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Japanese Journal Of Cancer Research[JOURNAL]

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Thalidomide for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma: association of plasma concentrations of thalidomide and angiogenic growth factors with clinical outcome.

Kakimoto T, Hattori Y, Okamoto S … +10 more , Sato N, Kamata T, Yamaguchi M, Morita K, Yamada T, Takayama N, Uchida H, Shimada N, Tanigawara Y, Ikeda Y

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359057 · Full text

Recent reports showed that thalidomide has anti-angiogenic activity and is effective for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma (MM). We examined the relationship between the clinical efficacy and adverse effects o... Recent reports showed that thalidomide has anti-angiogenic activity and is effective for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma (MM). We examined the relationship between the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of thalidomide and the plasma concentrations of this drug as well as angiogenic growth factors in refractory MM. Ten out of twenty-four evaluable patients (42%) showed more than 25% reduction of M-protein, and eight (33%) achieved more than 50% reduction. These changes were associated with restoration of anemia and recovery of normal immunoglobulin level. Somnolence and headache, constipation, peripheral neuropathy and skin rash were frequently observed, but were well tolerated. However, grade 2 - 4 severe neutropenia was also observed in nine cases. These adverse effects other than neutropenia occurred more frequently in the patients with higher plasma concentrations of thalidomide (2.0 microg/ml at 12 h after the last administration) and were readily alleviated by dose reduction. In contrast, neutropenia developed regardless of the plasma concentration. Plasma concentrations of angiogenic growth factors were frequently elevated before treatment. After thalidomide treatment, these growth factor levels tend to decrease to near-normal ranges in responders but were still high in most non-responders. After thalidomide treatment, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level was significantly reduced in responders (P = 0.025), but not in non-responders (P = 0.37). Reduction of plasma VEGF level might be an important indicator for anti-myeloma effect of thalidomide.

Ras farnesylation inhibitor FTI-277 restores the E-cadherin/catenin cell adhesion system in human cancer cells and reduces cancer metastasis.

Nam JS, Ino Y, Sakamoto M … +1 more , Hirohashi S

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359056 · Full text

The E-cadherin/catenin cell adhesion system is often down-regulated in epithelial tumors. This is thought to play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis, and restoration of this system may suppress metastati... The E-cadherin/catenin cell adhesion system is often down-regulated in epithelial tumors. This is thought to play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis, and restoration of this system may suppress metastatic spread of cancer. In this study, the effects of a Ras farnesylation inhibitor (FTI-277) on E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and metastatic potential were examined. In cell aggregation assays, FTI-277 stimulated aggregation of colon, liver and breast cancer cells. In vitro cultures of cancer cells showed that FTI-277 induced strong cell-cell contact. Immunoblotting analysis showed that FTI-277 increased E-cadherin/catenin (alpha, beta and gamma) expression and strongly stabilized E-cadherin/catenin with the actin cytoskeleton. Northern blotting studies indicated that the observed increase in the E-cadherin/catenin protein content was due to increased expression of their genes. After inoculation of the spleens of mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) with cancer cells, FTI-277 treatment for 3 weeks markedly reduced splenic primary tumor growth and the rate of liver metastasis compared with control counterparts. Our data demonstrate that FTI-277 can activate functioning of the E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion system, which is associated with suppression of cancer cell metastasis. Therefore, selective inhibition of Ras activation may be useful for preventing cancer metastasis.

Differential suppression of human cervical cancer cell growth by adenovirus delivery of p53 in vitro: arrest phase of cell cycle is dependent on cell line.

Ahn WS, Han YJ, Bae SM … +7 more , Kim TH, Rho MS, Lee JM, Namkoong SE, Park YS, Kim CK, Sin JI

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359055 · Full text

It has been reported that overexpression of wild-type p53 protein induces suppression of tumor cell growth in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we further evaluated the differential effects of p53 delivered in an adenovi... It has been reported that overexpression of wild-type p53 protein induces suppression of tumor cell growth in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we further evaluated the differential effects of p53 delivered in an adenovirus vector on the cell growth, apoptosis and cell cycle progression in cervical cancer cell lines. We constructed a recombinant adenovirus expressing p53 and then delivered this into cervical carcinoma cell lines (CaSki, SiHa, and HeLa, HeLaS3) along with adenovirus expressing beta-galactosidase as a negative control. Adenovirus-delivered p53 overexpression resulted in a more significant suppression of cell growth in HPV 18-infected cells (HeLa and HeLaS3) and a lesser suppression in HPV 16-infected cells (CaSki and SiHa). However, no suppression was observed in cells infected with a negative control virus. p53 overexpression also induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as determined by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. In particular, the cell cycle was arrested in the G(2)/M phase in CaSki cells. In contrast, cell cycles were arrested in the G(1) phase in HeLa cells, suggesting that the arrest phase is dependent upon the cervical cancer cell line. Taken together, these data support the idea that overexpressed p53 protein plays a differential role in suppressing cervical cancer cell growth through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in either G(1) or G(2)/M phase, depending on the cancer cell line.

p185(HER-2/neu) and p21(CIP1/WAF1) expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastases in non-small cell lung cancer.

Akita K, Inagaki H, Sato S … +10 more , Niimi T, Maeda H, Ninomiya S, Achiwa H, Kawaguchi H, Yamakawa Y, Fujii Y, Shimizu S, Eimoto T, Ueda R

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359054 · Full text

p185(HER-2/neu), a tyrosine kinase receptor, is one of the target molecules for cancer therapy, and its expression may reduce the sensitivity of tumor cells to anti-cancer drugs. p21(CIP1/WAF1) is a cyclin-dependent kina... p185(HER-2/neu), a tyrosine kinase receptor, is one of the target molecules for cancer therapy, and its expression may reduce the sensitivity of tumor cells to anti-cancer drugs. p21(CIP1/WAF1) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and its expression may also be involved in chemoresistance. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a potentially systemic disease, and systemic therapies play an important role in its treatment. However, there have been no studies comparing the expression of these molecules between primary and metastatic tumors. We investigated the expression of p185(HER-2/neu) and p21(CIP1/WAF1) in 57 paired samples of primary NSCLC tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases by immunohistochemistry. Expression of each of p185(HER-2/neu) and p21(CIP1/WAF1) was highly correlated between primary tumors and lymph node metastases, and similar correlations were also obtained when adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases were analyzed individually. However we failed to detect any correlation between p185(HER-2/neu) and p21(CIP1/WAF1) expression. Our results suggested that expression of both p185(HER-2/neu) and p21(CIP1/WAF1) is concordant between primary and metastatic tumors.

Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27/Kip1 and AP-1 coactivator p38/Jab1 correlates with differentiation of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Tsuchida R, Miyauchi J, Shen L … +8 more , Takagi M, Tsunematsu Y, Saeki M, Honna T, Yamada S, Teraoka H, Kato JY, Mizutani S

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359053 · Full text

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27/Kip1 (p27) is a diagnostic and prognostic marker of various malignancies. Low expression of p27 reflects poor differentiation and poor prognosis, and an inverse correlation bet... Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27/Kip1 (p27) is a diagnostic and prognostic marker of various malignancies. Low expression of p27 reflects poor differentiation and poor prognosis, and an inverse correlation between the expression of p27 and degree of tumor malignancy has been reported. Because p27 mutation is extremely rare in human tumors, it is important to study the expression of p27 and its inactivator, p38/Jab1 (JAB1). Here we analyzed the expression of p27 and JAB1 by immunohistochemistry in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (E-RMS). We first confirmed the expression of p27 and JAB1 in normal human tonsillar epithelium, and observed a coordinated expression pattern depending on cell differentiation. Subsequently, specimens of eight poorly- and three well-differentiated E-RMS were examined for the expression of p27 and JAB1. The analyses revealed that four out of eight poorly-differentiated E-RMS were negative for p27, with positivity for nuclear JAB (NJAB) (- / + for p27/NJAB) in three and negativity for any JAB-1 expression ( - / -) in one. The remaining four poorly-differentiated E-RMS expressed p27 in the nuclei, together with predominant NJAB (+ / +). In three well-differentiated E-RMS, only one expressed nuclear p27 and all of these three expressed no NJAB (+ / - for p27/NJAB), but expressed predominant cytoplasmic JAB1 (CJAB). These findings suggest that JAB1 may play an important role in determining the differentiation stage of rhabdomyosarcoma cells by modulating the activity of CDK inhibitor p27.

Allelic losses in mouse skin tumors induced by gamma-irradiation of p53 heterozygotes.

Miyazawa T, Sato H, Hatakeyama K … +2 more , Kitagawa T, Kominami R

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359052 · Full text

Skin tumors were induced by gamma-irradiation in F(1) mice between C3H/He or BALB/c and MSM carrying a p53-deficient allele. The incidence was 39.1% (34/87) in p53(KO/+) mice of the C3H/MSM genetic background and 14.3% (... Skin tumors were induced by gamma-irradiation in F(1) mice between C3H/He or BALB/c and MSM carrying a p53-deficient allele. The incidence was 39.1% (34/87) in p53(KO/+) mice of the C3H/MSM genetic background and 14.3% (19/133) in those of the BALB/MSM background. Interestingly, most of the tumors (82%) lost the wild-type p53 allele and no skin tumor was found in p53(+ / +) F(1) mice. This suggests a requirement of p53 loss for the skin cancer development. Genome scan localized a chromosomal locus showing frequent allelic losses near D12Mit2, which may harbor a tumor suppressor gene. In addition, 23 loci distributed on 13 chromosomes exhibited allelic losses at frequencies of more than 20%. The genome-wide occurrence of allelic losses suggests that genomic instability of the skin tumors may be implicated in radiation-induced carcinogenesis. The present study is the first to report a mouse model system useful for the analysis of radiation induction of skin cancer in man.

Expression of Ly-6D on the surface of normal and neoplastic mammary epithelial cells of the mouse.

Tsukada Y, Sasaki T, Hanyu K … +1 more , Enami J

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359051 · Full text

Rat were immunized with mouse mammary epithelial cells and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were obtained to identify antigens stably expressed on the surface of both normal and neoplastic mammary epithelial cells of the mou... Rat were immunized with mouse mammary epithelial cells and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were obtained to identify antigens stably expressed on the surface of both normal and neoplastic mammary epithelial cells of the mouse. Examination of the reactivities of the MAbs by immunofluorescence staining of tissue sections showed that one of the antibodies, MAb 2A2, reacted with luminal epithelium of the mammary gland and spontaneous mammary carcinomas of SHN mice. Further examination of the tissue lysates by western blot analysis revealed that MAb 2A2 reacts with a 17-kDa antigen expressed in normal mammary epithelial cells and mammary carcinoma cells. The antigen recognized by MAb 2A2 was absent in the lysates of liver, lung, salivary gland, kidney, small intestine, ovary and uterus. After immunoaffinity purification of the MAb 2A2-recognized antigen and determination of its N-terminal amino acid sequence, we identified the antigen as Ly-6D, also known as ThB, which belongs to a family of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface proteins. Northern blot analysis further demonstrated that Ly-6D mRNA is expressed in the mammary gland. Based on these observations we concluded that Ly-6D is stably expressed on the surface of both normal and neoplastic mammary epithelial cells of the mouse. Ly-6D will serve as a useful epithelial cell surface marker for the study of mammary gland development, as well as for breast cancer research.

Temperature-sensitive ovarian carcinoma cell line (OvBH-1).

Bar JK, Harlozinska A, Kartarius S … +5 more , Montenarh M, Wyrodek E, Parkitna JM, Kochman M, Ozyhar A

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359050 · Full text

OvBH-1 cells from a patient with ovarian clear cell carcinoma were established and their biochemical status was analyzed. Cells grown at 37 degrees C exhibited normal cell cycle distribution, whereas the cells shifted to... OvBH-1 cells from a patient with ovarian clear cell carcinoma were established and their biochemical status was analyzed. Cells grown at 37 degrees C exhibited normal cell cycle distribution, whereas the cells shifted to 31 degrees C were arrested in the G(2) / M phase of the cell cycle. Immunochemical analysis using anti-p53 antibodies (DO-1, PAb240, PAb421, and PAb1620) revealed that only the DO-1 antibody reacted with p53 with a high and similar percentage at both temperatures. PAb240 reacted with a low percentage of cells at 37 degrees C and no reaction was observed at 31 degrees C. PAb421 antibody stained a significantly lower percentage of cells at 37 degrees C than at 31 degrees C. Cells were not stained with PAb1620 antibody and were negative for antibodies against p21(WAF1) and MDM2 proteins independently of the temperature. Sequencing of all coding exons of the p53 gene demonstrated only a neutral genetic polymorphism, i.e. a G-to-A substitution (GAG to GAA) at nucleotide position 13 432. Thus, the observed temperature sensitivity of OvBH-1 cells cannot be ascribed to a p53 primary structure mutation. Based upon immunochemical analyses, we consider, however, that p53 in nuclei of OvBH-1 cells is in a highly unstable conformation. Furthermore, the N-terminal portion of the p53 protein at Ser20 has not been modified, and Lys373 and / or Ser378 of the C-terminus is acetylated and / or phosphorylated. The nuclear location signal of p53 is preserved. Induction of MDM2 protein is uncoupled from the cell regulatory machinery and the induction of p21(WAF1) by p53 is impaired in OvBH-1 cells.

Invasion of melanoma in double knockout mice lacking tenascin-X and tenascin-C.

Matsumoto K, Takahashi K, Yoshiki A … +2 more , Kusakabe M, Ariga H

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359049 · Full text

The roles of extracellular matrix glycoproteins belonging to the tenascin family in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis are not known. To address this issue, we generated tenascin-X (TNX)... The roles of extracellular matrix glycoproteins belonging to the tenascin family in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis are not known. To address this issue, we generated tenascin-X (TNX) and tenascin-C (TNC) double knockout mice and compared findings in these mice with those in single knockout (TNX + / + TNC - / - and TNX - / - TNC + / +) mice. We investigated the proliferation and invasion of B16-BL6 melanoma cells after these cells had been injected into the footpads of mice in each group. The primary tumor size and invasion to the ankle adjacent to the primary tumor site were examined at 35 days after injection of the melanoma cells. The primary tumor size in TNX - / - TNC + / + mice was significantly larger than that in wild-type mice, but those of TNX + / + TNC - / - and double knockout mice were comparable to that in the wild-type mice. On the other hand, invasion to the ankle was obviously promoted in TNX - / - TNC + / + and double knockout mice compared with that in the wild-type mice, but invasion to the ankle in TNX + / + TNC - / - mice was only slightly promoted. Gelatin zymography confirmed increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity in the dorsal skin of TNX - / - TNC + / +, TNX + / + TNC - / - and double knockout mice. However, the amounts of MMP-9 mRNA in the dorsal skins of all mice were almost the same, indicating that the increased activity of MMP-9 in the single and double knockout mice is regulated at the MMP-9 processing level. These results indicate that MMP-9 is activated in all TN-deficient mice, but that TNX exerts a greater effect on tumor invasion than does TNC.

Appearance of osteonectin-expressing fibroblastic cells in early rat stomach carcinogenesis and stomach tumors induced with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

Maeng HY, Choi DK, Takeuchi M … +7 more , Yamamoto M, Tominaga M, Tsukamoto T, Tatematsu M, Ito T, Sakaki Y, Furihata C

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359048 · Full text

The present study was designed to define molecular alterations in the initiation stage of rat stomach carcinogenesis. Groups of male Lewis rats, 6 weeks old, were given drinking water with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-... The present study was designed to define molecular alterations in the initiation stage of rat stomach carcinogenesis. Groups of male Lewis rats, 6 weeks old, were given drinking water with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG; 100 mg/liter). Total RNA was isolated from the stomach pyloric mucosa, and fluorescent differential display analysis was performed. A cDNA fragment of 125 bp encoding an extracellular matrix-associated matricellular glycoprotein, osteonectin, was identified after 14 days of MNNG exposure. A severalfold increase in expression was observed after 14 and 27 days of MNNG exposure, as determined by northern blot and RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry revealed that osteonectin-mAb-stained fibroblastic cells appeared in interstitial tissue of pyloric mucosa. Additionally the gene expression of other extracellular matrix proteins, viz., collagen type III, fibronectin, osteopontin, proteoglycan NG2, laminin gamma1 and S-laminin, was also markedly increased, as determined by competitive RT-PCR after 14 days of MNNG exposure. The gene expression of osteonectin and the six other extracellular matrix proteins was elevated in twelve stomach adenocarcinomas and adenomas induced by MNNG in Lewis and WKY rats. Osteonectin-mAb-stained fibroblastic cells were evident in interstitial tissue of stomach tumor. These results suggest that osteonectin-expressing fibroblastic cells appear in the interstitial tissue of pyloric mucosa from the early initiation stage of rat stomach chemical carcinogenesis, and that this phenomenon probably plays a role in cancer development.

U-shaped effect of drinking and linear effect of smoking on risk for stomach cancer in Japan.

Kikuchi S, Nakajima T, Kobayashi O … +17 more , Yamazaki T, Kikuichi M, Mori K, Oura S, Watanabe H, Nagawa H, Otani R, Okamoto N, Kurosawa M, Anzai H, Konishi T, Futagawa S, Mizobuchi N, Kobori O, Kaise R, Inaba Y, Wada O

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Sep · PMID 12359047 · Full text

A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between smoking or drinking doses and risk for stomach cancer, and to clarify whether the relationship is dose-dependent or U-shaped. Smoking dose was categ... A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between smoking or drinking doses and risk for stomach cancer, and to clarify whether the relationship is dose-dependent or U-shaped. Smoking dose was categorized as 0, 1 - 399, 400 - 799, or 800 + cigarette-years, and drinking dose as 0, occasional/0.1 - 134.9, 135 - 1349.9, or 1350 + alcohol-years (ml of pure alcohol intake per day multiplied by years of drinking). Helicobacter pylori status was determined by serology for adjustment. Using logistic regression, the adjusted effects of smoking and drinking doses on risk for stomach cancer were calculated for both genders. Among male subjects, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were 1.29 (0.76, 2.18) for 1 - 399, 1.71 (1.05, 2.80) for 400 - 799 and 2.46 (1.49, 4.07) for 800 + cigarette-years compared with never-smokers, and 1.89 (0.97, 3.69) for never-drinkers, 2.82 (1.63, 4.86) for 135 - 1349.9 and 2.84 (1.97, 4.83) for 1350.0 +, compared with occasional/0.1 - 134.9 alcohol-years. Among female subjects, they were 0.44 (0.20, 1.00) for 1 - 399 and 2.471 (0.91, 6.68) for 400 + cigarette-years compared with never-smokers, and 1.54 (0.90, 2.63) for never-drinkers and 1.39 (0.66, 2.93) for 135.0 + alcohol-years. Smoking seems to exert a linear effect and drinking, a J- or U-shaped effect on risk for stomach cancer, although there might be a dip of risk in light smokers among female subjects.

Association between Helicobacter bilis in bile and biliary tract malignancies: H. bilis in bile from Japanese and Thai patients with benign and malignant diseases in the biliary tract.

Matsukura N, Yokomuro S, Yamada S … +6 more , Tajiri T, Sundo T, Hadama T, Kamiya S, Naito Z, Fox JG

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149151 · Full text

Japan and Thailand have high incidences of bile duct carcinoma and gallstones. The presence of Helicobacter bilis (H. bilis) detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA analysis in bile samples from Chileans... Japan and Thailand have high incidences of bile duct carcinoma and gallstones. The presence of Helicobacter bilis (H. bilis) detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA analysis in bile samples from Chileans with chronic cholecystitis was reported. The association between H. bilis in bile and biliary tract malignancies has not been investigated, and therefore the aim of this study is to determine whether malignant diseases of the biliary tract are associated with the presence of H. bilis in bile samples obtained from two high-risk populations. Bile samples from 45 Japanese and 40 Thai patients were subjected to PCR analysis using H. bilis-specific primers, and six of the H. bilis amplicons were sequenced. Thirteen out of 15 (87%) Japanese and 11 out of 14 (79%) Thai patients with bile duct or gallbladder cancer tested positive for the presence of H. bilis in their bile. Eight out of 16 (50%) Japanese and 10 out of 26 (38%) Thai patients with gallstone and / or cholecystitis tested positive for H. bilis. Only 4 out of 14 (29%) subjects without biliary disease tested positive for H. bilis among the Japanese. Bile duct and gallbladder cancer showed significantly higher positive rates for H. bilis than did the non-biliary diseases among the Japanese (P < 0.01) and the odds ratios for bile duct or gallbladder cancer with H. bilis in comparison with gallstone and / or cholecystitis were 6.50 (95%CI 1.09 - 38.63) in the Japanese and 5.86 (1.31 - 26.33) in the Thai patients. In conclusion, H. bilis infection in bile was associated with biliary tract and gallbladder cancers in two high risk populations, Japanese and Thai.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, marimastat, decreases peritoneal spread of gastric carcinoma in nude mice.

Kimata M, Otani Y, Kubota T … +9 more , Igarashi N, Yokoyama T, Wada N, Yoshimizu N, Fujii M, Kameyama K, Okada Y, Kumai K, Kitajima M

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149150 · Full text

Marimastat, a matrix metalloproteinese inhibitor, was examined for the ability to prevent peritoneal dissemination of a human gastric cancer xenograft, TMK-1. Even with novel approaches such as molecular targeting of can... Marimastat, a matrix metalloproteinese inhibitor, was examined for the ability to prevent peritoneal dissemination of a human gastric cancer xenograft, TMK-1. Even with novel approaches such as molecular targeting of cancer chemotherapy, peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer has little sensitivity to anticancer drugs, and it is impossible to inhibit its growth completely. Intraperitoneal injection of TMK-1 into nude mice at 5 x 10( 5) cells / body resulted in carcinomatous peritonitis that mimicked clinical cases. Continuous administration of marimastat (18 mg / kg / day) from 24 h after the tumor inoculation successfully inhibited the growth of peritoneal dissemination nodules. Combined administration of marimastat (18 mg / kg / day) and mitomycin C (MMC, 2 mg / kg) showed synergistic inhibition of growth of peritoneal dissemination, being superior to MMC alone (2 mg / kg). Although marimastat alone could not increase survival time with statistical significance, combined administration of marimastat and MMC had a survival benefit with statistical significance. The combination of marimastat and MMC increased the preventive effect on peritoneal dissemination. Marimastat seems to be a candidate for the prevention of peritoneal spread of gastric carcinoma.

Sensitivity of human cancer cells to the new anticancer ribo-nucleoside TAS-106 is correlated with expression of uridine-cytidine kinase 2.

Shimamoto Y, Koizumi K, Okabe H … +6 more , Kazuno H, Murakami Y, Nakagawa F, Matsuda A, Sasaki T, Fukushima M

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149149 · Full text

TAS-106 [1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-D-ribo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine] is a new anticancer ribo-nucleoside with promising antitumor activity. We have previously presented evidence suggesting that the TAS-106 sensitivity of cells i... TAS-106 [1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-D-ribo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine] is a new anticancer ribo-nucleoside with promising antitumor activity. We have previously presented evidence suggesting that the TAS-106 sensitivity of cells is correlated with intracellular accumulation of the triphosphate of TAS-106, which may be affected both by cellular membrane transport mechanisms and uridine-cytidine kinase (UCK) activity. Since the presence of a UCK family consisting of two members, UCK1 and UCK2, has recently been reported in human cells, we investigated the relation between expression of UCK1 and UCK2 at both the mRNA and protein levels and UCK activity (TAS-106 phosphorylation activity) in a panel of 10 human cancer cell lines. Measurement of UCK activity in these cell lines revealed that it was well correlated with the cells' sensitivity to TAS-106. In addition, the mRNA or protein expression level of UCK2 was closely correlated with UCK activity in these cell lines, but neither the level of expression of UCK1 mRNA nor that of protein was correlated with enzyme activity. We therefore compared the protein expression level of UCK2 in several human tumor tissues and the corresponding normal tissues. Expression of UCK2 protein was barely detectable in 4 of the 5 human tumor tissues, but tended to be high in the pancreatic tumor tissue. It could not be detected at all in any of the normal tissues. Thus, expression of UCK2 appeared to be correlated with cellular sensitivity to TAS-106, and it may contribute to the tumor-selective cytotoxicity of TAS-106.

An anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody enhances apoptotic effects of anti-cancer drugs against small cell lung cancer cells via JNK (c-Jun terminal kinase) activation.

Yoshida S, Kawaguchi H, Sato S … +2 more , Ueda R, Furukawa K

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149148 · Full text

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines specifically express ganglioside GD2, and anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) caused suppression of cell growth and induced apoptosis of SCLC cells with single use. Here, enhanc... Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines specifically express ganglioside GD2, and anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) caused suppression of cell growth and induced apoptosis of SCLC cells with single use. Here, enhancement of the cytotoxic effects of various anti-cancer drugs with an anti-GD2 mAb was demonstrated. The cytotoxicity of all six drugs examined was markedly enhanced, i.e. 2.4 - 7.8-fold increase of cell sensitivity in terms of IC(50). In particular, the combination of cisplatin (CDDP) with an anti-GD2 mAb resulted in prominent enhancement of cytotoxicity even in low - moderate GD2-expressing lines. The anti-GD2 mAb induced weak activation of c-Jun terminal kinase (JNK) in SCLC cells, and all anti-cancer drugs also induced its activation to various degrees. When CDDP and an anti-GD2 mAb were used together, significantly stronger JNK activation was observed corresponding to the cytotoxic effects, suggesting that synergistic phosphorylation of JNK with two reagents induced prominent apoptosis. The essential role of JNK in the induction of SCLC apoptosis with CDDP and anti-GD2 mAb was confirmed by experiments with a JNK inhibitor, curcumin. These results suggest that anti-GD2 mAbs would be very efficient in combination with anti-cancer drugs, both to achieve SCLC-specific cytotoxicity and to enhance its magnitude.

Differential expression of progesterone receptor isoforms A and B in the normal ovary, and in benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors.

Akahira J, Suzuki T, Ito K … +6 more , Kaneko C, Darnel AD, Moriya T, Okamura K, Yaegashi N, Sasano H

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149147 · Full text

Human epithelial ovarian neoplasm is well-known to be sex steroid-related, but the possible biological significance of progesterone actions in these tumors remains controversial. In this study, we examined the differenti... Human epithelial ovarian neoplasm is well-known to be sex steroid-related, but the possible biological significance of progesterone actions in these tumors remains controversial. In this study, we examined the differential expression patterns of the two progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms, PRA and PRB, using immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative RT-PCR in normal and neoplastic ovarian tissues, and in cell lines derived from a normal ovarian surface epithelium and an ovarian epithelial carcinoma in order to further elucidate the possible involvement of progesterone in the development of ovarian neoplasms. The median H scores for PR isoforms in normal (n = 8), benign (n = 10), borderline (n = 8) and malignant (n = 24) ovarian tissues were as follows; PRA: 194.0, 171.0, 49.5, 0 (P < 0.05), and PRB: 175.0, 180.5, 251.5, 168.5, respectively. In ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and Caov-3), the PRB / PRAB mRNA ratio was increased by 17beta-estradiol, both time- and dose-dependently. However, this ratio was unaltered following the addition of 17beta-estradiol in a normal ovarian epithelial cell line (NOV-31). Immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that PRB protein expression was markedly up-regulated in OVCAR-3, whereas the PRA and PRB isoforms both appeared to be increased in NOV-31. These results suggest that down-regulation of PRA is associated with the development of ovarian epithelial carcinoma.

Allelotype analysis of common epithelial ovarian cancers with special reference to comparison between clear cell adenocarcinoma with other histological types.

Okada S, Tsuda H, Takarabe T … +3 more , Yoshikawa H, Taketani Y, Hirohashi S

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149146 · Full text

Determination of the histological type of epithelial ovarian cancer is clinically important to predict patient prognosis. To estimate accurately the chromosomal regions that frequently show loss of heterozygosity (LOH) i... Determination of the histological type of epithelial ovarian cancer is clinically important to predict patient prognosis. To estimate accurately the chromosomal regions that frequently show loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in each histological type, LOH at 55 loci on 38 chromosomal arms was examined by means of laser capture microdissection and PCR-LOH analysis in 45 epithelial ovarian cancers composed of clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), serous adenocarcinoma (SEA), endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EMA) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MUA). In addition, p53 (exons 5 - 8) gene mutations and the nuclear immunoreactivity of p53 proteins in these tumors were examined by PCR-SSCP and immunohistochemistry. In CCA, LOH was detected primarily on 1p (69%) followed by 19p (45%) and 11q (43%). On the other hand, in SEA, LOH was detected in at least 50% of cases on 1p, 4p, 5q, 6p, 8p, 9q, 12q, 13q, 15q, 16p, 17p, 17q, 18p, 18q, 19p, 20p and Xp. The incidences of LOH on 5q, 12q, 13q and 17p were significantly lower in CCA than in SEA (P = 0.019, 0.031, 0.0035 and 0.012). EMA showed a tendency for frequent LOH on 7p, whereas MUA showed significantly high occurrence of LOH at 17p13.1. The incidences of p53 mutation and p53 nuclear immunoreactivity also differed between CCA and SEA: 0% and 7% in the former and 64% and 45% in the latter (P = 0.0006 and 0.039). These findings clarify that there are differences in LOH distribution patterns among different histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. In CCA, p53 tumor-suppressor gene (TSG) is not involved in carcinogenesis and tumor-suppressor genes located on 1p are considered to play an important role in tumor development.

Regional expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in liver and hepatocellular carcinoma and cell-cycle variation during in vitro differentiation.

Shibuta K, Mori M, Shimoda K … +3 more , Inoue H, Mitra P, Barnard GF

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149145 · Full text

The CXCL12 / CXCR4 system may be important in carcinoma. Expression of the alpha-chemokine SDF-1alpha (stromal cell derived factor-1alpha) / CXCL12 mRNA is reduced in many carcinomas, yet its tissue protein expression ma... The CXCL12 / CXCR4 system may be important in carcinoma. Expression of the alpha-chemokine SDF-1alpha (stromal cell derived factor-1alpha) / CXCL12 mRNA is reduced in many carcinomas, yet its tissue protein expression may guide metastasis. Here we first compare the mRNA and protein expression of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, and malignant cell lines, and then assess cell cycle variation in CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 mRNA was present in most normal human tissues and malignant cell lines; it was only marginally reduced in hepatomas, while CXCL12 was markedly reduced, P < 0.0001. Immuno-histochemical staining of adjacent non-malignant liver showed regional CXCR4 cytoplasmic and cell-surface staining, limited to those hepatocytes around the central vein, a distribution resembling that of CXCL12. CXCL12 protein was not present in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo, nor was cytoplasmic CXCR4 staining; nuclear CXCR4 protein expression in some malignant hepatocytes and CXCR4 staining of capillary endothelial cells around tumor cells were noted. In some malignant cell lines that had no CXCL12 on northern blots CXCL12 was weakly detectable by RT-PCR or protein staining in the cytoplasm of a few cells. With a view to future manipulation of CXCL12 / CXCR4 expression and growth we noted that in HT-29 cells CXCR4 protein expression was less on confluent than on non-confluent cells and varied during the cell cycle. Higher expression was associated most closely with the percentage of cells in the S-phase and inversely with the percentage of cells in the G1-phase. Treatment of HT-29 cells with butyrate reduced CXCR4 cell surface expression and reduced the percentage of cells in S-phase. In summary, CXCL12 protein expression parallels its mRNA, being markedly reduced in malignant cell lines and hepatomas; in liver, the regional distributions of CXCL12 and cytoplasmic CXCR4 are similar; finally, in HT-29, CXCR4 expression correlates with the S-phase of the cell cycle and is reduced during butyrate-induced differentiation.

Ratio of expression of p16INK4a to p14ARF correlates with the progression of non-small cell lung cancer.

Moriyama S, Nakashima Y, Yano M … +10 more , Kaji M, Yamakawa Y, Toyama T, Yamashita H, Iwase H, Sasaki H, Saito Y, Kiriyama M, Kato J, Fujii Y

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149144 · Full text

The CDKN2 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 9p and encodes two unrelated proteins, p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF), through the use of independent first exons and shared exons 2 and 3. p16(INK4a) is a cyclin-depende... The CDKN2 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 9p and encodes two unrelated proteins, p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF), through the use of independent first exons and shared exons 2 and 3. p16(INK4a) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, whereas p14(ARF) regulates the cell cycle through a p53 and MDM2-dependent pathway. We have examined the expression of p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) using competitive RT-PCR in 60 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and matching normal lung tissues. The intensities of bands for p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) were nearly equal or the intensity of the p16(INK4a) band slightly exceeded that of p14(ARF) in the normal lung tissues (n = 60). In 38 tumors the intensity of the p16(INK4a) band was similar to or slightly weaker than that of p14(ARF). In 6 tumors the intensity of the p16(INK4a) band was weaker than that of p14(ARF). In 15 tumors the intensity of the p14(ARF) band was very strong and the p16(INK4a) band was barely visible. In only one tumor was the intensity of the p16(INK4a) band very strong, while the band of p14(ARF) was barely visible. The ratio of the intensity of p16(INK4a) to p14(ARF) had an interesting correlation with the tumor's clinicopathological characteristics. The p stage II - IV tumors had significantly lower p16(INK4a) to p14(ARF) ratios than the p stage I tumors (P = 0.036). The T2 - 4 tumors had significantly lower p16(INK4a) to p14(ARF) ratios than the T1 tumors (P = 0.005). The N1 - 3 tumors had significantly lower p16(INK4a) to p14(ARF) ratios than the N0 tumors (P = 0.014). Our results suggest that the ratio of expression of p16(INK4a) to p14(ARF) tends to decrease during the progression of NSCLC.

Troglitazone induces G1 arrest by p27(Kip1) induction that is mediated by inhibition of proteasome in human gastric cancer cells.

Takeuchi S, Okumura T, Motomura W … +3 more , Nagamine M, Takahashi N, Kohgo Y

Jpn J Cancer Res · 2002 Jul · PMID 12149143 · Full text

We examined in the present study whether human gastric cancer cells express peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), the effect of PPARgamma activation by troglitazone, a selective ligand, on cellula... We examined in the present study whether human gastric cancer cells express peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), the effect of PPARgamma activation by troglitazone, a selective ligand, on cellular growth, and the mechanism of the growth arrest by troglitazone in gastric cancer cells. RT-PCR, northern blot and western blot analysis demonstrated that all four tested human gastric cancer cell lines, MKN-28, MKN-45, MKN-74 and KATO-III, expressed PPARgamma mRNA and protein. WST-1 assay and flow cytometric analysis revealed that troglitazone inhibited the growth and induced G1 arrest in all four gastric cancer cell lines. To examine the role of p27(Kip1), a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, in the G1 arrest by troglitazone, we determined p27(Kip1) protein expression by western blot analysis in gastric cancer cells that had been treated with troglitazone. Troglitazone increased p27(Kip1) in all four gastric cancer cell lines. Since it has been reported that the ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a vital role in the degradation of p27(Kip1) protein, we evaluated the hypothesis that inhibition of proteasome mediates the troglitazone-induced p27(Kip1) accumulation. Lactacystin, a proteasome inhibitor, inhibited cell growth and increased p27(Kip1) expression in MKN-74 cells. It was further demonstrated that troglitazone inhibited proteasome activity in a dose-dependent manner in MKN-74 cells. All these results suggest that troglitazone inhibited proteasome activity, followed by induction of p27(Kip1), which arrests cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle in gastric cancer cells. The troglitazone-mediated inhibition of the proteasome suggests a novel mechanism for the anti-proliferative effect of this agent in cancer cells.
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