Immunohistochemical Study of Colorectal Polyps with Antibodies against CEA,CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3 (DF3), PCNA and p53

Abstract: We analyzed the expression of CEA, CA19-9, CA125, CA15-3 (DF3), PCNA and p53 immunohistochemically in 14 tissue specimens of mucosal cancers in adenoma, seven tubulovillous adenoma specimens, and 16 tubular adenoma specimens. The rates of positive staining for mucosal cancer in adenoma, tubulovillous adenoma and tubular adenoma specimens, respectively, were: for CEA: 100%, 85.7% and 75%; for CA19-9: 71.4%, 71.4% and 56.2%; for CA125:0%, 0% and 0%;for CA15-3 (DF3): 64.3 %, 0% and 0 %; for PCNA: 100%, 88.9% and 56.2%; and for p53: 35.7%, 0% and 0% . The results suggest that the expressions of CEA, CA19-9, CA15-3 (DF3), PCNA and p53 are related to colorectal tumorigenesis. None of the specimens studied showed staining for CA125, suggesting that CA125 is not involved in the early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis. There was no significant difference in the rates of positive staining for CEA and CA19-9 among mucosal cancer in adenoma, tubular adenoma and tubulovillous adenoma specimens. However, the rates of positive staining for PCNA and p53 were significantly higher in mucosal cancer in adenoma specimens than for tubular adenoma specimens (p<0.05), and the rate of CA15-3 (DF3) positive staining was significantly higher for mucosal cancer in adenoma than for tubulovillous adenoma (p<0.01) and tubular adenoma (p< 0.001) specimens. Therefore, the CA15-3 (DF3) antigen is an immunohistochemical marker for colorectal carcinomas. The present results suggest that CA15-3 (DF3), PCNA and p53 play important roles in the genesis of colorectal adenomas.     

Increased HLA-DR+ T-lymphocyte population in peripheral blood of alopecia areata

The populations of activated T-cell subsets [HLA-DR⁺ -Leu 4⁺ cells, interleukin 2 receptor positive (IL-2R ⁺)-Leu 4⁺ cells] in the peripheral blood of patients with alopecia areata (AA) were investigated using double direct immunofluorescence staining. Fifty-eight patients with AA were classified into one of three types: those with inactive single AA (type 1) lesions, active multiple alopecia areata (MAA) lesions and active alopecia totalis (AT) (type 2) and chronic alopecia universalis (AU) (type 3). Compared to normal controls, high percentages of HLA-DR⁺-Leu 4⁺ cells were detected in types 2 and 3 AA patients, but not in type 1 AA patients. These findings suggest that T cells are activated in the peripheral blood of active MAA, AT and chronic AU.     

Kabuki make-up syndrome associated with West syndrome

A Japanese boy with Kabuki make-up syndrome associated with West syndrome is reported. He developed periodic tonic spasms at 6 months of age while his electro-encephalogram also revealed hypsarrhythmia. Although only a few previously reported cases of Kabuki make-up syndrome have been associated with epilepsy, it is likely that epileptic seizures are another primary feature of Kabuki make-up syndrome.     

Effect of surfactant lavage in a rabbit model of meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a frequent cause of respiratory distress in neonates. Recent reports have suggested that surfactant dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of MAS and surfactant therapy improves oxygenation of infants with MAS. We evaluated the effect of bronchial lavage with surfactant solution in a rabbit model of meconium aspiration. All animals were given 5 mL/kg of a 20% slurry of human meconium into the endotracheal tube and mechanically ventilated. The animals were then divided into saline lavage (n = 5) or surfactant lavage (n = 5). Lavage was performed an hour after meconium instillation. After the lavage the total amount of meconium recovered was measured. Blood gas was monitored during the experiment. The amount of meconium recovered by saline lavage was 14%, and by surfactant lavage was 57%. The surfactant group had a significant improvement in gas exchange, whereas the saline group had no improvement. It was concluded that the lavage with surfactant solution effectively washed out meconium and improved gas exchange in rabbit model of MAS.     

Cerivastatin inhibits fetal calf serunvinduced DNA synthesis in cultured rat mesangial cells

SUMMARY: Inhibition of mevalonate synthesis by several statins has been shown to suppress DNA synthesis in glomerular mesangial cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a new statin, cerivastatin, on fetal calf serum (FCS)-induced DNA synthesis of cultured rat mesangial cells. Cultured rat mesangial cells were stimulated by 10% FCS in the presence or absence of cerivastatin and mevalonate. 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation was used to assess DNA synthesis. the present study showed that 10% FCS caused marked stimulation of DNA synthesis in the mesangial cells. Cerivastatin inhibited FCS-stimulated BrdU incorporation in a dose-dependent manner. IC₅₀ was approximately 1 umol/L. Exogenous mevalonate, farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate significantly prevented the inhibitory effect of cerivastatin on DNA replication. It appears that cerivastatin, by inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonate, may suppress DNA synthesis in the mesangial cells.     

A Ro/SS-A auto-antibody positive mother's infant revealed congenital complete atrioventricular block,followed by insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and multiple organ failure

We experienced a congenital complete atrioventricular block infant who was born from a Ro/SS-A antibody positive mother. Ro/SS-A antibody was also found in this baby which was presumed to be mediated by the maternal placenta. Temporary cardiac pacing was required at birth and pacemaker implantation was performed at 9 months. At 11 months of age, the baby fell into shock and experienced multiple organ failure because of diabetes mellitus-induced coma. The association between congenital complete heart block and the Ro/SS-A antibody is well known. However, the accompaniment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has not been reported previously. As the Ro/SS-A antigen appears in the cytoplasm of many tissues, the possibility of an association between Ro/SS-A antibody and diabetes mellitus is difficult to deny. We report this rare case to draw attention to the possibility that babies who are born from an Ro/SS-A antibody positive mother may develop diabetes mellitus as well as congenital complete heart block.     

Colonic pseudolipomatosis, microscopically classified into two groups

Background: Colonic pseudolipomatosis is rare and the pathogenesis is controversial. The purpose of the present paper was to clarify endoscopic and histological characteristics of colonic pseudolipomatosis and to discuss the etiology. Methods: A total of 15 lesions from 14 patients was reviewed. They were able to be histologically classified into two groups on the basis of variety in size of the vacuoles: Group A, the ratio of largest vacuole to smallest vacuole in size is less than three, Group B, the ratio is more than four. Results: Four of 15 lesions were group A, and were endoscopically polypoid or flat lesions covered with normal‐looking mucosa. They were microscopically characterized by (i) predominant location in the upper portion of the lamina propria; (ii) no submucosal involvement; (iii) less variation in vacuolar size; and (iv) no association with lymph follicles. The vacuoles of group A contained proteinaceous materials in two of four lesions. Group B (11 lesions) had small elevated mucosa with normal‐looking surface or non‐elevated reddish mucosa. Microscopically, the lesions were mainly located in the lower portion of the lamina propria, occasionally also in the submucosa, had variable‐sized vacuoles, and were related to lymph follicles. Conclusion: It is suggested that the vacuoles in group A contain fluid, and may indicate an abnormal stagnation of interstitial fluid. Microscopic appearance of group B is essentially similar to that of pneumatosis coli. It is thought that group B probably results from penetration of gas from the crypts into the mucosa during colonoscopy. It is unclear why group B had a preference for ileocecal valve and an association with lymph follicles.     

ALCOHOL-RELATED SUDDEN DEATH WITH HEPATIC FATTY METAMORPHOSIS: A COMPREHENSIVE CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL INQUIRY INTO ITS PATHOGENESIS

To clarify the pathogenesis of the widely known but obscuresyndrome of sudden death with hepatic fatty metamorphosis observedin alcohol abusers, we have scrutinized both the clinical andpathological data of 11 subjects who died under such circumstancesbetween 1987 and 1993. Death followed several days of uninterrupteddrinking often with little dietary intake. The notable clinicalfeatures on arrival at the emergency room were disturbance ofconsciousness (11/11), hypotension (47/6), hypothermia (3/5),hypoglycaemia (8/11), metabolic acidosis (6/6), renal dysfunction(11/11), and hyperammonaemia (5/5). The common hepatic pathologywas the extensive appearance of numerous microvesicular fattydroplets in the hepatocytes together with varying degrees ofmacrovesicular fatty change; four subjects had an underlyingcirrhosis. Death undoubtedly results from a variety of metabolicdisturbances triggered by the combination of massive ethanolintake and starvation. The appearance of extensive microvesicularfatty change superimposed on macrovesicular fatty change wasconsidered to be an associated phenomenon