Tumors with EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1 fusions: the current status

EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1 are gene fusions of which one or both have now been consistently described in 5 histopathologically and behaviorally diverse neoplasms: angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, conventional clear cell sarcoma (of tendons and aponeuroses), clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland, and primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma. Some of the tumors in this group have been described only recently, and others have been the subject of recent genetic insights contributing to their characterization. These neoplasms are all rare; yet, the increasing frequency with which EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1 fusions are being described in separate entities is noteworthy. The additional molecular mechanisms by which tumors with such variable morphologic, immunohistochemical, and clinical phenotypes are generated are yet to be understood. We review the clinicopathologic and molecular features of this group of neoplasms unified by the presence of EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1 genetic fusions.     

重症急性胰腺炎治疗的发展

重症急性胰腺炎治疗的发展大体可以分为三个阶段。１　重症急性胰腺炎主治科别的讨论第一个阶段为重症急性胰腺炎的主治科别的讨论,即以内科治疗为好,还是以外科医治为好。这个阶段起始于１８８９年,Ｆｉｔｚ首先系统地描写了重症急性胰腺炎,在这阶段,出现两次反复,主治科由外科到内科,然后又由内科到外科,直到１９３８年,Ｎｏｒｄｍａｎｎ在德国外科大会上对重症急性胰腺炎作了总结报告,认为外科手术对重症急性胰腺炎有害无益。这样,重症急性胰腺炎进入了全面的内科保守治疗的时代,一直延续了３０年。到６０年代后期,由于Ｗａ…     

Plasma glutathione S-transferase pi 1-1 AND alpha 1-1 levels in patients with bladder cancer

PURPOSE: Transitional cell carcinomas of the human bladder and many gastrointestinal tumors often contain high amounts of the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1-1). Elevated levels of GSTP1-1 have been found in serum and plasma from patients with gastrointestinal, lung or head and neck cancer. GSTP1-1 and glutathione S-transferase alpha (GSTA1-1) have been reported to be increased in 10 of 15 patients (67%) with bladder cancer. We evaluate the role of GSTP1-1 and GSTA1-1 as plasma tumor markers in 50 patients with bladder cancer before and after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood from patients with bladder cancer was sampled in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes. Plasma GSTA1-1 and GSTP1-1 were measured using the sensitive and specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Respective plasma GSTA1-1 and GSTP1-1 levels were above the upper normal reference limit in 2 (4%) and 14 (28%) of the 50 patients with bladder cancer. No significant decrease in plasma GSTA1-1 or GSTP1-1 was noted in matched pairs of plasma samples collected before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to earlier reports, only a limited number of patients with bladder cancer had increased plasma GSTA1-1 or GSTP1-1, which did not decrease after tumor resection. These findings argue against the use of GSTP1-1 or GSTA1-1 as plasma markers for bladder cancer.     

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. 1: epidemiology of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency

The protein and molecular characteristics of variants of the alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) gene are described, and available data on the genetic epidemiology of AAT deficiency are presented.     

手术创伤中腹膜组织Sp1、COL1A1和TIMP-1的表达

目的　探讨人手术创伤腹膜组织中核转录因子Sp1激活 ,COL1A1和TIMP 1表达变化与腹膜纤维化之间的关系。方法　采用凝胶电泳迁移率改变分析法 (EMSA)检测手术创伤后不同时间的腹膜组织核转录因子Sp1的表达水平 ,WesternBlot检测COL1A1和TIMP 1蛋白表达 ,Masson染色观察腹膜组织中胶原纤维的变化。结果　Sp1在手术创伤后 0 .5h被活化 ,随着手术时间延长Sp1活性逐渐增强 ,至创伤后 4h时达高峰 ,同时创伤腹膜组织中的COL1A1和TIMP 1蛋白表达水平逐渐升高 ,存在差异显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。在手术创伤期内随手术时间的延长腹膜组织中胶原纤维增加。结论　核转录因子Sp1活化导致Ⅰ型胶原合成增加 ,细胞外基质降解减少 ,从而启动腹膜纤维化进程。     

The HLA-DPB1--associated component of the IDDM1 and its relationship to the major loci HLA-DQB1, -DQA1, and -DRB1

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) HLA region on chromosome 6p21 contains the major locus of type 1 diabetes (IDDM1). Common allelic variants at the class II HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 loci account for the major part of IDDM1. Previous studies suggested that other MHC loci are likely to contribute to IDDM1, but determination of their relative contributions and identities is difficult because of strong linkage disequilibrium between MHC loci. One prime candidate is the polymorphic HLA-DPB1 locus, which (with the DPA1 locus) encodes the third class II antigen-presenting molecule. However, the results obtained in previous studies appear to be contradictory. Therefore, we have analyzed 408 white European families (200 from Sardinia and 208 from the U.K.) using a combination of association tests designed to directly compare the effect of DPB1 variation on the relative predisposition of DR-DQ haplotypes, taking into account linkage disequilibrium between DPB1 and the DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 loci. In these populations, the overall contribution of DPB1 to IDDM1 is small. The main component of the DPB1 contribution to IDDM1 in these populations appears to be the protection associated with DPB1*0402 on DR4-negative haplotypes. We suggest that the HLA-DP molecule itself contributes to IDDM1.     

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 associated with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND: Alcohol intake and tobacco smoke, in addition to other environmental and genetic factors, have been associated with head and neck cancer. We evaluated the role of metabolic enzyme polymorphisms on the risk of head and neck cancer in a hospital-based case-control study. METHODS: CYP1A1MspI, CYP2E1PstI, GSTM1, and GSTT1polymorphisms were evaluated in 103 histologically confirmed head and neck cancer cases and 102 controls by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. RESULTS: GSTM1null increased the risk of head and neck cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.24-3.79), oral cancer (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.28-5.98), and pharyngeal cancer (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.08-4.63). CYP2E1PstI polymorphism indicated a risk for oral cancer (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.29-11.56). The joint effect of GSTM1 null and CYP1A1 polymorphism increased the risk of head and neck cancer (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.13-5.10). CONCLUSIONS: GSTM1 null alone or associated with CYP1A1 increased the risk of head and neck cancer; the CYP2E1PstI mutated allele increased the risk for only oral cancer.     

Evaluation of the influence of polymorphic variants CYP1A1 2B, CYP1B1 2, CYP3A4 1B, GSTM1 0, and GSTT1 0 in prostate cancer

Background/objectiveGenetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P-450 (CYPs) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) genes can influence the appearance of tumors by the formation of new enzymes with altered activities. In the present study, 5 polymorphic variants were examined in 154 patients with prostate carcinoma and in 154 controls.Materials and methodsDNA analysis was carried out through PCR-based methods. The statistical methods used were odds ratio and confidence interval (95% CI), χ², Fisher, and Mann-Whitney.ResultsThe study showed absence of association for CYP1A1*2B, CYP1B1*2, GSTM1*0, and GSTT1*0. The statistical analysis implied a positive association of variant CYP3A4*1B for prostate cancer. The combined analysis of CYP1A1*2B, CYP1B1*2, and CYP3A4*1B genotypes showed positive association. The analysis of histopathologic parameters detected statistically significant differences for Gleason score and biochemistry recurrence risk. The presence of the GSTT1*0 genotype in red meat consumers increased the risk for this disease.ConclusionSome polymorphic variants analyzed can influence the development and the progression of prostate cancer.     

COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism associates with bone density in early puberty

Optimal acquisition of bone mass in puberty is a key determinant of the lifetime risk of osteoporosis and has a strong genetic basis. We investigated the relationship between the COL1A1 Sp1 polymorphism and BMD in early puberty, and how the genotypes relate to bone size and geometry as well as bone turnover and material properties in 247 10- to 13-year-old girls. Bone properties were measured using DXA, pQCT, and ultrasound. Also, serum P1NP, OC, B-ALP, and TRACP 5b were assessed. Our results showed that girls with the TT genotype had significantly lower BMC and BMD of the total body, lumbar spine, and proximal femur, as well as BUA at the calcaneus, than those with the GT and GG genotype. They also had significantly lower B-ALP, as well as P1NP/TRACP 5b and (OC + B-ALP)/TRACP 5b, compared to the others. These findings indicate that the COL1A1 polymorphism is associated with low bone properties in early puberty and suggest a possible physiological effect on collagen metabolism and bone turnover. This information may contribute to the identification of children at risk for suboptimal acquisition of peak bone mass and may ultimately be of value in the planning of early preventive strategies for osteoporosis.     

GSTT1, GSTM1, and CYP1B1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to sporadic renal cell cancer

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence and importance of GSTT1, GSTM1, and CYP1B1 genotypes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and to identify their value as a prognostic factor.Materials and methodsCross-sectional study of a group of patients diagnosed with RCC (n = 133) and a control group (n = 208) with benign conditions and no history of tumor. Controls were selected by cumulative samples and mixed pairing. All subjects pertained to the catchment area for our hospital. Sociodemographic variables, anatomical pathology features, and presence of GSTT1, GSTM1, and CYP1B1 polymorphisms by multiplex PCR and sequencing techniques.ResultsThere were no differences in the genotype distribution of the GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes between cases and controls. In the case of CYP1B1, the GG genotype (Ala119) was more prevalent in patients with RCC (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.32–2.28) and may be implicated in 34.3% (95% CI: 16.3–52.2) of RCCs. In patients with GSTT1 deletion, TNM stages III to IV were more common (39.1%); whereas in Val432 homozygous patients in CYP1B1, Fuhrman grades 3 to 4 (54.6%) were more common. Because this was a cross-sectional study, longitudinal studies are needed in the future to confirm these data.ConclusionsNo relationship between GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes and RCC risk was observed. Homozygous subjects with Ala119 in CYP1B1 had twice the risk of RCC as homozygous for Ser119 or heterozygotes. Patients with GSTT1 deletion had tumors of more advanced stages, and those with Val432 polymorphism in CYP1B1 had tumors of higher Fuhrman grade.     

Polycystin-1 expression in PKD1, early-onset PKD1, and TSC2/PKD1 cystic tissue.

BACKGROUND: The mutational mechanism responsible for cyst formation in polycystic kidney disease 1 gene (PKD1) remains controversial, with data indicating a two-hit mechanism, but also evidence of polycystin-1 expression in cystic tissue. METHODS: To investigate this apparent paradox, we analyzed polycystin-1 expression in cystic renal or liver tissue from 10 patients with truncating PKD1 mutations (including one early-onset case) and 2 patients with severe disease associated with contiguous deletions of TSC2 and PKD1, using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to both extreme N-(7e12) and C-terminal (PKS-A) regions of the protein. Truncation of the C-terminal epitope from the putative mutant proteins in each case allowed exclusive assessment of the nontruncated protein with PKS-A. RESULTS: In adult PKD1 tissue, the majority of cysts (approximately 80%) showed polycystin-1 expression, although staining was absent in a variable but significant minority (approximately 20%), in spite of the normal expression of marker proteins. Unlike adult PKD1, however, negative cysts were rarely found in infantile PKD1 or TSC2/PKD1 deletion cases. CONCLUSIONS: If a two-hit mutational mechanism is operational, these results suggest that the majority of somatic mutations in adult PKD1 are likely to be missense changes. The low level of polycystin-1-negative cysts in the three "early-onset" cases, however, suggests that a somatic PKD1 mutation may not always be required for cyst formation.     

Deficiency of TBL1XR1 causes asthenozoospermia

Transducin (β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) is an evolutionarily conserved protein related to spermatozoa. To clarify its role and mechanism of action in spermatozoa, qRT-PCR was used to analyse the expression of TBL1XR1 in human spermatozoa and mouse testes. The mice were established as an animal model by injecting the mice testes with small interfering RNA against TBL1XR1 or control siRNA. Our results indicated that deficiency of TBL1XR1 in mice reduced the motility of spermatozoa and disrupted the histone-to-protamine transition. We also found the decreased expression of TBL1XR1 in the spermatozoa of human patients with asthenozoospermia (AZ) compared with that in the spermatozoa of healthy males. Moreover, we carried out chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses and found that genes downstream of TBL1XR1 were related to sperm motility. Thus, TBL1XR1 might be related to sperm motility and might function through its downstream genes. Our data highlight the role of TBL1XR1 involved in spermatozoa and provide new molecular insights into the intricate systems required for male fertility.     

COL1A1 haplotypes and hip fracture

Fragility fractures resulting from low‐trauma events such as a fall from standing height are associated with osteoporosis and are very common in older people, especially women. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the COL1A1 gene (rs1107946, rs11327935, and rs1800012) have been widely studied and previously associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture. A rare haplotype (T‐delT‐T) of these three SNPs was found to be greatly overrepresented in fractured individuals compared with nonfractured controls, thus becoming a good candidate for predicting increased fracture risk. The aim of our study was to assess the association of this haplotype with fracture risk in Spanish individuals. We recruited two independent groups of ～100 patients with hip fracture (a total of 203 individuals) and compared the genotype and haplotype distributions of the three SNPs in the fractured patients with those of 397 control individuals from the BARCOS Spanish cohort. We found no association with risk of fracture at the genotype level for any of the SNPs, and no differences in the SNP frequencies between the two groups. At the haplotype level, we found no association between the T‐delT‐T haplotype and fracture. However, we observed a small but significant (p = 0.03) association with another rare haplotype, G‐insT‐T, which was slightly overrepresented in the patient group. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

IgA肾病患者C1GALT1C1基因的体细胞突变筛查

目的 探讨IgA肾病（IgAN）患者β1,3半乳糖转移酶的分子伴侣Cosme编码基因C1GALT1C1基因体细胞突变情况。方法 27例IgA肾病患者及19例正常健康对照作为研究对象。提取研究对象外周血基因组DNA,扩增C1GALT1C1基因的编码区,采用PCR产物直接测序的方法进行突变筛查。然后,分离其中15例IgA肾病患者及7例健康男性对照的外周血B淋巴细胞,提取DNA。对C1GALT1C1基因编码区进行扩增,PCR产物进行克隆,各挑选平均8～10个克隆进行体细胞突变筛查。结果 46例个体全血基因组DNA的PCR扩增产物测序发现,2例患者及1例健康对照存在外显子T393A变异,次等位基因频率（MAF）为6．9%[SNP数据库（dbSNP）报告为9．5%]。B淋巴细胞DNA序列分析显示,在22例个体（15例IgA肾病患者,7例健康对照）送检的总共202个克隆中,未发现新的突变和多态性位点。结论 C1GALT1C1基因编码区T393A多态位点在本研究人群中为唯一发现的多态性位点,其次等位基因频率（MAF）较既往报道略低。本研究尚未发现IgA肾病患者B淋巴细胞存在体细胞突变。