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Y Ajioka

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ajioka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Tumour budding at the deepest invasive margin correlates with lymph node metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer detected by anticytokeratin antibody CAM5.2.

In the past few years, tumour budding at the invasive margin has been reported as a new risk factor for lymph node metastasis in advanced colorectal cancers, but it is sometimes difficult to detect tumour budding in submucosal colorectal cancer by haematoxylin and eosin staining. We immunohistochemically examined tumour budding at the deepest invasive margin of 56 surgically resected submucosal colorectal carcinomas using anticytokeratin antibody CAM5.2, furthermore checked by AE1/AE3, and determined the relation between tumour budding and clinicopathological factors. Moreover, we used the monoclonal antibody D2-40 for immunohistochemistry to detect lymphatic involvement. Tumour budding was detected in 42 cases (75.0%), and the budding-positive group showed a significantly higher rate of lymph node metastasis (including isolated tumour cells) (16/42 vs 0/14; P=0.004) than the budding-negative group. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of tumour budding alone for lymph node metastasis were superior to those of lymphatic invasion alone. Furthermore, the specificity and positive predictive value of the combination of either lymphatic invasion or tumour budding were superior to those of lymphatic invasion alone. Tumour budding detected immunohistochemically by using CAM5.2 is a newly found risk factor for lymph node metastasis and may help to avoid oversurgery in the future.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Allelic loss analysis of early-stage flat-type colorectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Flat-type colorectal tumors are rare, but are known for their unusual flat morphology and aggressive clinical behavior despite their small size. To identify distinct genetic alterations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis was performed on microdissected tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from multiple microdissected foci in 43 cases of early-stage flat-type colorectal tumors and LOH analysis was performed on 2q, 4q, 5q, 12q, 14q, 15q, 17p, 18q, 18p and 22q. RESULTS: LOH patterns were detected in one of two forms: (i) homogeneous LOH throughout the microdissected foci, which indicated the early acquisition of LOH; and (ii) heterogeneous LOH, which were detected in a part of analyzed foci. Homogeneous and heterogeneous LOH were most frequently detected on 17p (92%) followed by 18q (81%), 18p (81%), 5q (61%), 22q (51%), 14q (44%), 15q (41%), 2q (39%), 12q (36%) and 4q (32%). Homogeneous LOH was detected most frequently on 17p (68%) followed by 18p (53%), 18q (53%), 22q (34%) and 12q (27%). The average fractional allelic loss (FAL) for heterogeneous and homogeneous LOH was 0.57 and the average FAL for homogeneous LOH was 0.37. CONCLUSIONS: Early flat-type colorectal tumors frequently shows the early occurrence of multiple LOH including 17p, 18p, 18q and 22q, which is coupled with additional LOH of other loci either simultaneously or in the early clonal progression phase. The extent and sequences of LOH may be the mechanisms responsible for the aggressive clinical behaviors of these tumors.

Adult↗

Sensitivity of biopsy site in evaluating regression of gastric atrophy after Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of the progress of gastric glandular atrophy, a high-risk background factor in the development of gastric cancer. Regression of gastric atrophy is critical to prevention of cancer by H. pylori eradication treatment. However, it is controversial whether gastric atrophy regresses after H. pylori eradication. AIM: To determine the most sensitive and appropriate biopsy site for evaluation of regression of atrophy after treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who showed regression of gastric atrophy in histology after treatment were investigated. Four biopsy specimens from the lesser and greater curvatures in the antrum and corpus were evaluated before and after treatment according to the Updated Sydney System. RESULTS: Regression of atrophy after treatment was seen in 30 of 38 biopsy specimens from the lesser curvature of the corpus (79%), and this site was most sensitive. Odds ratio of this site to the others was 8.28. Regression of atrophy in this site was observed at 12.2 months in the younger patients and 15.9 months in the elder patients. CONCLUSION: Biopsy sampling from the lesser curvature of the corpus is the most sensitive and appropriate for evaluation of regression of gastric atrophy after H. pylori eradication treatment.

Adult↗

Pathological appraisal of lines of resection for bile duct carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate line of resection for extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of 253 resected specimens of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. Carcinomas were classified histologically as invasive or non-invasive in addition to assessment of the resection margin. RESULTS: Tumour was present microscopically at the resection margin in 80 (31.6 per cent) of 253 cases, with 46 showing marginal involvement by non-invasive carcinoma, 20 showing invasive carcinoma at a margin, and 14 showing both. Involvement of the resection margin by invasive carcinoma was encountered only when the margin was shorter than 10 mm, whereas non-invasive carcinoma was encountered even when the margin length reached 40 mm. The observed length of microscopic extension of invasive carcinoma beyond the macroscopically evident tumour mass was limited to 10.0 mm. Median microscopic extension of non-invasive carcinoma beyond the mass was 10 mm (75th percentile 19.5 and 14.5 mm in proximal and distal directions respectively; maximum 52 mm). Margins of 20 mm could be assured to be negative proximally in 89.0 per cent of cases and distally in 93.8 per cent. CONCLUSION: For eradication of invasive extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, a 10-mm margin is required. However, additional removal of any non-invasive component requires a 20-mm margin. These guidelines should be followed in any operation performed with curative intent.

Adult↗

Superficial depressed-type cancer monitored by colonoscopy through the early phase of invasion.

Although previous retrospective reports have demonstrated the developmental course of several colorectal tumors, the natural history and progression of depressed carcinoma, especially in the early stage, remains obscure. We report a case of superficial depressed tumor in the transverse colon in a 71-year-old man, which did not change in size and gross configuration through prospective colonoscopic observation over a period of 19 months but which was finally diagnosed as early-stage submucosal invasive cancer. Most depressed cancers have been supposed to arise de novo and grow rapidly, showing aggressive behavior when 10 mm or less in size. However, this case report may suggest that even a depressed tumor may grow to approximately 10 mm within the mucosal layer over a few years and that the growth of colorectal tumors, whether they are polypoid or depressed in configuration, might be fairly slow.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Bcl-2 expression and frequency of apoptosis correlate with morphogenesis of colorectal neoplasia.

AIM: To investigate whether the expression of apoptosis and cell proliferation related proteins is related to the macroscopic form of colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: The extent of apoptosis, using the 3' end DNA labelling method, and the immunohistochemical expression of cell proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis related proteins (Bcl-2, Bak, and p53) were investigated in 64 colorectal adenomas and 22 early carcinomas extending no further than the upper submucosal region. The specimens were classified into three types of macroscopic form (polypoid, flat, and depressed). RESULTS: The Ki-67 labelling index and the Bak score did not differ significantly among each macroscopic form. In contrast, the apoptotic index and the Bcl-2 score changed significantly according to the macroscopic forms. Compared with polypoid and flat tumours, depressed tumours had a significantly lower apoptotic index (2.84, 2.28, and 1.44, respectively) and a significantly lower Bcl-2 score (3.18, 2.70, and 1.64, respectively). The proliferation/apoptosis ratio was significantly lower in polypoid tumours than in the other two macroscopic forms. The Bcl-2 score became significantly lower as the tumours flattened or took on a depressed form. Immunohistochemical p53 overexpression did not correlate with the macroscopic forms. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that differences in both Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis may play an important role in the morphogenesis of colorectal neoplasia.

Adenoma↗

Heterogeneity of p53 mutational status in the superficial spreading type of early gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The superficial spreading type of gastric carcinoma may originate from either a single cellular clone or from several different clones; this issue remains controversial. Indeed, the p53 gene has been shown to play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, but there have been only a few reports on the heterogeneity of gastric carcinoma with respect to the p53 gene. METHODS: We analyzed seven cases of the superficial spreading type of gastric submucosal carcinomas (80 lesions; 10 to 17 per case) which showed different histological types and/or different p53 protein staining patterns. Direct sequences of polymerase chain reaction products were used for the analysis. RESULTS: p53 Gene heterogeneity in mucosal carcinoma lesions was detected in three cases. However, in all of the cases, the p53 mutational pattern was identical to that found in the submucosal carcinoma lesions. In the heterogeneous cases, the mutation in the submucosal carcinoma was one of the mutation patterns found among the mucosal carcinoma lesions. More precisely, the mutational pattern of both submucosal carcinoma lesions and the mucosal lesions located just above them, was identical. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that, with regard to the p53 gene, in some superficial spreading types of gastric carcinomas, there are various subclones in the mucosal carcinoma; one of these subclones becomes predominant through clonal selection, and, thus, invades the submucosa.

Aged↗

Mutations of p53 in morphologically non-neoplastic mucosa of long-standing ulcerative colitis.

Two cases of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated carcinoma or dysplasia and morphologically non-neoplastic mucosa with p53 protein overexpression (MNNM-p53OE) were selected. DNA was extracted from the paraffin blocks of these lesions and exons 5 - 8 of the p53 gene were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing. In addition, mutations in K-ras codon 12 were analyzed by PCR-RFLP methods. MNNM-p53OE was located surrounding and adjoining a coexisting carcinoma and / or dysplasia. A p53 mutation was detected in 12 / 22 (54.5%) MNNM-p53OE samples, 4 / 8 (50%) dysplasia samples and 8 / 8 (100%) carcinoma samples. The p53 mutations detected in MNNM-p53OE were identical to those demonstrated in the adjoining carcinoma and / or dysplasia. No K-ras codon 12 mutation was detected in any of the samples. These results indicate that MNNM-p53OE may share an identical clonal linkage with a coexisting carcinoma and / or dysplasia, and may be an initial and submorphological form of UC-associated neoplasia. Recognition of MNNM-p53OE in biopsy specimens may help to identify patients with UC at risk of developing colorectal carcinoma.

Adult↗

Heterogeneity of p53 mutational status in intramucosal carcinoma of the colorectum.

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether or not p53 genetic heterogeneity would occur while colorectal carcinoma was limited to the mucosa. Eight cases of endoscopically resected colorectal intramucosal carcinomas were analyzed to determine the p53 gene sequence (exons 5 to 8). Six out of 8 cases showed p53 gene mutations, and in all of them, the mutational status was heterogeneous. In 4 cases, mutated codons were heterogeneous as well. These data indicate that p53 gene alterations in colorectal carcinomas occur and diverge at the stage of intramucosal carcinoma, supporting our previously proposed hypothesis that colorectal carcinomas can be composed of various subclones as regards p53 gene mutation, while the carcinoma is limited to the mucosa, and one of these subclones commences invasion to the submucosa after clonal selection, thus generating a monoclonal invasive carcinoma.

Carcinoma↗

Cellular phenotypes of differentiated-type adenocarcinomas and precancerous lesions of the stomach are dependent on the genetic pathways.

To elucidate the relationship between genetic alterations and cellular phenotypes in differentiated-type carcinomas and precancerous lesions of the stomach, mutations of p53, APC and K-ras genes were examined, as well as microsatellite instability (MSI), in 52 tumours of the stomach. Tumours were selected with the following phenotypical features, using mucin histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses, in addition to their morphological features: (1) tumours with an extremely well-preserved gastric foveolar phenotype (foveolar-type); (2) tumours with an extremely well-preserved complete-type intestinal metaplastic phenotype (CIM-type); and (3) ordinary tumours without extreme phenotypes (ordinary-type). MSI occurred in 45% of foveolar-type, 24% of ordinary-type, and 0% of CIM-type tumours. p53 gene alterations occurred in 5% of foveolar-type, 18% of ordinary-type, and 31% of CIM-type. APC gene alterations were detected in 9% of foveolar-type, 6% of ordinary-type, and 0% of CIM-type. No K-ras gene mutation was detected in any of the three types. These results indicate that the genetic pathways are quite different among the phenotypes of tumours of the stomach. The 'mutator pathway', characterized by MSI, plays an important role in the tumourigenesis of foveolar-type, but not CIM-type tumours. The 'suppressor pathway', represented by p53 alteration, could participate in the tumourigenesis of the CIM-type, but is rare in foveolar-type tumours.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Early colorectal cancer with special reference to the superficial nonpolypoid type from a histopathologic point of view.

The incidence and histopathologic characteristics of nonpolypoid (superficial type) early colorectal carcinomas were studied and compared with those of the polypoid type. The superficial type was subclassified as elevated (type IIa), type IIa with central depression (type IIa + IIc), plain (type IIb), depressed (type IIc), and IIc with marginal elevation (type IIc + IIa). The superficial type comprised 22% and 27% of intramucosal and submucosal carcinomas, respectively. Pure type IIb was not found, and there were only three pure type IIc lesions. Type IIa + IIc and IIc + IIa (and IIc) showed a significantly higher rate of submucosal invasion among the small tumors (59% and 71% less than 20 mm, respectively) compared to the polypoid type; type IIa showed no significant difference. The incidence of lymph node metastasis among submucosal carcinomas showed no significant difference between the superficial type and the polypoid type. About 64% and 52% of type IIa and IIa + IIc tumors accompanied residual adenoma, suggesting that they originated from small, flat adenomas through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, whereas type IIc + IIa (and IIc) did not have an adenomatous component, implying that they arose de novo or originated through an adenoma-carcinoma sequence at a smaller size than the type IIa and IIa + IIc lesions. Superficial-type early colorectal carcinomas are not rare, and they are not uniform in nature. Rapid growth and invasion to the submucosa is characteristic of superficial-type lesions with a central depression, and only superficial depressed (type IIc + IIa, IIc) lesions can arise de novo. Although they grow rapidly to invade the submucosa, it cannot be said that they show more aggressive behavior than the polypoid type.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Malignant islet cell tumor projecting into the main pancreatic duct.

We report herein a rare case of islet cell tumor showing a unique growth pattern in a patient who developed repeated acute pancreatitis as the tumor's initial symptom. Preoperative imaging examinations showed dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and cysts around the pancreatic tail. A distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed because the pancreatitis was localized in the distal pancreas and was not controlled by various drug therapies. Grossly, the tumor consisted of two component parts: a markedly infiltrative part in the pancreatic parenchyma, and a papillary elevated part in the MPD. The MPD was obstructed by the tumor spreading widely along the distal MPD. Microscopically, the tumor was composed entirely of islet cell tumors (nonfunctioning), with several foci of venous and lymphatic involvement. Based on its growth behavior, we assumed that the tumor may have arisen from the MPD or from islet cells closely adjacent to the MPD. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and he is doing well 2 years after the operation. We discuss the growth pattern of the tumor and the cause of the pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Frequent hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene promoter in differentiated-type tumors of the stomach with the gastric foveolar phenotype.

Hypermethylation of the hMLH1 mismatch repair gene promoter has been revealed to lead to microsatellite instability (MSI). Previously, we demonstrated a high prevalence of MSI in differentiated-type gastric tumors showing distinct features of gastric foveolar epithelium (foveolar type). To clarify the significance of hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation in the development of this tumor type, we studied promoter methylation status and expression of hMLH1 in foveolar-type tumors and their surrounding non-neoplastic mucosae, as well as in tumors with other cellular phenotypes. The results were compared to MSI status. After phenotypical analyses using mucin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, 41 differentiated-type tumors with distinct cellular phenotypes were classified into three categories: foveolar type, intestinal type (tumors with the distinct cellular phenotype of the intestine), and combined type (tumors with both foveolar and intestinal phenotypes). Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) was performed to determine the methylation status of hMLH1 promoter. hMLH1 protein expression was immunohistochemically examined. MSI was detected in 57% of the foveolar type, 8% of the intestinal type, and 67% of the combined-type tumors. Hypermethylation of hMLH1 promoter was found in 74% of the foveolar type, 33% of the intestinal type, and 83% of the combined-type tumors. Of 18 MSI-positive tumors, all but one were hypermethylated. Methylation status of hMLH1 promoter correlated well with protein expression in foveolar-type tumors. Moreover, hypermethylation was also detected frequently (71%) in the non-neoplastic surrounding mucosa of the hypermethylated tumors. Hypermethylation of hMLH1 promoter is an initial, vital event in the development of foveolar-type tumors of the stomach.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

When can complete regression of low-grade gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue be predicted after helicobacter pylori eradication?

AIMS: Recent studies suggest that primary low-grade gastric lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are cured in many cases between 1 and 18 months after H. pylori eradication. The aim of this study is to elucidate when complete regression (CR) of MALT lymphoma can be histologically predicted after H. pylori eradication. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma were treated with triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarythromycin and proton pump inhibitor) for 14 days. Subsequently, they were followed up by sequential endoscopy and biopsy (number of biopsy specimens for each endoscopy is 3-8, with an average of 4) from 91 to 657 days (average: 309 +/- 165 days). Eradication of H. pylori infection was achieved in all patients. Nine patients were free of lymphoma at 1 to 2 months after eradication and remained in CR at 163-657 days. Twelve patients showed residual lymphoma at 1 to 2 months after eradication. Five out of 12 patients revealed only one or two small foci of lymphoma-cell aggregation and showed a high incidence (80%) of CR at the latest biopsy (135-434 days, average 276 +/- 115 days after eradication), while seven patients showed diffuse remains of lymphoma cells and indicated CR in only one case (14%) at 362 days, partial regression in five cases at 130-431 days (average 227 +/- 114 days), and no change in one case at 91 days after eradication. CONCLUSIONS: : These results suggest that CR of low-grade MALT lymphoma can be predicted at 1 to 2 months after eradication therapy by checking histological changes of MALT lymphoma cells.

Adult↗

Ovarian gonadoblastoma with mixed germ cell tumor in a woman with 46, XX karyotype and successful pregnancies.

An extremely rare case of unilateral gonadoblastoma with mixed germ cell tumor arising in the ovary of a 27-year-old woman with 46,XX karyotype and two successful pregnancies is reported. The mixed germ cell tumor was composed of choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, immature teratoma and dysgerminoma. The patient has been well, without evidence of disease for over 10 years since her first surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in colorectal cancer.

Post-translational stabilization of beta-catenin through mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene has been proposed as an early step in colorectal carcinogenesis. Beta-catenin may translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it might serve as a transcriptional factor to stimulate tumour formation. We investigated intracellular localization of beta-catenin in sporadic colorectal adenomas and cancers as well as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Nuclear over-expression of beta-catenin was observed in 35% (7/20) of intramucosal cancers and 42% (23/55) of invasive cancers but was not seen in any adenomas from sporadic or FAP cases. Cytoplasmic beta-catenin in adenomas was significantly higher than that of normal mucosa in both sporadic and FAP cases. The cytoplasmic intensity index of cancers was significantly higher than that of sporadic adenomas, but the index was not correlated with nuclear expression in cancers. These findings suggest that nuclear translocation of beta-catenin is involved in development of intramucosal cancer rather than adenoma, independent of APC mutations. Cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin may occur in adenomas, but it remains to be determined whether this is a cause or a consequence of colorectal cancer.

Adenoma↗

Significance of immunohistochemically demonstrated micrometastases to lymph nodes in esophageal cancer with histologically negative nodes.

BACKGROUND: We examined the prevalence, patterns, and clinical significance of nodal micrometastases in patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS: Cervical, mediastinal, and abdominal lymph nodes systematically removed from 37 patients without conventional histologic evidence of lymph node metastasis from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically examined to detect cells that were stained for cytokeratins by the monoclonal antibody cocktail AE1/AE3. Postoperative care and survival were compared in cases with and without such micrometastases. RESULTS: Nodal micrometastases were found in 14 of 37 patients (38%). Among these patients, 9, 7, and 4 had micrometastases to abdominal, mediastinal, and cervical lymph nodes, respectively. Postoperative tumor recurrence was significantly more frequent in patients with micrometastases (50%) than in those without (9%, P = .008). Overall and relapse-free survival in the former group was significantly worse than in the latter group (P = .042 and P = .002, respectively). Nodal micrometastases had an independent prognostic importance for relapse-free survival as determined by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic tumor cells are frequently present in lymph nodes, even in patients without histologic evidence of nodal metastasis from esophageal cancer. Nodal micrometastases indicates a poorer prognosis after a curative esophagectomy procedure in histologically node-negative cases.

Aged↗