Biomedical subjects

Kazuhiro Yoshida

Publications and source records attributed to Kazuhiro Yoshida.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Neutrophil elastase induces cell proliferation and migration by the release of TGF-alpha, PDGF and VEGF in esophageal cell lines.

Rapid regrowth or recurrent growth of occult cancer cells are often observed after esophagectomy or postoperative complications. In order to clarify the mechanism of such oncological circumstances, we focused on neutrophil elastase (NE), which degrades a broad spectrum of extracellular matrix and cell surface proteins. In the present study, we demonstrated that NE stimulated the growth of all of the five esophageal cell lines (TE-1, -7, -8, -12 and -13) by MTT assay and promoted cell invasion by cell migration assay. Pro-transforming growth factor-alpha (pro-TGF-alpha) from the cell membrane was released to the culture medium as a mature form after treatment with 5 microg/ml NE, and it reached the maximum level of 153% compared to the control values at 15 min of treatment in TE-13 cells. The phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) rapidly occurs after treatment with NE and triggered the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK) signaling pathway. Moreover, NE induced release of platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), PDGF-BB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to 141.9, 227.7, and 171.6% of the control values, respectively. A specific NE inhibitor, sivelestat, significantly inhibited the NE-induced cell proliferation, cell invasion and subsequently inhibited the signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, sivelestat significantly inhibited NE-induced release of TGF-alpha, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and VEGF in the medium in TE-13 esophageal carcinoma cells. These results strongly indicate that NE released from activated neutrophils stimulates the growth and progression of esophageal cancer cells by releasing the growth factors on the cell surface and that sivelestat, a specific NE inhibitor, blocks these processes. Furthermore, we postulate that postoperative administration of sivelestat might be useful as a new molecular-targeting cancer therapy as well as for the treatment of postoperative respiratory complications.

Cell Growth Processes↗

PubMed2006

Nardilysin enhances ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor through activation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme.

Like other members of the epidermal growth factor family, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is synthesized as a transmembrane protein that can be shed enzymatically to release a soluble growth factor. Ectodomain shedding is essential to the biological functions of HB-EGF and is strictly regulated. However, the mechanism that induces the shedding remains unclear. We have recently identified nardilysin (N-arginine dibasic convertase (NRDc)), a metalloendopeptidase of the M16 family, as a protein that specifically binds HB-EGF (Nishi, E., Prat, A., Hospital, V., Elenius, K., and Klagsbrun, M. (2001) EMBO J. 20, 3342-3350). Here, we show that NRDc enhances ectodomain shedding of HB-EGF. When expressed in cells, NRDc enhanced the shedding in cooperation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE; ADAM17). NRDc formed a complex with TACE, a process promoted by phorbol esters, general activators of ectodomain shedding. NRDc enhanced TACE-induced HB-EGF cleavage in a peptide cleavage assay, indicating that the interaction with NRDc potentiates the catalytic activity of TACE. The metalloendopeptidase activity of NRDc was not required for the enhancement of HB-EGF shedding. Notably, a reduction in the expression of NRDc caused by RNA interference was accompanied by a decrease in ectodomain shedding of HB-EGF. These results indicate the essential role of NRDc in HB-EGF ectodomain shedding and reveal how the shedding is regulated by the modulation of sheddase activity.

ADAM Proteins↗

PubMed2006

Sivelestat, a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, suppresses the growth of gastric carcinoma cells by preventing the release of transforming growth factor-alpha.

Neutrophil elastase is a neutral serine proteinase produced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes/macrophages, especially under surgical stress. In the present study, we investigated whether NE promotes cell growth by activation of EGFR to elucidate whether surgical stress induces tumor proliferation and progression. Furthermore, we examined the antitumor effect of a specific NE inhibitor, sivelestat. Cell growth assays were carried out in vitro and in vivo using TMK-1 gastric cancer cells. TMK-1 cell growth was stimulated to 118% of that of the control cells after 48 h stimulation with 1 microg/mL NE according to an MTT assay. Sivelestat inhibited cell growth to 23.4 and 58.0% of control values at concentrations of 100 and 1,000 microg/mL, respectively. NE rapidly phosphorylated EGFR in only 5 min and triggered the ERK1/2-mitogenic signaling pathway in TMK-1. It was further demonstrated that NE-induced EGFR phosphorylation was transactivated through TGF-alpha, using ELISA. NE increased the cleavage of TGF-alpha from the cell surface 30-fold compared with the cells without treatment. Interestingly, sivelestat significantly reduced NE-induced EGFR phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation and completely blocked the release of TGF-alpha from the TMK-1 cell surface. In a xenograft study, the addition of ventrotomy as a surgical stress promoted tumor growth. Sivelestat significantly suppressed the tumor growth induced by surgical stress. These results indicate that sivelestat suppresses the growth of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the release of TGF-alpha stimulated by NE, which often occurs after surgical stresses.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Synergistic effects of docetaxel and S-1 by modulating the expression of metabolic enzymes of 5-fluorouracil in human gastric cancer cell lines.

We have recently demonstrated in a Phase I/II study that combination chemotherapy with docetaxel (TXT) and S-1 is active against metastatic gastric carcinomas. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of these drugs, both the growth inhibitory effects and the expression profiles of enzymes involved in fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism were examined in vitro and in vivo. TXT alone and in combination with 5-FU inhibited the growth of each of the 5 gastric cancer cell lines that we examined (TMK-1, and MKN-1, -28, -45 and -74), in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, striking synergistic effects were observed in TMK-1 cells in vitro with IC50 values of between 4.73 and 0.61 nM 5-FU. Furthermore, in TMK-1 xenografts, 5-FU/TXT cotreatments exhibited synergistic antitumor effects. The combination of S-1 and TXT, however, exhibited greater growth-inhibitory effects than the 5-FU/TXT cotreatments. The mechanisms underlying these synergistic effects of S-1 and TXT were examined by expression and activity analyses of the 5-FU metabolic enzymes. The expression of thymidylate synthase (TS), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) were decreased 50 and 73% of control levels, respectively, and that of orotate phosphorybosyl transferase (OPRT) was increased by 3.9-fold at the protein level. These findings suggested that biochemical modulation of the 2 drugs had occurred, which was further confirmed by the results of the activity assays. These data strongly indicate that a combination chemotherapy of TXT and S-1 is effective against gastric carcinomas and is therefore a good candidate as a standard chemotherapeutic strategy in treating these tumors.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Conjugated linoleic acid reduced metastasized LL2 tumors in mouse peritoneum.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on pre-existent peritoneal metastasis was examined by mouse peritoneal metastasis models. The cell growth of LL2 mouse cancer cells was suppressed by CLA in a dose-dependent manner. CLA-induced growth inhibition was recovered by the exposure to antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotide for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. C57B6 mice were inoculated with LL2 cells into their peritoneal cavity. Two weeks after inoculation, colonized peritoneal cancer foci (2.2+/-0.4 mm in diameter) were treated with CLA administrated intraperitoneally (200 or 600 pmol/mouse, twice a week). CLA treatment decreased the number of peritoneal tumors: 8.7+/-0.6, 5.7+/-0.6, and 2.3+/-0.6 in untreated, 200 pmol/mouse CLA, and 600 pmol/mouse CLA groups, respectively (P<0.0001). CLA treatment decreased the size of peritoneal tumors: 3.7+/-1.5, 1.3+/-0.5, and 1.0+/-0.4 mm in untreated, 200 pmol/mouse CLA, and 600 pmol/mouse CLA groups, respectively (P<0.0001). In CLA-treated tumors, proliferating cells were decreased (P<0.0001), whereas apoptotic cells were increased (P=0.0010). CLA-treated LL2 tumors showed decrease of PPARgamma and EGFR proteins and increase of BAX protein in comparison with untreated tumors. These findings suggest that CLA possesses anti-tumor capability to peritoneal metastasis.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Phase II study of docetaxel and S-1 combination therapy for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel in combination with a novel oral 5-fluorouracil analogue S-1 for patients with advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients with advanced or recurrent adenocarcinoma of the stomach and up to one previous chemotherapy regimen were treated with i.v. docetaxel 40 mg/m2 on day 1 and oral S-1 80 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (median age, 65 years; range, 25-75 years) received a total of 272 treatment cycles (median, 4; range, 1-17). No complete responses and 27 partial responses were observed for an overall response rate of 56.3% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 38-66%]. Eighteen patients (37.5%) had stable disease and three patients (6.3%) had progressive disease as best response. The tumor control rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease) was 93.8% (95% CI, 83-98%). Median overall survival was 14.3 months (95% CI, 10.7-20.3 months) and median time to tumor progression was 7.3 months (95% CI, 4.3-10.0 months). The most common grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (58.3%), leukopenia (41.7%), febrile neutropenia (8.3%), and anemia (8.3%). The most common grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities included anorexia (14.6%), stomatitis (8.3%), and nausea (6.3%). No grade 4 nonhematologic toxicities were reported and all treatment-related toxicities were resolved. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel/S-1 combination is highly active and well tolerated in advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. Further investigation in randomized studies is warranted.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Enantioselective hydrogenation of acyclic aromatic N-aryl imines catalyzed by an iridium complex of (S,S)-1,2-bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)ethane.

[reaction: see text] An iridium(I) complex of (S,S)-1,2-bis(tert-butylmethylphosphino)ethane with tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate as the counterion catalyzes the hydrogenation of acyclic aromatic N-aryl imines under 1 atm of hydrogen pressure at room temperature to give the corresponding optically active secondary amines with up to 99% ee.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Accumulation of DNA methylation is associated with tumor stage in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: The authors purpose in this study was to clarify the difference in terms of clinicopathologic features between gastric cancer (GC) with high numbers of DNA methylated genes and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-positive GC as originally defined. METHODS: We analyzed DNA methylation of 12 tumor-related genes (hMLH1, MGMT, p16(INK4a), CDH1, RAR-beta, HLTF, RIZ1, TM, FLNc, LOX, HRASLS, HAND1) in 75 samples of GC from 75 patients, 25 samples of corresponding nonneoplastic mucosa from 25 patients, and 10 samples of normal gastric mucosa from 10 healthy young individuals by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bisulfite PCR. We also investigated CIMP status by examining the methylation of five MINT loci and p53 mutation status by PCR single-strand conformation polymorphism. We measured levels of expression of mRNAs for these 12 genes by quantitative reverse transcription PCR in 50 GC specimens. RESULTS: The average number of methylated genes per tumor was 4.83. DNA methylation of each gene was correlated with low expression of the respective mRNA. High methylation (GC with 5 or more methylated genes) was detected in 39 (52.0%) of 75 GCs. Twenty-nine (37.8%) of 75 GCs were CIMP-positive. DNA methylation of each of the 12 genes was observed more frequently in the high-methylation group than in the low-methylation group. Methylation of 6 specific genes occurred more frequently in CIMP-positive GC than in CIMP-negative GC. Methylation of the remaining 6 genes was not correlated with CIMP-status. High methylation was found more frequently in Stage III/IV GC (26 of 40 cases, 65.0%) than in Stage I/II GC (13 of 35 cases, 37.1%, P = 0.029).CONCLUSIONS.These findings indicate that GCs with higher numbers of methylated genes have more distinct DNA methylation profiles than the originally defined CIMP-positive GCs. DNA methylation of tumor-related genes accumulates in conjunction with tumor progression.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits peritoneal metastasis in human gastrointestinal cancer cells.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on peritoneal metastasis was examined by in vitro treatment of cancer cells and mouse peritoneal metastasis models. First, cell growth of MKN28 human gastric cancer cells and Colo320 human colon cancer cells was suppressed by CLA in a dose-dependent manner with an increment in apoptosis. CLA significantly inhibited invasion into type IV collagen-coated membrane of MKN28 and Colo320 cells (p < 0.05). CLA-induced growth inhibition was recovered by the exposure to antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotide for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma in both cell lines. BALB/c nu-nu mice were inoculated with MKN28 and Colo320 cells into their peritoneal cavity, and administrated with CLA intraperitoneally (weekly, 4 times). CLA treatment did not affect food intake or weight gain of mice. CLA treatment significantly decreased metastatic foci of both cells in the peritoneal cavity (p < 0.005). Survival rate in mice inoculated with MKN28 or Colo320 cells was significantly recovered by CLA treatment (p = 0.0025 and 0.0052, respectively). Protein production in MKN28 and Colo320 cells treated with CLA showed a decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor-alpha and an increase in Bax. These findings suggest that CLA inhibits metastasis of human gastric and colon cancer cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Inhibitory effect of linoleic acid on transformation of IEC6 intestinal cells by in vitro azoxymethane treatment.

The effect of linoleic acid (LA) on growth and transformation of IEC6 intestinal cells was examined. IEC6 cells expressed mRNAs of 15-lipooxygenase (LOX15) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma but not COX-2. Cell growth was suppressed by LA in a dose-dependent manner in IEC6 cells. Three-week treatment with LA provided IEC6 cells a quiescent state. LA-induced growth inhibition was abrogated by exposure to antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODNs) for LOX15 and/or PPARgamma. In an in vitro carcinogenesis model, IEC6 cells, which had confirmed CYP2E1 expression and activity, were continuously treated with AOM and/or LA for 40 weeks. DNA injury in AOM-treated cells was suppressed to the control level by concurrent LA treatment. Colony formation of AOM-treated cells in soft agar was suppressed by treatment with LA, which was reversed by exposure to antisense S-ODNs for LOX15 and/or PPARgamma. AOM-treated IEC6 cells formed s.c. tumors in 9 of 12 mice, whereas AOM+LA-treated cells formed no tumor. IEC6 cells showed no remarkable alteration of protein production by AOM treatment, whereas cells treated with AOM+LA showed decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phospho-EGFR and increased BAX. These findings suggest that LA inhibited AOM-induced transformation of COX-2-negative IEC6 cells, which was possibly mediated with PPARgamma ligands generated by LOX15 from LA.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prediction of functional recovery of 60-minute warm ischemic hearts from asphyxiated canine non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac function of non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) is uncertain due to severe myocardial damage. We developed an isolated myocardial perfusion system to resuscitate NHBD hearts and attempted to predict functional recovery of 60-minute warm ischemic hearts by analyzing systolic and diastolic functions. METHODS: Hypoxic cardiac arrest was induced in 8 mongrel dogs without any pre-treatments. After 60-minute ischemia, intracoronary microthrombi were flushed out by retrograde blood cardiopledia with tissue-type plasminogen activator. Coronary arteries were initially perfused from the aortic root with tepid hyperkalemic blood (20 mmol/liter) at low pressure (20 mm Hg) for the first 60 minutes and then with normothermic blood for the next 60 minutes. After 120 minutes of reperfusion, pre-load was increased for ejection against an after-load of 80 mm Hg. Pressure-volume loops were recorded to obtain the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR). Stroke volume at a given pre-load was calculated from averaged ESPVR, EDPVR and after-load identical to an averaged baseline value. The Frank-Starling relationship was obtained and cardiac status was classified according to Forrester's hemodynamic sub-set. RESULTS: End-systolic elastance decreased significantly to about 60% of baseline and the time constant of isovolumic relaxation was prolonged significantly by about 20%. Cardiac index was decreased to about 50% and cardiac status was classified in the Forrester III or IV sub-set. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of functional recovery of NHBD hearts is predictable by cardiac output. Although 120 minutes of recovery time may be short for 60-minute ischemic damage, this system may be feasible to predict post-transplant cardiac function before transplantation.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Histopathologic evaluation of stepwise progression of pancreatic carcinoma with immunohistochemical analysis of gastric epithelial transcription factor SOX2: comparison of expression patterns between invasive components and cancerous or nonneoplastic intraductal components.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to perform histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses of gastric transcription factor SOX2 and gastric mucin MUC5AC to better understand the stepwise progression of pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS: Twenty-eight representative sections from 14 surgically resected pancreatic carcinomas were assessed microscopically. Sites of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) were counted, and histologic subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) were determined. The expression of SOX2 and MUC5AC in PanIN and IDC was examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight PanINs were identified. In 4 of the 14 cases, gradual transition from PanIN-1A to PanIN-3 was observed in a single duct, suggesting stepwise progression. The expression of MUC5AC increased with the progression of lesions from PanIN-1A to PanIN-3. SOX2 was expressed in only 6 of 107 early PanINs (5.8%). Out of 31 PanIN-3s, 7 were positive (22.6%), and SOX2 protein was localized in the nuclei of cells of the basal epithelium or in the vicinity of luminal necrosis. In addition, SOX2 was frequently and strongly expressed in poorly differentiated (57.1%) and neurally invasive (63.6%) components. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our histopathologic examinations suggest that PanIN progresses stepwise to IDC. Immunohistochemistry results suggest that SOX2 is involved in later events of carcinogenesis.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Expression of gastric mucin MUC5AC and gastric transcription factor SOX2 in ampulla of vater adenocarcinoma: comparison between expression patterns and histologic subtypes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the expression pattern of MUC5AC and SOX2 in ampulla of vater adenocarcinoma and evaluate the association between expression of these gastric epithelial markers and the histologic phenotype of ampulla of vater carcinoma. Six surgically resected samples of ampulla of vater adenocarcinoma, including four intestinal type carcinomas and two pancreatobiliary type carcinomas, were studied. We performed immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against MUC5AC and a polyclonal anti-SOX2 antibody. In two of the four intestinal type carcinomas, MUC5AC and SOX2 were focally expressed in the superficial neoplastic mucosa. However, in the centre of the tumour and in other invasive lesions, including vascular invasive lesions and metastatic lymph nodes, neither MUC5AC nor SOX2 was expressed. In contrast, in both pancreatobiliary type carcinomas, expression of MUC5AC and SOX2 was maintained or increased in invasive lesions. Our immunohistochemistry data suggest that MUC5AC and SOX2 are associated with the pancreatobiliary phenotype of ampulla of vater carcinoma and involved in later events in carcinogenesis, such as invasion and metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Chemosensitivity prediction in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: novel marker genes and efficacy-prediction formulae using their expression data.

Esophageal cancer is a highly lethal disease and the optimal therapy remains unclear. Since adjuvant chemotherapy gives a better chance of survival, we attempted to develop a chemosensitivity prediction model to improve individual responses to therapy. Comprehensive gene expression analyses (cDNA and oligonucleotide microarrays) and MTT assay of 8 drugs in 20 KYSE squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were performed to distinguish candidate marker genes whose expression levels reproducibly correlated with cellular drug sensitivities. After confirmation with real-time RT-PCR, we performed multiple regression analyses to develop drug-sensitivity prediction formulae using the quantified expression data of selected marker genes. Using the same sets of genes, we also constructed prediction models for individual clinical responses to 5-FU-based chemotherapy using 18 cases. We selected 5 better marker genes, known as drug sensitivity determinants, identified 9 novel predictive genes for 4 of 8 anticancer drugs [5-FU, CDDP, DOX, and CPT-11 (SN-38)], and developed highly predictive formulae of in vitro sensitivities to the 4 drugs and clinical responses to 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapies in terms of overall and disease-free survivals. Our selected genes are likely to be effective drug-sensitivity markers and formulae using the 9 novel genes would provide advantages in prediction.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

Deletion of the KIT gene is associated with liver metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association of mutations in the KIT gene and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene with clinicopathological features of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) localized in the stomach. We evaluated 56 gastric GISTs for KIT and PDGFRA mutations. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, and exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of the KIT gene and exons 12 and 18 of the PDGFRA gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The genetic features were then compared with the clinicopathological features. Immunohistochemistry was performed for KIT, CD34, Ki-67 (as a marker of cell proliferation) and CD31 (as a marker of microvessel density), and apoptosis was assessed by in situ DNA nick-end labeling. Thirty-four (61%) of the 56 GISTs had a mutation in exon 11 of KIT, and 2 (4%) had a mutation in exon 13 of KIT. Deletions in exon 11 of KIT were the most common mutation encountered in the present study. No mutations were found in exon 9 or 17 of KIT. Six of the 20 GISTs lacking KIT mutations had a mutation in exon 18 of PDGFRA, and 1 had a mutation in exon 12 of PDGFRA. The KIT mutation-positive GISTs showed more frequent liver metastases and higher mortality than KIT mutation-negative GISTs. Our data indicate that KIT mutations, especially deletions in exon 11, are markers of poor prognosis for gastric GISTs.

Antigens, CD↗

PubMed2006

[Combination chemotherapy of S-1 and docetaxel on advanced and recurrent gastric cancer].

In the present article, we have summarized the phase I/II clinical trials on combination therapy of S-1 and docetaxel. With result of the phase I study, patients were treated with intravenous infusion of 40 mg/m2 docetaxel on day 1 and oral S-1 80 mg/m2/day on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks. Forty eight patients received a total of 272 treatment cycles. No complete responses (CRs) and 27 partial responses (PRs) were observed for an overall response rate (CR+PR) of 56.2% (95% CI, 38-66%). Eighteen patients (37.5%) had stable disease (SD), and 3 patients (6.2%) had progressive disease (PD) as best response. The tumor control rate (CR+PR+SD) was 93.8% (95% CI, 83-98%). The median overall survival was 14.3 months (95% CI: 10.7-20.3 months) and the median time to tumor progression was 7.3 months (95% CI: 4.2-10.7 months). The most common grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia 58.3%, leukopenia 41.7%, febrile neutropenia 8.3%, and anemia 8.3%. The most common grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities were anorexia 14.6%, stomatitis 8.3%, nausea 6.3%, diarrhea 4.2%, constipation 4.2%, and vomiting 2.1%. No grade 4 nonhematologic toxicities were reported, and all treatment-related toxicities were resolved. The mechanisms underlying these synergistic effects of S-1 and docetaxel were examined by expression and activity analyses of 5-FU metabolic enzymes. The expressions of thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) were decreased and that of orotate phosphorybosyl transferase (OPRT) was increased in mRNA, protein level and activity assay after the treatment with docetaxel and 5-FU in the TMK-1 gastric cancer cell. These findings strongly indicate that the combination chemotherapy of docetaxel and S-1 is effective against gastric carcinomas and therefore is a good candidate as a standard chemotherapeutic strategy in treating these tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Genetic and pathologic characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in extragastric lesions.

The goal of this study was to investigate differences in the clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics of gastric and extragastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We evaluated 13 extragastric GISTs and compared them with 56 gastric GISTs, which were described previously. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, and exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 of the KIT gene and exons 12 and 18 of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Immunohistochemistry was performed for KIT, CD34, Ki-67 (as a marker of cell proliferation), and CD31 (as a marker of microvessel density), and apoptosis was assessed by in situ DNA nick end-labeling. Of the 13 extragastric GISTs 7 (54%) had a mutation in exon 11 of KIT, and 2 (15%) had a mutation in exon 13 of KIT. Deletions in exon 11 of KIT were the most common mutation encountered in the extragastric GISTs. The extragastric GISTs, especially small intestinal GISTs, showed larger deletions, leading to deletions of amino acid residues in the KIT protein, and higher vascularity than did the gastric GISTs. These data suggest that extragastric GISTs differ from gastric GISTs with respect to associated mutations and angiogenic activity.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

The expression profiles of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in gastric cancer and their clinical significance.

Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) is an enzyme that causes the activation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is known to catabolize 5-FU, which is widely used in chemotherapeutic treatments for patients with a variety of malignant tumors including gastric and colorectal cancer. The expression and activities of these two enzymes therefore play important roles in the response of cancer patients to chemotherapy. However, little is known about the expression of these enzymes in gastric cancer. In the present study, we further elucidate the expression patterns of ORPT and DPD and their clinicopathological significance by immunohistochemical analysis in 221 and RT-PCR in 36 gastric cancer samples. The expression of OPRT by immunohistochemical analysis was detected in 117 (52.9%) cases, whereas DPD was detected in 66 (29.9%) cases. Moreover, the level of expression of OPRT was found to correlate with the depth of tumor invasion and a poorer prognosis. Although the mRNA and protein expression of OPRT and DPD levels did not correlate, an inverse correlation in the expression of OPRT and DPD was observed by RT-PCR. The survival benefit of post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy could not be confirmed in our present analysis. However, among the patients who had received such treatment with 5-FU or its derivatives, the prognosis in cases with low DPD levels was better than that in cases with high DPD expression by immunohistochemical analysis. These results indicate that the expression of OPRT and DPD are important predictors of both survival and the response to adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗