Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Pericytes are pluripotent cells that enclose the endothelium of small blood vessels in the whole body. These cells are thought to play a limited role in vascular development and blood pressure regulation; however, current evidence from numerous studies suggests several significant biologic aspects of pericytes in animals. One viewpoint is that pericytes are also known as potential cellular origin of multiple soft tissue tumors. Experimental evidence of the cellular origin of pericytic tumors is still insufficient, however, and their molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we used a conditional constitutively active Smoothened allele (Rosa-SmoM2) and Cre recombinase mice to activate hedgehog (Hh) signaling, exclusively in the monocyte/macrophage and osteoclast lineage (LysMcre) or in RANK expressing cells (RANKcre) that are recognized as osteoclast precursor cells. Mice conditionally expressing SmoM2 with LysMcre displayed no significant skeletal phenotype; surprisingly, however, RANKcre; Rosa-SmoM2 mice frequently developed progressive soft tissue tumors in regions of the leg. Genetic lineage tracing analysis uncovered a new domain of RANKcre-expressing cells in the skeletal muscle interstitial cells that display markers consistent with vascular pericytes. Neoplasms arising from these cells showed increased expression of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are molecular indicators of malignancy. Moreover, the tumors displayed strong bone invasive potency associated with osteoclastic bone resorption. Thus, these findings provide a novel insight into tumor pathology: Hh signal activated-pericytes can be a potential cellular origin of multiple soft tissue tumors.

DOI： 10.1007/s00441-022-03578-0

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Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK) expressed on osteoclasts and their precursors is a receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL). Signals transduced by RANKL-RANK interaction induce genes essential for the differentiation and function of osteoclasts, partly through the direct binding of NFATc1, to target gene promoters. We have previously cloned a 6-kb fragment containing the 5'-flanking region of the mouse RANK gene and have demonstrated the presence of binding elements of hematological transcription factors, such as MITF, PU.1 and AP-1. Here, we demonstrated the presence of the functional NFATc1 responsive element on the RANK gene promoter. Transfection of an NFATc1-expression vector increased RANK mRNA that was subsequently nullified by NFATc1 knockdown. With the use of electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), an oligonucleotide (-388/-353) showed specific protein-DNA binding that was blockshifted with an anti-NFATc1 antibody and washed out with excess amounts of the cold consensus sequence. Co-transfection studies with the use of an NFATc1-expression vector and RANK promoter-reporter constructs showed that NFATc1 increased promoter activity 2-fold in RAW264.7 cells that was again nullified as disclosed by mutagenesis studies. Taken together, these results indicate that RANK transcription is positively regulated by the RANKL signal through the direct binding of NFATc1 to its specific binding site of the RANK gene promoter, and suggest the presence of a crucial positive feedback mechanism of gene expression that promotes accelerated terminal differentiation of RANK-positive committed precursors to mature osteoclasts.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.100

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨代謝学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨代謝学会  

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In the course of identifying the molecular mechanism that is related to strong cell-cell adhesion in stratified structures of the squamous epithelium, calmodulin-like protein 5 (CALML5) was identified as a spinous structure-associated protein by producing monoclonal antibodies with the use of the crude intercellular portion of squamous tissue as an immunogen and by subsequent morphologic screening. By electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and a series of mutagenesis studies, two transcription factors, ZNF750 and KLF4, by binding in line to the CALML5 gene promoter, were found to play a central role in CALML5 transcription. Knockdown of CALML5 by siRNA in the A431 cell line that expresses high levels of CALML5 resulted in the acceleration of wound confluence in a scratch assay, indicating that CALML5 functions as a tumor-suppressor in uterine cervical cancer. Immunohistochemical evaluation of squamous intraepithelial lesions, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and invasive uterine cancer, revealed a reduction in CALML5 expression during the stages of CIS through various molecular pathways including the blockage of the nuclear translocation of KLF4. Conversely, restoration of the nuclear translocation of KLF4 by inhibiting ERK-signaling reactivated CALML5 expression in ME180 cells expressing low levels of CALML5. Thus, alteration of the p63-ZNF750-KLF4 axis may result in critical functional loss of CALM-related genes during cancer progression. Although the morphological association of CALML5 with the spiny-structure in relation to cell motility is not clear, evaluation of CALML5 expression provides a useful diagnostic indicator of differentiating dysplasia, preinvasive and invasive cervical cancers.

DOI： 10.1002/ijc.33687

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

Macrophages are progenitors of osteoclasts as well as regulators of bone metabolism. Macrophages mediate not only bone formation by osteoblasts under physiological conditions, but also bone regeneration after fracture. The mechanisms of macrophages regulation of bone formation and regeneration remain unclear, however. Here, we demonstrate that the liposome-encapsulated Clodronate (Clod-lip) injected mouse model with cortical bone defect induced by drill-hole injury and targeted depletion of phagocytic macrophages exhibits impaired angiogenesis of type H vessels that couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Moreover, we identify Tgfbi (encoding TGFBI), Plau (encoding uPA) and Tgfb1 (encoding TGF-β1), through RNA-seq analysis, as genes of macrophage-secreted factors mediating angiogenesis and wound healing. The relevant mRNA was highly expressed in bone marrow-derived macrophages among bone cells, as determined through qRT-PCR. Finally, we disclose that treatment with uPA inhibitor or TGF-β receptor I, receptor II inhibitor impairs bone regeneration after injury, confirming the importance of uPA and TGF-β1 during bone regeneration. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of bone regeneration mediated by macrophages.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116200

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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We report a case of rupture of a synchronous metastatic liver tumor secondary to a thymoma. A 56-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with acute abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 10 cm diameter tumor in the left lateral segment of the liver, together with ascites, which was suggestive of intra-abdominal bleeding. She was in stable condition and hemostasis was confirmed by angiography. CT also revealed a mass in the anterior mediastinum. Elective laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy was performed to make a pathological diagnosis and for radical resection. No peritoneal dissemination was observed and the liver tumor was curatively resected. The patient subsequently underwent thymectomy. The pathological diagnoses were thymoma with the liver metastasis. Currently, at 30 months post-treatment, she has had no tumor recurrence. Rupture of a metastatic liver tumor secondary to a thymoma is a rare condition; careful preoperative management and aggressive treatment might improve the patient's prognosis.

DOI： 10.1093/jscr/rjab341

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The reproductive tract in mammals emerges from two ductal systems during embryogenesis: Wolffian ducts (WDs) and Mullerian ducts (MDs). Most of the female reproductive tract (FRT) including the oviducts, uterine horn and cervix, originate from MDs. It is widely accepted that the formation of MDs depends on the preformed WDs within the urogenital primordia. Here, we found that the WD mesenchyme under the regulation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is closely related to the developmental processes of the FRT during embryonic and postnatal periods. Deficiency of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), the only Hh ligand expressed exclusively in WDs, prevents the MD mesenchyme from affecting uterine growth along the radial axis. The in vivo cell tracking approach revealed that after WD regression, distinct cells responding to WD-derived Hh signal continue to exist in the developing FRT and gradually contribute to the formation of various tissues such as smooth muscle, endometrial stroma and vascular vessel, in the mouse uterus. Our study thus provides a novel developmental mechanism of FRT relying on WD.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms22031211

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Thoracic endometriosis-related pneumothorax (TERP) or thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) usually occurs in women of childbearing age and affects the right thorax. Menopausal and left-sided cases are rare. A case of left-sided TERP in a postmenopausal woman after adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer is reported. A 51-year-old woman underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for recurrent left pneumothorax. Immunohistological examination of the resected specimen from the apical bleb and a diaphragmatic blueberry spot demonstrated thoracic endometriosis. Even in the case of a left-sided pneumothorax in a menopausal woman, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of TERP.

DOI： 10.1007/s11748-020-01381-8

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本組織細胞化学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨代謝学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨代謝学会  

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The long bone midshaft expands by forming primary osteons at the periosteal surface of cortical bone in humans and rodents. Osteoblastic bone formation in the vascular cavity in the center of primary osteons is delayed during cortical bone development. The mechanisms of the formation of primary osteons is not fully understood, however. Focusing on NOTCH1 signaling, an inhibitory signaling on osteoblastic bone formation, our immunohistochemical analysis revealed Delta like1 (DLL1), a ligand of NOTCH1, and the NOTCH1 intracellular domain (NICD, an activated form of NOTCH1) immunoreactivity, in the cuboidal osteoblasts lining the bone surface in the vascular cavity of primary osteons during postnatal growth in rats. Interestingly, five days after treatment of primary osteoblasts with ascorbic acid and β glycerophosphate, protein levels of both DLL1 and NICD increased transiently, indicating that DLL1 activates NOTCH1 in primary cultured osteoblasts. Thus, the results imply that DLL1-NOTCH1 signaling in osteoblasts is associated with primary osteonal bone formation.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.039

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Diabetic nephropathy is a major source of end-stage renal failure, affecting about one-third cases of diabetes mellitus. It has long been accepted that diabetic nephropathy is mainly characterized by glomerular defects, while clinical observations have implied that renal tubular damage is closely linked to kidney dysfunction at the early stages of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we conducted pathohistological analyses focusing on renal tubular lesions in the early-stage diabetic kidney with the use of a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus mouse model. The results revealed that histological alterations in renal tubules, shown by a vacuolar nucleic structure, accumulations of PAS-positive substance, and accelerated restoration stress, occur initially without the presence of glomerular lesions in the early-stage diabetic kidney, and that these tubular defects are localized mainly in proximal renal tubules. Moreover, enhanced expression of RAGE, suggesting an aberrant activation of AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway, and accumulation of oxidative modified mitochondria through the impaired autophagy/lysosome system, were also seen in the damaged diabetic proximal renal tubules. Our findings indicate that proximal tubular defects are the initial pathological events increasingly linked to the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and that controlling renal tubular damage could be an effective therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.20008

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a multifunctional cell surface protein, is expressed in bone marrow-derived macrophages. While LRP1 is thought to be a suppressor of osteoclast differentiation at late stages, its function at early stages remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that Lrp1 stable knockdown by lentiviral short hairpin RNA in macrophage cell line RAW264 cells inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and osteoclastic master transcription factor Nfatc1 mRNA expression as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, knockdown of the Lrp1 gene suppressed not only differentiation, but also proliferation, and inhibitory effects on osteoblastic ALP activity by osteoclast-derived humoral factors. Thus, we propose that LRP1 in macrophages is required for both differentiation into osteoclasts and osteoclast-osteoblast interactions.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.065

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The functional role of the Hedgehog (Hh)-signaling pathway has been widely investigated in bone physiology/development. Previous studies have, however, focused primarily on Hh functions in bone formation, while its roles in bone resorption have not been fully elucidated. Here, we found that cyclopamine (smoothened (Smo) inhibitor), GANT-58 (GLI1 inhibitor), or GANT-61 (GLI1/2 inhibitor) significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Although the inhibitory effects were exerted by cyclopamine or GANT-61 treatment during 0-48 h (early stage of osteoclast differentiation) or 48-96 h (late stage of osteoclast differentiation) after RANKL stimulation, GANT-58 suppressed osteoclast formation only during the early stage. These results suggest that the Smo-GLI1/2 axis mediates the whole process of osteoclastogenesis and that GLI1 activation is requisite only during early cellular events of osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, macrophage/osteoclast-specific deletion of Smo in mice was found to attenuate the aging phenotype characterized by trabecular low bone mass, suggesting that blockage of the Hh-signaling pathway in the osteoclast lineage plays a protective role against age-related bone loss. Our findings reveal a specific role of the Hh-signaling pathway in bone resorption and highlight that its inhibitors show potential as therapeutic agents that block osteoclast formation in the treatment of senile osteoporosis.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms21082745

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The longitudinal growth of long bone, regulated by an epiphyseal cartilaginous component known as the "growth plate", is generated by epiphyseal chondrocytes. The growth plate provides a continuous supply of chondrocytes for endochondral ossification, a sequential bone replacement of cartilaginous tissue, and any failure in this process causes a wide range of skeletal disorders. Therefore, the cellular and molecular characteristics of the growth plate are of interest to many researchers. Hedgehog (Hh), well known as a mitogen and morphogen during development, is one of the best known regulatory signals in the developmental regulation of the growth plate. Numerous animal studies have revealed that signaling through the Hh pathway plays multiple roles in regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of growth plate chondrocytes throughout the skeletal growth period. Furthermore, over the past few years, a growing body of evidence has emerged demonstrating that a limited number of growth plate chondrocytes transdifferentiate directly into the full osteogenic and multiple mesenchymal lineages during postnatal bone development and reside in the bone marrow until late adulthood. Current studies with the genetic fate mapping approach have shown that the commitment of growth plate chondrocytes into the skeletal lineage occurs under the influence of epiphyseal chondrocyte-derived Hh signals during endochondral bone formation. Here, we discuss the valuable observations on the role of the Hh signaling pathway in the growth plate based on mouse genetic studies, with some emphasis on recent advances.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms20235840

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Other Link： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0267-5338

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Liver cirrhosis can cause splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) that pose a threat to patients undergoing liver transplantation. However, liver transplantation with multiple visceral artery aneurysms including giant SAA caused by arterial fragility has never been reported. We describe a 36-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to Wilson disease that was complicated by giant SAA and multiple aneurysms in the bilateral renal arteries caused by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). The maximal diameter of the triple snowball-shaped SAA was 11 cm. We planned a 2-stage strategy consisting of a splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy to treat the SAA and subsequent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to address the liver cirrhosis. This strategy was selected to prevent fatal postoperative infectious complications caused by the potential development of pancreatic fistula during simultaneous procedures and to histopathologically diagnose the arterial lesion before LDLT to promote safe hepatic artery reconstruction. However, a postoperative pancreatic fistula did not develop after a splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy, and the pathologic findings of the artery indicated FMD. The patient underwent ABO-identical LDLT with a right lobe graft donated by his brother. Other than postoperative rupture of the aneurysm in the left renal artery requiring emergency interventional radiology, the patient has remained free of any other arterial complications and continues to do well at 2 years after LDLT.

DOI： 10.1016/j.transproceed.2019.06.005

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本骨代謝学会  

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The interleukin (IL)-4, 1,25(OH)2D3 and retinoic acid, increase surface expression of functional integrin αvβ3 on murine osteoclast precursors. All three agonists stimulate transcription of the β3 gene, leading to increased steady-state levels of mRNA this protein. By contrast, mRNA levels of αv remain unchanged. In each instance, the increase in the surface expression of the integrin results in increased migration of the cells onto an αvβ3 substrate. Because β3 subunit, except platelet where β3 subunit conform a dimer with αIIb, associates solely with αv subunit monogamously, while promiscuous αv subunit combines with various subunit, our present data support the idea that the β3 subunit governs the surface-expressed functional integrin complex.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.19015

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Receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) expressed on osteoclasts and their precursors is a receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL). Signals transduced by RANKL-RANK interaction induce genes essential for the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. We have cloned a basic promoter region of the mouse RANK gene and have analyzed the transcription machinery by transcription factors such as PU.1 (-480), and MITF (-100). Here, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of RANK gene transcription through AP-1 binding site, agagctca (-240). RANK mRNA expression in pre-osteoclastic RAW264.7 cells was induced by Phorbol12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) and suppressed by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C. In RAW264.7 cells, Fos knockdown by siRNA blocked the inducible effect of PMA on RANK expression. By EMSA, an oligonucleotide (-246/-238) showed DNA protein binding, the specificity of which was confirmed by block-shift assay with an anti-Fos antibody and by the addition of the excess of a cold consensus probe. Co-transfection with a Fos expression vector showed that Fos increased RANK promoter activity 6-fold in RAW264.7 cells, and the addition of PU.1 and MITF superinduced the activity more than twenty-fold by the addition of PU.1 and MITF. Mutagenesis of the putative AP-1 site (-240) blocked the inducible effect of Fos on promoter activity. Taken together, these results indicate that during the differentiation of bone marrow mono-nucleated cells into osteoclast precursors, RANK transcription is positively regulated by Fos/AP-1 through the binding element of its gene promoter, supporting the concept that Fos activation by continuous CSF-1 stimulation on macrophages triggers initial expression of RANK and, later, a positive feedback loop by RANKL-RANK interaction.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.05.144

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本消化器外科学会  

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DOI： 10.1016/j.jdcr.2018.04.017

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Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is involved in a variety of diseases including the tumor growth. In response to various angiogenic stimulations, a number of proteins on the surface of vascular endothelial cells are activated to coordinate cell proliferation, migration, and spreading processes to form new blood vessels. Plasma membrane localization of these angiogenic proteins, which include vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and integrins, are warranted by intracellular membrane trafficking. Here, by using a siRNA library, we screened for the sorting nexin family that regulates intracellular trafficking and identified sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) as a novel angiogenic factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). SNX9 was essential for cell spreading on the Matrigel, and tube formation that mimics in vivo angiogenesis in HUVECs. SNX9 depletion significantly delayed the recycling of integrin β1, an essential adhesion molecule for angiogenesis, and reduced the surface levels of integrin β1 in HUVECs. Clinically, we showed that SNX9 protein was highly expressed in tumor endothelial cells of human colorectal cancer tissues. High-level expression of SNX9 messenger RNA significantly correlated with poor prognosis of the patients with colorectal cancer. These results suggest that SNX9 is an angiogenic factor and provide a novel target for the development of new antiangiogenic drugs.

DOI： 10.1002/jcp.28346

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for purpuric rash, joint pain, and a fever. He had earlier undergone a follow-up examination for interstitial lung disease. At the current visit, the diagnosis was immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, based on skin and renal biopsy findings. He developed sudden breathlessness and hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography revealed ground glass opacity in the right lower lung fields, suggesting pulmonary hemorrhaging associated with IgA vasculitis. Despite steroid and cyclophosphamide therapy, and plasma exchange, he died 52 days after admission. Early aggressive therapies may be recommended for old patients with IgA vasculitis who have an additional comorbidities.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.0817-18

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Cytosine methylation plays a major role in the regulation of sequential and tissue-specific expression of genes. De novo aberrant DNA methylation and demethylation are also crucial processes in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The mechanisms of how and when such aberrant methylation and demethylation occur in tumor cells are still obscure, however. To evaluate subtle epigenetic alteration among minor subclonal populations, morphology-oriented epigenetic analysis is requisite, especially where heterogeneity and flexibility are as notable as in the process of cancer progression and cellular differentiation at critical stages. Therefore, establishment of reliable morphology-oriented epigenetic studies has become increasingly important in not only the experimental but also the diagnostic field. By selecting a subset of cells based on characteristic morphological features disclosed by microdissection or in situ hybridization, we discovered how methylation at certain CpG sites outside of CpG islands would play a crucial epigenetic role in the versatility and flexibility of gene expression during cancer progression. In this review, we first introduce technical aspects of two morphology-oriented epigenetic studies: (1) histoendonuclease-linked detection of methylated sites of DNA (HELMET), and (2) padlock probe and rolling circle amplification (RCA) for in situ identification of methylated cytosine in a sequence-dependent manner. We then present our observation of a novel MeCP2-mediated gene-silencing mechanism through the addition of methylation to a single-CpG-locus upstream of the TATA-box of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) gene promoters.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-018-1675-8

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Verlag  

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-018-1658-9

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本病理学会  

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Longitudinal bone growth progresses by continuous bone replacement of epiphyseal cartilaginous tissue, known as "growth plate", produced by columnar proliferated- and differentiated-epiphyseal chondrocytes. The endochondral ossification process at the growth plate is governed by paracrine signals secreted from terminally differentiated chondrocytes (hypertrophic chondrocytes), and hedgehog signaling is one of the best known regulatory signaling pathways in this process. Here, to investigate the developmental relationship between longitudinal endochondral bone formation and osteogenic progenitors under the influence of hedgehog signaling at the growth plate, genetic lineage tracing was carried out with the use of Gli1CreERT2 mice line to follow the fate of hedgehog-signal-responsive cells during endochondral bone formation. Gli1CreERT2 genetically labeled cells are detected in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteo-progenitors at the chondro-osseous junction (COJ); these progeny then commit to the osteogenic lineage in periosteum, trabecular and cortical bone along the developing longitudinal axis. Furthermore, in ageing bone, where longitudinal bone growth ceases, hedgehog-signal responsiveness and its implication in osteogenic lineage commitment is significantly weakened. These results show, for the first time, evidence of the developmental contribution of endochondral progenitors under the influence of epiphyseal chondrocyte-derived secretory signals in longitudinally growing bone. This study provides a precise outline for assessing the skeletal lineage commitment of osteo-progenitors in response to growth-plate-derived regulatory signals during endochondral bone formation.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-018-1641-5

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Hard tissue homeostasis is regulated by the balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. This physiologic process allows adaptation to mechanical loading and calcium homeostasis. Under pathologic conditions, however, this process is ill-balanced resulting in either over-resorption or over-formation of hard tissue. Local over-resorption by osteoclasts is typically observed in osteolytic metastases of malignancies, autoimmune arthritis, and giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB). In tumor-related local osteolysis, tumor-derived osteoclast-activating factors induce bone resorption not by directly acting on osteoclasts but by indirectly upregulating receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL) on osteoblastic cells. Similarly, synovial tissue in the autoimmune arthritis model does overexpress RANKL and contains numerous osteoclast precursors, and like a landing craft, when it comes in contact with eroded bone surfaces, osteoclast precursors are immediately polarized to become mature osteoclasts, inducing rapidly progressive bone destruction at a late stage of the disease. GCTB, on the other hand, is a common primary bone tumor, usually arising at the metaphysis of the long bone in young adults. After the discovery of RANKL, the concept of GCTB as a tumor of RANKL-expressing stromal cells was established, and comprehensive exosome studies finally disclosed the causative single-point mutation at histone H3.3 (H3F3A) in stromal cells. Thus, osteolytic lesions under various pathological conditions are ultimately attributable to the overexpression of RANKL, which opens up a common, practical and useful therapeutic target for diverse osteolytic conditions.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-018-1639-z

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BACKGROUND: A proper balance between the activator and the repressor form of GLI3, a zinc-finger transcription factor downstream of hedgehog signaling, is essential for proper development of various organs during development. Mutations in different domains of the GLI3 gene underlie several congenital diseases including Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) and Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS). CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe the case of an overlapped phenotype of these syndromes with agenesis of the gallbladder and the pancreas, bearing a c.2155 C > T novel likely pathogenic variant of GLI3 gene by missense point mutation causing p.P719S at the proteolytic cleavage site. CONCLUSIONS: Although agenesis of the gallbladder and the pancreas is uncommon in GLI3 morphopathy, a slight difference in the gradient or the balance between activator and repressor in this case may hinder sophisticated spatial and sequential hedgehog signaling that is essential for proper development of gallbladder and pancreas from endodermal buds.

DOI： 10.1186/s13000-017-0682-8

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

Primary extranodal malignant lymphoma of the thyroid is a rare entity composed of mostly neoplastic transformation of germinal center-like B cells (GCB) or memory B cells. Other B-cell-type malignancies arising primarily in the thyroid have rarely been described. Immunohistochemical examination of autopsied primary malignant lymphoma of the thyroid in an 83-year-old Japanese female revealed the presence of a non-GCB subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) without the typical codon 206 or 265 missense mutation of MYD88. The lack of the highly oncogenic MYD88 gene mutation, frequently observed in DLBCL of the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype, and the detection of an extremely aggressive yet local clinical phenotype demonstrated that the present case was an exceptional entity of the type3 (non-GCB and non-ABC) subtype.

DOI： 10.1159/000477489

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A 58-year-old man was diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). The tumors were multiple and existed in both lobes. Drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) was performed for the tumors in the left lobe. Embosphere and Hepasphere were selected for embolization of the arterioportal shunt, followed by loaded epirubicin infusion into the left hepatic artery. Computed tomography showed reduction of PVTT. However, liver failure progressed, and the patient died 67 days after DEB-TACE. Autopsy showed that the beads reached the tumor thrombosis in the portal vein. The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT is poor. Although there are no established treatments for unresectable PVTT, DEB-TACE might be a useful option for such cases.

DOI： 10.1016/j.radcr.2016.11.006

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Other Link： http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7466-7356

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC HISTOCHEMISTRY & CYTOCHEMISTRY  

In mammals, the mullerian duct (MD) is an embryonic tubular structure that gives rise to the female reproductive tract (FRT). The MD originates from the coelomic epithelium (CoE) and takes on a rostral to caudal shape to establish the primary structure of the FRT under the regulation of morphogenetic signals. During these developmental processes, the MD and its derivatives require proper regulation of the Wnt-signaling-pathway. Here, to investigate the developmental contribution of FRT primordia under the influence of the Wnt-signaling, genetic lineage tracing was carried out using TopCreER/Rosa-LacZ mice to follow the fate of Wnt-signal-responsive cells during reproductive tract formation. TopCreER-marked-LacZ+ cells, arising from the Wnt-signal-responsive progenitors in CoE, give rise to spatially restricted MD and the uterine luminal epithelium. Similarly, the progeny from LacZ+ mesenchymal cells surrounding the MD contribute to both the uterine smooth muscle and stroma. Furthermore, in males, the Wnt-signal-responsive MD mesenchyme develops into the epididymis. These results show, for the first time, evidence of the sequential involvement of reproductive tract progenitors under the influence of Wnt-signal throughout the developmental term. This study provides a precise outline for assessing the lineage relation between the reproductive tract and the cell fate of its primordia in a temporally regulated manner.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.17017

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Phospholipase C epsilon (PLC epsilon), an effector of Ras and Rap small GTPases, plays a crucial role in inflammation by augmenting proinflammatory cytokine expression. This proinflammatory function of PLC epsilon is implicated in its facilitative role in tumor promotion and progression during skin and colorectal carcinogenesis, although their direct link remains to be established. Moreover, the molecular mechanism underlying these functions of PLC epsilon remains unknown except that PKD works downstream of PLC epsilon. Here we show by employing the colitis-induced colorectal carcinogenesis model, where Apc(Min/+) mice are administered with dextran sulfate sodium, that PLC epsilon knock-out alleviates the colitis and suppresses the following tumorigenesis concomitant with marked attenuation of proinflammatory cytokine expression. In human colon epithelial Caco2 cells, TNF-alpha induces sustained expression of proinflammatory molecules and sustained activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and PKD, the late phases of which are suppressed by not only siRNA-mediated PLC epsilon knockdown but also treatment with a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor antagonist. Also, LPA stimulation induces these events in an early time course, suggesting that LPA mediates TNF-alpha signaling in an autocrine manner. Moreover, PLC epsilon knockdown results in inhibition of phosphorylation of I kappa B by ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) but not by I kappa B kinases. Subcellular fractionation suggests that enhanced phosphorylation of a scaffolding protein, PEA15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes 15), downstream of the PLC epsilon-PKD axis causes sustained cytoplasmic localization of phosphorylated RSK, thereby facilitating I kappa B phosphorylation in the cytoplasm. These results suggest the crucial role of the TNF-alpha-LPA-LPA receptor-PLC epsilon-PKD-PEA15-RSK-I kappa B-NF-kappa B pathway in facilitating inflammation and inflammation-associated carcinogenesis in the colon.

DOI： 10.1074/jbc.M116.717561

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sFRP4 is an extracellular Wnt antagonist that fine-tunes its signal activity by direct binding to Wnts. Bone fragility under oxidative stress by diabetes and aging is partly related to the suppression of the Wnt signal through upregulated sFRP4. Here, to explore the functions of sFRP4 as a balancer molecule in bone development and remodeling, we analyzed the sFRP4 knock-in mouse strain. X-gal and immunohistochemically stained signals in sFRP4-LacZ heterozygous mice were detectable in restricted areas, mostly in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, of the femoral diaphysis after neonatal and postnatal stages. Histological and mu CT analyses showed increased trabecular bone mass with alteration of the Wnt signal and osteogenic activity in sFRP4 mutants; this augmented the effect of the buildup of trabecular bone during the ageing period. Our results indicate that sFRP4 plays a critical role in bone development and remodeling by regulating osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and that its functional loss prevents age-related bone loss in the trabecular bone area. These findings imply that sFRP4 functions as a key potential endogenous balancer of the Wnt signaling pathway by efficiently having direct influence on both bone formation and bone absorption during skeletal bone development and maintenance through remodeling.

DOI： 10.1038/srep25198

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Pneumothorax associated with thoracic endometriosis (TE) generally occurs in women around 30 years old and it usually affects the right pleural cavity. We herein report two cases of TE associated with left-sided pneumothorax in young women. The prevalence of TE in younger patients may be underestimated if these cases are treated as spontaneous pneumothorax. Pneumothorax occurring in younger patients has not been reported to show laterality. TE-related or catamenial pneumothorax in young women must therefore represent a different clinical entity from the condition seen in older patients.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.7187

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Endochondral bone formation is tightly regulated by the spatial and sequential expression of a series of transcription factors. To disclose the roles of TBX18, a member of the T-box transcription factor family, during endochondral bone formation, its spatial and temporal expression patterns were characterized in the limb skeletal region of the developing mouse together with those of established osteochondrogenic markers Sox9, Col2a1, and Runx2. TBX18 expression first appeared in condensed mesenchymal cells (chondro-progenitors) in embryonic-day-10.5 (E10.5) limb bud and was co-localized with Sox9 expression, whereas at E11.5 and E12.5, it became undetectable in mesenchymal cells committed to the chondrocyte lineage. From E13.5 to E18.5, TBX18 expression reappeared in chondrocytes, correlating strongly with Col2a1 expression; furthermore, low level TBX18 expression was found in the Runx2-positive perichondral osteoblastic cell lineage. At the postnatal stage, TBX18 expression was observed in epiphyseal chondrocytes and osteocytes within the lacunae of mature trabecular bone. On the assumption that such characteristic Tbx18 gene expression is epigenetically regulated during mouse limb development, we examined the methylation status of the CpG-island in the mouse Tbx18 gene by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Hypermethylation of the Tbx18 gene promoter became evident at an early embryonic stage in TBX18-negative cells and then disappeared at a late embryonic stage in TBX18-positive cells. Therefore, the temporal suppression of Tbx18 gene expression by the hypermethylation of its promoter seems to trigger the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into hypertrophic chondrocytes in the early stages of endochondral ossification.

DOI： 10.1007/s00441-014-2028-0

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A 68-year-old man was hospitalized and examined for renal impairment. A laboratory analysis showed hypercalcemia. Although the serum parathyroid hormone and serum 1-25(OH)(2) vitamin D3 levels were not elevated, the serum parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) level was increased. Immunoelectrophoresis of the urine and bone marrow aspiration indicated multiple myeloma (MM). He was diagnosed with the coexistence of cast nephropathy and light chain deposition disease by a renal biopsy. Notably, PTHrP expression was detected in the myeloma cells based on immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. It is therefore important to examine the PTHrP concentration in MM patients with hypercalcemia.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.5085

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Granular cell tumor (GCT) is found in various organs but is rare in the mediastinum. We report a case of mediastinal GCT in a 19-year-old woman who presented with left ptosis and miosis. CT and MRI revealed a 29-mm well-circumscribed tumor located close to the first thoracic vertebra with features suggesting a neurogenic tumor. The tumor was completely excised using single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumor was a benign GCT. Postoperatively, left ptosis and miosis had improved slightly. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding mediastinal GCT presenting with preoperative Horner's syndrome.

DOI： 10.5761/atcs.cr.15-00112

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To explore the epigenetic mechanism that reactivates CDX2 (a homeobox transcription factor that serves as a tumor-suppressor gene) in intestinal-type gastric cancer during cancer progression, we examined the methylation status of the CDX2 gene promoter and the expression pattern of methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2). From archives of the pathology records of surgically excised advanced stomach cancer cases in the Department of Molecular Pathology, Ehime University in a past decate (n=265), 10 cases of intestinal-type tubular adenocarcinoma, well-differentiated type (wel) with minor poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma (por) components were selected. The expression pattern of CDX2, MUC2 and MeCP2 in these 10 cases was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The cancerous and non-cancerous areas were selectively obtained by microdissection, and the methylation status of the CDX2 promoter of each area was assessed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). In all 10 cases, CDX2 expression was clearly observed in the nucleus of the non-cancerous background of the intestinal metaplasic area, where the unmethylation pattern of the CDX2 gene promoter prevailed with reduced MeCP2 expression. In this metaplastic area, CDX2 expression was co-localized with its target gene, MUC2. CDX2 expression then disappeared from the deep invasive wel area. Reflecting the reduced CDX2 expression, microdissected samples from all the wel areas showed hypermethylation of the CDX2 gene promoter by MSP, with prominent MeCP2 expression. Interestingly, while hypermethylation of the CDX2 gene promoter was maintained in the por area in 8 of the 10 cases, CDX2 expression was restored in por areas where MeCP2 expression was markedly and selectively reduced. The other two cases, however, showed a constant MeCP2 expression level comparable to the surrounding deep invasive wel area with negative CDX2 expression. Therefore, gene silencing by hypermethylation may be overcome by the reduction of methyl-CpG binding proteins, resulting in apparent but non-functional reactivation of CDX2 as a mere molecular mark for gene silencing memory.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.15014

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Duodenal gastric heterotopia (DGH) is a benign asymptomatic condition assumed to be of congenital origin. Since DGH is often associated with fundic gland polyps (FGPs) that frequently carry a somatic beta-catenin gene mutation, we examined whether DGH, either sporadic or FGP-associated, is attributable to alterations of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Genetic analysis revealed frequent somatic beta-catenin gene mutations in DGH; some of which showed the same mutation pattern as coexisting FGPs. All missense mutations were confined to codons 32, 33, and 37. No such mutations were observed, however, in any of the specimens from focal gastric foveolar metaplasia (GFM). Therefore, DGH is not a mere congenital lesion due to aberrant migration of normal gastric mucosa or a simple reactive metaplasia after regenerative stimuli of the duodenal mucosa, but a distinct condition based upon molecular genetic changes in the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.

DOI： 10.1007/s00428-014-1612-8

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In diabetics, methylglyoxal (MG), a glucose-derived metabolite, plays a noxious role by inducing oxidative stress, which causes and exacerbates a series of complications including low-turnover osteoporosis. In the present study, while MG treatment of mouse bone marrow stroma-derived ST2 cells rapidly suppressed the expression of osteotrophic Wnt-targeted genes, including that of osteoprotegerin (OPG, a decoy receptor of the receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)), it significantly enhanced that of secreted Frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP-4, a soluble inhibitor of Wnts). On the assumption that upregulated sFRP-4 is a trigger that downregulates Wnt-related genes, we sought out the molecular mechanism whereby oxidative stress enhanced the sFRP-4 gene. Sodium bisulfite sequencing revealed that the sFRP-4 gene was highly methylated around the sFRP-4 gene basic promoter region, but was not altered by MG treatment. Electrophoretic gel motility shift assay showed that two continuous CpG loci located five bases upstream of the TATA-box were, when methylated, a target of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) that was sequestered upon induction of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, a biomarker of oxidative damage to DNA. These in vitro data suggest that MG-derived oxidative stress (not CpG demethylation) epigenetically and rapidly derepress sFRP-4 gene expression. We speculate that under persistent oxidative stress, as in diabetes and during aging, osteopenia and ultimately low-turnover osteoporosis become evident partly due to osteoblastic inactivation by suppressed Wnt signaling of mainly canonical pathways through the derepression of sFRP-4 gene expression.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0102797

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BACKGROUND
Diabetic nephropathy is a major risk of end-stage kidney disease. Many complex factors relate to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Using nonobese type 2 diabetes model rats, we confirmed that oxidative stress was a crucial factor. Because recent studies suggest that vitamin D could suppress oxidative stress, we explored whether the active vitamin D analog, maxacalcitol, could also attenuate oxidative stress and prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
METHODS
Diabetic rats aged 20 weeks were divided into 3 groups and treated with insulin, maxacalcitol, and vehicle. At age 30 weeks, blood and urine analyses, renal histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot were performed.
RESULTS
Although maxacalcitol reduced albuminuria and mesangial matrix expansion, no significant differences were observed in blood pressure and creatinine clearance among the 3 treatment groups. Systemic and intrarenal oxidative stress was reduced by maxacalcitol therapy. Expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase in the kidney also decreased in the insulin-treated and maxacalcitol-treated groups but increased in the vehicle-alone group. In addition, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) decreased and Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap1) increased in the vehicle-treated group; however, these expressions were restored in the maxacalcitol- and insulin-treated groups.
CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that maxacalcitol attenuates the progression of diabetic nephropathy by suppression of oxidative stress and amelioration of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway in nonobese type 2 diabetes without significant changes in blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate.

DOI： 10.1093/ajh/hpt160

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Although several syndromes include abnormalities of both the ventral body wall and external genitalia, the developmental bases of this correlation are largely unknown. Naturally occurring mutations in Aristaless-like 4 (Alx4, Strong's luxoid: Alx4(Lst)) have ventral body wall and pelvic girdle abnormalities. We sought to determine whether the development of the genital tubercle (GT) and its derivatives, the external genitalia, is affected by this mutation. We thus performed genetic and tissue labeling analyses in mutant mice. Alx4(Lst/Lst) mutants displayed hypoplasia of the dorsal GT and reduced expression of Fibronectin. We analyzed cell migration during GT formation by tissue labeling experiments and discovered that the cells located in the proximal segment of the umbilical cord (infra-umbilical mesenchyme) migrate toward the dorsal part of the GT. The Alx4(Lst/Lst) mutants also displayed augmented expression of Hh signal-related genes. Hence, we analyzed a series of combinatorial mutants for Alx4, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and GLI-Kruppel family member 3 (Gli3). These phenotype-genotype analyses suggested a genetic interaction between Alx4 and Hh signaling during GT formation. Moreover, Hh gain-of-function mutants phenocopied some of these phenotypes. These observations reveal novel information regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of syndromic lower ventral body malformations, which are largely unknown.

DOI： 10.1038/ejhg.2013.160

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Because WT1 is expressed in leukemia cells, the development of cancer immunotherapy targeting WT1 has been an attractive translational research topic. However, concern of this therapy still remains, since WT1 is abundantly expressed in renal glomerular podocytes. In the present study, we clearly showed that WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) certainly exerted cytotoxicity against podocytes in vitro; however, they did not damage podocytes in vivo. This might be due to the anatomical localization of podocytes, being structurally separated from circulating CTLs in glomerular capillaries by an exceptionally thick basement membrane.

DOI： 10.1186/1756-8722-7-3

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DOI： 10.1007/s00428-013-1514-1

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Analysis of archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pathological specimens of three case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and three cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) revealed that hypermethylation of the BOB. 1 gene promoter was exclusively observed in CHL. A discrepancy was observed, however, between the methylation status of the BOB. 1 gene promoter and its expression in the EBV-positive mixed cellular CHL (MCCHL). Since MCCHL lacks the typical B-cell phenotype even in the presence of abundant BOB. 1 transcription factors, functional activity of BOB. 1 may be lost or reduced by a mechanism other than epigenetic gene silencing. When some tumor-suppressor gene products have lost their biological function, impact or significance of derepression of such genes may be little. Therefore, when interpreting immunohistochemical results for diagnostic or research purposes, it must be borne in mind that apparent positive immunostaining can merely be the result of chromatin remodeling and that such transient expression often has little functional significance. Any apparent positive immunohistochemical result needs to be interpreted carefully with the help of the hypermethylation status as a molecular marker of gene silencing memory.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.14012

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Diabetes induces advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that per se are not only a major cause of oxidative stress but also reduce the plasticity of connective tissue by pathological collagen cross-linking. We describe a case of severe pulmonary hypertension manifesting as a major diabetic complication. Impaired pulmonary arteriolar plasticity attributed to pentosidine, together with increased circulation volume by hyperosmotic pressure and reduction in myocardial compliance by multiple patchy fibrosis, may contribute to the clinical manifestation of severe pulmonary hypertension. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.diabres.2013.01.019

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Background/Aims: Vascular disease is one of the critical complications of diabetes. A growing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a key role for vascular disease progression. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong link between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. Methods: We investigated the anti-oxidative effects of a vitamin D analog, 22-oxacalcitriol (maxacalcitol), on vascular lesions in type 2 diabetic rats. We used Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a model of non-obese type 2 diabetes. At 20 weeks of age, SDT rats were randomly divided into three groups: diabetes mellitus (DM, n = 10), DM + maxacalcitol (DM + D, n = 10), and DM + insulin (DM + I, n = 10). The rats were sacrificed at 30 weeks for the evaluation of blood and urine samples as well as histopathology and mRNA expression in the aorta. Results: Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion and the number of 8-OHdG-positive cells were significantly lower in the DM + I and DM + D groups than in the DM group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that NADPH p22 phox and NADPH p47 phox mRNA levels were markedly decreased in the DM + I and DM + D groups compared with the DM group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of MCP-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly reduced in the DM + I and DM + D groups compared with the DM group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the vasoprotective effects of vitamin D are mediated by reducing oxidative stress. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

DOI： 10.1159/000346808

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Language：English   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

DOI： 10.1111/pin.12046

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Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is a rare condition caused by ectopic entrapment of gastric glands, probably secondary to the disruption of muscularis mucosae. GCP is often associated with gastric adenocarcinoma, and loss of the KCNE2 subunit from potassium channel complexes is considered a common primary target molecule leads to both GCP and malignancy. In this study, we, for the first time, analyzed the expression of KCNE2 in surgically excised tissue from human gastric cancer associated with GCP and confirmed that reduced KCNE2 expression correlates with disease formation.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v19.i8.1314

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AIM: To examine how the expression of caudal type homebox transcription factor 2 (Cdx2) is regulated in the development of malignancy in Barrett's esophagus.
METHODS: Cdx2, mucin (MUC) series (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6), p53 and E-cadherin expression in Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma specimens were examined by immunostaining. Isolated clusters of cells from (1) MUC2 and Cdx2-positive intestinal metaplastic mucosa; (2) MUC5AC and MUC6-positive, and MUC2 and Cdx2-negative high-grade dysplasia (HD), or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMC); and (3) MUC5AC, MUC6 and Cdx2-positive poorly-differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma (PDA) were analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction using sets of primers for detecting methylation status of the Cdx2 gene.
RESULTS: Most of the non-neoplastic Barrett's esophageal mucosa showing intestinal-type metaplasia with or without low-grade dysplasia was positive for E-cadherin, MUC series and Cdx2, but negative for p53. A portion of the low-grade to HD was positive for E-cadherin, MUC5AC, MUC6 and p53, but negative for MUC2 and Cdx2. The definite IMC area was strongly positive for MUC5AC, MUC6 and p53, but negative for MUC2 and Cdx2. Methylation of the Cdx2 promoter was not observed in intestinal metaplasia, while hypermethylation of part of its promoter was observed in hot dipped and IMC. Hypermethylation of a large fraction of the Cdx2 promoter was observed in PDA.
CONCLUSION: Cdx2 expression is restored irrespective of the methylation status of its promoter. Apparent positive immunohistochemical results can be a molecular mark for gene silencing memory. (C) 2013 Baishideng. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v19.i4.536

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Molecular genetic analyses of archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pathological specimens taken at biopsy or autopsy, are occasionally compromised because the DNA molecules therein are inevitably degraded. Furthermore, since these tissue samples comprise various cell types, the analyses based on mixtures of such heterogeneous populations often fail to reflect the nature of the affected cells. In the present study, to elucidate the contribution of beta-catenin gene mutation to the fundic gland polyp and the heterotopic gastric mucosa in the duodenum, we successfully introduced an agarose-bead mediated technique as an effectual tool for retrospective morphology-oriented genetic analyses. Microdissected samples were embedded in low-melting agarose, and directly treated with proteinase K. A fragment of the agarose-bead was used as a template for polymerase chain reaction to analyze beta-catenin mutation. Of the six cases of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the duodenum associated with fundic gland polyps, one showed a common 1-bp missense mutation at codon 37 shared by both the fundic gland polyp and the heterotopic gastric mucosa. Alternatively, a 1-bp silent mutation at codon 33 and missense mutation at codon 32 were identified only in the heterotopic gastric mucosa. Agarose-bead mediated technique shows superior sensitivity to the previously described techniques and is an effectual tool for retrospective morphology-oriented genetic analyses using a large number of archival pathological samples stored for long periods in the pathology laboratory.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.12022

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INTRODUCTION: Verruciform xanthoma is a rare, benign lesion characterized by hyperkeratosis and aggregates of foam cell macrophages. Here, we describe a case of verruciform xanthoma on the scrotum, in which the immunohistochemical localization of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a chemokine of the C-C or beta family that has been shown to induce the recruitment of monocytes for injured tissue, was analyzed to determine which cells release chemoattractants for macrophages. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old Japanese man with a well-defined nodule on the left scrotum was admitted to the hospital. An excision biopsy revealed epidermal papillary proliferation with parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of foam cell macrophages, whereby a pathological diagnosis of benign cutaneous verruciform xanthoma was made. Immunohistochemically, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was observed predominantly on cytokeratin AE1/AE3-positive differentiating keratinocytes in the prickle cell layer. However, while infiltrating macrophages were densely stained for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, keratinocytes in the basal and parabasal layers were almost negative. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that keratinocyte-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 plays an important role in the establishment of particular histological features of verruciform xanthoma. However, in the present case, unlike in previous reports, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 immunostaining in keratinocytes in the basal and parabasal layers was not prominent. We speculate that in the active phase of verruciform xanthoma, when continuous stimuli that release monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from keratinocytes to the surrounding stromal area are present, the apparent immunostaining of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 can be underestimated because of the void created by accelerated keratinocyte release from the cytoplasmic fraction.

DOI： 10.1186/1752-1947-6-260

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Background: Liver dysfunction in adult hypopituitary patients with GH deficiency (GHD) has been reported and an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested.
Objective: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the pathophysiology of the liver in adult hypopituitary patients with GHD.
Patients and methods: We recruited 69 consecutive Japanese adult hypopituitary patients with GHD and examined the prevalence of NAFLD by ultrasonography and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by liver biopsy. Patients had been given routine replacement therapy except for GH. We compared these patients with healthy age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls. We further analyzed the effect of GH replacement therapy on liver function, inflammation and fibrotic markers, and histological changes.
Results: The prevalence of NAFLD in hypopituitary patients with GHD was significantly higher than in controls (77 vs 12%, P<0.001). Of 16 patients assessed by liver biopsy, 14 (21%) patients were diagnosed with NASH. GH replacement therapy significantly reduced serum liver enzyme concentrations in the patients and improved the histological changes in the liver concomitant with reduction in fibrotic marker concentrations in patients with NASH.
Conclusions: Adult hypopituitary patients with GHD demonstrated a high NAFLD prevalence. The effect of GH replacement therapy suggests that the NAFLD is predominantly attributable to GHD.

DOI： 10.1530/EJE-12-0252

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Tumor metastasis to bone is a serious pathological situation that causes severe pain, and deterioration in locomoter function. However, the mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis is still incompletely understood. CIZ/NMP4 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein and its roles in tumor cells have not been known. We, therefore, hypothesized the role of CIZ/NMP4 in B16 melanoma cells that metastasize to bone. CIZ/NMP4 is expressed in B16 cells. The CIZ/NMP4 expression levels are correlated to the metastatic activity in divergent types of melanoma cells. Overexpression of CIZ/NMP4 increased B16 cell migration in Trans-well assay. Conversely, siRNA-based knockdown of CIZ/NMP4 suppressed migratory activity of these cells. As RANKL promotes metastasis of tumor cells in bone, we tested its effect on CIZ in melanoma cells. RANKL treatment enhanced CIZ/NMP4 expression. This increase of CIZ by RANKL promoted migration. Conversely, we identified CIZ/NMP4 binding site in the promoter of RANKL. Furthermore, luciferase assay indicated that CIZ/NMP4 overexpression enhanced RANKL promoter activities, revealing a positive feedback loop of CIZ/NMP4 and RANKL in melanoma. These observations indicate that CIZ/NMP4 is critical regulator of metastasis of melanoma cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 28072812, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/jcp.24066

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Background: Congenital diseases of the urinary tract are frequently observed in infants. Such diseases present a number of developmental anomalies such as hydroureter and hydronephrosis. Although some genetically-modified mouse models of growth factor signaling genes reproduce urinary phenotypes, the pathogenic mechanisms remain obscure. Previous studies suggest that a portion of the cells in the external genitalia and bladder are derived from peri-cloacal mesenchymal cells that receive Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in the early developmental stages. We hypothesized that defects in such progenitor cells, which give rise to urinary tract tissues, may be a cause of such diseases.
Methodology/Principal Findings: To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of upper urinary tract malformations, we analyzed a series of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) deficient mice. Shh(-/-) displayed hydroureter and hydronephrosis phenotypes and reduced expression of several developmental markers. In addition, we suggested that Shh modulation at an early embryonic stage is responsible for such phenotypes by analyzing the Shh conditional mutants. Tissue contribution assays of Hh-responsive cells revealed that peri-cloacal mesenchymal cells, which received Hh signal secreted from cloacal epithelium, could contribute to the ureteral mesenchyme. Gain- and loss-of-functional mutants for Hh signaling revealed a correlation between Hh signaling and Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling. Finally, a conditional ablation of Bmp receptor type IA (BmprIA) gene was examined in Hh-responsive cell lineages. This system thus made it possible to analyze the primary functions of the growth factor signaling relay. The defective Hh-to-Bmp signaling relay resulted in severe urinary tract phenotypes with a decrease in the number of Hh-responsive cells.
Conclusions/Significance: This study identified the essential embryonic stages for the pathogenesis of urinary tract phenotypes. These results suggested that Hh-responsive mesenchymal Bmp signaling maintains the population of peri-cloacal mesenchyme cells, which is essential for the development of the ureter and the upper urinary tract.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0042245

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We evaluated an autopsy case with severe neonatal respiratory distress, hypoplasia of thymus, thyroid gland and cerebellum, and agenesis of the corpus callosum displaying striking phenotypic similarity to the CrebA knockout mouse. On the assumption that comparable genetic alterations must be present, we checked the whole genomic DNA sequence of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein 1 (CREB1), the human counterpart of mouse CrebA, and found a missense c.347A>G mutation corresponding to p.D116G within the kinase-inducible domain (KID) of CREB1. When transcribed in vitro, while Ser-133 phosphorylation of KID was maintained upon forskolin treatment, mutated CREB1 protein failed to associate with the KIX domain of co-activator CREBBP/EP300, and thereby, interrupted cAMP-dependent protein kinase A signal transduction as the dominant-negative form. This is the first report of a sporadic CREB1-related multiple malformation syndrome that, in light of accumulated knowledge of phenotypic features in gene-targeted animals, clearly emphasizes the importance of cross-species translational research. Hum Mutat 33:651654, 2012. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/humu.22027

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：CELL PRESS  

Adipose tissue secretes adipokines that mediate insulin resistance, a characteristic feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes. By differential proteome analysis of cellular models of insulin resistance, we identified progranulin (PGRN) as an adipokine induced by TNF-alpha and dexamethasone. PGRN in blood and adipose tissues was markedly increased in obese mouse models and was normalized with treatment of pioglitazone, an insulin-sensitizing agent. Ablation of PGRN (Grn(-/-)) prevented mice from high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance, adipocyte hypertrophy, and obesity. Gm deficiency blocked elevation of IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine, induced by HFD in blood and adipose tissues. Insulin resistance induced by chronic administration of PGRN was suppressed by neutralizing IL-6 in vivo. Thus, PGRN is a key adipokine that mediates HFD-induced insulin resistance and obesity through production of IL-6 in adipose tissue, and may be a promising therapeutic target for obesity.

DOI： 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.12.002

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Introduction. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and severe adult-onset, sporadic, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we describe an autopsy case of MSA in a long-term professional painter. Although typical glial cytoplasmic inclusion (GCI) was not observed in a routine histological examination, strong α-synuclein immunostaining in the nucleus confirmed the diagnosis of MSA. Case Presentation. A 48-year-old Japanese man with a long occupational history of professional painter was sent to the emergency room, where he died of multiple organ failure. The patient had suffered tremors and inarticulateness at age 28, developed diabetes at 42 and was diagnosed with spinocerebellar degeneration at 46. A histopathological examination showed severe neuronal loss, gliosis, and tissue rarefaction in the paleostriatum, striate body of the substantia nigra, the pons, and the olivary nucleus of the upper medulla oblongata, intermediolateral of the spinal gray matter (sacral region). α-synuclein-positive GCI in oligodendroglia was occurred in the cerebral cortex, the midbrain, the medulla oblongata, and the spinal cord. These findings confirmed the presence of multiple-system atrophy (OPCA+SDS). Conclusion. Although the pathogenesis of MSA is still unclear, prolonged, and extensive exposure to organic solvents, together with a hyperglycemic morbidity attributed to diabetes, may have contributed to the onset and clinical course of the present case.

DOI： 10.1155/2012/613180

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Background: Ichthyosis uteri is an uncommon entity in which the entire endometrium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. Though the condition often is considered as benign, dysplastic changes have been reported. Case: We describe herein an exceedingly rare case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium (PSCCE) associated with extensive ichthyosis uteri with chronic pyometra, who presented with blood-stained vaginal discharge of six-seven months duration. Although repeated endometrial biopsies revealed only strips of stratified squamous epithelium showing moderate to severe dysplastic changes, the tumor markers and magnetic resonance imaging strongly suggested advanced uterine body malignancy. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and histologic findings of the superficial layer were consistent with ichthyosis uteri; in contrast the lesion of invasive squamous cell carcinoma was located in the deeper layer and lymph nodes. No dysplastic changes of the cervix were noted. Conclusions: It is suggested that PSCCE could be associated with pre-existing ichthyosis uteri and deeper biopsies should be performed for the accurate preoperative diagnosis of cases with chronic pyometra.

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Although various function of chemerin have been suggested, its physiological role remains to be elucidated. Here we show that chemerin-deficient mice are glucose intolerant irrespective of exhibiting reduced macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. The glucose intolerance was mainly due to increased hepatic glucose production and impaired insulin secretion. Chemerin and its receptor ChemR23 were expressed in beta-cell. Studies using isolated islets and perfused pancreas revealed impaired glucose-dependent insulin secretion (GSIS) in chemerin-deficient mice. Conversely, chemerin transgenic mice revealed enhanced GSIS and improved glucose tolerance. Expression of MafA, a pivotal transcriptional factor for beta-cell function, was downregulated in chemerin-deficient islets and a chemerin-ablated beta-cell line and rescue of MafA expression restored GSIS, indicating that chemerin regulates beta-cell function via maintaining MafA expression. These results indicate that chemerin regulates beta-cell function and plays an important role in glucose homeostasis in a tissue-dependent manner.

DOI： 10.1038/srep00123

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Oestrogen exposure has been linked to a risk for the development of testicular germ cell cancers. The effects of oestrogen are now known to be mediated by oestrogen receptor-alpha (ER alpha) and ER beta subtypes, but only ER beta has been found in human germ cells of normal testis. However, its expression was markedly diminished in seminomas, embryonal cell carcinomas and mixed germ cell tumours, but remains high in teratomas. PATZ1 is a recently discovered zinc finger protein that, due to the presence of the POZ domain, acts as a transcriptional repressor affecting the basal activity of different promoters. We have previously described that PATZ1 plays a crucial role in normal male gametogenesis and that its up-regulation and mislocalization could be associated with the development of testicular germ cell tumours. Here we show that ER beta interacts with PATZ1 in normal germ cells, while down-regulation of ER beta associates with transcriptional co-regulator PATZ1 delocalization in human testicular seminomas. In addition, we show that the translocation of PATZ1 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus is regulated by cAMP, which also induces increased expression and nuclear localization of ER beta, while this effect is counteracted by using the anti-oestrogen ICI 182-780. Copyright (C) 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DOI： 10.1002/path.2846

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Receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family expressed in osteoclast precursors, and RANK-RANK ligand (RANKL) signaling is a key system for differentiation, activation and survival of osteoclasts. Here, we report the identification of a novel alternative splicing variant of mouse RANK gene (vRANK) that contains a new intervening exon between exon 1 and exon 2 of mouse full-length RANK (fRANK) mRNA. Since this novel exon contains the stop codon, vRANK encodes truncated amino acids that have a portion of the signal peptide of fRANK and an additional 19 amino acids that show no homology to previously reported domains. By transient transfection studies with vRANK-GFP and -Flag expressing constructs, vRANK was found localized mostly in the cytoplasm and partly in the cell membrane, but was not secreted into the culture supernatant. Under the stimulation of various factors, the expression of vRANK mRNA was almost parallel to that of fRANK in RAW264.7 cells not treated with M-CSF. Overexpression of vRANK, on the other hand, decreased TRACP (a marker of osteoclasts) mRNA expression as well as the number of TRACP-positive multinucleated giant cells. While the mRNA expression levels of NFATc1 (a master transcriptional factor of the osteoclast differentiation program) were not affected, apoptotic cells increased significantly in vRAN K-transfected cells treated with sRANKL. Taken together, these results suggest that vRANK is a novel osteoclast suppressor that reduces the number of RANKL-induced mature osteoclasts mainly by negating the anti-apoptotic effect of RANKL.

DOI： 10.1007/s11010-010-0679-z

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Epigenetic alterations in cancer, especially DNA methylation and histone modification, exert a significant effect on the deregulated expression of cancer-related genes and lay an epigenetic pathway to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Global hypomethylation and local hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter region, which result in silencing tumor suppressor genes, constitute general and major epigenetic modification, the hallmark of the neoplastic epigenome. Additionally, methylation-induced gene silencing commonly affects a number of genes and increases with cancer progression. Indeed, cancers with a high degree of methylation (CpG island methylator phenotype/CIMP) do exist and represent a distinct subset of certain cancers including colorectal, bladder and kidney. On the other hand, signals from the microenvironment, especially those from transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), induce targeted de novo epigenetic alterations of cancer-related genes. While TGF-β signaling has been implicated in two opposite roles in cancer, namely tumor suppression and tumor promotion, its deregulation is also partly induced by epigenetic alteration itself. Although the epigenetic pathway to carcinogenesis and cancer progression has such reciprocal complexity, the important issue is to identify genes or signaling pathways that are commonly silenced in various cancers in order to find early diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic alteration by DNA methylation and its role in molecular modulations of the TGF-β signaling pathway that cause or underlie altered cancer-related gene expression in both phases of early carcinogenesis and late cancer progression.

DOI： 10.3390/cancers3010982

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC  

The mechanisms whereby the parathyroid hormone (PTH) exerts its anabolic action on bone are incompletely understood. We previously showed that inhibition of ERK1/2 enhanced Smad3-induced bone anabolic action in osteoblasts. These findings suggested the hypothesis that changes in gene expression associated with the altered Smad3-induced signaling brought about by an ERK1/2 inhibitor would identify novel bone anabolic factors in osteoblasts. We therefore performed a comparative DNA microarray analysis between empty vector-transfected mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and PD98059-treated stable Smad3-overexpressing MC3T3-E1 cells. Among the novel factors, Tmem119 was selected on the basis of its rapid induction by PTH independent of later increases in endogenous TGF-beta. The levels of Tmem119 increased with time in cultures of MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse mesenchymal ST-2 cells committed to the osteoblast lineage by BMP-2. PTH stimulated Tmem119 levels within 1 h as determined by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry in MC3T3-E1 cells. MC3T3-E1 cells stably overexpressing Tmem119 exhibited elevated levels of Runx2, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and beta-catenin, whereas Tmem119 augmented BMP-2-induced Runx2 levels in mesenchymal cells. Tmem119 interacted with Runx2, Smad1, and Smad5 in C2C12 cells. In conclusion, we identified a Smad3-related factor, Tmem119, that is induced by PTH and promotes differentiation in mouse osteoblastic cells. Tmem119 is an important molecule in the pathway downstream of PTH and Smad3 signaling in osteoblasts.

DOI： 10.1074/jbc.M110.179127

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DOI： 10.1096/fj.09-137380

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Language：Japanese  

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Background: Diabetic bone disease is a major complication in diabetes mellitus and is characterized by low-turnover bone formation. Recent studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress could be associated with diabetic bone disease and that beta-adrenergic antagonists could increase bone formation. Our study investigated the effect of carvedilol (beta-blocker), possessing an antioxidant effect, on diabetic bone disease. Methods: We used the non-obese, type 2 diabetes model Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats in this study. Sprague-Dawley rats were used as controls (control, n = 6). SDT rats were divided into four groups: diabetic (DM, n = 8), DM+insulin (DM+I, n = 7), DM+carvedilol (DM+C, n = 8), and DM+N-acetylcysteine (DM+N, n = 10) at 20 weeks. The rats were sacrificed at 30 weeks, after which blood and urine samples, bone mineral density, histomorphometry, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: The number of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine-positive cells in bone tissue was significantly lower in the DM+C and DM+N groups than in the DM group. Mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate per bone surface in the DM+C and DM+N groups were significantly higher than those in the DM group, and these parameters were better in the DM+C group than in the DM+N group. Conclusion: Our data suggest that carvedilol has stronger effects on diabetic low-turnover bone disease beyond that which can be attributed to its antioxidative stress mechanism. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel

DOI： 10.1159/000330853

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DOI： 10.1096/fj.09-137380

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It has been reported that AGEs and the receptor for AGEs (RAGEs) have been linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy. However, the relationship between RAGE and alteration in bone metabolism is unclear. Therefore, in order to determine the role of RAGE in bone metabolism, we investigated the effects of RAGE deletion on bone metabolism under physiological and diabetic conditions using RAGE knockout mice (RAGE-KO). Eight-week-old male RAGE-KO and wild-type littermates (WT) were intraperitoneally injected with either streptozotocin or vehicle. Mice were classified into four groups: (1) nondiabetic WT; (2) nondiabetic RAGE-KO; (3) diabetic WT; and (4) diabetic RAGE-KO. After 12 weeks of streptozotocin or vehicle treatment, the physical properties of femora and the static and dynamic parameters of bone histomorphometry of tibiae were assessed. The deletion of RAGE affected neither body weights nor hemoglobin A1c levels. RAGE deletion resulted in increased bone mineral density due to decreased osteoclast function under physiological conditions that is no accumulation of AGEs. In contrast, lacking RAGE did not affect the alteration in bone metabolism under diabetic conditions, suggesting that AGEs-RAGE interaction may not be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic osteopenia, although RAGE plays a crucial role in bone metabolism.

DOI： 10.1007/s12020-010-9390-9

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DOI： 10.1007/s12020-010-9390-9

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Language：English   Publisher：ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD  

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.06.015

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DOI： 10.1002/gcc.20799

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DOI： 10.1002/gcc.20799

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL  

The Rho family GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in the regulation of glucose uptake in myoblast cell lines. However, no evidence for the role of Rac1 has been provided by a mouse model. The purpose of this study is to test the involvement of Rac1 in insulin action in mouse skeletal muscle. Intravenous administration of insulin indeed elicited Rac1 activation in gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting the involvement of Rac1 in this signaling pathway. We then examined whether insulin-stimulated translocation of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 from its storage sites to the skeletal muscle sarcolemma depends on Rac1. We show that ectopic expression of constitutively activated Rac1, as well as intravenous administration of insulin, caused translocation of GLUT4 to the gastrocnemius muscle sarcolemma, as revealed by immunofluorescent staining of a transiently expressed exofacial epitope-tagged GLUT4 reporter. Of particular note, insulin-dependent, but not constitutively activated Rac1-induced, GLUT4 translocation was markedly suppressed in skeletal muscle-specific rac1-knockout mice compared to control mice. Immunogold electron microscopic analysis of endogenous GLUT4 gave similar results. Collectively, we propose a critical role of Rac1 in insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation to the skeletal muscle sarcolemma, which has heretofore been predicted solely by cell culture studies.-Ueda, S., Kitazawa, S., Ishida, K., Nishikawa, Y., Matsui, M., Matsumoto, H., Aoki, T., Nozaki, S., Takeda, T., Tamori, Y., Aiba, A., Kahn, C. R., Kataoka, T., Satoh, T. Crucial role of the small GTPase Rac1 in insulin-stimulated translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the mouse skeletal muscle sarcolemma. FASEB J. 24, 2254-2261 (2010). www.fasebj.org

DOI： 10.1096/fj.09-137380

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Background: The role of nitric oxide (NO) is controversial in diabetes nephropathy progression and the mechanisms remain unknown, especially in non-obese type 2 diabetes. To examine mechanisms of nephropathy progression in nonobese type 2 diabetes, we used spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a newly established model of non-obese type 2 diabetes. Methods: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a control (20 weeks, n = 6; 30 weeks, n = 8), and 20-week-old male SDT rats were divided into 2 groups: diabetic (DM, n = 8) and DM + insulin (n = 8) groups. Twenty-and 36-week-old rats were sacrificed, and blood, urine, and histomorphometric analyses, mRNA expression analysis of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and NADPH oxidase, and blood pressure measurement were performed. Results: At 36 weeks, NO metabolites, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the other 2 groups. Further renal studies showed in creased glomerular volume and mesangial area, and intensified eNOS, 8-OHdG, and nitrotyrosine immunostaining in the diabetic group. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were positively associated with increased glomerular volume and mesangial area, which were mostly recovered by insulin therapy. Conclusions: NO and oxidative stress increased in SDT rats, suggesting that these play key roles in nephropathy progression in non-obese type 2 diabetes. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

DOI： 10.1159/000297290

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Background: The role of nitric oxide (NO) is controversial in diabetes nephropathy progression and the mechanisms remain unknown, especially in non-obese type 2 diabetes. To examine mechanisms of nephropathy progression in nonobese type 2 diabetes, we used spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a newly established model of non-obese type 2 diabetes. Methods: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a control (20 weeks, n = 6; 30 weeks, n = 8), and 20-week-old male SDT rats were divided into 2 groups: diabetic (DM, n = 8) and DM + insulin (n = 8) groups. Twenty-and 36-week-old rats were sacrificed, and blood, urine, and histomorphometric analyses, mRNA expression analysis of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and NADPH oxidase, and blood pressure measurement were performed. Results: At 36 weeks, NO metabolites, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the other 2 groups. Further renal studies showed in creased glomerular volume and mesangial area, and intensified eNOS, 8-OHdG, and nitrotyrosine immunostaining in the diabetic group. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were positively associated with increased glomerular volume and mesangial area, which were mostly recovered by insulin therapy. Conclusions: NO and oxidative stress increased in SDT rats, suggesting that these play key roles in nephropathy progression in non-obese type 2 diabetes. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

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We describe an autopsy case of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma metastasizing to the myocardium. A 63-year-old Japanese man was admitted to the hospital presenting with dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed marked left ventricular hypertrophy and diffuse myocardial thickening with pericardial effusion. The patient died of heart failure. An autopsy revealed that the whole pancreas, weighing 400 g, was occupied by tumor cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. The heart, weighing 780 g, showed numerous metastatic nodules and diffuse myocardial thickening. Histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis for D2-40 disclosed severe lymphatic infiltration of tumor cells, characterized by diffuse thickening of the myocardium. © 2009 Kondo et al
licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

DOI： 10.1186/1757-1626-2-9127

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We report a rare case of fatal cardiac tamponade attributed to coronary sinus thrombosis. An 83-year-old man was admitted to the hospital complaining of general fatigue. Laboratory examination revealed marked increase of atypical lymphoblastic cells in peripheral blood. CHOP therapy was started under the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient died, however, of sudden cardiac arrest in the initial course of the chemotherapy. Autopsy revealed cardiac tamponade with markedly dilated and congested coronary vein induced by coronary sinus thrombosis. A condition similar to leukemia-related venous thromboembolic disease, combined with endothelial damage induced by leukemic infiltration, may cause this rare complication. © 2009 Kitazawa et al
licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

DOI： 10.1186/1757-1626-2-9095

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN NEUROSURGICAL SOC  

A 54-year-old man with Klinefelter syndrome presented with glioblastoma multiforme manifesting as a 2-week history of motor weakness of the bilateral extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple heterogeneously enhanced tumors in the bilateral frontal lobes. Angiography showed no tumor stain or arteriovenous shunt. The tumor was partially removed through a right craniotomy. The histological diagnosis was glioblastoma. Immunohistochemical examination showed no O(6)-methylguaninedeoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase protein expression. Postoperative local radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions) combined with temozolomide (75 mg/m(2) x 42 days) and interferon-beta (3,000,000 U, 3 times/week) was performed. The patient's clinical status rapidly deteriorated during chemoradiotherapy, and he died of tumor progression 3.5 months after the surgery. Postmortem examination revealed widespread glioblastoma infiltrating the basal ganglia and thalamus. Klinefelter syndrome is associated with increased cancer predisposition, especially for male breast cancer and germ cell tumors, but glioma is extremely rare. The abnormal genetic constitution of this patient may have been directly responsible for the poor outcome.

DOI： 10.2176/nmc.49.532

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We report a typical case of injection-site granuloma attributed to subcutaneous administration of leuprorelin acetate, an LHRH agonist. A 70-year-old man who had undergone total prostatectomy and was subsequently given leuprorelin injections for prostatic cancer presented with bilateral nodules in the lower abdominal wall. An excisional biopsy revealed a non-caseous epithelioid granuloma consisting of CD-68 positive histiocytic cells with infiltration of T-lymphocytes and eosinophils
skin metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma was ruled out through histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Generally, granulomas may be caused by delayed-type hypersensitivity to the constituents of leuprorelin acetate injections. © 2009 Kitazawa et al.
licensee Cases Network Ltd.

DOI： 10.4076/1757-1626-2-8326

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

Apc(Min/+) mice, carrying an inactivated allele of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene, are widely used as an animal model for human colorectal tumorigenesis, where tumor environment, such as inflammation, is known to play a critical role in tumor progression. We previously demonstrated that phospholipase C (PLC)epsilon, an effector of Ras and Rap small GTPases, plays a crucial role in two-stage skin chemical carcinogenesis using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbor-13-acetate (TPA) as a promoter through augmentation of TPA-induced inflammation. Here, we show that Apc(Min/+) mice lacking PLC epsilon (PLC epsilon(-/-)) exhibit marked resistance to spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis compared with those with the PLC epsilon(+/+) background. Time course of the development of tumors, which are histopathologically classified into low- and high-grade adenomas with increasing dysplasia and size, and adenocarcinomas indicates that not only the low-grade adenoma formation but also the progression to high-grade adenoma are suppressed in PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice. Low-grade adenomas of PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice exhibit accelerated apoptosis and reduced cellular proliferation. They also show marked attenuation of tumor angiogenesis and reduction in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. In contrast, high-grade adenomas of PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice exhibit marked attenuation of tumor-associated inflammation without significant differences in apoptosis and proliferation. These results suggest that PLC epsilon plays crucial roles in intestinal tumorigenesis through two distinct mechanisms, augmentation of angiogenesis and inflammation, depending on the tumor stage.

DOI： 10.1093/carcin/bgp125

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Apc(Min/+) mice, carrying an inactivated allele of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene, are widely used as an animal model for human colorectal tumorigenesis, where tumor environment, such as inflammation, is known to play a critical role in tumor progression. We previously demonstrated that phospholipase C (PLC)epsilon, an effector of Ras and Rap small GTPases, plays a crucial role in two-stage skin chemical carcinogenesis using 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbor-13-acetate (TPA) as a promoter through augmentation of TPA-induced inflammation. Here, we show that Apc(Min/+) mice lacking PLC epsilon (PLC epsilon(-/-)) exhibit marked resistance to spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis compared with those with the PLC epsilon(+/+) background. Time course of the development of tumors, which are histopathologically classified into low- and high-grade adenomas with increasing dysplasia and size, and adenocarcinomas indicates that not only the low-grade adenoma formation but also the progression to high-grade adenoma are suppressed in PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice. Low-grade adenomas of PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice exhibit accelerated apoptosis and reduced cellular proliferation. They also show marked attenuation of tumor angiogenesis and reduction in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. In contrast, high-grade adenomas of PLC epsilon(-/-);Apc(Min/+) mice exhibit marked attenuation of tumor-associated inflammation without significant differences in apoptosis and proliferation. These results suggest that PLC epsilon plays crucial roles in intestinal tumorigenesis through two distinct mechanisms, augmentation of angiogenesis and inflammation, depending on the tumor stage.

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The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) is a transmembrane TGFRI/BMPRI-related pseudoreceptor, antagonizes transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/BMP signaling by inhibiting the formation of functional authentic receptor complexes (TGFRI/BMPRI and TGFRII/BMPRII). On the assumption that BAMBI gene expression is epigenetically altered during human bladder cancer progression, we screened the expression of BAMBI protein by immunohistochemistry and the methylation status of the BAMBI promoter. In the normal or reactive urothelium, BAMBI expression was mostly overlapped with that of BMPRI, and a similar colocalization pattern was noted in low-grade papillary cancers. In high-grade and invasive cancers, however, mainly two reciprocal immunohistochemical expression patterns were observed: BAMBI-low/BMPRI-high, and BAMBI-high/BMPRI-low, indicating that BAMBI expression is controlled such that it does not interfere with the responsiveness of high-grade cancer cells to TGF-beta/BMP signaling. Moreover, methylation of the BAMBI gene correlated significantly with negative BAMBI expression in bladder tumors. Although BAMBI overexpression significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in T24 line, knock-down small interfering RNA showed no remarkable change. Cell motility assay revealed that on treatment with either TGF-beta 1 or BMP2, T24 and HTB9 lines showed a marked increase in the number of migrated cells which,, however, decreased significantly through the forced expression of BAMBI. Since certain subsets of aggressive tumors often promote cell motility, invasion and survival by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through TGF-beta/BMP in an autocrine and paracrine manner, hypermethylation of the BAMBI gene promoter that leads to BAMBI gene suppression may be one of the epigenetic events affecting the invasiveness or aggressiveness of bladder cancers. (C) 2009 UICC

DOI： 10.1002/ijc.24318

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Methods. Male Lewis rats were administered adriamycin at 8 weeks of age, and the right kidney was removed at 12 weeks of age. From 14 weeks of age, the rats were treated daily with AST-120 (n = 8) or were untreated (control group, n = 8). At 34 weeks of age, the rats were killed and urinary and blood biochemical tests as well as cardiac histological analyses were performed.
Results. At 14 weeks of age, there were no significant differences in blood pressure, renal function (creatinine clearance: 1.54 +/- 0.28 mL/min versus 1.60 +/- 0.22 mL/min), oxidative stress markers or other biochemical data between the control and AST-120 groups. At 34 weeks, despite similar blood pressure and renal function (creatinine clearance: 0.78 +/- 0.46 mL/min versus 0.75 +/- 0.54 mL/min), serum concentrations of IS and urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), acrolein and IS were significantly lower in the AST-120 group than in the control group. Heart volume, left ventricular volume and cardiac fibrosis were significantly smaller in the experimental AST-120 group than in the control group. Immunohistological analysis revealed that the numbers of 8-OHdG- and acrolein-positive cardiomyocytes and the degrees of myocardial and perivascular fibrosis were ameliorated by AST-120 administration. The myocardial fibrosis score was significantly associated with the 8-OHdG- (r = 0.848, P < 0.001) and acrolein-positive (r = 0.812, P < 0.001) cell scores. The perivascular fibrosis score was also significantly associated with the 8-OHdG- (r = 0.906, P < 0.0001) and acrolein-positive (r = 0.789, P < 0.001) cell scores.
Conclusions. Oxidative stress is suggested to play a key role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in CKD. AST-120 may suppress oxidative stress and reduce cardiac damage in CKD.

DOI： 10.1093/ndt/gfp007

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Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of osteopenia and bone fracture. However, the mechanisms accounting for diabetic bone disorder are unclear. We have previously reported that streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice develop low turnover osteopenia associated with increased oxidative stress in the diabetic condition. To determine the role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic osteopenia, we presently investigated the effect of overexpression of thioredoxin-1 (TRX), a major intracellular antioxidant, on the development of diabetic osteopenia, using TRX transgenic mice (TRX-Tg). TRX-Tg are C57BL/6 mice that carry the human TRX transgene under the control of beta-actin promoter. Eight-week-old male TRX-Tg mice and wild type (WT) littermates were intraperitoneally injected with either streptozotocin or vehicle. Mice were grouped as 1) non-diabetic WT, 2) non-diabetic TRX-Tg, 3) diabetic WT, and 4) diabetic TRX-Tg. After 12 weeks of streptozotocin treatment, oxidative stress on the whole body and bone was evaluated, and the physical properties of the femora, and histomorphometry parameters of the tibiae were assessed.
TRX overexpression did not affect either body weight or hemoglobin A1c levels. There were no significant differences in renal function and in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone among the four groups. Oil the other hand, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, was significantly elevated in diabetic WT and attenuated in diabetic TRX-Tg. Immunohistochemical staining for 8-OHdG revealed marked intensity in the bone tissue of diabetic WT compared with non-diabetic WT while staining was attenuated in diabetic TRX-Tg. TRX overexpression partially restored reduced bone mineral density and prevented the suppression of bone formation observed in diabetic WT. Increased oxidative stress in diabetic condition contributes to the development of diabetic osteopenia. Suppression of increased oxidative stress by TRX induction could be a potential therapeutic approach for diabetic osteopenia. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bone.2008.12.011

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Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of osteopenia and bone fracture. However, the mechanisms accounting for diabetic bone disorder are unclear. We have previously reported that streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice develop low turnover osteopenia associated with increased oxidative stress in the diabetic condition. To determine the role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic osteopenia, we presently investigated the effect of overexpression of thioredoxin-1 (TRX), a major intracellular antioxidant, on the development of diabetic osteopenia, using TRX transgenic mice (TRX-Tg). TRX-Tg are C57BL/6 mice that carry the human TRX transgene under the control of beta-actin promoter. Eight-week-old male TRX-Tg mice and wild type (WT) littermates were intraperitoneally injected with either streptozotocin or vehicle. Mice were grouped as 1) non-diabetic WT, 2) non-diabetic TRX-Tg, 3) diabetic WT, and 4) diabetic TRX-Tg. After 12 weeks of streptozotocin treatment, oxidative stress on the whole body and bone was evaluated, and the physical properties of the femora, and histomorphometry parameters of the tibiae were assessed.
TRX overexpression did not affect either body weight or hemoglobin A1c levels. There were no significant differences in renal function and in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone among the four groups. Oil the other hand, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, was significantly elevated in diabetic WT and attenuated in diabetic TRX-Tg. Immunohistochemical staining for 8-OHdG revealed marked intensity in the bone tissue of diabetic WT compared with non-diabetic WT while staining was attenuated in diabetic TRX-Tg. TRX overexpression partially restored reduced bone mineral density and prevented the suppression of bone formation observed in diabetic WT. Increased oxidative stress in diabetic condition contributes to the development of diabetic osteopenia. Suppression of increased oxidative stress by TRX induction could be a potential therapeutic approach for diabetic osteopenia. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bone.2008.12.011

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Growth disorder is an umbrella term for a range of abnormal growth patterns, such as unusually fast or slow growth in infants or children. The causes of growth disorder include hormonal irregularities, chronic disease, complications during pregnancy or genetic conditions. A complex trait such as body size is influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental factors, giving rise to a continuous spectrum of phenotypes. This causal complexity makes discovery of the genetic determinants of growth disorder rather difficult. We here report our discovery of a transgenic mouse line exhibiting growth disorder, which we happened to discover in the course of generating transgenic mice expressing a viral gene. Although these mice did not express any corresponding viral mRNA or protein due to a deletion in the transgene, they showed slow growth in the 5 weeks after birth and ceased growing thereafter, while maintaining a weight equivalent to that of 3-week-old normal mice. Histopathological analysis of the organs of these mice revealed that malnutrition and metabolic disorder occurred at 5 weeks after birth in the liver. Genetic analysis has revealed that the growth disorder is associated with a 58-kb fragment deletion in chromosome 11E1 that encompasses part of the Fam20a gene and part of its upstream region. The present study thus points out for the first time the possible link between Fam20a mutation and growth disorder.

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Background: Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is a rare entity of a pseudoneoplastic benign condition of the uterine cervix, and its histogenesis and pathological significance including a connection with carcinogenesis of the endocervical gland has not yet been fully recognized. Case: We describe a rare case of localized LEGH, which developed adjacent to a cesarean section scar. A 53-year-old premenopausal woman presented with a recent onset of abdominal distention and menorrhagia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple uterine myomas including submucosal myoma and localized small cystic lesions in the proximal area of the anterior wall of the cervix. Total hysterectomy was performed. The cystic lesions were diagnosed as LEGH. Thread-like foreign bodies and inflammatory reaction were demonstrated around several hyperplastic lesions. Focal immunoreactivity for MIB-1 was detected only in the LEGH cells adjacent to the fibrosis and foreign body reaction. Discussion: The histological findings, in relation to the previous cesarean section suggest that the ectopic pyloric hyperplasia in the present case could represent a heteroplastic or metaplastic process due to a multidirectional differentiation of cervical glands during chronic inflammation by foreign bodies.

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Journal of Cancer and Chemotherapy Publishers Inc.  

A 66-year-old woman was seen at our hospital because of abdominal fullness. A computed tomography (CT) revealed massive tumors in abdominal cavity. The patient underwent surgery consisting of tumorectomy, segmental gastrectomy, partial resection of small intestin, transverse colectomy, left oophorectomy and gastrostomy. By using immunohistochemical staining, the patient was diagnosed as sarcomatoid malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Rapidly abdominal fullness occurred as of 22 days after the operation, and an abdominal CT revealed the massive recurrent tumors. We started a combination chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin and dacarbazine (CYVADIC). The recurrent tumors showed remarkable reduction after the two courses of CYVADIC chemotherapy. Although we next started carboplatin and paclitaxel combination chemotherapy, she died due to rapidly progression of the disease with disseminated intravascular coagulation after 132 days of the operation. Malignant mesothelioma, especially sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is known to have a poor prognosis. However, our case suggests that we could improve the prognosis of sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma by aggressive chemotherapy.

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Background: Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is a rare entity of a pseudoneoplastic benign condition of the uterine cervix, and its histogenesis and pathological significance including a connection with carcinogenesis of the endocervical gland has not yet been fully recognized. Case: We describe a rare case of localized LEGH, which developed adjacent to a cesarean section scar. A 53-year-old premenopausal woman presented with a recent onset of abdominal distention and menorrhagia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple uterine myomas including submucosal myoma and localized small cystic lesions in the proximal area of the anterior wall of the cervix. Total hysterectomy was performed. The cystic lesions were diagnosed as LEGH. Thread-like foreign bodies and inflammatory reaction were demonstrated around several hyperplastic lesions. Focal immunoreactivity for MIB-1 was detected only in the LEGH cells adjacent to the fibrosis and foreign body reaction. Discussion: The histological findings, in relation to the previous cesarean section suggest that the ectopic pyloric hyperplasia in the present case could represent a heteroplastic or metaplastic process due to a multidirectional differentiation of cervical glands during chronic inflammation by foreign bodies.

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Journal of Cancer and Chemotherapy Publishers Inc.  

A 66-year-old woman was seen at our hospital because of abdominal fullness. A computed tomography (CT) revealed massive tumors in abdominal cavity. The patient underwent surgery consisting of tumorectomy, segmental gastrectomy, partial resection of small intestin, transverse colectomy, left oophorectomy and gastrostomy. By using immunohistochemical staining, the patient was diagnosed as sarcomatoid malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Rapidly abdominal fullness occurred as of 22 days after the operation, and an abdominal CT revealed the massive recurrent tumors. We started a combination chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin and dacarbazine (CYVADIC). The recurrent tumors showed remarkable reduction after the two courses of CYVADIC chemotherapy. Although we next started carboplatin and paclitaxel combination chemotherapy, she died due to rapidly progression of the disease with disseminated intravascular coagulation after 132 days of the operation. Malignant mesothelioma, especially sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is known to have a poor prognosis. However, our case suggests that we could improve the prognosis of sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma by aggressive chemotherapy.

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We report a case of fetal nuchal cystic hygroma associated with aortic coarctation and trisomy 21. A stillborn baby, delivered at 15 weeks and 5 days of gestation, had a huge nuchal cystic hygroma. Autopsy revealed aortic coarctation of the periductal type with patent ductus arteriosus, endocardial cushion defect and left ventricular hypoplasia. Trisomy 21 was evident by karyotyping. Macroscopically, while an apparent association of nuchal cystic hygroma and aortic coarctation resembled Turner syndrome, histopathological findings were those typically seen in trisomy 21: numerous dilated lymphatics in the subcutaneous tissue with severe mesenchymal edema, and an enlarged jugular lymphatic sac. © 2009 Kitazawa et al.
licensee Cases Network Ltd.

DOI： 10.4076/1757-1626-2-8280

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The expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) is regulated by bone-seeking hormones such as PTH and 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)). Runx2, a master gene for osteoblastic differentiation, also modulates osteoclastogenesis by regulating the RANKL gene. To elucidate the mechanism whereby runx2 and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulate RANKL expression, we studied the function of runx2 on the chromatin structure and on the proximal binding sites using osteoblastic cell lines derived from normal (ST2) and runx2-deficient mice (RD-C6). Although the expression of RANKL in the steady-state was higher in RD-C6 than in ST2, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treatment of the cells increased it 20-fold in ST2 but only 1.8-fold in RD-C6. Transient transfection studies with proximal RANKL 2kb promoter, runx2 knock-down in ST2, and forced expression of runx2 in RD-C6 all confirmed that runx2 set the steady-state expression of the RANKL gene at a low level, but exerted a positive effect on enhanced transcriptional activity in response to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Also, assessment of the acetylation status of the area spanning 40 kb upstream of the basic promoter in ST2 and RD-C6 by ChIP assay revealed that whereas H3 and H4 historic acetylation was detected even in the steady-state in RD-C6, it was detected only with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in ST2. In the steady-state, runx2 may suppress RANKL gene by condensing the chromatin structure; however, it exerts a positive effect on 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced RANKL transcription when the proximal runx2 sites are accessible. Thus, RANKL expression in stromal/osteoblastic cells is keenly regulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) which transactivates the gene at two different levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1289-1297, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/jcb.21929

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Takeuchi K, Tsujino T, Sugimoto M, Yoshida S, Kitazawa S. Endocervical adenocarcinoma associated with lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia showing rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2008;18:1285-1288.
Mucinous endocervical adenocarcinoma is characterized by increased watery vaginal discharge, but the early diagnosis is sometimes difficult because biopsy specimen might only serve to sample a superficial part of the tumor. The patient presented with complaints of abdominal distention. No vaginal bleeding or watery discharge was observed. Hydrometra was suspected by imaging studies. Rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra was seen despite drainage. Papanicolaou smear of endocervix and endometrium followed by fractional curettage was performed, but failed to confirm the diagnosis. To investigate the unknown origin of hydrometra, an exploratory laparotomy with total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, followed by pelvic lymphadenectomy because biopsy specimens during operation suggested adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The final pathologic study of surgical specimens revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma, which was located on the proximal area of cervix. Adjacent to carcinoma tissue, lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) was detected. Pyloric gland mucin (HIK1083), MUC6, and MUC5AC were diffusely immunopositive in the cytoplasm of LEGH cells and the immunoreactivity became weaker in adenocarcinoma cells with tumor progression and loss of differentiation. Based on histopathologic features of the present case, there seems to be a possible link between LEGH and conventional mucinous endocervical adenocarcinomas. The physician should keep in mind the possible existence of endocervical adenocarcinoma in a patient showing rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra, when uterine malignancies are clinically suspected and biopsy finding fails to confirm the diagnosis.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.01174.x

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We previously reported that cells harboring the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replicon as well as those expressing HCV NS3/4A exhibited increased sensitivity to suboptimal doses of apoptotic stimuli to undergo mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis (Y. Nomura-Takigawa, et al., J. Gen. Virol. 87: 1935-1945, 2006). Little is known, however, about whether or not HCV infection induces apoptosis of the virus-infected cells. In this study, by using the chimeric J6/JFH1 strain of HCV genotype 2a,we demonstrated that HCV infection induced cell death in Huh7.5 cells. The cell death was associated with activation of caspase 3, nuclear translocation of activated caspase 3, and cleavage of DNA repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, which is known to be an important substrate for activated caspase 3. These results suggest that HCV-induced cell death is, in fact, apoptosis. Moreover, HCV infection activated Bax, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, as revealed by its conformational change and its increased accumulation on mitochondrial membranes. Concomitantly, HCV infection induced disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, followed by mitochondrial swelling and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. HCV infection also caused oxidative stress via increased production of mitochondrial superoxide. On the other hand, HCV infection did not mediate increased expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) or GRP94, which are known as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced proteins; this result suggests that ER stress is not primarily involved in HCV-induced apoptosis in our experimental system. Taken together, our present results suggest that HCV infection induces apoptosis of the host cell through a Bax-triggered, mitochondrion-mediated, caspase 3-dependent pathway(s).

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.00395-08

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Receptor activator of NF-kappa B (RANK) is a receptor for RANK ligand (RANKL), and signals transduced by RANK-RANKL interaction are prerequisite for the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. We cloned and characterized a 6-kb fragment containing the 5'-flanking region of the mouse RANK gene. A fragment of 1-kb from the transcription start sites containing four Sp-1 sites and putative binding sites for MITF, CRE/AP-1, and PU.1 was ligated to the pGL3-basic vector, and the promoter activity was confirmed by transfection studies. By electrophoretic gel motility shift assay, both PU.1 and proximal MITF binding site showed specific DNA-protein binding. Co-transfection studies with MITF- and PU.1-expression vectors revealed that MITF and PU.1 increased RANK promoter activity three- and twofold, respectively, and sixfold synergistically. Taken together, these results show that RANK transcription is positively regulated by both PU.1 and MITF. The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on RANK gene expression, analyzed by in situ hybridization using mouse bone tissue, showed that LPS decreased RANK transcripts of both precursor and mature osteoclasts. Furthermore, LPS treatment of RAW.264.7 cells decreased their RANK mRNA expression by 70%, mirroring the decrease of PU.1 and MITF mRNA. Short-term treatment with LPS decreased the promoter activity of pGL3-WT by 70%. Although LPS has been reported to promote osteoclastogenesis in chronic and local pyogenic inflammation, we speculate that LPS per se may directly suppress RANK expression in the osteoclastic cell lineage by down-regulating the expression of PU.1 and MITF genes in acute and systemic severe endotoxemia, such as in septic shock. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 896-904, 2008. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/jcb.21886

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A 54-year-old man was admitted to the hospital presenting with a 3-month history of sclerosing dermal lesion in the external genitalia. A scrotal skin biopsy revealed a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma, immunohistochemically positive for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), and negative for CK20. One month after admission, he died of respiratory failure. At autopsy, a consolidating lesion with vague margin was noted in the left lung as well as a well-circumscribed nodule in the right lobe of the thyroid. Histopathologically, pulmonary lesion was adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component. On the other hand, thyroid tumor was diagnosed as a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma with foci of micropapillary adenocarcinoma. Positive immunohistochemistry for surfactant protein on micoropapillary component was useful to confirm that micropapillary component was of lung adenocarcinoma origin.

DOI： 10.1186/1757-1626-1-162

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Fuse M, Yokoi N, Shinohara M, Masuyama T, Kitazawa R, Kitazawa S, Seino S. Identification of a major locus for islet inflammation and fibrosis in the spontaneously diabetic Torii rat. Physiol Genomics 35: 96-105, 2008. First published July 8, 2008; doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.90214.2008.-The pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis in the pancreatic islets in diabetes is largely unknown. Spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats exhibit inflammation and fibrosis in and around the islets during the development of the disease. We investigated genetic factors for diabetes, islet inflammation, and fibrosis in the SDT rat. We produced F1 and F2 rats by intercross between SDT and F344 rats, examined the onset of diabetes, glucose tolerance, and histology of the pancreas, and performed genetic analysis of these traits. We then established a congenic strain carrying the SDT allele at the strongest diabetogenic locus on the F344 genetic background and characterized glucose tolerance and histology of the pancreas. F1 rats showed glucose intolerance and inflammatory changes mainly in the islets. Genetic analysis of diabetes identified a major locus on chromosome 3, designated Dmsdt1, at which a dominantly acting SDT allele was involved. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of glucose tolerance revealed, in addition to Dmsdt1 [logarithm of odds (LOD) 5.3 near D3Mit12], three other loci, designated Dmsdt2 (LOD 4.2 at D8Rat46), Dmsdt3 (LOD 3.8 near D13Arb5), and Dmsdt4 (LOD 5.8 at D14Arb18). Analysis of a congenic strain for Dmsdt1 indicates that the dominantly acting SDT allele induces islet inflammation and fibrosis. Thus we have found a major locus on chromosome 3 for islet inflammation and fibrosis in the SDT rat. Identification of the genes responsible should provide insight into the pathogenesis of diabetes.

DOI： 10.1152/physiolgenomics.90214.2008

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White adipocytes are unique in that they contain large unilocular lipid droplets that occupy most of the cytoplasm. To identify genes involved in the maintenance of mature adipocytes, we expressed dominant-negative PPAR gamma in 3T3-L1 cells and performed a microarray screen. The fat-specific protein of 27 kDa (FSP27) was strongly downregulated in this context. FSP27 expression correlated with induction of differentiation in cultured preadipocytes, and the protein localized to lipid droplets in murine white adipocytes in vivo. Ablation of FSP27 in mice resulted in the formation of multilocular lipid droplets in these cells. Furthermore, FSP27-deficient mice were protected from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance and displayed an increased metabolic rate due to increased mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT). Depletion of FSP27 by siRNA in murine cultured white adipocytes resulted in the formation of numerous small lipid droplets, increased lipolysis, and decreased triacylglycerol storage, while expression of FSP27 in COS cells promoted the formation of large lipid droplets. Our results suggest that FSP27 contributes to efficient energy storage in WAT by promoting the formation of unilocular lipid droplets, thereby restricting lipolysis. In addition, we found that the nature of lipid accumulation in WAT appears to be associated with maintenance of energy balance and insulin sensitivity.

DOI： 10.1172/JCI34090

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An invasive micropapillary carcinoma ( IMPC) is defined as a carcinoma composed of small clusters of tumor cells lying within clear spaces simulating vascular channels [ 1]. It is a histological variant of invasive breast carcinoma with poor clinical prognosis [2, 3]. This distinct histological pattern has been described in various organs, including the urinary bladder, lung, ovary, and major salivary glands [4 - 8]. Although rarely observed as a pure histological component, IMPC is usually mixed with otherwise conventional carcinoma [3] and is therefore often referred to as carcinoma with a micropapillary component. In cases of adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component, an abrupt transition is usually seen between the invasive micropapillary component and conventional adenocarcinoma [3]. IMPCs are all invariably associated with high aggressiveness, extensive lymphovascular invasion, extensive lymph node metastases, and poor prognosis [1-3].
We describe the first case of primary IMPC originating in the stomach as a histologic subcomponent of recurrent gastric adenocarcinoma.

DOI： 10.1007/s10620-007-0136-3

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Mitochondrial diabetes is characterized by diabetes and hearing loss in maternal transmission with a heteroplasmic A3243G mutation in the mitochondrial gene. In patients with the mutation, it has been reported that hepatic involvement is rarely observed. We demonstrated a case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hepatic failure with mitochondrial diabetes. To clarify the pathogenesis we analyzed the mitochondrial ultrastructure in the myocytes, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the liver and the status of lieteroplasmy of the mitochondrial A3243G mutation in the organs involved. In cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle, electron microscopic analysis demonstrated typical morphological mitochondrial abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated enhanced ROS production associated with marked steatosis in the liver, which is often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Analysis of the A3243G mutation revealed a substantial ratio of heteroplasmy in these organs including the liver. The presence of steatosis and enhanced oxidative stress in the liver suggested that hepatic failure was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

DOI： 10.1507/endocrj.K07E-091

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DOI： 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.08.022

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Testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents and adults (TGCTs) can be classified into seminomatous and nonseminomatous tumors. Various nonseminomatous cell lines, predominantly embryonal carcinoma, have been established and proven to be valuable for pathobiological and clinical studies. So far, no cell lines have been derived from seminoma which constitutes more than 50% of invasive TGCTs. Such a cell line is essential for experimental investigation of biological characteristics of the cell of origin of TGCTs, i.e., carcinoma in situ of the testis, which shows characteristics of a seminoma cell. Before a cell line can be used as model, it must be verified regarding its origin and characteristics. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach was undertaken on TCam-2 cells, supposedly the first seminoma cell line. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, array comparative genomic hybridization, and spectral karyotyping demonstrated an aneuploid DNA content, with gain of 12p, characteristic for TGCTs. Genome wide mRNA and microRNA expression profiling supported the seminoma origin, in line with the biallelic expression of imprinted genes IGF2/H19 and associated clemethylation of the imprinting control region. Moreover, the presence of specific markers, demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, including (wild type) KIT, stem cell factor, placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4 (also demonstrated by a specific Q-PCR) and NANOG, and the absence of CD30, SSX2-4, and SOX2, confirms that TCam-2 is a seminoma cell line. Although mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are rather rare in TGCTs, TCam-2 had a mutated BRAF gene (V600E), which likely explains the fact that these cells could be propagated in vitro. In conclusion, TCam-2 is the first well-characterized seminoma-derived cell line, with an exceptional mutation, rarely found in TGCTs. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/gcc.20520

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To explore a novel adipokine, we screened adipocyte differentiation-related gene and found that TIG2/chemerin was strongly induced during the adipocyte differentiation. Chemerin was secreted by the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and expressed abundantly in adipose tissue in vivo as recently described. Intriguingly, the expression of chemerin was differently regulated in the liver and adipose tissue in db/db mice. In addition, serum chemerin concentration was decreased in db/db mice. Chemerin and its receptor/ChemR23 were expressed in mature adipocytes, suggesting its function in autocrine/paracrine fashion. Finally, chemerin potentiated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake concomitant with enhanced insulin signaling in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These data establish that chemerin is a novel adipokine that regulates adipocyte function. (C) 2008 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.01.023

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Of all malignancies diagnosed in men between 17 and 45 years of age, 60% are germ cell tumors (GCT). GCT arise from carcinoma in situ cells, which are thought to originate from a transformed fetal germ cell, the gonocyte. Seminoma together with embryonal carcinoma represent the most frequent subtypes of GCT. However, the nature of the molecular pathways involved in seminoma formation remains elusive. Therefore, analysis of appropriate cell culture systems is an important prerequisite for further understanding of the etiology of this tumor entity. Although several cell lines for embryonal carcinoma have been established and analyzed, so far only two cell lines from seminoma patients have been reported. In the present study, we have analyzed these seminoma cell lines (TCam-2 and JKT-1) and compared the gene-expression profiles with those of normal tissue and of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma by using DNA Array technology. We have found that TCam-2 clusters with the group of classical seminoma, whereas JKT-1 clusters with the group of embryonal carcinoma. Using reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry, we have confirmed the seminoma-like nature of TCam-2, whereas JKT-1 lacks expression for most of the genes detectable in GCTs, thus making doubtful the germ cell nature of this cell line. The data represent the first genome-wide expression analysis of the two cell lines and comparison/clustering with subgroups of germ cell tumors. Only TCam-2 seems to represent a suitable in vitro model for seminoma.

DOI： 10.1007/s00441-007-0527-y

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Increased bone fragility attributed to osteopenia is a serious side effect of glucocorticoid treatment. Glucocorticoid-induced bone loss is caused primarily by hypofunction and apoptosis of osteoblasts, and secondarily by accelerated bone resorption. To explore the mechanism whereby dexamethasone (Dex) stimulates osteoclastogenesis in the coculture system, we analyzed the effect of Dex on the expression of both mouse osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL). Dex reduced OPG transcripts and OPG protein secretion by the ST2 osteoblastic cells. Since mainly the c-Jun homodimer maintains the steady-state transcription of the OPG gene, we examined the effect of Dex on c-Jun signaling in ST2 cells. Western blotting disclosed that Dex decreased the amount of phospho-c-Jun protein (p-c-Jun) and, correspondingly, the amount of the phosphorylated p46 isoform of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The amount of phospho-SEK1 also decreased after Dex treatment, while the amounts of phospho-ERK and p38 remained constant. Among mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors, the JNK inhibitor mimicked the inhibitory effect of Dex on OPG promoter activity. On the other hand, Dex treatment per se showed a nominal increase of RANKL gene expression. A part of Dex-mediated OPG gene suppression was achieved by the suppression of beta-catenin signaling. We speculate therefore that the bone resorptive action of Dex is mediated mainly by the inhibition of OPG by transrepressing the OPG gene through the AP-1 site, with a reduction (mediated mainly by the decrease in the p46 isoform of JNK) in the proportion of p-c-Jun in a JNK-dependent manner.

DOI： 10.1002/jcb.21414

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Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is documented as the important etiologic agent of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) but the mechanism of development and pathogenesis induced by EBV is presently unclear. Hypermethylation of epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin) promoter has been shown to be induced in NPC cell line by EBV LMP1 via DNA methyltransferase activation. EBV genomes and hypermethylation of E-cadherin promoter were investigated in NPC tissues to evaluate the role of EBV in the hypermethylation and pathogenesis of NPC. Methods: Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was performed to detect E-cadherin promoter hypermethylation in paraffin embedded tissues from patients with NPC and normal nasopharyngeal tissues. EBV genomes were detected by PCR in the tissue samples. Results: Hypermethylation of E-cadherin promoter and EBV were predominantly detected in undifferentiated and non-keratinizing NPC compared to those in squamous cell NPC. Hypermethylation of E-cadherin was found in 28 of 38 (73.7%) patient samples. EBV was detected in 22 of the 28 (78.6%) NPC samples demonstrating E-cadherin hypermethylation. EBV genomes and hypermethylation were not detected in normal nasopharyngeal tissues. Significant association was found between E-cadherin hypermethylation and EBV genomes (p < 0.001; Fisher's exact test). Hypermethylation of E-cadherin was more frequently detected in advanced stages compared to those in early stages of NPC (p = 0.036; Fisher's exact test). Conclusions: The high incidence of EBV with the consistency of E-cadherin hypermethylation, particularly in undifferentiated and non-keratinizing NPC suggests the role of EBV in the hypermethylation. EBV exists at early stage of NPC that induces the hypermethylation and contributes to progression of the disease to the advanced stage of NPC. (C) 2008 International Society for Preventive Oncology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.cdp.2008.05.005

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Oxidative stress has been postulated to be involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of taurine, an endogenous antioxidant, on diabetic nephropathy by mixing it with the daily drinking water (1% w/v) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats from the beginning of the fourth month after the induction of diabetes, during which the urinary protein excretion in untreated diabetic rats showed significant increase in comparison with nondiabetic rats. The taurine administration significantly suppressed further increase in urinary protein excretion in diabetic rats, accompanied by the reduction of mesangial extracellular matrix expansion and TGF-β expression in the renal glomerulus. Immunohistochemical study showed that taurine administration suppressed the intensified stainings to the three different types of oxidative stress markers, such as 8-hydroxyl-2′- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), pentosidine, and nitrotyrosine observed in the renal tissues of untreated diabetic rats. These findings suggest that taurine has the ability to suppress the progression of diabetic nephropathy at least in part by its antioxidant property. Since this beneficial effect of taurine was obtained even if its administration was started after the time point when urinary protein excretion already became apparently higher than that of age-matched nondiabetic animals, taurine administration was potentially expected to be applied in clinical field to retard the development of nephropathy in diagnosed diabetic patients.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC HISTOCHEMISTRY & CYTOCHEMISTRY  

Hypermethylation-dependent silencing of the gene is achieved by recruiting methyl-CpG binding proteins ( MeCPs). Among the MeCPs, MeCP2 is the most abundantly and ubiquitously expressed in various types of cells. We first screened the distribution and expression pattern of MeCP2 in adult and developing rat tissues and found strong MeCP2 expression, albeit rather ubiquitously among normal tissues, in ganglion cells and intestinal epithelium in the small intestine, in Purkinje cells and neurons in the brain, in spermatogonia and in epithelial cells in the epididymal duct of the testis. We then assessed the expression and the methylation pattern of the promoter region of cyclin D1 by immunohistochemistry and sodium bisulfite mapping, and found that cyclin D1 expression in the epididymal duct decreased rapidly during rat development: strong in newborn rats and very weak or almost negative in 7-day-old rats. Mirroring the decrease of cyclin D1 expression, methylated cytosine at both CpG and non-CpG loci in the cyclin D1 promoter was frequently observed in the epididymal duct of 7-day-old rats but not in that of newborn rats. Interestingly, MeCP2 expression also increased concomitant with the increase of methylation. Cyclin D1 expression in the epididymal duct may be efficiently regulated by the epigenetic mechanism of the cooperative increase of MeCP2 expression and promoter methylation.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.08025

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Testicular germ cell tumours of adults and adolescents (TGCT) include seminomas (SE) and nonseminomas (NS), with spermatocytic seminomas (SSE) representing a distinct entity in older men. SE and NS have gain of 12p material in all cases, whereas SSE are associated with overrepresentation of chromosome 9. Here, we compare at the chromosomal level, copy number imbalances with global expression changes, identified by comparative expressed sequence hybridisation analyses, in seven SE, one combined tumour, seven NS and seven cell lines. Positive correlations were found consistent with copy number as a main driver of expression change, despite reported differences in methylation status in SE and NS. Analysis of chromosomal copy number and expression data could not distinguish between SE and NS, in-keeping with a similar genetic pathogenesis. However, increased expression from 4q22, 5q23.2 and 9p21 distinguished SSE from SE and NS and decreased copy number and expression from 2q36-q37 and 6q24 was a specific feature of NS-derived cell lines. Our analysis also highlights 19 regions with both copy number and expression imbalances in greater than 40% of cases. Mining available expression array data identified genes from these regions as candidates for involvement in TGCT development.

DOI： 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604079

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A multitude of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate Rap1 small GTPases, however, their individual functions remain obscure. Here, we investigate the in vivo function of the Rap1 GEF RA-GEF-1. The expression of RA-GEF-1 in wild-type mice starts at embryonic day (E) 8.5, and continues thereafter. RA-GEF-1(-/-) mice appear normal until E7.5, but become grossly abnormal and dead by E9.5. This mid-gestation death appears to be closely associated with severe defects in yolk sac blood vessel formation. RA-GEF-1(-/-) yolk sacs form apparently normal blood islands by E8.5, but the blood islands fail to coalesce into a primary vascular plexus, indicating that vasculogenesis is impaired. Furthermore, RA-GEF-1(-/-) embryos proper show severe defects in the formation of major blood vessels. These results suggest that deficient Rap1 signaling may lead to defective vascular morphogenesis in the yolk sac and embryos proper. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.149

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Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the leading cause of cancer deaths in young male Caucasians. Identifying changes in DNA copy number can pinpoint genes involved in tumour development. We defined the smallest overlapping regions of imbalance in TGCTs using array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Novel regions, or regions which refined those previously reported, were identified. The expression profile of genes from 12p, which is invariably gained in TGCTs, and amplicons defined at 12p11.2-12.1 and 4q12, suggest KRAS and KIT involvement in TGCT and seminoma development, respectively. Amplification of these genes was not found in intratubular germ cell neoplasia adjacent to invasive disease showing these changes, suggesting their involvement in tumour progression. Activating mutations of RAS genes (KRAS or NRAS) and overexpression of KRAS were mutually exclusive events. These, correlations between the expression levels of KIT, KRAS and GRB7 (which encodes an adapter molecule known to interact with the KIT tyrosine kinase receptor) and other reported evidence reviewed here, are consistent with a role for activation of KIT and RAS signalling in TGCT development. In order to assess a role for KIT in seminomas, we modulated the level of KIT expression in TCam-2, a seminoma cell line. The likely seminomatous origin of this cell line was supported by demonstrating KIT and OCT3/4 overexpression and gain of 12p material. Reducing the expression of KIT in TCam-2 through RNA inhibition resulted in decreased cell viability. Further understanding of KIT and RAS signalling in TGCTs may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for these tumours.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2007.00769.x

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2007.00769.x

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BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, the effects of thioredoxin1 (TRX1) overexpression, a small protein with antioxidant property, on the development of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals were investigated using TRX1 transgenic mice (TRX1-Tg). METHODS: Eight-week-old male TRX1-Tg and wild-type mice littermates (WT) mice were treated either with streptozotocin (200 mg/kg) or vehicle alone. After 24 weeks of treatment, diabetic nephropathy and oxidative stress were assessed in these four groups of mice, by biochemical analyses of blood and urine, as well as by histological analyses of the kidneys. RESULTS: Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of diabetic TRX1-Tg were not significantly different from those of the diabetic WT. Nevertheless, an augmented urinary albumin excretion observed in diabetic WT was significantly diminished in diabetic TRX1-Tg. Histological study revealed that pathological changes such as mesangial matrix expansion and tubular injury were significantly prevented in diabetic TRX1-Tg accompanied by a reduced tendency of expression of transforming growth factor-beta as compared with diabetic WT. In parallel, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and acrolein adduct and the immunostaining intensities of these markers in the kidney were significantly higher in diabetic WT compared with non-diabetic mice. The markers were significantly suppressed in diabetic TRX1-Tg, an indication of systemic and renal oxidative stress attenuation by TRX1 overexpression. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated the significant role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic nephropathy and a potential inhibition of progression of nephropathy by TRX1.

DOI： 10.1093/ndt/gfm099

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Diabetic osteopenia causes an increase in bone fracture and a delay in healing of fractures, and affects the quality of life. However, the mechanisms responsible for the disease have not been clearly identified. Oxidative stress may be a potential candidate for the pathogenesis, since it is increased under diabetic conditions and is known to induce cellular dysfunction in a wide variety of cell types. Although in vitro studies have shown that oxidative stress inhibits osteoblastic differentiation and induces osteoblast insults and apoptosis, the relationship between diabetic osteopenia and oxidative stress remains unclear. To explore these issues, analysis of a mouse model that represents the diabetic osteopenia as seen in patients with diabetes is necessary. However, there are few reports of such a model. Therefore, we focused on the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse, one of the most common animal models of type I diabetes. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the following three groups: 1) control group, 2) diabetic group, and 3) insulin-treated diabetic group. After 12 weeks of STZ treatment, the physical properties of the femora, and the static and dynamic parameters of bone histomorphometry of the tibiae from STZ-induced diabetic mice (STZ-mice) were assessed, and oxidative stress in the whole body and bone of the mice was evaluated. Renal function was comparable in all three groups at the end of the experimental period. In addition, no significant difference in serum PTH, Ca, and P was found among the three groups. In contrast, radiological analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in trabecular bone volume, and histomorphometric analyses confirmed that parameters for both bone formation (OV/BV, OS/BS, and BFR/BS) and bone resorption (ES/BS and Oc.S/BS) were also significantly lower in STZ-mice. In addition, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguano sine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, was elevated in STZ-mice. Further immunohistological studies showed intensified immunostaining of an oxidative stress marker in bone tissue including the osteoblasts of diabetic mice. Here, we demonstrated that STZ-mice exhibit low-turnover osteopenia associated with increased oxidative stress. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bone.2006.12.057

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Uterine leiomyosarcoma, initially diagnosed as leiomyoma on magnetic resonance (MR) images, was disclosed after focused ultrasound surgery (FUS). The tumor did not display high signal intensity on either T1- or T2-weighted images on the patient's first visit. Four months thereafter, T2-weighted images revealed a high signal intensity area within the tumor, while T1-weighted images showed low signal intensity. Six months after FUS, the nonperfused volume calculated on meglumine gadoterate-enhanced T1-weighted images decreased markedly and an intermediate signal intensity in a circular area on T2-weighted images appeared to be atypically increasing in volume. After laparoscopic myomectomy, this tumor was diagnosed as uterine leiomyosarcoma coexistent with leiomyoma. The early stages of uterine leiomyosarcoma are clinically difficult to diagnose; therefore, both careful monitoring during FUS and close follow-up after the procedure are vital.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00818.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC  

Background & Aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an emerging progressive hepatic disease and demonstrates steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Insulin resistance is a common feature in the development of NASH. Molecular pathogenesis of NASH consists of 2 steps: triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes with insulin resistance and an enhanced oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, NASH demonstrates a striking similarity to the pathologic conditions observed in adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). AGHD is characterized by decreased lean body mass, increased visceral adiposity, abnormal lipid profile, and insulin resistance. Moreover, liver dysfunctions with hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are frequently observed in patients with AGHD, and it is accompanied by metabolic syndrome. Methods: We studied a case diagnosed as NASH with hyperlipidemia in AGHD. The effect of GH-replacement therapy on the patient was analyzed. Results: Six months of GH-replacement therapy in the patient drastically ameliorated NASH and the abnormal lipid profile concomitant with a marked reduction in oxidative stress. Conclusions: These results suggest that GH plays an essential role in the metabolic and redox regulation in the liver.

DOI： 10.1053/j.gastro.2006.12.024

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ENDOCRINE SOC  

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) expression is tissue specific and limited to certain subsets of T-lymphocytes and stromal/osteoblastic cells. Even among osteoblasts, RANKL is expressed on about 20% of osteoblasts of the normal mouse. To clarify the mechanism of population-specific RANKL expression, we analyzed the effect of CpG methylation on its transcription, mRNA and protein expression as well as on osteoclastogenesis. Subpopulations of ST2 cells were used: P9, which expresses RANKL and supports osteoclastogenesis, and P16, which does not. By sodium bisulfite mapping, the rate of CpG methylation of the -65/+350 region, especially of CpG locus no. 1 three bases upstream of the TATA-box, was higher in P16 than in P9 ST2 cells. ChIP and gel shift assay showed that methylated CpG locus no. 1 was a target of MeCP2 binding that, in turn, blocked the binding of the TATA-box binding protein to the TATA-box. In vitro methylation by SssI of the promoter construct reduced its transcriptional activity at the steady state and its response to 1 alpha,25(OH)(2) vitamin D-3. Conversely, treatment with DNA methylase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, significantly restored RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis in P16 cells. Except for primary cultured osteoblasts, CpG locus no. 1 was frequently methylated in various normal mouse tissues. We propose that the methylation status of the CpG locus three bases upstream of the TATA-box modulates the control of cell- and tissue-specific expression of RANKL gene and osteoclastogenesis. The heterogeneity of stromal/osteoblastic cells in response to bone-resorbing stimuli may be attributed, in part, to the methylation status of the RANKL gene promoter.

DOI： 10.1210/me.2006-0205

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We established a monoclonal antibody (MAb), 5G9, with the use of a fixed seminoma tissue from an archival paraffin-embedded specimen, as an immunogen. Without antigen retrieval, positive 5G9-immunohistochemical staining was confined mostly to primordial germ cells, spermatogonia and various germ cell tumors. 5G9 recognized a mitochondrial 32-kD protein with an isoelectric point of pH 4.2, identified as a multifunctional ubiquitous protein, receptor for globular head of C1q (gC1qR), whose epitope was mapped in a disordered loop connecting the beta 3 and the beta 4 strands. Reflecting the ubiquitous distribution of gC1qR, with antigen retrieval, 5G9 was found reactive to a wide range of normal and tumor tissues. Since several co-precipitated and phosphorylated bands were observed in various human cell lines but not in germ cell tumor cell lines by in vitro phosphorylation assay, we speculate that the epitope of gC1qR is specifically unmasked in the germ cell lineage. By reducing gC1qR by siRNA, a significant increase was observed in the number of apoptotic cells in ITO-II and TCam-2 cell lines, but to a lesser extent in the Colo201 colon cancer cell line, showing an antiapoptotic property of gC1qR in the germ cells. Since protein-protein interaction is partially preserved by fixation, archival paraffin-embedded specimens can be a valuable source of immunogens for generating monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that recognize tissue-specific protein conformation.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-006-0225-y

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A 36-year-old woman presenting with fetal growth restriction in the 25th week of gestation was referred to Kobe University Hospital where hydrops fetalis was detected. A stillborn fetus, 2012 g in weight and 40 cm in height, was delivered in the 33rd week of gestation. The mother had no past history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use during the pregnancy. The male fetus showed maceration without macroscopic anomalies, but it was markedly edematous with bilateral pleural effusion and massive ascites. The autopsy revealed an enlarged heart and aortic coarctation in the region of the ductus arteriosus. A mild form of aortic coarctation and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus with fibrous thickening of the wall were observed. The lungs were atelectatic with vascular dilatation and congestion. This is the first documented case of hydrops fetalis caused by spontaneous premature closure of the ductus arteriosus concomitant with aortic coarctation. The findings suggest that some form of idiopathic, or spontaneous, closure of the ductus arteriosus can be one of the causes of chronic fetal heart failure, coarctation of the aorta, and fetal hydrops.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2006.02005

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS  

DOI： 10.1080/00016340600609061

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Pulmonary carcinosarcoma, consisting of both carcinoma and sarcoma with a heterologous element, is a rare subtype, comprising approximately 0.3% of primary lung neoplasia. A 57-year-old man was admitted because of severe dyspnea. A tumor wholly occupying the right thorax was biopsied and diagnosed as pleomorphic sarcoma. The tumor did not respond to chemotherapy, and the patient died of respiratory failure and sepsis. At autopsy, pleomorphic sarcoma was histologically dominant and contained a liposarcoma element confirmed by histocytological and electron microscopic analysis. Adenocarcinoma component with papillary and tubular patterns was confined to the medial lesion of the right lower lobe (3 x 8 cm), which was found in the chest X-ray 3 years before admission, and had continuously merged with the sarcomatous lesion through the histological transition of both components. Aggressive and rapid growth of the sarcoma derived from the earlier adenocarcinoma became prevalent and contributed to the severe clinical outcome. This is the first documented case of primary lung carcinosarcoma with a liposarcoma element.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2006.01987.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-LISS  

Runx2 regulates the target genes characteristic of osteoblastic phenotypes, while exerting diverse and sometimes controversial effects on osteoblastic cells depending on their differentiation stage. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) is a membrane bound cytokine essential for osteo(chondro)clastogenesis. During endochondral ossification, while Runx2-positive hypertrophic chondrocytes express RANKL, the steady-state expression of the RANKL gene in osteoblastic cells is, at later stages, kept at a relatively low level to sustain the established bone. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism whereby Runx2 and the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway modulate RANKL expression, especially from the viewpoint of their functions in RANKL basic promoter activity and in chromatin structural changes in osteoblastic/stromal cells. Osteoblastic/stromal cell lines derived from normal and Runx2-deficient mice were used to analyze endogenous RANKL gene expression by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, the acetylation status of the H3 and H4 histone proteins associated with the 5'-flanking region of the RANKL gene by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and the exogenously transfected RANKL gene promoter activity both in the steady-state and under PKA-activated conditions. Here, we demonstrate that Runx2 suppresses steady-state RANKL gene expression by condensing chromatin, while showing a slightly positive effect on RANKL basic promoter activity. Besides acting through the CRE-like region (-0.96 kb) of the RANKL gene promoter, forskolin (FK) treatment transactivates the RANKL gene by antagonizing the function of Runx2, by reducing Runx2 mRNA expression and by opening the chromatin conformation far upstream (more than 40 kb) of the RANKL gene.

DOI： 10.1002/jcb.20891

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Although there are several reports of Brenner tumor showing estrogen activities, it is an extremely rare cause of androgen excess leading to virilism, and the source or mechanism of its androgen production is also unknown at present. A 74-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain and increased facial hair growth of 6-month duration. Bilateral ovarian tumors were detected, and the patient's serum testosterone (1.7 ng/mL) and estradiol (75 pg/mL) levels were elevated. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The ovarian tumors were diagnosed as benign Brenner tumor associated with fibrothecoma-like and luteinized stromal cells. Postoperatively, the serum testosterone and estradiol levels decreased. Immunohistochemically, fibrothecoma-like stromal cells were positive for cytochrome P-450 aromatase, which catalyzes the conversion from androgen to estrogen, and negative for c-Jun protein, which has recently reported to attenuate estrogen biosynthesis by directly down-regulating transcription of the aromatase gene. On the other hand, luteinized stromal cells were negative for cytochrome P-450 aromatase and positive for c-Jun protein. It is suggested that androgen is produced mainly in the luteinized stromal cells, because androgen is not converted to estrogen caused by suppression of aromatase biosynthesis by d-Jun.

DOI： 10.1097/01.pgp.0000192272.59308.ee

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SOC GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY  

Non-structural protein 4A (NS4A) of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) functions as a cofactor for NS3 by forming a complex with it to augment its enzymic activities. NS4A also forms a complex with other HCV proteins, such as NS4B/NS5A, to facilitate the formation of the viral RNA replication complex on the encloplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. In addition to its essential role in HCV replication, NS4A is thought to be involved in viral pathogenesis by affecting cellular functions. In this study, it was demonstrated that NS4A was localized not only on the ER, but also on mitochondria when expressed either alone or together with NS3 in the form of the NS3/4A polyprotein and in the context of HCV RNA replication in Huh7 cells harbouring an HCV RNA replicon. Moreover, NS4A expression altered the intracellular distribution of mitochondria significantly and caused mitochondrial damage, as evidenced by the collapsed mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, which led ultimately to induction of apoptosis through activation of caspase-3, but not caspase-8. Consistently, Huh7 cells expressing NS3/4A and those harbouring an HCV RNA replicon were shown to be more prone to undergoing actinomycin D-induced, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, compared with the control Huh7 cells. Taken together, these results suggest the possibility that HCV exerts cytopathic effect (CPE) on the infected cells under certain conditions and that NS4A is responsible, at least in part, for the conditional CPE in HCV-infected cells.

DOI： 10.1099/vir.0.81701-0

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

To evaluate the significance of alterations in DNA methylation during multistage carcinogenesis of the pancreas, tissue samples of 13 peripheral pancreatic duct epithelia showing no remarkable histological changes without inflammatory background (DE), 20 peripheral pancreatic duct epithelia showing no remarkable histological changes with inflammatory background (DEI), 40 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN) and 147 areas of ductal carcinoma were microdissected from surgically resected specimens from 58 patients and were embedded into agarose beads. The embedded tissue samples were subjected to methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to evaluate the DNA methylation status of the p14, p15, p16, p73, APC, hMLH1, MGMT, BRCA1, GSTPI, TIMP-3, CDH1 and DAPK-1 genes. The prevalence of DNA methylation of at least one of the 12 genes and the average number of methylated genes were significantly higher in both DEI (60% and 0.85 +/- 0.88, P = 0.0151 and P = 0.0224, respectively) and PanIN (67.5% and 0.95 +/- 0.85, P = 0.0014 and P = 0.0028, respectively) than in DE (15.4% and 0.15 +/- 0.38), and were further increased in ductal carcinoma (98.3% and 2.50 +/- 1.35, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The BRCA1, APC, p16 and TIMP-3 genes were frequently methylated in ductal carcinoma (60.3, 58.6, 39.3 and 30.9%, respectively). Considerable heterogeneity of DNA methylation status was observed among multiple microdissected areas from individual ductal carcinomas, and the number of methylated genes per area was significantly correlated with poorer tumor differentiation (P = 0.0249). The average number of methylated genes in ductal carcinomas was significantly correlated with DNMT1 protein expression level (P = 0.0093). These data suggest that accumulation of DNA methylation of multiple tumor-related genes is involved in multistage carcinogenesis of the pancreas from early precancerous stages to malignant progression and that DNMT1 protein overexpression may be responsible for this aberrant DNA methylation.

DOI： 10.1093/carcin/bgi361

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Adipocytes secrete a variety of bioactive molecules that affect the insulin sensitivity of other tissues. We now show that the abundance of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) mRNA in adipose tissue and the plasma concentration of MCP-1 were increased both in genetically obese diabetic (db/db) mice and in WT mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Mice engineered to express an MCP-1 transgene in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 gene promoter exhibited insulin resistance, macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, and increased hepatic triglyceride content. Furthermore, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue induced by a high-fat diet were reduced extensively in MCP-1 homozygous KO mice compared with WT animals. Finally, acute expression of a dominant-negative mutant of MCP-1 ameliorated insulin resistance in db/db mice and in WT mice fed a high-fat diet. These findings suggest that an increase in MCP-1 expression in adipose tissue contributes to the macrophage infiltration into this tissue, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis associated with obesity in mice.

DOI： 10.1172/JC126498

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In some patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) it is not possible to identify a germline mutation in the MEN1 gene. We sought to document the loss of expression and function of the MEN1 gene product, menin, in the tumors of such a patient. The proband is an elderly female patient with primary hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic islet tumor, and breast cancer. Her son has primary hyperparathyroidism. No germline MEN1 mutation was identified in the proband or her son. However, loss of heterozygosity at the MEN1 locus and complete lack of menin expression were demonstrated in the proband's tumor tissue. The proband's cultured parathyroid cells lacked the normal reduction in proliferation and parathyroid hormone secretion in response to transforming growth factor-β. This assessment provided insight into the molecular pathogenesis of the patient and provides evidence for a critical requirement for menin in the antiproliferative action of transforming growth factor-β. © 2006 by Humana Press Inc. All rights of any nature whatsoever reserved.

DOI： 10.1385/ENDO:29:3:485

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In some patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) it is not possible to identify a germline mutation in the MEN1 gene. We sought to document the loss of expression and function of the MEN1 gene product, menin, in the tumors of such a patient. The proband is an elderly female patient with primary hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic islet tumor, and breast cancer. Her son has primary hyperparathyroidism. No germline loss of heterozygosity at the MEN1 locus and complete lack of menin expression were demonstrated in the proband's tumor tissue. The proband's cultured parathyroid cells lacked the normal reduction in proliferation and parathyroid hormone secretion in response to transforming growth factor-beta. This assessment provided insight into the molecular pathogenesis of the patient and provides evidence for a critical requirement for menin in the antiproliferative action of transforming growth factor-beta.

DOI： 10.1385/ENDO:29:3:485

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Although case reports of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing adenocarcinoma other than hepatocellular carcinoma have gradually increased in number, AFP-producing adenocarcinoma of the endometrium is very rare. The patients universally complain of abnormal vaginal bleeding. The patient presented with complaints of epigastric discomfort. No vaginal bleeding was observed. Serum AFP concentration was 453 ng/mL, and lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP percentage of total AFP was increased to 67%. Radiologic imaging and endoscopy did not provide evidence of any primary carcinoma in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. To investigate the unknown origin of high AFP, Pap smear of the endometrium followed by fractional curettage was performed and revealed adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and partial omentectomy was performed. Histologic study showed a mixture of major AFP-negative endometrioid adenocarcinoma and minor medullary proliferation of the AFP-positive hepatoid adenocarcinoma cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyaline globules. After the surgery followed by four courses of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel administration, serum levels of AFP dropped into normal range. The possible existence of AFP-producing adenocarcinoma of the endometrium should be considered in a postmenopausal woman even if there is no vaginal bleeding, when AFP-producing tumor is clinically suspected and the imaging studies fail to confirm the diagnosis.

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Based on developmental fate and function, cartilage tissue is broadly classified into transient cartilage (e.g. growth plate, GP) and permanent cartilage (e.g. articular cartilage, AC). The former eventually disappears and is replaced by bone during the endochondral ossification process, whereas the latter retains its permanency. Osteo(chondro)clasts, multinucleated giant cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, are selectively induced in the GP during endochondral ossification and play central roles in the resorption of cartilagenous matrices. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors determining the GP-specific recruitment of osteo(chondro)clasts. We especially focused on the expression pattern of the receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL), an essential factor for osteo(chondro)clast differentiation, and on that of epigenetic and transcriptional factors affecting RANKL gene expression. Knee joints of male BALB/c mice aged 8 weeks were dissected and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using anti-RANKL, Runx2, Dlx5 and Msx2 antibodies. The methylation status of the mouse RANKL gene promoter in both the GP and the AC was analyzed by sodium bisulfite mapping using microdissected mouse tissue. The expression of BMP-2, -3, -4, -6 and type X collagen mRNA was examined by in situ hybridization (ISH). At the boundary between the calcifying cartilage and the hypertrophic chondrocytes of the GP, RANKL-expressing chondrocytes overlapped those expressing Runx2, Dlx5 and Msx2, near numerous osteo(chondro)clasts. Although similar BMP-2 and -4 expression was observed in chondrocytes in both the GP and the AC as well as in maturing osteoblasts, a rather restricted BMP-6 expression pattern was observed in resting and proliferating chondrocytes in the GP. On the other hand, sodium bisulfite mapping showed that mostly non-CpG methylation was similarly scattered in a non-specific manner in chondrocytes in the GP and the AC. Taken together with the fact that putative Runx2 binding elements are located in the RANKL promoter, our data suggest that Runx2, an essential transcription factor for skeletal development, is also a key regulator of RANKL expression in chondrocytes in the GP. Furthermore, a selective and sequential expression of a subset of BMP and of transcription factors may define the expression pattern of RANKL through Runx2.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-005-0103-z

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In situ hybridization (ISH) is a widely applied technique used for visualizing specific nucleic acid sequences at chromosomal, cytologic, and histologic levels. It sometimes fails, however, to demonstrate precise cell identity, early stages of gene expression and variants of altNSernative splicing because of its limited resolution. To overcome this shortcoming, we have developed an improved ISH technique at the electron microscopic (EM) level by conducting en bloc hybridization before embedding (pre-embedding) and immuno-EM detection after ultra-thin sectioning (post-embedding). We applied this technique to demonstrate both the dynamic expression of interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA immediately after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, and the static expression of osteonectin mRNA in a differentiating osteoblastic cell linage. Tissue samples were diced into 1 mm cubes, fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, and then successively hybridized en bloc with the digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled single-stranded probe measuring 200-300 bp with the aid of microwave treatment. After washing, for EM observation, the cubes were embedded in epon for ultra-thin sectioning, and a gold-colloid-labeled anti-DIG antibody was used for post-embedding immuno-EM; some of the cubes was directly incubated with anti-DIG antibody and developed en bloc for stereoscopic and light microscopic observation. IL-6 mRNA during and immediately after transcription was demonstrated in the nuclei of the alveolar macrophages and in neutrophils of mouse lung tissue as early as 15 min after LPS treatment, which was of better sensitivity than that by Northern blot or nuclear run-on techniques. Moreover, in mouse calvaria tissue, osteonectin mRNA both in the nucleus and the cytoplasm was observed in a differentiating osteoblastic cell linage in a differentiation-specific manner. This technique is useful in identifying specific cell types during and immediately after transcribing specific mRNA based on ultrastructural morphology. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jsb.2005.09.010

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The first case of uterine bizarre epithelioid lipoleiomyoma with a myxoid component occurring in an 86-year-old woman is described. An intramural 22 cm mass in the anterior wall of the uterine body had a lipoma-like appearance with strands of fibrous tissue. Histologically, the tumor consisted of adipocytes which varied in size and shape, and epithelioid smooth muscle cells with nuclear atypia within a myxoid stroma. No mitotic features were noted despite an extensive search. The patient was well without disease 24 months after hysterectomy. Patients with this type of tumor need close and long-term follow-up because of the paucity of clinical information.

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Angiosarcoma of the vagina is an extremely rare neoplasm and is characterized by frequent recurrence and early metastatic spread. Although previous reports emphasized the poor prognosis of this disease, effective treatment strategies have not been adequately stated. We report a case of angiosarcoma of the vagina, in which the diagnosis was made 9 years after intrapelvic irradiation, and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) therapy could be effective to suppress the development of distant metastasis. We recommend rIL-2 therapy in combination with irradiation as a palliative therapeutic option for vaginal angiosarcoma when the tumor is inoperable or the patient refuses to undergo surgery. Although vaginal angiosarcoma is an extremely rare condition, its possibility should be borne in mind when finding a vaginal mass in a previously irradiated patient.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2005.00268.x

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Language：English   Publisher：AMER SOC BONE & MINERAL RES  

DOI： 10.1359/JBMR.050319

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In situ hybridization (ISH) is a morphology-oriented technique for demonstrating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences at chromosomal, cytological and histological levels. It is, however, sometimes difficult to recognize specific cell identity, early phase mRNA expression and alternative splicing because of the limited resolution of the light microscope. To overcome this limitation, we developed an improved technique for ISH at the electron microscopic level, in which pre-embedding hybridization with a non-radioactively labeled probe was used, followed by post-embedding immunoglobulin gold colloid staining. By applying this technique, early phase bone morphogenetic protein-3 mRNA in the nuclei and cytoplasm was successfully demonstrated in a differentiating chondrocytic cell lineage. Moreover, with oligo-DNA probes specific for alternative spliced forms of parathyroid hormone-related protein mRNA, we demonstrated such forms in a hyperplastic parathyroid gland attributed to renal failure.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2005.00621.x

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We simulated refraction contrast imaging in overlapping objects using the ray tracing method. The easiest case, in which two columnar objects (blood vessels) with a density of 1.0 [g/cm 3], run at right angles in air, was calculated. For absorption, we performed simulation using the Snell law adapted to the object's boundary. A pair of bright and dark spot results from the interference of refracted X-rays where the blood vessels crossed. This has the possibility of increasing the visibility of the image.

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The NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a serine protease activity in its N-terminal region, which plays a crucial role in virus replication. This region has also been reported to interact not only with its viral cofactor NS4A, but also with a number of host-cell proteins, which suggests a multifunctional feature of NS3. By means of yeast two-hybrid screening using an N-terminal region of NS3 as bait, a human cDNA encoding a region of ELKS-delta, a member of a novel family of proteins involved in intracellular transport and secretory pathways, was molecularly cloned. Using co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down and confocal and immunoelectron microscopic analyses, it was shown that full-length NS3 interacted physically with full-length ELKS-delta and its splice variant, ELKS-alpha, both in the absence and presence of NS4A, in cultured human cells, including Huh-7 cells harbouring an HCV subgenomic RNA replicon. The degree of binding to ELKS-delta varied with different sequences of the N-terminal 180 residues of NS3. Interestingly, NS3, either full-length or N-terminal fragments, enhanced secretion of secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) from the cells, and the increase in SEAP secretion correlated well with the degree of binding between NS3 and ELKS-delta. Taken together, these results suggest the possibility that NS3 plays a role in modulating host-cell functions such as intracellular transport and secretion through its binding to ELKS-delta and ELKS-alpha, which may facilitate the virus life cycle and/or mediate the pathogenesis of HCV.

DOI： 10.1099/vir.0.80862-0

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP  

Nerve growth factor and its high-affinity receptor TrkA are thought to be involved in the progression of various cancers. This study investigated the mechanism that regulates aberrant or increased TrkA expression in various cancer cell lines and in the course of pancreatic cancer progression. W e found that the negative cis-acting AP-1-like sequence TGAGCGA was located in the 5'-untranslated region of the TrkA gene. Sodium bisulfite mapping revealed that steady-state TrkA expression correlated positively with the accumulation of methylated CpG around the AP-1-like site. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the AP-1- like site was bound mainly by c-Jun homodimers; the binding was directly blocked by Sss I methylase-induced methylation or by an excess of oligonucleotides containing consensus AP-1 sequences. Consequently, activation of TrkA gene expression by methylation was considered to be caused by the direct interference of c-Jun binding to the negatively regulating AP-1- like site. Further more, the accumulation of methylated CpG around the AP-1- like site was also observed with increased TrkA immunohistochemical staining in cases of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with extensive perineural invasion. Unlike global methylation at CpG islands that leads to gene silencing, specific methylation at non-CpG islands would play a crucial epigenetic role in the versatility and plasticity of TrkA expression during cancer progression.

DOI： 10.1038/sj.onc.1208697

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Purpose: We discuss the usefulness of the refraction contrast method using highly parallel X-rays as a new approach to minute lung cancer detection. The advantages of refraction contrast images are discussed in terms of contrast, and a comparison is made with absorption images. Materials and Methods: We simulated refraction contrast imaging using globules with the density of water in air as models for minute lung cancer detection. The contrast intensified by bright and dark lines was compared on a globule with the contrast of absorption images. We adopted the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the strength of the profile curve of the photon counts at the detector. Results: The obtained contrasts were more intense by two to three digits than those obtainable with the absorption contrast imaging method. Conclusion: The contrast in refraction contrast imaging was more intense than that obtainable with absorption contrast imaging. A two to three digit improvement in contrast means that it is possible to greatly reduce the exposure dose necessary for imaging. Therefore, it is expected to become possible to detect the interfaces of soft tissues, which are difficult to capture with conventional absorption imaging, at low dosages and high resolution.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC HISTOCHEMISTRY & CYTOCHEMISTRY  

Receptor activator of NF-B-K ligand (RANKL) has been identified as a prerequisite for osteoclastogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of osteolytic bone lesions, we investigated RANKL mRNA expression in mouse bone tissue from experimental models of mouse autoimmune arthritis and cancer associated osteolysis. Elbow joints of type 11 collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and calvariae of mice transplanted with breast cancer cells under the scalp were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 2 days, decalcified with 20% EDTA in phosphate buffer for 5 days and embedded in paraffin. For in situ hybridization, digoxigenin-labeled antisense (or sense) single-stranded DNA probes were prepared by unidirectional PCR using cDNA of mouse RANKL amplified by RT-PCR.
In the articular lesions of CIA mice, TRAP-positive osteoclasts were found at eroded cartilage and bone as well as in the pannus. Synovial cells around these osteoclasts were strongly positive for RANKL, indicating that synovial cells contribute to osteoclastogenesis through authentic RANKL-RANK signaling. In the tumor-induced osteolytic lesions of the mouse calvaria, osteoblasts and stromal cells between the tumor foci and the bone surface expressed RANKL mRNA; osteoclastic bone resorption was observed adjacent to the RANKL-positive cells. Histological evaluation of RANKL expression in bone lesions is important, because osteoclasts and the RANKL-RANK system could be potential targets for therapeutic drugs in diseases with accelerated bone resorption.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.38.143

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Background: There has been controversy regarding the histogenesis of Brenner tumors. It is generally accepted that Brenner tumors are derived directly from ovarian surface epithelium, which undergoes metaplasia to form the typical urothelial-like components, whereas some investigators assume that Brenner tumors arise from immature germ cells.
Case: We describe a well-documented case of the coexistence of struma ovarii regarded as a form of teratoma and Brenner tumor in the same ovary. Immunohistologically, not only columnar cells of thyroid follicles, but also transitional cells of Brenner nests were positive for thyroglobulin.
Conclusions: In the present case, Brenner tumors and thyroid elements coexisted and were positive for thyroglobulin. While there is strong evidence that pure Brenner tumors originate mostly from the ovarian surface, at least Brenner tumors associated with teratomatous elements may have a germ cell origin.

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A 83-year-old woman received bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy due to a provisional diagnosis of ovarian cystic tumor. The tumor had a unilocular cystic cavity demonstrating serous cystadenoma and a solid mural nodule representing a biphasic pattern with mesenchyrnal and glandular components. The glandular elements were composed of benign serous cells, whereas the niesenchymal components consisted of an admixture of fibroinatous stromal cells without atypia and sarcomatous overgrowth. The area of transition from a fibromatous component to sarcomatous overgrowth was identified. After a 2-year follow-up, there were no signs of tumor recurrence or systemic disease. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of adenofibrosarconia originating from a mural nodule of ovarian serous cystadenoma.

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A case of consumptive coagulopathy in a 30-year-old pregnant woman with degenerated uterine leiomyoma is described. She developed lower abdominal pain at 21 weeks of gestation. Laboratory profiles revealed coagulation abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosed degenerated uterine leiomyoma. At 34 weeks, she underwent cesarean section and myomectomy. Pathological examination showed the presence of organized thrombi in the vessels of leiomyoma. The consumption of platelets and coagulation factors in degenerated uterine leiomyoma may result in consumptive coagulopathy.

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A case of consumptive coagulopathy in a 30-year-old pregnant woman with degenerated uterine leiomyoma is described. She developed lower abdominal pain at 21 weeks of gestation. Laboratory profiles revealed coagulation abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosed degenerated uterine leiomyoma. At 34 weeks, she underwent cesarean section and myomectomy. Pathological examination showed the presence of organized thrombi in the vessels of leiomyoma. The consumption of platelets and coagulation factors in degenerated uterine leiomyoma may result in consumptive coagulopathy.

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1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 rapidly and transiently suppressed OPG gene expression both by accelerating the degradation of mRNA and by suppressing promoter activity. The latter process was mediated through the AP-1 binding site by a reduction in the proportion of phospho-c-Jun in a JNK-independent manner.
Introduction: Osteoclastogenesis is regulated by an integrated network of numerous bone metabolic factors, among which 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3] promotes osteoclastogenesis by reciprocally upregulating the expression of RANKL and downregulating that of osteoprotegerin (OPG).
Materials and Methods: To analyze the mechanism by which 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 suppresses OPG, we characterized cis-acting elements of the Mouse OPG gene and assessed the post-transcriptional modifications by actinomycin D assays.
Results: 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 rapidly and transiently suppressed OPG expression and shortened the half-life of OPG rnRNA; additionally, the c-Jun homodinier bound to the AP-1 binding site (TGACTGA, -293/-287) and maintained steady-state transcription of the OPG gene. Furthermore, mutation of the AP-1 site negated 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3-driven OPG Suppression. Moreover, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 treatment of ST2 cells decreased the amount of phosphorylated C-Jun protein (phospho-c-Jun), while the total amount of c-Jun remained constant; however, the amount of phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was nearly unchanged by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 treatment.
Conclusion: Taken together with the observation that the OPG promoter has no consensus negative vitamin D-responsive elements. these data suggest that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 transrepresses mouse OPG by reducing the proportion of phospho-c-Jun in a JNK-independent manner. Our data indicated that short-term treatment with 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 effectively downregulated OPG expression both by accelerating the degradation of OPG mRNA and by transrepressing the OPG gene through its AP-1 binding site in the catabolic phase. The OPG gene became insensitive to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 treatment. however, and reverted to its steady-state expression level over time, leading to the anabolic phase of the effect of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 on bone.

DOI： 10.1359/JBMR.040604

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BACKGROUND. Current animal models of prostate cancer (CaP) bone metastasis do not allow measurement of either tumor growth in bone over time or activation of gene promoters in intraosseous tumors. To develop these methods, we used bioluminescent imaging (BLI) to determine if expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), a pro-osteoclastogenic factor that promotes CaP bone metastases, is modulated by the bone matrix protein transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in vivo.
METHODS. C4-2B human CaP cells were treated with TGF-beta in vitro and RANKL mRNA and protein production were Measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA, respectively. Then C4-2B cells stably transfected with the RANKL promoter driving luciferase (lux) were injected intra-tibially into severe combined immundeficient (SCID) mice. Tumors were subjected to BLI every 2 weeks for 6 weeks and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was measured using ELISA. Vehicle (V), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (VitD), or TGF-beta was administered to mice with established tumors and BLI to measure RANKL promoter activity was performed. Tumors were then subjected to immunohistochemistry for lux and assayed for RANKL mRNA levels.
RESULTS. TGF-beta induced RANKL protein and mRNA expression and activated the RANKL promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. BLI demonstrated an increase in intraosseous tumor size over time, which correlated with serum PSA levels. Administration of TGF-beta and VitD to mice with established intraosseous tumors increased lux activity compared to V. Intratibial tumor RANKL mRNA expression paralleled the increased promoter activity. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of lux in the intraosseous tumors.
CONCLUSIONS. These results demonstrate the ability to measure intraosseous tumor growth over time and gene promoter activation in an established intraosseous tumor in vivo and also demonstrate that TGF-beta induces activates the RANKL promoter. These results provide a novel method to explore the biology of CaP bone metastases. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/pros.20019

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Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid gland enlargement and excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. However, the precise mechanisms of tumorigenesis of the parathyroids are unknown. Here we have investigated the roles of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and menin, the product of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (Men1) gene, in the proliferation and PTH production of parathyroid cells from either patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism or Men1. TGF-beta was expressed in the parathyroid endocrine cells. Addition of TGF-beta to parathyroid cells from patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism inhibited their proliferation and PTH secretion. These responses to TGF-beta were lost when menin was specifically inactivated by antisense oligonucleotides. Moreover, TGF-beta did not affect the proliferation and PTH production of parathyroid cells from a Men1 patient. These results indicate that menin is required for TGF-beta action in the parathyroid. We conclude that TGF-beta is an important autocrine/paracrine negative regulator of parathyroid cell proliferation and PTH secretion and that loss of TGF-beta signaling due to menin inactivation contributes to parathyroid tumorigenesis.

DOI： 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-03-3334

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The effects of 17beta-estradiol (E-2) and ICI 182,780 (ICI) on activity of a BMP-6 promoter were compared in osteoblast-like and breast cancer cells transiently transfected with ERalpha. E-2 but not ICI stimulated BMP-6 reporter activity in breast cancer cells, whereas the opposite was observed in osteoblast-like cells, associated with lack of AF-2 dependence of the response, and absent intranuclear localization of ERalpha, suggesting the involvement of a distinct ERalpha-dependent response mechanism in osteoblasts.
Introduction: Previous studies suggest that the tissue-selective effect of antiestrogens on bone reflects the ability of these compounds to target certain osteoblast regulatory genes. To explore this hypothesis, we examined whether antiestrogens preferentially stimulate the bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP-6) promoter in bone cells, and if so, whether this activity is associated with a distinct estrogen receptor (ER)alpha-dependent response mechanism to that in other cell types.
Materials and Methods: We compared the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E-2) and ICI 182,780 (ICI) on activity of a 4.3-kb BMP-6 reporter construct in osteoblast-like cells (human MG63 and SaOS-2 cells and rat ROS 17/2.8 cells), human MCF-7 and T47-D breast cancer cell lines, and HepG2 hepatoma cells, after transient transfection with ERalpha, ERbeta, and mutant ER constructs.
Results: E-2, but not ICI, stimulated BMP-6 reporter activity by approximately 100% in MCF-7, T47-D cells, and HepG2 cells when transfected with ERa. In contrast, in ERalpha-transfected osteoblast-like cells, an increase in reporter activity of approximately 75% was observed after treatment with ICI but not E-2. The response of MG63 cells to ICI and MCF-7 cells to E-2 both required ERalpha as opposed to ERbeta and the ERalpha activation function (AF)-1 activation domain. However, whereas the AF-2 domain was also required for E-2 to stimulate reporter activity in MCF-7 cells, the response to ICI in MG63 cells was AF-2 independent. In further studies where we compared the intracellular distribution of ERalpha associated with these responses, E-2-dependent stimulation of the BMP-6 reporter in MCF-7 cells was associated with intranuclear localization of ERalpha, whereas extranuclear localization was seen in rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS) cells treated with ICI.
Conclusions: Antiestrogens selectively stimulate BMP-6 reporter activity in osteoblast-like cells through a distinct ERa-dependent mechanism characterized by independence of the AF-2 domain and extranuclear localization of ERalpha.

DOI： 10.1359/JBMR.0301249

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Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a crucial inhibitor of vessel and cartilage calcification. We investigated the association of T-138C MGP promoter polymorphism with the degree of atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and patients' clinical background including calcification of the trachea and costal cartilage. Analysis of 108 autopsy cases was carried out by polymorphism- specific PCR on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Statistical correlations among eight risk factors and five markers related to atherosclerosis and extra-bone tissue calcification were multivariantly analyzed. We found very high canonical correlations between the factors and the markers, and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed six significant correlations between age and the Gore index
age and costal cartilage calcification
sex and costal cartilage calcification
hypertension and the Gore index
hypertension and the calcification factor of the Gore index
and hyperlipidemia and costal cartilage calcification. The promoter activity of the -138T allele was significantly higher than that of the -138C allele
treatment with 12-O-tetradecanonylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) significantly activated the former, but had almost no effect on the latter. The C genotype was significantly common among Japanese subjects, (TT 45.5%, TC 37.6% and CC 16.8%) compared with that reported in the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and France. No significant correlation was observed, however, between T-138C MGP promoter polymorphism and the markers. Although the C genotype (TC+CC) tended to show a higher calcification factor than the TT genotype, no significant difference was observed among the genotypes in the Gore index or in the calcification factor. Although MGP promoter activity and the binding of the AP-I transcription factor were clearly different between T-138 and C-138 MGP promoter polymorphism in vitro, T-138C polymorphism was, statistically, not an independent factor of atherosclerosis or atherosclerotic vascular calcification in the abdominal aorta.

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Noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium (NCLV) is an uncommon congenital cardiomyopathy with poor prognosis. We describe a case of NCLV that developed in a pregnant woman and her neonate. A nulliparous woman was referred at 24 weeks' gestation due to dyspnea and fetal hydrops. Maternal echocardiography demonstrated NCLV with characteristic findings of prominent and excessive ventricular trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses in the left ventricle. An M-mode echocardiography suggested depressed left ventricular systolic function. A fetal echocardiography at 24 weeks' gestation demonstrated cardiomegaly, but morphologic findings were not definitive for NCLV. An emergency cesarean section was performed due to maternal heart failure. A neonatal echocardiography diagnosed NCLV with depressed left ventricular systolic function. The neonate died of cardiac failure on the second day of life. Autopsy confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Since patients with NCLV may develop heart failure, multidisciplinary management is mandatory. In addition, awareness of familial occurrence of NCLV should be kept in mind for early diagnosis in the fetus and neonate.

DOI： 10.1515/JPM.2004.130

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Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a crucial inhibitor of vessel and cartilage calcification. We investigated the association of T-138C MGP promoter polymorphism with the degree of atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and patients' clinical background including calcification of the trachea and costal cartilage. Analysis of 108 autopsy cases was carried out by polymorphism- specific PCR on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Statistical correlations among eight risk factors and five markers related to atherosclerosis and extra-bone tissue calcification were multivariantly analyzed. We found very high canonical correlations between the factors and the markers, and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed six significant correlations between age and the Gore index
age and costal cartilage calcification
sex and costal cartilage calcification
hypertension and the Gore index
hypertension and the calcification factor of the Gore index
and hyperlipidemia and costal cartilage calcification. The promoter activity of the -138T allele was significantly higher than that of the -138C allele
treatment with 12-O-tetradecanonylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) significantly activated the former, but had almost no effect on the latter. The C genotype was significantly common among Japanese subjects, (TT 45.5%, TC 37.6% and CC 16.8%) compared with that reported in the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and France. No significant correlation was observed, however, between T-138C MGP promoter polymorphism and the markers. Although the C genotype (TC+CC) tended to show a higher calcification factor than the TT genotype, no significant difference was observed among the genotypes in the Gore index or in the calcification factor. Although MGP promoter activity and the binding of the AP-I transcription factor were clearly different between T-138 and C-138 MGP promoter polymorphism in vitro, T-138C polymorphism was, statistically, not an independent factor of atherosclerosis or atherosclerotic vascular calcification in the abdominal aorta.

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Bone fracture healing takes place through endochondral ossification where cartilaginous callus is replaced by bony callus. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a requisite for endochondral ossification, where blood vessel invasion of cartilaginous callus is crucial. Heparanase is an endoglucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) and releases heparin-binding growth factors including VEGF as an active form. To investigate the role of heparanase in VEGF recruitment during fracture healing, the expression of heparanase mRNA and VEGF, and vessel formation were examined in mouse fractured bone. On days 5 and 7 after the fracture, when mesenchymal cells proliferated and differentiated into chondrocytes, heparanase mRNA was detected in osteo(chondro)clasts and their precursors, but not in the inflammatory phase (day 3). On day 10, both VEGF and HSPG were produced by hypertrophic chondrocytes of the cartilaginous callus and by osteoblasts of the bony callus; numerous osteo(chondro)clasts resorbing the cartilage expressed strong heparanase signals. Adjacent to the cartilage resorption sites, angiogenesis with CD31-positive endothelial cells and osteogenesis with osteonectin-positive osteoblasts were observed. On days 14 and 21, osteoclasts in the woven bone tissue expressed heparanase mRNA. These data suggest that by producing heparanase osteo(chondro)clasts contribute to the recruitment of the active form of VEGF. Thus osteo(chondro)clasts may promote local angiogenesis as well as callus resorption in endochondral ossification during fracture healing.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-003-0589-1

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Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) has been identified as requisite for osteoclastogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanism that conducts its catabolic action on bone, the effect of 1alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3) on osteoclastogenesis and RANKL mRNA expression was examined by coculture, RT-PCR and nuclear run-on studies. By accelerating the transcription rate of the RANKL gene in SaOS2 osteoblastic cells, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 enhanced in vitro osteoclast formation from peripheral monocytes. Cloning and characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the human RANKL gene revealed that the basic promoter comprises inverted TATA- and CAAT-boxes flanked by RUNX2 binding sites. Both electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) and transfection studies demonstrated that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 activated human RANKL promoter through vitamin D responsive elements (VDRE) located at -1584/-1570 by binding VDR and RXRalpha heterodimers in a ligand-dependent manner. The results provide direct evidence that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D-3 augments osteoclastogenesis by transactivating the human RANKL gene in osteoblastic cells through VDRE. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/jcb.10567

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A case of fetal brain tumor, which appeared after 32 weeks' gestation, is presented. Prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large heterogeneous mass in the right supratentorial region and left enlarged ventricle. A male fetus weighing 2,616 g was delivered at 34 weeks gestation by cesarean section and died on the 37th day of life due to rapid growth of the tumor. Following autopsy, the pathohistological examination revealed primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging in the prenatal management of the congenital brain tumor is efficient in evaluating the expansion and margin of the tumor and intratumoral bleeding, which are not demonstrated by ultrasonography. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.

DOI： 10.1159/000069365

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPANESE CANCER ASSOC  

Reduced expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) owing to aberrant 5'CpG island hypermethylation has been regarded as one of the main molecular events involved in the dysfunction of the cell-cell adhesion system. The molecular mechanisms providing diversity and heterogeneity of E-cad expression in colorectal carcinoma were explored. In 29 cases of colorectal carcinoma in Indonesia, the expression of E-cad was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, the methylation status of the E-cad promoter was determined by methylation-specific PCR, and the expression of methyl-CpG-binding protein (MeCP) 2 was studied by in situ hybridization. E-cad expression was strong, and no methylation was observed in normal colon mucosa and most of the well differentiated adenocarcinoma. In contrast, both signet-ring cell carcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma showed fully methylated patterns and strong MeCP2 expression. In moderately- and poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas, however, E-cad expression was rather heterogeneous, especially at the front of invasion and in the dissociated areas, where loss of MeCP2 expression correlated with E-cad reexpression even in the presence of E-cad promoter methylation. We conclude that both CpG methylation of the E-cad promoter and significant MeCP2 expression cooperatively and epigenetically regulate E-cad expression in colorectal cancer.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2003.tb01462.x

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Objective: A significant decrease in vitamin D receptor (VDR) and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) protein expression has been demonstrated recently in parathyroid (PT) adenomas. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the proliferative activity of parathyroid glands (PTGs) and the expression of VDR as well as CaSR, and compared it with the, clinical severity in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1degreesHPT).
Design: Seven patients with 1degreesHPT were included in this study. Four patients with thyroid carcinoma served as controls.
Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on serial sections of PTGs with specific antibodies against CaSR, VDR, and Ki67. Areas examined in each section were selected at random in relation to the gland size. The number of Ki67-positive cells was expressed as a labeling index (LI; positive cells per 1000 PT cells). The expression of CaSR and VDR was semi-quantitatively analyzed based on the intensity of staining. After averages of the scores from all areas were calculated, CaSR and VDR scores, and Ki67 LI were assigned to each gland for use in statistical analyses.
Results: In PT adenomas, scores of VDR and CaSR were markedly lower than in normal PTGs (P < 0.01), while the proportion of Ki67-positive cells in PT adenomas was significantly higher than in normal PTGs (P < 0.01). Single regression analyses revealed that Ki67 LI was positively correlated with serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone and Ca, and PTG weight (R = 0.70, P < 0.05, R = 0.78, P < 0.01 and R = 0.84, P < 0.05 respectively). Ki67 LI was negatively correlated with CaSR and VDR scores (R = -0.78, P < 0.01 and R = -0.72, P < 0.05 respectively). Moreover, there was a strong positive relationship between CaSR and VDR expression (R = 0.95, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Marked decreases in VDR and CaSR expression could, at least in part, be responsible for the high proliferation of PT cells and the pathological progression of 1degreesHPT.

DOI： 10.1530/eje.0.1480403

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Society of Medical Physics  

We developed micro blood vessel diameter measurement algorithm for angiography using refraction contrast by monochromatic X-ray of the 3rd generation synchrotron radiation with the high degree parallel beam. The accuracy is evaluated using the actually obtained image.

DOI： 10.11323/jjmp2000.23.2_157

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This chapter describes the general mechanism of cancer invasion and metastasis, and discusses the relationship between cancer cells, including prostatic carcinoma, and host stromal cells in cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. A detailed discussion on the mechanism of and consider several growth factors related to osteoblastic metastasis from prostate cancer is also provided in this chapter. Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor among men in the United States. Most deaths from the disease are still caused by widespread metastases that are resistant to conventional treatment in spite of improved surgical techniques and local and systemic therapies. Human prostate cancer is one of the rare cancers that consistently produce osteoblastic metastasis to bone. The molecular basis for tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis is still unclear, although recent reports have emphasized the importance of secreted proteases, cellular molecules, and the presence of mitogenic and angiogenic growth factors at the sites of tumors. Cancer metastasis is established by a multistep mechanism, which is not understood in terms of single molecules. Prostate cancer shows unique metastatic behavior, chiefly osteoblastic bone metastasis, prior to other visceral metastases. Understanding the mechanism of osteoblastic bone metastasis is important for developing useful methods for the treatment of prostate cancer patients. More investigation is required for establishing new therapies for prostate cancer metastasis. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/B978-012286981-5/50004-5

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We investigated the expression of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and the relationship between PTHrP and its endoprotease furin in gastric cancer. PTHrP was colocalized with furin in 75% of gastric cancer tissues (six of eight) from patients with high serum PTHrP levels. PTHrP mRNA expression was confirmed in 67% of gastric cancer cell lines (four of six), whereas furin mRNA was detected in all six gastric cancer cell lines. In a cultured gastric cancer cell line, MKN28, mature PTHrP protein expression was markedly increased by transfection of furin cDNA. Furin cDNA-transfected MKN28 cells grew faster than did the mock controls. Moreover, furin mRNA expression in cultured gastric cancer cells was enhanced when PTHrP was added to the culture medium. These results suggest a link between PTHrP and furin in the regulation of gastric cancer cell growth. Furin might be involved not only in the production of the mature form of PTHrP, but also in promoting growth in gastric cancer cells.

DOI： 10.1023/A:1021005221934

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Breast cancer is frequently associated with osteolytic bone metastasis, where osteoclasts play a major role in bone destruction. Recently, osteoclast differentiation factor (RANKL) has been identified as a prerequisite for the formation and maintenance of osteoclasts from haematopoietic precursors. To elucidate the mechanism of osteoclastogenesis and bone destruction in bone-residing breast cancer, PTHrP-producing (MCF-7) and -non-producing (MCF-7UP) human breast cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the forehead of nude mice maintained without oestrogen supplement. One, two, and three weeks thereafter, the expression of RANKL and PTHrP mRNA, and osteoclastogenesis were analysed by in situ hybridization and TRAP staining. In MCF-7 cells, at early stages, spindle-shaped stromal cells and osteoblasts on the bone surface expressed RANKL, then numerous osteoclasts were induced on the periosteal bone surface. Three weeks after the transplantation, MCF-7 cancer cells migrated onto the eroded bone surface, where they survived apoptosis. At all stages, RANKL expression was confined to the stromal/osteoblastic cells, whereas PTHrP was confined to the MCF-7 breast cancer cells. On the other hand, PTHrP was negative in MCF-7UP cells at all stages, and neither induction of osteoclasts nor infiltrative growth of cancer cells was observed. Moreover, in vitro treatment with PTHrP resulted in increased RANKL mRNA expression and transcription activity in the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line. Thus PTHrP induces osteoclastic bone resorption through the transactivation of the RANKL gene on stromal/osteoblastic cells, affording a bone microenvironment conducive to the survival of PTHrP-producing cancer cells. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.

DOI： 10.1002/path.1199

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

Receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is a membrane-bound signal transducer requisite for differentiation and maintenance of osteoclasts. RANKL expression on stromal/osteoblastic cells is tightly regulated to maintain physiological serum calcium levels and bone mass. These stromal/osteoblastic cells, however, comprise a rather heterogeneous population ranging from immature mesenchymal cells to mature osteoblasts and also respond differently to bone resorptive stimuli. In the mouse coculture system, we also have demonstrated the passage-dependent difference of cultured mouse stromal cells in supporting osteoclastogenesis due to altered RANKL gene expression. To address the issue of what molecular mechanism gives the diversity of RANKL gene expression to stromal/osteoblastic cells, we characterized the mouse RANKL gene promoter that contains two CpG clustering regions; one around the transcription start site, and the other downstream of the vitamin D response element (VDRE). Using earlier- and later-passage mouse ST2 cells. we analyzed the CpG methylation status by sodium bisulfite mapping and found that CpG loci around the transcription start site (-66/+246) were predominantly methylated in later-passage ST2 cells. Moreover, earlier- and later-passage ST2 cells transfected with a RANKL promoter construct showed the same steady-state level of luciferase activity and of the inducible effect of 1.25(OH)(2)D-3. Furthermore, the introduction of methylation to the promoter construct silenced promoter activity. The results suggest that CpG methylation around the transcription start site of the mouse RANKL gene is an important epigenetic event, and that its heterogeneity might cause the diversity of the stromal/osteoblastic cells in RANKL gene expression. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00189-4

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disorder characterized by synovial inflammation and subsequent destruction and deformity of synovial joints. The articular lesions start with synovitis, focal erosion of unmineralized cartilage, and then culminate in the destruction of subarticular bone by pannus tissue. Periarticular osteopenia and systemic osteoporosis follow as late complications of RA. Osteoclasts, specialized cells that resorb bone, play a central role in developing these osteolytic lesions. To elucidate the mechanism of osteoclastogenesis and bone destruction in autoimmune arthritis, we investigated the expression of RANK ligand (RANKL), RANK, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA in a mouse type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model by in situ hybridization. The results indicated that most of the TRAP-positive mono- and multinucleated cells in the inflamed and proliferating synovium and in the pannus were RANK-positive authentic osteoclasts and their precursors. In the inflamed synovium and pannus of the mouse CIA model, synovial fibroblastic cells around these RANK-positive cells were strongly positive for RANKL. Moreover, RANKL-positive osteoblasts on the endosteal bone surface, at a distance from the affected synovial joints, increased significantly in the mouse CIA model prior to periarticular osteopenia and systemic osteoporosis. These data indicated that the RANKL-RANK system plays an important role for osteoclastogenesis in both local and systemic osteolytic lesions in autoimmune arthritis, and can therefore be a good target for therapeutic intervention.

DOI： 10.1007/s00418-001-0376-9

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Receptor activator of NF-B-kappa ligand (RANKL) is a membrane-bound signal transducer necessary for the induction and maintenance of osteoclasts. To clarify the molecular mechanism by which 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25-(OH)(2)D-3) augments osteoclasts, we characterized the promoter region of the mouse RANKL gene. Mirroring in vitro osteoclastogenesis demonstrated by a coculture of bone marrow macrophages with ST2 stromal cells, Northern blot, and nuclear run-on analyses showed that 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3 upregulate RANKL gene expression at the transcriptional level. Using a series of deletion mutants of mouse RANKL promoter-luciferase reporter gene constructs, transient transfection studies revealed that the inductive effect of 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3 was abolished when the region up to -723 was deleted. Am electrophoretic motility shift assay demonstrated that the VDR-RXRbeta heterodimer bound to (AGGTCA) under bar GCC (TGGTTCA) under bar (-937/-922), and VDRE/nuclear protein super-shift complexes that bound to anti-VDR and -RXRbeta antibodies were detected in the nuclear extract of 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3-treated ST2 cells. Furthermore, induction of mutation to the putative VDRE also diminished the inductive effect of 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3. We therefore concluded that mouse RANKL gene is one of the target genes of 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3 containing a functional VDRE in the promoter region. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science.

DOI： 10.1006/bbrc.2001.6251

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BLACKWELL PUBLISHING ASIA  

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasia often associated with multiple skeletal lesions and hypercalcemia. Several cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta), derived from myeloma cells are thought to accelerate osteoclastic bone resorption and cause hypercalcemia through a paracrine mechanism. We report on a case of a 69-year-old man with multiple myeloma associated with hypercalcemia and advanced osteolytic lesions. After bisphosphonate treatment and MP (melphalan and prednisolone) therapy, the patient's serum calcium level was successfully but transiently recovered to the normal range. Biochemical analysis showed a remarkable increase in serum parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP; 3.7 pmol/L) and IL-6 (22.0 pg/mL). On the other hand, parathyroid hormone and 1alpha,25(OH)(2) vitamin D-3 were suppressed. By immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization on aspiration-biopsied bone marrow clot sections, PTHrP mRNA and protein were detected in the cytoplasm of myeloma cells. The rate of PTHrP-positive myeloma cells was estimated to be at least one-third. Since PTHrP can, as an endocrine factor, systemically act on bone and kidney, hypercalcemia in this case might have been caused through both local osteolytic hypercalcemia and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy mechanisms.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2002.01314.x

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology  

DOI： 10.11405/nisshoshi1964.99.391

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：F HERNANDEZ  

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a factor responsible for malignancy associated hypercalcemia, plays a physiological roles such as bone development and placental calcium transport. The expression of PTHrP in adult human parathyroid tissues under normal and pathological conditions was analyzed. By immunohistochemistry, PTHrP expression was detected in 86% of normal parathyroid (12/14 cases), 74% of adenomas (14/19) and 89% of hyperplasia secondary to chronic renal failure (16/18). PTHrP protein was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of oxyphil cells, consistent with the localization of its mRNA demonstrated by in situ hybridization. The rate of PTHrP-positive cells was higher in areas consisting of oxyphil cells than in those of non-oxyphil cells, regardless of whether the parathyroid was normal or pathological. In the normal parathyroid, an age-related increase in PTHrP expression was observed with a relative increase in oxyphil cells, reflecting aging and deterioration of parathyroid tissue. In adenoma, cases with a predominance of oxyphil cells expressed PTHrP, whereas clear cell adenoma did not. In secondary hyperplasia, the rate of PTHrP-expressing cells was higher than in normal parathyroid or adenoma, with varying levels of expression among nodules. We speculate that PTHrP could act through the paracrine/ autocrine mechanism to regulate proliferation and differentiation of normal and neoplastic parathyroid cells.

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DOI： 10.11405/nisshoshi1964.99.391

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Purpose: We determined the association of heparanase protein and messenger (m)RNA expression with bladder cancer invasion and metastasis.
Materials and Methods: The expression of heparanase protein and mRNA was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization, respectively, in 67 bladder cancer specimens resected at various stages of disease. To our knowledge this is the first systematic study of heparanase protein and mRNA expression in human bladder cancer.
Results: The expression of heparanase protein in muscular invasive bladder cancer was significantly higher than in superficial cancer (68% versus 19%, p = 0.0001). It was higher in the primary tumor of patients with lymph node metastatic cancer than those with nonmetastatic cancer (80% versus 37%, p = 0.0006). In high grade disease it was significantly higher than in low grade disease (79% versus 29%, p = 0.0001). The expression of heparanase mRNA was also significantly higher in stage pT3 or greater than in stage pT2 or less bladder cancer (96% versus 33%, p = 0.0003). In metastatic N+ cases it was significantly higher than in nonmetastatic bladder cancer (93% versus 46%, p = 0.0037). The heparanase gene and protein showed similar patterns of expression in bladder cancer.
Conclusions: Our study implies that the expression of heparanase protein and mRNA is associated with bladder cancer invasion and metastasis, and heparanase may have a role in disease progression.

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The relationship between expression of extracellular matrix degradative enzymes, angiogenesis and survival of multistage bladder cancer was determined. Expression of 3 extracellular matrix degradative enzymes (metalloproteinase-2, -9 and heparanase) and microvessel formation were examined in 40 resected bladder cancer specimens by immunohistostochemic staining, and then the association of the enzyme expression with angiogenesis and various stages of cancer was investigated. Heparanase protein expression in muscular invasive or lymphnode metastatic cancer was significantly higher than in superficial or nonmetastatic cancer, respectively (69% vs. 8%, p < 0.001, and 80% vs. 40%, p = 0.028, respectively). Interestingly, heparanase was expressed at much higher levels than matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. The mean microvessel count in cancers with heparanase expression was significantly higher than that in cancers without heparanase expression (32.3 +/- 18.2 vs. 5.5 +/- 6.1, p = 0.0008). The microvessel formation was not associated with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. The cancer-specific and overall survival rates of patients with heparanase expression were significantly lower than those of patients without it (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that heparanase expression was a significantly independent prognostic factor for both cancer-specific (p = 0.0047) and overall survival (p = 0.0200). Our study suggested that heparanase plays important roles in invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of bladder cancer, and thus, this molecule could be a new molecule to inhibit invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of bladder cancer. Moreover, our results indicate that expression of heparanase could be a new prognostic factor of this disease. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/1097-0215(20010920)95:5<295::AID-IJC1051>3.0.CO;2-A

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV  

Metastatic diseases of prostate cancer reveal high expression of alpha6 integrin and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinase). Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine whether MAP kinase pathway is involved in the alpha6 integrin gene expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines. alpha6 integrin mRNA expression, the alpha6 integrin promoter-induced luciferase activities and MAP kinase enzyme activities in androgen-independent LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines were higher than those in androgen-dependent LNCaP. Deletion and mutation analysis showed that Spl consensus sequence at -48 to -43 bp from the transcription start site was necessary for basal promoter activity. Binding of Spl to its consensus sequence in three cell lines was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Spl binding to its consensus sequence, as well as promoter activity and mRNA expression, were found to be inhibited by an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase 1 and 2, U0126, in the androgen-independent cell lines. Our results indicate that the proximal Spl is necessary for basal promoter activity of the alpha6 integrin, suggesting that signal transduction from MAP kinases Co activation of Spl might be involved in a6 integrin gene expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Ah rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0167-4889(01)00068-4

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Purpose: We determined the role of endothelin receptors in prostate cancer progression.
Materials and Methods: We examined 51 prostate cancer specimens obtained at surgery or biopsy for the relationship of endothelin receptor expression determined by immunohistochemical staining with malignant potential.
Results: The positive staining rate of endothelin receptor A in the 51 specimens was significantly higher than of endothelin B (71% versus 24%, p &lt;0.0001). The staining rate of receptor A in Gleason score 5 to 10 disease was significantly higher than in Gleason 2 to 4 disease (91% versus 29%, p &lt;0.0001). The overall staining rate of endothelin receptor A in nonorgan confined disease without bone metastasis but with extraprostatic disease was 87% in 23 cases, including 16 of 19 stage T3 (84%) and all 4 stage T4 (100%) cases. This rate was significantly higher than that of organ confined cancer (29%, p = 0.0003). All patients with bone metastasis had positive staining for endothelin receptor A. An especially high rate of intensely positive staining was observed for endothelin receptor A in biopsy specimens with bone metastasis or Gleason sum 8 to 10. Moreover, positive staining was stronger in cancer cells penetrating the prostatic capsule than in those at the primary foci. However, the positive staining rate of endothelin receptor B was not significantly different in organ and nonorgan confined cancer without bone metastasis (12% versus 26%, p = 0.4284), bone metastatic and nonmetastatic cancer (20% versus 36%, p = 0.2619) or the Gleason sum groups (p = 0.0874).
Conclusions: Our results indicate that endothelin receptor A expression may serve as a marker for and have an important role in prostate cancer progression.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：AMER SOC BONE & MINERAL RES  

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, are multifunctional molecules that regulate bone induction and organ development. Among BMPs, BMP-6 has been shown to be overexpressed in prostate cancer and is speculated to be associated with bone-forming skeletal metastasis. We investigated the regulatory mechanism of the BMP-6 gene expression in prostate cancer cell lines DU-145, LNCaP, PC-3, and PC-3M with regard to the methylation status of the CpG island in the 5' Banking region of the human BMP-6 gene. By sequence-specific analysis of methylated cytosines, we show here that the methylation status of the CpG loci around the Sp1 site of the BMP-6 promoter is related to its steady-state expression and an alternative splicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) in prostate cancer cell lines. Furthermore, a study of clinical cases of benign and malignant prostate lesion by in situ hybridization showed that BMP-6 expression was high at both primary and secondary sites in cases of advanced cancer with metastasis. Demethylation of the CPG loci around the Spl binding site was shown in cases with high BMP-6 expression by sequencing analysis of the methylated cytosine from paraffin-embedded materials, Our results suggested that during cancer progression, besides inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by hypermethylation, activation of certain genes like BMP-6 by selective demethylation was a common epigenetic event giving a variable character to the invading and metastasizing cancer cells.

DOI： 10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.3.487

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-LISS  

The APC genetic locus has been linked to the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer, although the precise mechanism of its involvement in this disease remains unknown. We used high sensitivity mapping of the methylated cytosine, Northern blot analysis and immunocytochemical staining in six colorectal cancer cell lines (DLD-1, SW480, Colo320, HT29, WiDr, and Colo201) to examine the relationship between the methylation status of the CpG loci in the 5'-flanking region of the APC gene and its expression. APC mRNA expression levels determined by Northern blot analysis correlated well with APC protein levels visualized by immunocytochemistry. In these colorectal cancer cell lines, no major genetic alterations of the APC gene, such as amplification or deletion, were detected. Analysis of the epigenetic control of APC gene expression in these lines revealed that methylation of the CpG loci in the 5'-untranslated region of APC mRNA repressed steady-state expression of the gene. Furthermore, epigenetic alteration of the APC gene was independent of the APC protein truncation and CpG methylation of the hMLH1 promoter. Although less eminent than protein truncation by point mutation within the coding region of the APC gene, epigenetic alteration suppressing APC gene expression may significantly contribute to oncogenesis and the progression of colorectal cancer. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/1097-4644(20010301)80:3<415::AID-JCB150>3.0.CO;2-5

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Expression of the alpha (v)beta3 integrin by murine bone marrow macrophages is regulated by cytokines such as IL-4 and GM-CSF through transcriptional activation of the beta (3) subunit gene. To characterize the molecular mechanisms by which such regulation occurs, we isolated the murine beta (3) integrin promoter. To this end, we first cloned a full length beta (3) cDNA and used the 5 ' UTR and leader peptide coding sequence to identify genomic clones containing the beta (3) promoter region. The transcriptional start site, identified by primer extension and S1 nuclease assay, is 34 nt upstream of the translation initiation codon. A 1.1 kb fragment of the promoter region drives IL-4 responsive transcription in transiently transfected murine bone marrow macrophages. Deletion analysis of the beta (3) promoter indicates the IL-4 responsive element lies between -465 to --678 nt relative to the transcriptional start site. This promoter fragment contains two overlapping STAT consensus recognition sites and nuclear extracts from BMMs contain an IL-4-inducible DNA binding factor, identified by super shift analysis, as STAT-6. Furthermore, an oligonucleotide which includes the two STAT recognition sites residing in the IL-4 responsive region of the beta (3) promoter, competes for STAT-6 binding. Confirming IL-4 induction of the integrin subunit is specifically mediated by STAT-6, beta (3) mRNA is not enhanced in BMMs derived from STAT-6 deleted mice, which however, retain their capacity to respond to CM-CSF. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/1097-4644(20010501)81:2<320::AID-JCB1047>3.0.CO;2-M

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC HISTOCHEMISTRY & CYTOCHEMISTRY  

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-3/osteogenin has a diverse spectrum of biological functions ranging from bone induction to developmental organogenesis. To clarify the role of BMP-3 during bone formation and maintenance, we investigated the expression of BMP-3 mRNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) on 4% paraformaldehyde fixed decalcified bone of normal and fractured bone of adult mice and in the whole body of the mouse fetus with digoxigenin-labeled single-stranded DNA probes generated by PCR. Our modified in situ hybridization technique at the electron microscopic level was also applied to identify specific cell types expressing BMP-3 during endochondral ossification in the developing fetal bone. Besides its expression in the developing fetal bronchial epithelium and glial cells of the brain, BMP-3 expression was observed mainly on chondrocytic cells during maturation in the normal growth plate and the fractured callus of the adult long bone and the developing fetal woven bone, suggesting that BMP-3 expression was related not to differentiation of mesenchymal cells into the chondrocytic cell lineage but to the differentiation of immature chondrocytic cells into more mature chondrocytes.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.34.1

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The APC genetic locus has been linked to the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer, although the precise mechanism of its involvement in this disease remains unknown. We used high sensitivity mapping of the methylated cytosine, Northern blot analysis and immunocytochemical staining in six colorectal cancer cell lines (DLD-1, SW480, Colo320, HT29, WiDr, and Colo201) to examine the relationship between the methylation status of the CpG loci in the 5'-flanking region of the APC gene and its expression. APC mRNA expression levels determined by Northern blot analysis correlated well with APC protein levels visualized by immunocytochemistry. In these colorectal cancer cell lines, no major genetic alterations of the APC gene, such as amplification or deletion, were detected. Analysis of the epigenetic control of APC gene expression in these lines revealed that methylation of the CpG loci in the 5'-untranslated region of APC mRNA repressed steady-state expression of the gene. Furthermore, epigenetic alteration of the APC gene was independent of the APC protein truncation and CpG methylation of the hMLH1 promoter. Although less eminent than protein truncation by point mutation within the coding region of the APC gene, epigenetic alteration suppressing APC gene expression may significantly contribute to oncogenesis and the progression of colorectal cancer. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOI： 10.1002/1097-4644(20010301)80:3<415::AID-JCB150>3.0.CO;2-5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC HISTOCHEMISTRY & CYTOCHEMISTRY  

Fracture repair is a sequence of events involving formation of hematoma, recruitment of mesenchymal cells, induction of cartilaginous and bony callus, and remodeling of woven bone tissues. Decalcified tissues of mouse fracture model were subjected to in situ hybridization with PCR-derived single-stranded DNA probes. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 transcripts were detected primarily in mesenchymal cells at the fracture site. Strong signals for BMP-2 and -3 and moderate signals for BMP-4 and -6 were detected in chondrocytes of the cartilaginous callus (days 7-10) and in osteoblasts of the bony callus (days 10-14), where transcripts of Runx2/Cbfa1 (an osteoblastic transcription factor downstream of BMP) were detected in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. BMP signals finally decreased 21 days after the fracture. Since immature cells expressing BMPs differentiated into chondrocytes or osteoblasts, BMPs might promote fracture healing through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. During fracture healing, on the other hand, a number of osteoclasts were involved in the resorption of cartilaginous and bony callus; receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), recently identified as a requisite to osteoclastogenesis, was expressed on mesenchymal cells (day 4) as well as on osteoblasts (days 10-21). Since Runx2/Cbfa1 binding sites are found on the mouse RANKL gene promoter, RANKL expression and osteoclastogenesis could also be promoted through Runx2/Cbfal at the phase of accelerated bone formation during fracture healing.

DOI： 10.1267/ahc.34.321

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Background Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy is a cancer-related hypercalcemia caused by the production of humoral factors by malignant cells in patients without bone metastases. Squamous cell carcinomas are the tumors most frequently associated with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP) is the main humoral factor implicated. Squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma is a rare diagnosis itself, much less the description of associated hypercalcemia, despite the fact that the normal keratinocytes produce parathyroid hormone-related protein.
Case We present a well-documented case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary, complicated by hypercalcemia in a patient with high levels of plasma parathyroid hormone-related protein and immunohistochemical evidence of parathyroid hormone-related protein expression by the tumor cells.
Conclusion, in this case, the carcinoma cells had already produced PTH-rP in the primary tumor although the serum calcium levels had not been significantly high at surgery. It is therefore suggested that hypercalcemia may have occurred after PTH-rP production had overcome the homeostatic level during the terminal stage. (C) 2000 Academic Press.

DOI： 10.1006/gyno.2000.5945

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Recently, three new family members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand and receptor signaling system that play a critical role in the regulation of bone resorption have been identified and cloned. These also have been shown to play an important role in regulating the immune system. A proliferation of synonyms for these molecules has led to miscommunication and redundancy. To resolve this, the President of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) appointed a special committee to recommend a standard nomenclature. After considerable deliberation and after vetting by workers in the field, the Committee recommends the names of receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANKL) for the membrane receptor, RANK ligand (RANK) for the ligand, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) for the decoy receptor. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Inc. & the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S8756-3282(00)00420-8

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Background The down-regulation of both calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in parathyroid (PT) glands of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) caused by chronic renal failure has been associated with PT hormone hypersecretion as well as PT hypergrowth. To clarify the predominance of decreased expression of CaSR and VDR in the high proliferative activity of PT glands, we examined the relationship between the expression of both receptors and proliferative activity in human PT glands.
Methods. Serial sections of 56 PT glands, including 52 glands from secondary HPT and 4 normal PT glands resected together with thyroid carcinoma, were examined immunohistochemically with specific antibodies against CaSR, VDR, and Ki67. The Ki67-positive cell number was counted and expressed as the Ki67 score. The CaSR and VDR expressions were semiquantitatively analyzed.
Results. The expressions of both CaSR and VDR were markedly decreased in PT glands of secondary HPT, while the Ki67 score was significantly higher than it was in normal controls. When hyperplastic glands were classified into two subgroups, with [N(+)] or without [N(-)] nodular formation, CaSR expression was significantly decreased in N(+), while VDR expression was not different. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the decreased expression of CaSR could contribute significantly to the high proliferative activity, even if VDR expression was taken into account.
Conclusion. The decrease in CaSR expression is associated with the high proliferative activity of PT glands in secondary HPT, independently of the decreased VDR expression. These findings provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of PT hyperplasia, which is refractory to vitamin D therapy in patients with severe secondary HPT.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2000.00370.x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PROFESSOR D A SPANDIDOS  

S100A4, one of the tandemly arranged S100 genes at chromosome 1q21, has been suggested to play a functional role in cell motility and invasiveness of tumor cell growth. We investigated the expression of S100A4 and the in vitro invasiveness of 4 human bile duct adenocarcinoma cell lines by the Matrigel assay. S100A4 was abundantly expressed in 2 adenocarcinoma cell lines whose growth pattern was highly invasive. Induction of antisense S100A4 into one of the cell lines decreased S100A4 mRNA levels and reduced invasiveness. In contrast, induction of sense S100A4 expression into non-invasive KMBC adenocarcinoma cells, which originally lacked S100A4 expression, resulted in apparent invasive potential in the transfected cells compared with the cells with the vector alone. These results suggest that S100A4 expression is well correlated with the invasiveness of human bile duct adenocarcinomas.

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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV! has been well documented in the aetiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), although its role as well as the genetic basis in the genesis of NPC have not been elucidated, The p53 gene mutations are infrequently found in NPC, but the expression of p53 protein, as well as bcl-2. oncoprotein, has been reported in a high percentage of cases, and also in association with EBV. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has also been shown to be increased in NPC, suggesting its association among the overexpression of p53 and bcl-2 oncoprotein. We undertook this study to evaluate the correlation among these abnormalities in the development of NPC. The expression of p53 protein, bcl-2 oncoprotein, and the level of PCNA were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 53 patients with NPC. Twenty tissue samples from these patients were studied for p53 ene mutations by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing as well as EBV genomes by polymerase chain reaction, Among the 53 specimens, 42 (79%) showed expression of p53 protein and 40 (75%) gave positive result for bcl-2 oncoprotein. A significant association was found between p53 expression and bcl-2 oncoprotein (P = 0.002; Fisher's exact test) with 68% of the patients showing coexpression of both markers. The PCNA labelling index in the 53 patients varied from 5% to 80%. High PCNA labelling index was frequently feued in the patients with overexpression of p53 protein and bcl-2 oncoprotein. The PCNA index in patients wi th p53 expression was significant higher th an in those without p53 expression (P = 0.002). Of the 20 patients, p53 mutations were found in four cases. EBV genomes were detected in 14 cases of which 12 cases showed overexpression of both p53 and bcl-2 and one case with only p53 expression and one case with bcl-2 expression. EBV genomes were detected in two cases with p53 mutations. We conclude that EBV is the important etiologic factor in NPC which may be involved in p53 and bcl-2 overexpression. The mutant p53 protein is correlated to deregulation of PCNA. p53 mutations participate in a small proportion of the tumorigenesis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/S0304-3835(00)00582-6

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS  

Purpose: We retrospectively investigated whether the level of serum hepatocyte growth factor could predict the prognosis and extent of transitional-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
Patients and Methods; Serum samples were collected from 113 patients with bladder cancer and from 200 healthy controls. Of the 113 patients, 59 had superficial bladder cancer and 54 had muscle-invasive cancer. Thirteen bladder cancer tissues (eight superficial and five muscle-invasive) were also collected. The levels of hepatocyte growth factor in the serum and tissues of these individuals were measured by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay using hepatocyte growth factor antibodies.
Results: The levels of hepatocyte growth factor in the serum and tissues of patients with muscle-inversive cancer were significantly higher than those of patients with superficial bladder cancer (P &lt; .0001 and P = .0054, respectively). The degree of elevation above the normal level of serum hepatocyte growth factor of the former (61.1%) was significantly higher than that of the latter (8.4%; P &lt; .0001). The elevation wets highest in patients with visceral metastasis (93.3%). Among patients with superficial bladder cancer, the overall survival rate of those with low levels of serum hepatocyte growth factor was significantly greater than that of those with high levels (P = .005). Among patients with minimally invasive bladder cancer, the disease-free and overall survival rates of those with high levels of serum hepatocyte growth factor were significantly lower than the same rates of those with low levels (P &lt; .001 and P = .0028, respectively).
Conclusion: Our study suggests that the level of hepatocyte growth factor in serum could be a predictor of patient survival and extent of bladder cancer. (C) 2000 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

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S-100 proteins (S100) are characterized by calcium-binding ability with two structural EF hands. Several S100 are expressed in cardiomyocytes and thought to play a crucial role in calcium signaling. To examine whether the expression of S100 is a response to detectable myocardial damage or regeneration, we investigated, immunohistochemically, the expression of S100A4 and S100A11 in the isoproterenol (ISP)-treated rat heart. Definite expression of S100A4 and S100A11 was demonstrated in normal cardiomyocytes, and their staining patterns were enhanced in the ISP-treated rat heart, suggesting the possible involvement of S1-A4 and S100A11 in ISP-induced myocardial damage.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2000.01069.x

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The TCL1 gene, localized near the break point of chromosome 14q32.1 often involved in T cell leukemias, is also expressed in normal precursor T and B cells, and B cell lymphoma cell lines. We investigated the expression of the TCL1 protein in various types of B cell lymphomas according to the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid neoplasms, Paraffin-embedded tissue sections of lymphoma specimens were subjected to TCL1 immunohistochemistry, and positivity was scored on a three-tiered scale: - (&lt; 25% cells), + (25-50% cells), and ++ (&gt; 50% cells). The TCL1 protein was expressed in low-grade B cell lymphomas including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type in ocular adnexa (18/20, 90%), It was also expressed in follicular, lymphoplasmacytic, and mantle cell lymphoma, but not in high-grade diffuse large B cell lymphoma (2/11, 18%). These data suggest that the expression of the TCL1 gene characterizes low-grade B cell lymphomas, and may be involved in certain processes of lymphomatogenesis.

DOI： 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2000.01023.x

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S100A4 is considered functionally involved in metastasis and invasiveness of rodent and human mammary tumors. We screened the expression of S100A4 in human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, and found 2 cell lines which were highly invasive, but did not express any noticeable extent of S100A4. To examine whether the expression of S100A4 regulated invasiveness of squamous cell carcinoma, we transfected S100A4 cDNA into KOCS-3 and HSC-4 squamous cell carcinoma cells. The transfectants from KOSC-3 cells expressing sense S100A4 decreased invasiveness by 80% compared with cells of the wild type or those with the vector only. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

A 59-year-old man with progressive and advanced agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, also called idiopathic my elofibrosis, had complications showing bilateral interstitial pneumonic shadows. Pathological assessment of transbronchial biopsy revealed pulmonary perivascular fibrosis and infiltration of megakaryocytes. Autopsy 3 months later showed extramedullary megakaryopoiesis and fibrosis in lung, pleura, kidney, liver and spleen. Histopathological analysis for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF-receptor revealed an abnormally high expression of the PDGF-receptor-beta gene in pulmonary fibroblasts. This is the first description of an association between pulmonary fibrosis and PDGF in idiopathic myelofibrosis. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.

DOI： 10.1159/000046518

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