Genetic status of p53 and induction of apoptosis by radiation or isoflavones in human gastric carcinoma cell lines

We have shown previously that various human cancer cell lines undergo morphological changes and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis after exposure to ionizing radiation or isoflavones. Here, we assessed the role of p53 gene in cell cycle and apoptosis following treatment of 11 gastric carcinoma cell lines with gamma-rays, genistein, biochanin A, or daidzein. Cell survival was measured by trypan blue staining, and apoptosis was assessed by fluorochrome staining. The rate of cell survival and apoptosis of the cells by gamma-irradiation or isoflavones did not correlate with p53 gene abnormalities. Flow cytometric measurement of DNA content demonstrated that while gamma-irradiation and genistein induced G(2) arrest, biochanin A and daidzein blocked the cell cycle of all carcinoma cells at G(1) phase. At multiple time points following irradiation, G(2) arrest was observed at 12-16 h in the wild-type and mutant p53 cell lines. Induction of p53 and p21 proteins was not observed in wild-type p53 lines after exposure to gamma-irradiation or isoflavones by Western blotting. Moreover, transfection of the wild-type p53 gene into MKN-1 cells failed to induce G(1) arrest by gamma-irradiation and genistein. Based on these results, we hypothesize that gastric cancer cells may possess a signal pathway which is different from the usual mechanisms of the p53-mediated DNA damage response in normal or hematopoietic tumor cells.     

Expression of e-cadherin, alpha-catenins and Beta-catenins in human gastric carcinomas - correlation with histology and tumor progression

The expression of cell-cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin and its associated proteins, alpha- and beta-catenins in human gastric carcinomas was examined by Western blotting. All the seven gastric carcinoma cell lines expressed E-cadherin except KATOIII, which was derived from pleural effusion of a scirrhous type stomach cancer or Borrmann's type-4 carcinoma. The expression of alpha-catenin was not detected in HSC43 derived from scirrhous carcinoma, while HSC39 expressed abnormal beta-catenin caused by genetic alteration. In gastric carcinoma cases, the levels of E-cadherin and alpha-catenin were significantly lower in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and scirrhous carcinomas when compared to other types of gastric carcinomas. Deeply invasive carcinomas expressed E-cadherin and alpha-catenin at lower levels. However, the expression level of alpha-catenin was not necessarily consistent with that of E-cadherin. One of 10 gastric carcinomas examined showed complete deletion of alpha-catenin gene in Southern blotting. beta-catenin was expressed at lower level in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas than in well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. These findings suggest that reduction in the expression of E-cadherin and its associated molecules, catenins, is involved in the development and infiltrative growth of scirrhous type gastric carcinomas.     

Developmental and age-related changes to the elastic lamina of Bruch’s membrane in mice

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - Fibrillin-1, tropoelastin, fibulin-5, and latent transforming growth factor beta-binding protein-2 and protein-4 (LTBP-2 and...     

From ‘half-dead’ to being ‘free’: resistance to HIV stigma,self-disclosure and support for PMTCT/HIV care among couples living with HIV in Kenya

In sub-Saharan Africa, self-disclosure of HIV-positive status may be a pivotal action for improving access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. However, understanding of HIV stigma and disclosure, and their effects on demand for care remains incomplete – particularly in the current context of new antiretroviral therapy guidelines. The purpose of this study was to explore these issues among self-disclosed couples living in southwest Kenya. We conducted 38 in-depth interviews with HIV-positive pregnant or postpartum women and their male partners. Of the 19 couples, 10 were HIV seroconcordant and 9 were serodiscordant. The textual analysis showed that HIV stigma continues to restrict full participation in community life and limit access to care by promoting fear, isolation and self-censorship. Against this backdrop, however, participants’ narratives revealed varying forms and degrees of resistance to HIV stigma, which appeared to both produce and emerge from acts of self-disclosure. Such disclosure enabled participants to overcome fears and gain critical support for engaging in HIV care while further resisting HIV stigma. These findings suggest that programme interventions designed explicitly to stimulate and support processes of HIV stigma resistance and safe self-disclosure may be key to improving demand for and retention in HIV services.     

Hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with hepatitis B virus infection

Primary hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extremely rare disease. A 65-year-old female patient with chronic hepatitis B presented with multiple solid masses in segment (S) 4, S5, and S6 of the liver. The nodule in S5 was diagnosed preoperatively as hepatocellular carcinoma by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography. The nodule in S4 was initially interpreted as lymphoid follicles by needle biopsy. Segmentectomy of S5 and partial resection of S6 were performed. Microscopic examination of the S5 nodule revealed moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The nodule from S6 showed nodular proliferation of atypical intermediate to medium-sized lymphoid cells in the portal area and lymph epithelial lesions of bile ducts. The atypical lymphoid cells were positive for LCA, L-26 and bcl-2 and negative for UCHL-1. These features were consistent with the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. This is the first case report of synchronous hepatic MALT lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis B.     

Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow with pancytopenia in an emaciated patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report on gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow in a 42-year-old male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow in SLE is rare. This condition is composed of hypocellularity with deposition of hyaluronic acid in the bone marrow and is known to be associated with malnutrition due to cachexia and anorexia nervosa. In this patient we consider that malnutrition caused gelatinous transformation which worsened pancytopenia due to SLE. Pancytopenia improved after methylprednisolone pulse therapy and nutrition therapy.