Collagen type I-based recombinant peptide promotes bone regeneration in rat critical-size calvarial defects by enhancing osteoclast activity at late stages of healing.

Introduction: We recently demonstrated the bone-forming potential of medium-cross-linked recombinant collagen peptide (mRCP) in animal models of bone defects. However, these studies were limited to a 4-week observation period; therefore, in the present study, we aimed to further evaluate mRCP as a suitable bone graft material for the alveolar cleft by analyzing its bone-forming potential, osteogenic-inducing ability, and biodegradation over an extended period of 12 weeks, using a rat critical-size calvarial defect model. Methods: Using Sprague-Dawley rats, we created critical-size calvarial defects through a surgical procedure. The defects were then filled with 3 mg of mRCP (mRCP group) or 18 mg of Cytrans® (CA) granules, which has a carbonate apatite-based composition resembling natural bone, was used as a reference material (CA group). For negative control, the defects were left untreated. Bone volume, total bone volume (bone volume including CA granules), and bone mineral density (BMD) in the defect were assessed using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation. Using histomorphometric analyses of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections, we measured the amount of newly formed bone and total newly formed bone (new bone including CA granules) in the entire defect site, as well as the amount of newly formed bone in the central side, two peripheral sides (left and right), periosteal (top) side, and dura mater (bottom) side. In addition, we measured the amount of residual bone graft material in the defect. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts in the newly formed bone were detected using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, respectively. Results: Bone volume in the mRCP group increased over time and was significantly larger at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery than at 4 weeks. The bone volume in the mRCP group was greater than that of the CA and control groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, and while the total bone volume was greater in the CA group after 4 and 8 weeks, the mRCP group had comparable levels of total bone volume to that of the CA group at 12 weeks after implantation. The BMD of the mRCP group reached similar levels to native calvaria bone at the same time point. H&E-stained sections revealed a larger amount of newly formed bone 12 weeks after implantation in the mRCP group compared to that of the CA and control groups. The total newly formed bone at 12 weeks after implantation was on par with that in the CA group. Furthermore, at the defect site, the area of newly formed bone was larger on the peripheral and dura mater sides. Notably, the number of osteoclasts in the mRCP group was higher than in the CA and control groups and peaked 8 weeks after implantation, which coincided with the timing of the greatest resorption of mRCP. Although the ALP-positive area was greater in the mRCP group compared to other groups, we did not detect any significant changes in the number of osteoblasts over time. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the bone-forming potential of mRCP over an extended period of 12 weeks, suggesting that mRCP sufficiently resists resorption to promote bone formation through induction of osteoclast activation in the late stages of the healing period.

A novel animal model of colonic stenosis to aid the development of new stents for colon strictures.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colonic stenosis, primarily caused by colon cancer and Crohn's disease, is increasing each year. The development of safer stents for colonic stenosis is required because perforation associated with cancer stent placement worsens the prognosis and stent placement for anastomotic stenosis due to Crohn's disease or colectomy is not first choice due to the high migration rate. The wall of the large intestine where the stent is inserted receives the complex forces from the peristaltic movement of the large intestine and stool in addition to the reaction tension of the stent, causing perforation and migration. Animal models may help develop new and safe stents, but no animal model closely reproduces the condition of human colonic stenosis. Herein, we present a novel animal model of colonic stenosis, which closely replicates the human colonic size. METHODS: The artificial colonic stenosis model was developed by wrapping the porcine colon with a silicone sheet after laparotomy. The usefulness of the model was evaluated by investigating the availability of endoscopic stent placement, morphological maintenance of colonic stenosis, adverse effects on pigs, and modeling time. The first three and the last three modeling times were analyzed using Student's t-test. RESULTS: Endoscopic stent placement was performed in all cases without intraoperative complications. There were no postoperative model complications or deaths. Adhesions to the surrounding tissue in the abdominal cavity of the artificial colon stenosis were slight. The morphology of the isolated artificial stenoses was completely maintained, and no necrosis or perforation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel and feasible animal model of colonic stenosis using pigs. We believe that this animal model will be useful for developing a safer stent for obstruction caused by benign diseases and colon cancer.

Surgical outcomes of totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: A retrospective multicenter propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgical approaches, including total extraperitoneal repair (TEP), have been widely accepted for inguinal hernia repair in Japan. However, there are limited data regarding recurrence after TEP in Japan, given the limited versatility of this procedure. This study retrospectively evaluated the rates of hernia recurrence after TEP and open mesh repair at multiple Japanese centers. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 1917 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair at 32 institutions in the Oita prefecture between January 2014 and December 2015. Eligible patients were grouped according to whether they underwent TEP (1011 patients) or open mesh repair (636 patients). Propensity score matching was performed 1:1 (total: 1076 patients, 538 patients from each group). The outcomes of interest were recurrence, morbidity, and postoperative recovery. RESULTS: The TEP and open mesh repair groups had similar baseline characteristics. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of recurrence rate (TEP: 0.5% vs open mesh repair: 1.0%, P = .375). However, the TEP group had significantly longer operating times (median: 70.2 min vs 65.0 min, P < .001), significantly less blood loss (0-5.1 mL vs 0-20.4 mL, P < .001), and significantly shorter postoperative hospital stays (median: 5.0 days vs 6.4 days, P < .001). The overall incidences of morbidity were 6.2% in the TEP group and 7.2% in the open mesh repair group (P = .535). CONCLUSION: This multicenter retrospective study with propensity score matching revealed that the recurrence rates were similarly low for TEP and open mesh repair of inguinal hernia. Thus, a well-trained surgical team could use TEP as a standard procedure.

Early response in phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 is associated with sensitivity to trametinib in colorectal cancer cells.

Mutations in RAS or BRAF are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite their common ability to activate downstream genes such as MEK and ERK, the therapeutic benefit of MEK inhibitors for patients with RAS/BRAF mutant CRC is limited, highlighting the need for biomarkers to predict the efficacy of MEK inhibition. Previously, we reported that a change in phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (pS6) after MEK inhibition was significantly associated with sensitivity to MEK inhibition in gastric cancer cells. Here, we investigated the value of the response in pS6 for predicting the efficacy of trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, in patients with RAS/BRAF mutant CRC using patient-derived CRC organoids. We found that a subset of CRC cell lines and organoids were sensitive to trametinib. The change in phosphorylated ERK, a downstream molecule of the RAS/RAF/MEK pathway, was not significantly associated with trametinib sensitivity. On the other hand, only those with sensitivity showed a reduction of pS6 levels in response to trametinib. The change in pS6 after trametinib treatment was detectable by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry. We also demonstrated an impact of MEK inhibition on pS6 in vivo using a xenograft model. Our data suggest that, in combination with patient-derived organoids, immunostaining-based detection of pS6 could be useful for prediction of trametinib sensitivity.

Effect of S-1 on blood levels of phenobarbital and phenytoin: A case report.

Drug-drug interaction of fluorinated pyrimidine anticancer agents with phenytoin is well known, but interaction with phenobarbital is limited. We describe a case showing increases in plasma phenobarbital as well as phenytoin concentrations during preoperative S-1 (tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil) and radiation therapy for rectal cancer.

Bone formation potential of collagen type I-based recombinant peptide particles in rat calvaria defects.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the bone-forming ability of medium-cross-linked recombinant collagen peptide (mRCP) particles developedbased on human collagen type I, contains an arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid-rich motif, fabricated as bone filling material, compared to that of the autologous bone graft. METHODS: Calvarial bone defects were created in immunodeficient rats though a surgical procedure. The rats were divided into 2 groups: mRCP graft and tibia bone graft (bone graft). The bone formation potential of mRCP was evaluated by micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin-eosin staining at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after surgery, and the data were analyzed and compared to those of the bone graft. RESULTS: The axial volume-rendered images demonstrated considerable bony bridging with the mRCP graft, but there was no significant difference in the bone volume and bone mineral density between the mRCP graft and bone graft at 4 weeks. The peripheral new bone density was significantly higher than the central new bone density and the bottom side score was significantly higher than the top side score at early stage in the regenerated bone within the bone defects. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that mRCP has a high potential of recruiting osteogenic cells, comparable to that of autologous bone chips.

Quadruple advanced synchronous colorectal cancers successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery: a case report.

Among synchronous colorectal cancers (SCRCs) reported previously, the incidence of quadruple advanced SCRCs is very rare. We present the case who underwent laparoscopic two-segment resection of the colon requiring two anastomoses that was performed for quadruple advanced cancers, and four tumors were curatively removed. There were no signs of recurrence at 64 months after surgery. Laparoscopic surgery provided less invasiveness even for quadruple advanced SCRCs in terms of early recovery with an acceptable long-term outcome.

Laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An esophageal diverticulum is rare and is frequently associated with esophageal motility disorders. Jackhammer esophagus is also rare, is characterized by esophageal hypercontraction, and comprises 4.1% of esophageal motility disorders. Here, we report a case of a patient successfully treated by laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus diagnosed with high-resolution manometry (HRM). CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented to the hospital with dysphagia. A diverticulum was detected in the lower part of his esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. HRM was performed to investigate esophageal motility disorders. His integrated relaxation pressure was normal at 25.9 (< 26) mmHg, but his distal contractile integral (DCI) was very high at 21,464 (1500-13,000) mmHg s cm. Esophageal peristalsis was preserved. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus for which laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and Heller-Dor procedure were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. His symptoms improved, and the level of DCI also returned to a normal level of 3867 mmHg s cm at 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and esophagomyotomy can be useful procedures for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus due to their lower invasiveness.

Intraperitoneal Phototherapy Suppresses Inflammatory Reactions in a Surgical Model of Peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment for diffuse peritonitis due to colorectal perforation may be insufficient to suppress inflammatory reaction in sepsis. Thus, developing new treatments is important. This study aimed to examine whether intraperitoneal irradiation by artificial sunlight suppresses inflammatory reaction in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis model after surgical treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were divided into naive, nontreatment (NT), and phototherapy (PT) groups. In the latter two groups, LPS was intraperitoneally administered to induce peritonitis and removed by intraperitoneal lavage after laparotomy. The PT group was irradiated with artificial sunlight intraperitoneally. We evaluated the local and systemic inflammatory reactions. Murine macrophages were irradiated with artificial sunlight after stimulation by LPS, and cell viability and expression of tumor necrotizing factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated. RESULTS: As a local inflammatory reaction, the whole cell count, the expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-α in the intra-abdominal fluid, and the peritoneal thickness were significantly lower in the PT group than in the NT group. As a systematic inflammatory reaction, the expression of serum TNF-α, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, and MIP-1ß were significantly lower in the PT group than in the NT group. Irradiation by artificial sunlight suppressed the expression of TNF-α in murine macrophages without affecting cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal irradiation by artificial sunlight could suppress local and systemic inflammatory reactions in the LPS-induced peritonitis murine model. These effects may be associated with macrophage immune responses.

Role of increased vascular permeability in chemotherapy-induced alopecia: In vivo imaging of the hair follicular microenvironment in mice.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is one of the most difficult adverse events of cancer treatment for patients. However, it is still unknown why anticancer drugs cause hair loss. We aimed to clarify the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in mice using an in vivo imaging technique with a two-photon microscope, which enables observation of the deep reaction in the living body in real time. In this study, ICR mice were injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (120 µg/g). Changes in the hair bulb morphology, subcutaneous vessel permeability, and vessel density were evaluated by two-photon microscopy and conventional methods. In order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between vascular permeability and hair loss, we combined cyclophosphamide (50 µg/g) with subcutaneous histamine. Using two­photon microscopy and conventional examination, we confirmed that the hair bulbs became smaller, blood vessels around the hair follicle decreased, and vascular permeability increased at 24 hours after cyclophosphamide injection [corrected]. Apoptosis occurred in vascular endothelial cells around the hair follicle. Additionally, hair loss was exacerbated by temporarily enhancing vascular permeability with histamine. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide caused a decrease in vascular density and an increase in vascular permeability, therefore increased vascular permeability might be one of the causes of chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Laparoscopic two-stage operation for rectal cancer with refractory obstructive colitis after kidney transplantation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although obstructive colitis with colon cancer is not a rare disease, most cases can be improved with conservative therapy. We report a case of a patient who underwent a laparoscopic two-stage operation for rectal cancer with refractory obstructive colitis after kidney transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 71-year-old man taking immunosuppressants who had previously undergone right living kidney transplantation for chronic nephritis. He presented to hospital complaining of abdominal pain and was diagnosed as having rectal cancer with obstructive colitis. Although conservative therapy by fasting was continued for 5 weeks, his obstructive colitis did not improve. Therefore, we decided to perform a two-stage operation. First, we performed a laparoscopic Hartmann's operation. It took 6 months for his obstructive colitis to improve after this operation, and then we performed a laparoscopic colorectal anastomosis. There were no postoperative complications in either operation. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic two-stage operation could be one of the operative options to reduce postoperative complications in patients with comorbidities such as taking immunosuppressants.

Bioresorbable Bone Graft Composed of an RGD-Enriched Recombinant Human Collagen Polypeptide Induced Neovascularization and Regeneration of Mature Bone Tissue.

Bone graft materials provide a scaffold for migrating cells for bone regeneration. One of the major challenges is to support adequate neovascularization in the graft materials and bone tissue. Vascular endothelial cells have been shown to recognize the integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence in natural extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Here, we report a bone graft material composed of an RGD-enriched recombinant polypeptide based on human type I collagen alpha 1 chain (RCPhC1) and propose a category of bone graft materials called the recombinant bone matrix. RCPhC1 demonstrated significantly increased human umbilical vein endothelial cell attachment in vitro and was further processed through freeze casting and heat crosslinking processes to generate porous granular bone graft, in which RGD sequences remained canonical. When grafted in the rat model, RCPhC1 bone graft demonstrated a uniquely increased presence of CD34+ endothelial cells within the graft material. Bone tissue was found directly in contact with the pore structure of RCPhC1 bone graft, resulting in the regeneration of large bone tissue. By contrast, the combined demineralized and decellularized bone allograft containing bone collagen in the ECM did not show vascular formation within the graft material. When applied to canine tooth extraction socket, RCPhC1 bone graft rapidly induced highly vascularized regenerating tissues, which became a mature bone with the bone marrow tissue. These results indicate that RCPhC1 bone graft is a promising material and generated highly active bone tissues, which rapidly matured.

Gastric Carcinoma as Second Malignant Neoplasm in a Survivor From High-risk Neuroblastoma.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) from high-grade malignancies, such as high-risk neuroblastoma, have been increased, and second malignant neoplasm, becomes a serious problem for CCSs. However, detailed reports about rare types of second cancer such as gastric cancer remain limited. We herein reported a female patient who developed diffuse type gastric carcinoma after 21 years from completion of treatment to high-risk neuroblastoma. We reviewed the previous cohort studies for second gastrointestinal cancer in CCSs and the case reports with second gastric carcinoma for CCSs. We presumed second gastric cancer was refractory for CCSs as well as for adult cancer survivors.

The utility of DHL-HisZnNa, a novel antioxidant, against anticancer agent-induced alopecia in breast cancer patients: a multicenter phase II clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a distressing adverse effect of anticancer drugs; however, there are currently no mechanisms to completely prevent CIA. In this study, we performed a clinical trial to examine whether sodium N-(dihydrolipoyl)-l-histidinate zinc complex (DHL-HisZnNa), an alpha-lipoic acid derivative, prevents CIA in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Between July 2014 and May 2015, we performed a multi-center, single arm, clinical trial involving 103 breast cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy at three medical institutions in Japan. During chemotherapy, a lotion containing 1% DHL-HisZnNa was applied daily to the patients' scalps. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade 2 alopecia; the secondary endpoints were the duration of grade 2 alopecia, alopecia-related symptoms, and drug-related adverse events. Alopecia was evaluated by three independent reviewers using head photographs taken from four angles. RESULTS: Safety analysis was performed for 101 patients who started the protocol therapy. After excluding one patient who experienced disease progression during treatment, 100 patients who received at least two courses of chemotherapy underwent efficacy analysis. All original 101 patients developed grade 2 alopecia, the median durations of which were 119 days (112-133 days) and 203 days (196-212 days) in the groups treated with four and eight courses of chemotherapy, respectively. Mild or moderate adverse events potentially related to DHL-HisZnNa were observed in 11 patients. Alopecia-related symptoms were observed in 53 patients (52%). CONCLUSIONS: The application of 1% DHL-HisZnNa to the scalp did not prevent CIA. However, this drug may promote recovery from CIA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000014840.

Antigravity ESD - double-balloon-assisted underwater with traction hybrid technique.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Complex colorectal polyps or those positioned in difficult anatomic locations are an endoscopic therapeutic challenge. Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (UESD) is a potential technical solution to facilitate efficient polyp removal. In addition, endoscopic tissue retraction has been confined to limited methods of varying efficacy and complexity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a unique UESD technique for removing complex polyps using double-balloon-assisted retraction (R). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using fresh ex-vivo porcine rectum, 4-cm polyps were created using electrosurgery and positioned at "6 o'clock" within an established ESD model. Six resections were performed in each group. Underwater techniques were facilitated using a novel double-balloon platform (Dilumen, Lumendi, Westport, Connecticut, United States). RESULTS: UESD-R had a significantly shorter total procedural time than cap-assisted ESD and UESD alone (24 vs. 58 vs. 56 mins). UESD-R produced a dissection time on average of 5 minutes, attributed to the retraction provided. There was also a subjective significant reduction in electrosurgical smoke with the underwater techniques contributing to improved visualization. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report the first ex-vivo experience of a unique double-balloon endoscopic platform optimized for UESD with tissue traction capability. UESD-R removed complex lesions in significantly shorter time than conventional means. The combined benefits of UESD and retraction appeared to be additive when tackling complex polyps and should be studied further.

Long-term outcomes of neoadjuvant-synchronous S-1 plus radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a multi-institutional prospective phase II study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: A multi-institutional, prospective, phase II trial was conducted between April 2009 and August 2011. The study enrolled 37 patients with histologically proven rectal carcinoma (T3-4 N0-3 M0) who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1. Total mesorectal excision with D3 lymphadenectomy was performed 4-8 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with S-1 in 36 patients. We then analyzed late adverse events, overall survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS: The median patient age was 59 years (range: 32-79 years); there were 24 men and 13 women. Ten patients had Stage II disease, and 27 had Stage III disease. Severe late adverse events occurred in 7 patients (18.9%). The 5-year disease-free survival was 66.7%, and the 5-year overall survival was 74.7%. The median follow-up period was 57 months. Local recurrences developed in 5 patients (13.5%), and distant metastases developed in 8 (21.6%). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant-synchronous chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for locally advanced rectal cancer is feasible in terms of adverse events and long-term outcomes. (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000003396).

Epidemiologic survey of feline leukemia virus in domestic cats on Tsushima Island, Japan: management strategy for Tsushima leopard cats.

The Tsushima leopard cat (TLC) Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, a subspecies of P. bengalensis, is designated a National Natural Monument of Japan, and lives only on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. TLCs are threatened by various infectious diseases. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a serious infectious disease with a poor prognosis in cats. Therefore, the transmission of FeLV from Tsushima domestic cats (TDCs) to TLCs may threaten the TLC population. We investigated the FeLV infection status of both TDCs and TLCs on Tsushima Island by screening blood samples for FeLV p27 antigen and using PCR to amplify the full-length FeLV env gene. The prevalence of FeLV was 6.4% in TDCs and 0% in TLCs. We also demonstrated that the virus can replicate in the cells of TLCs, suggesting its potential cross-species transmission. The viruses in TDCs were classified as genotype I/clade 3, which is prevalent on a nearby island, based on previous studies of FeLV genotypes and FeLV epidemiology. The FeLV viruses identified on Tsushima Island can be further divided into 2 lineages within genotype I/clade 3, which are geographically separated in Kamijima and Shimojima, indicating that FeLV may have been transmitted to Tsushima Island at least twice. Monitoring FeLV infection in the TDC and TLC populations is highly recommended as part of the TLC surveillance and management strategy.

Serosal and muscular layers incision technique in laparoscopic surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

INTRODUCTION: To minimize the resection of stomach tissue, especially for lesions close to the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring, we developed laparoscopic wedge resection with the serosal and muscular layers incision technique (SAMIT) for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: SAMIT involves resection of the mucosal and submucosal layers and then an incision in serosal and muscular layers around the tumor. SAMIT is simple and does not require special devices. The data of 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic wedge resection with SAMIT for primary gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors were reviewed. No intraoperative complications were observed, and postoperative stenosis occurred in only one case of a middle stomach lesion. Adequate oncological resection was performed in all cases. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic wedge resection with SAMIT is technically and oncologically safe. It is useful for treating gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors, including those close to the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring.

Novel Feline Leukemia Virus Interference Group Based on the env Gene.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroups have emerged in infected cats via the mutation or recombination of the env gene of subgroup A FeLV (FeLV-A), the primary virus. We report the isolation and characterization of a novel env gene, TG35-2, and report that the TG35-2 pseudotype can be categorized as a novel FeLV subgroup. The TG35-2 envelope protein displays strong sequence identity to FeLV-A Env, suggesting that selection pressure in cats causes novel FeLV subgroups to emerge.

Establishment of new predictive markers for distant recurrence of colorectal cancer using lectin microarray analysis.

We evaluated the clinical benefits of novel predictive markers for distant recurrence with colorectal cancer using lectin microarray analysis of cell surface glycan modifications. Glycoproteins were extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens and normal epithelium from 53 consecutive curatively resected stage I-III colorectal cancer cases and then subjected to lectin microarray to obtain lectin-glycan interaction (LGI) values. In addition, clinicopathological factors associated with distant recurrence were identified. LGI values that were associated with distant recurrence were validated with an additional 55 curatively resected stage II colorectal cancer cases. LGI values for Agaricus bisporus (ABA) lectin, prominent in cancer tissues, were statistically associated with distant recurrence. ABA lectin staining exhibited strikingly intense signals in the cytoplasm and apical surfaces of cancer cells, while weak staining was observed in the supranuclear regions of normal epithelium. This ABA tumor/normal LGI ratio may be a new predictive biomarker for distant recurrence of curatively resected colorectal cancer.