produces reactive oxygen species as byproducts of aerobic ATP synthesis. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is located close to the respiratory chain, is reported to contain much more 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), an oxidatively modified guanine base, than nuclear DNA. Despite such a high amount of 8-oxoG in mtDNA (1-2 8-oxoG/10(4) G), mtDNA is barely cleaved by an 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase or MutM, which specifically excises 8-oxoG from a C:8-oxoG pair. We find here that about half of human mtDNA molecules are cleaved by another 8-oxoG-recognizing enzyme, an adenine DNA glycosylase or MutY, which excises adenine from an A:8-oxoG pair. The cleavage sites are mapped to adenines. The calculated number of MutY-sensitive sites in mtDNA is approximately 1.4/10(4) G. This value roughly corresponds with the electrochemically measured amount of 8-oxoG in mtDNA (2.2/10(4) G), raising the possibility that 8-oxoG mainly accumulates as an A:8-oxoG pair.

Adenine↗

Identification of a 1-Mb common region at 16q24.1-24.2 deleted in hepatocellular carcinoma.

To identify the location of one or more putative tumor suppressor genes that may be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we examined 96 such tumors for their patterns of allelic loss at 21 microsatellite marker loci distributed along chromosome arm 16q. Allelic loss at one or more loci was observed in 58 (60%) of these tumors. Detailed deletion mapping identified a distinct commonly deleted region located within an interval flanked by D16S534 and D16S3091 at 16q24.1-24.2. By constructing a physical map consisting of a YAC contig across the region, the extent of the deleted region was determined to be less than 1 Mb. Among the tumors for which clinical data were available, allelic loss at 16q24.1-24.2 was more frequent in tumors arising from liver cirrhosis compared to HCCs arising from chronic hepatitis (30/42, 71%, vs. 13/33, 39%; P = 0. 0054). Additionally, allelic loss at 16q24.1-24.2 was frequently observed in small tumors and early-stage tumors as well as in tumors of more advanced phenotype.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗