USP15 inhibits HPV16 E6 degradation and catalytically inactive USP15 has reduced inhibitory activity.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) possess transforming activity leading to development of the cancer, including oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and cervical cancer. The stability of E6 is essential for its complete function as an oncoprotein. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) as an HPV16 E6-interacting protein. USP15 cleaves polyubiquitin chains of HPV16 E6 and/or ubiquitin precursors. Our results indicate that USP15 could increase the level of HPV16 E6 by inhibiting E6 degradation. USP15 inhibited the degradation of HPV16 E6 in dose-dependent manner. In contrast, catalytically inactive mutants of USP15 had a reduced inhibitory effect on E6 degradation. In particular, USP15 mutants of all three cysteine boxes and the NHL mutant of the KRF box had a drastically reduced inhibitory effect on HPV16 E6 degradation. In addition, HPV16 E6 mRNA was not induced by USP15; therefore, HPV16 E6 appears to be post-translationally regulated. These results suggest that USP15 has the ability to stabilize E6 as a deubiquitinating enzyme, and as an oncoprotein affects biological functions in infected human cells.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by a congenital accessory mitral valve leaflet and treated by open-heart surgery in a young dog.

A 3-month-old Shetland sheepdog presented with a loud ejection murmur and exercise intolerance. Echocardiography revealed an accessory mitral valve leaflet, characterised by a valve-like structure separate from the mitral valve seen in the subaortic region of the ventricular septum. The left ventricular outflow tract was partially obstructed with a pressure gradient of 12 mmHg. Accessory mitral valve leaflet resection and mitral valvuloplasty were performed during open-heart surgery. Histology performed on the membrane-like structures were indicative of fibrous connective tissues. Postoperative echocardiography confirmed removal of the valve-like structure with resolution of the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The pressure gradient was decreased to 4.6 mmHg. The dog was in good condition and no further treatment was required 5 months after surgery. Both cardiac troponin I and NT-proBNP were markedly decreased. In this dog, surgical resection combined with mitral valve plasty resolved the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and the clinical signs.

The outcome of surgical mitral valve repair with loop-in-loop technique in dogs with different stage myxomatous mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical mitral valve repair is a possible option for dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. However, information on surgical results and postoperative echocardiography is limited. This study aimed to verify the stage-specific surgical results of mitral valve repair and postoperative echocardiographic changes for two years following surgery. ANIMALS: Adult dogs (n = 55) treated with surgical mitral valve repair using the loop-in-loop technique were included in this study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety percent of cases (50/55) survived to discharge, which survival was significantly decreased in myxomatous mitral valve disease advanced-stage dogs, Stage B2 (n = 14): 100%, Stage C (n = 27): 96.2%, and Stage D (n = 14): 71.4%. Significant reductions of overall heart size (vertebral heart score: preoperative 11.4 vs. post one month 10.2, P < 0.001), left atrium (left atrium to aortic root ratio: preoperative 2.3 vs. post one month 1.5, P < 0.001) and left ventricle (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter [normalized for bodyweight]: preoperative 2.2 vs. post one month 1.5, P < 0.001) were documented one month after surgery, showing successful management of mitral regurgitation. All medications for mitral valve disease were discontinued three months after surgery. The recurrence of mitral regurgitation was not evident during the two-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical mitral valve repair with the loop-in-loop technique is associated with significant decreases in indices of cardiac size at one-month post-repair. Disease stage influences operative survival after surgical mitral valve repair.

Impact of Fat-Free Adipose Tissue on the Prevalence of Low Muscle Mass Estimated Using Calf Circumference in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

Previous studies proposed calf circumference cutoff values for predicting dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived low muscle mass. However, DXA-derived appendicular lean mass (aLM) includes non-skeletal muscle components such as the appendicular fat-free component of adipose tissue fat cells (aFFAT). The purpose of this study was to compare the calf circumference method of classification before (Model #1) and after (Model #2) eliminating the influence of FFAT in healthy Japanese adults (50 to 79 years; mean age 70 (SD 7) years). Model 1, and Model 2 for classifying low muscle mass had a sensitivity of 78% and 64%, specificity of 76% and 75%, positive predictive value of 31% and 28%, and negative predictive value of 96% and 93%, respectively. Appendicular fat-free component of adipose tissue has the potential to influence the ability of calf circumference to accurately classify individuals with low muscle mass. Consideration should be made when using this as a screening tool for low muscle mass.

Genomic copy-number aberrations related to lymph-node metastasis of colon cancer.

Lymph-node metastasis is an important indicator in the diagnosis of colon cancer. In order to determine the genes involved in metastasis, genomic copy-number aberrations in the primary tumours and lymph-node metastases were analysed in 12 patients using comparative genomic hybridization. This method detects genomic copy-number changes at the chromosomal level and the identification of the regions of aberration on any chromosome. Copy-number gains at 6p12 and losses at 8p12 were observed in a greater number of the primary tumours than in the metastases. These aberrations appear to be involved in lymph-node metastasis of colon cancer, and may allow measurement of the risk of lymph-node metastasis from a given colon cancer.

Analysis of the relationship between sex and chromosomal aberrations in colorectal cancer by comparative genomic hybridization.

Colorectal cancer is thought to be more common in men than in women. The chromosomal locations of DNA gains and losses in surgical specimens of colorectal tumours were detected by comparative genomic hybridization and were compared by gender. Five chromosomal regions, 7p, 8p, 8q, Xp and Xq, contained multiple gains that were significantly more common in males than in females, and within these regions, the differences were significant for Xp21, Xp11.3, Xp11.4 and Xq26. Regions 1p, 3q, 11q, 12p, 12q and 15q contained multiple sites of gain that were significantly more common in females than in males. Tumours from male and female patients showed significantly more losses at 11p and 15q, and at 4q and Xq, respectively. The fact that gains in X-chromosomal regions were detected with a significantly higher frequency in tumours from male patients suggests that the difference between the genders might be explained by X-chromosomal inactivation.

Abnormal structure and expression of the p53 gene in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines.

In an effort to analyze molecular mechanisms of human ovarian carcinogenesis, we studied the structure and expression of the p53 gene in different cell lines established from human ovarian carcinomas. In all six lines (PA-1, Caov-3 and -4, OVCAR-3, SK-OV-3, and Kuramochi), p53 abnormalities were detected. In the SK-OV-3 cell line, Southern analysis suggested the presence of sequence deletions/rearrangements in at least one allele of the p53 gene, and transcripts were not detectable by either Northern or polymerase chain reaction analysis. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region of the p53 gene revealed point mutations resulting in codon changes of a highly conserved region of the protein in four cell lines, Caov-3 and -4, OVCAR-3, and Kuramochi. In the Caov-3 cell line, the point mutation resulted in chain termination at codon 136. Quantitation of p53 protein by immunoprecipitation analysis revealed a 6-fold higher than control cell level in PA-1. By contrast, p53 protein was not detectable in lines Caov-3 and SK-OV-3. We conclude that altered levels of p53 gene expression and/or mutant forms of the p53 gene product are associated with all human ovarian cancer cells tested.

Analysis of the p53 gene in human uterine carcinoma cell lines.

The inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 has been demonstrated in a variety of human tumors. In this study, we present a p53 gene analysis of 13 uterine carcinoma cell lines. Sequencing analysis of the entire coding region revealed mutations changing the p53 amino acid composition in all six endometrial carcinoma cell lines tested (Ishikawa, Hecl-A, Hecl-B, KLE, RL95-2, and AN-3). Of the seven cervical carcinoma cell lines, two (HT-3 and C-33A) contained p53 codon changes as well. We were unable to detect human papillomavirus in these two cell lines. By contrast, five human papillomavirus-positive cervical carcinoma cell lines (HeLa S-3, Caski, SiHa, C-4I, and ME-180) contained wild-type p53 gene sequences. We suggest that, in the human papillomavirus-positive cervical tumors, p53 inactivation occurred via the known mechanism of viral E6/cellular p53 protein association, whereas in all other tumors p53 function was compromised by changes in the amino acid sequence.

Reactivity of a monoclonal antibody to manganese superoxide dismutase with human ovarian carcinoma.

A monoclonal antibody against manganese superoxide dismutase was assessed for its use in detecting a marker for epithelial ovarian carcinoma. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that less than 1% of normal individuals had serum levels over 150 ng per ml of serum, whereas over 50% of such patients showed elevated amounts. The serum levels of manganese superoxide dismutase correlated with the clinical stage of the disease and with the effects of therapy. The antibody used reacts with cryopreserved epithelial ovarian carcinomas but not with normal adult ovary or other normal tissues. Determination of the levels of this enzyme should provide a useful method for detection and monitoring of responses to treatment of epithelial ovarian carcinomas.

Telomerase activity and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in human uterine cervical cancers and cervical smears.

Telomerase activity and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection were investigated in uterine cervical samples using molecular biology techniques. Thirteen cervical carcinomas and corresponding normal tissue from the same patient, and 102 cervical swabs were examined. Telomerase activity was detected in 12 of 13 cervical cancer tissues (92%). Of the 12 cases that showed telomerase activity, all were HPV positive, and the one case that did not show telomerase activity was HPV negative. A telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay detected telomerase activity in one out of seven normal cervical tissues (14%), and this one case was HPV positive. In cervical smear samples, telomerase activity was detected in two out of 36 normal smears (6%; both HPV positive), in 10 of 32 (31%) CIN1 (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia) cases (three HPV positive), in four of five (80%) CIN2 cases (two HPV positive), in 15 of 21 (71%) CIN3 cases, (seven HPV positive) and in seven of eight (88%) squamous cell carcinoma cases (six HPV positive). These results suggest that telomerase activity may play some role in cervical carcinogenesis, and telomerase activity is associated with HPV infection in uterine cervical lesions.

Analysis of Bcl-2, Bax and Survivin genes in uterine cancer.

To investigate the role of the apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2, Bax and Survivin genes were analyzed. For the Bax gene, abnormality was detected in 1 of 7 cervical and 1 of 6 endometrial cancer cell lines, 1 of 25 cervical cancer tissues and none of 17 endometrial cancer tissues using PCR-SSCP. In 4 cervical and 2 endometrial cancer cell lines, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax expression was higher than the control ratio using Western blotting. Survivin mRNA was detectable in all cell lines and all cancer tissues. The data suggested that these apoptosis-related genes may play important roles in the pathway of carcinogenesis of human uterine cancer.

DCC gene alterations in histological types and clinical stages of epithelial ovarian cancer.

We examined loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and mRNA expression of the DCC gene in 77 tissues and 6 cell lines of human ovarian cancer. LOH was seen in serous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas but was not in clear cell and mucinous adenocarcinomas. LOH was exhibited in all clinical stages including stage I. In the DCC mRNA expression, 6 of 9 (66.7%) cancer tissues and all of 6 (100%) cancer cell lines showed loss or marked reduction. These results suggest that alterations of the DCC gene may play important roles in the pathway of carcinogenesis of human ovarian cancer, especially serous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas.

Peripheral CD4+ CD8- gammadelta T cell lymphoma: a case report with multiparameter analyses.

A 72-year-old Japanese man presented with CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) gammadelta T cell lymphoma involving bilateral cervical lymph nodes. No involvement by tumor was observed in the liver, spleen, nasal cavity, or bone marrow throughout his clinical course. Although the tumor adequately responded to chemotherapy and irradiation, he relapsed with short remission and a slowly aggressive clinical course, and died 24 months after onset. Simultaneous expression of TCR gammadelta with other T-cell antigens on the lymphoma cells was analyzed by 3-color flow cytometry (3-FCM), and showed a unique phenotype CD3+ CD4+ CD8- CD7- CD5+ CD2++ TCR alphabeta (WT31)- betaF1-TCR gammadelta1 (11F2)+ TCR delta1+. Cytogenetic analysis showed 79-81 and structural abnormalities consisting of del(1)(p11) and i(17)(q10). But no abnormality was identified in chromosome 7. DNA analysis revealed gene rearrangements of TCRgamma and delta, while a nongerm line band in TCRbeta was aberrantly seen. These observations suggest a new subtype of gammadelta T-cell lymphoma, which is characterized by CD4 positivity and by a clinical course not as aggressive as other predominant subtypes.

Different expression patterns of nitric oxide synthase isozymes in various gynecological cancers.

The expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in human gynecological cancers, including ovarian cancers, uterocervical cancers, and endometrial cancers for example, was examined by the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction, coupled with Southern hybridization and by immunohistochemistry. Nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II), an inducible form, was expressed in more than 90% of the cancers. Nitric oxide synthase I (NOS I), a neuronal form, was expressed in 58% of all the ovarian cancers, in which the serous type is found more frequently (5 out of 7) than the mucinous type (2 out of 6), and in all clear-cell cancers. The frequency of NOS I expression in uterocervical cancers and endometrial cancers was relatively low. Nitric oxide synthase III (NOS III), an endothelial form, was detected in 25% of ovarian and 33% of endometrial cancers, while no expression was detected in uterocervical cancers. In terms of cancer types, all clear-cell adenocarcinomas and most of the serous-type adenocarcinomas expressed both NOS I and NOS II, while most uterine squamous carcinomas and endometrial adenocarcinomas expressed only NOS II. However, there was no correlation between the frequency of NOS expression and patients' age or the clinical stage of the disease. Since NO increases vascular permeability and blood flow, the high frequency of NOS expression in gynecological cancers may serve to stimulate and promote tumor growth.

Analysis of the retinoblastoma gene in human endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the Rb gene that controls the cell cycle in human endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Six endometrial carcinoma cell lines (Ishikawa, Hec1-A, Hec1-B, KLE, RL95-2, and AN3 CA) and 48 human endometrial carcinoma tissues were studied by Southern blotting, Northern blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Southern blotting analysis did not reveal any abnormalities at the DNA level in the endometrial carcinoma cell lines. Size and quantity of Rb transcripts also appeared normal in these cell lines, as evidenced by Northern blotting and reverse transcription-PCR. Sequence analysis of Rb cDNA revealed that the Ishikawa cell line had an abnormality. In human endometrial carcinoma, 20 of 48 cases (42%) were informative and only two cases of 20 (10%) showed loss of heterozygosity at the Rb locus. CONCLUSION: An Rb gene abnormality was found in some human endometrial carcinomas. Therefore, our results suggest that Rb gene abnormalities may be involved in some human endometrial carcinogenesis.

Immunohistochemical analysis of ras oncogene product p21 in human endometrial carcinoma.

Monoclonal antibody rp-28 directed against the ras gene product p21 has been used to evaluate ras p21 expression in endometrial lesions. Endometrial cancer showed a variable reactivity according to histological type: in well differentiated adenocarcinoma 63% were positive (12/19); in moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma 53% were positive (8/15); in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma 40% were positive (2/5). The staining intensity of ras p21 seemed to be stronger in the more differentiated types of endometrial carcinoma. In endometrial carcinoma with premenopausal women, 27% were positive (3/11), and with postmenopausal women 71% were positive (20/28). The difference between premenopausal and postmenopausal groups was statistically significant (Mantel-Haenszel procedure, M-H chi 2 = 6.765, P < 0.01). The results suggest the existence of different carcinogenetic mechanisms in these two groups of endometrial cancer.

Incidence of sniff-related cholesteatomas.

High negative middle ear pressure created by habitual sniffing in patients with insufficient closure of the Eustachian tube has been claimed by Magnuson and colleagues to be an important causative factor of acquired cholesteatomas. The present study was conducted to ascertain the rate and types of cholesteatomas in which habitual sniffing is involved. Among 105 consecutive patients with acquired cholesteatomas (112 ears: 93 flaccida type, 15 tensa type, 4 extensive type), 27 patients (31 ears) were diagnosed as having a habitual sniff in response to aural discomfort resulting from insufficient closure of the Eustachian tube. This corresponds to 25.7% of the patients, which is significantly higher than the prevalence of habitual sniffing in normal subjects, being 2 out of 130 (1.5%) (p < 0.005: chi2-test). Habitual sniffing was found to be statistically more common in flaccida-type than in the tensa-type cholesteatomas. Habitual sniffing in response to aural discomfort was thus found to be an important risk factor for cholesteatomas. However, investigations into other pathogeneses of cholesteatomas should be continued, since the sniff-related cases reported here were limited to one-fourth of the cases of acquired cholesteatomas studied.

[Experimental studies on the influence of astigmatism on eye accommodation].

We studied the influence of astigmatism on eye accommodation by means of a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen as a visual display terminal. Experiments using an infrared optometer and personal computer showed that artificial astigmatism over 1 diopter induced effects in the visual accommodation system of subjects in their twenties, decreasing the contraction velocity of accommodation, prolonging the settling time of accommodation and increasing the amplitude of accommodative fluctuation. Even if the visual acuity is fairly good with mild astigmatism, astigmatism need to be corrected for preservation of eye accommodation for VDT work in the young age group.

[Analysis of p53 gene in gynecologic tumors].

The inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 has been demonstrated in a variety of human tumors. Herein, we performed a p53 gene analysis of human gynecologic tumor cell lines and tumor tissues. In the SK-OV-3 cell line, Southern analysis suggested the presence of sequence deletions/rearrangements in at least one allele of p53 gene. Transcripts were not detectable by either Northern or PCR analysis. Sequencing analysis of the entire coding region revealed mutations changing the p53 amino acid composition in all six endometrial carcinoma cell lines tested (Ishikawa, Hec1-A, Hec1-B, KLE, RL95-2, and AN-3), and four cell lines in ovarian carcinoma cell lines (Caov-3, -4, OVCAR-3, and Kuramochi). Of the seven cervical carcinoma cell lines, two (HT-3 and C-33A) contained p53 codon changes. We were unable to detect the human papilloma virus (HPV) in these two cell lines. By contrast, five HPV-positive cervical carcinoma cell lines (HeLa S-3, Caski, SiHa, C-41, and ME-180) contained wild-type p53 gene sequences. Examination of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) by PCR revealed that about 30% of the human ovarian carcinoma tissues has LOH at the locus of p53 gene. We suggest that, in the HPV-positive cervical tumors, p53 inactivation occurred via the known mechanism of viral E6/cellular p53 protein association, whereas in all other tumors (ovarian carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, HPV-negative cervical carcinoma) p53 function was compromised by changes in the amino acid sequence.