Overexpression of connexin 26 in carcinoma of the pancreas.

Contrary to the previously purported role of gap junction (GJ) associated-protein connexin 26 (Cx26) as a tumor suppressor, increased expression of Cx26 has recently been demonstrated in several human malignancies. Surprisingly, this high expression is reportedly related to poor prognosis in squamous cell lung carcinoma and breast cancer. In this study, we examined levels of Cx26 in various human gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas, with a focus on pancreatic carcinomas, using immunohistochemistry. Many GI carcinomas displayed abundant Cx26 expression, predominantly in the cytoplasm. Cx26 was detected in 5/8 gastric cancers (62.5%), 6/8 squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus (75.0%), 7/8 pancreatic cancers (87.5%) and 7/8 colon cancer cases (87.5%). However, Cx26 expression was not present in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 0/8). Extensive immunohistochemical examination was performed on pancreatic carcinomas, revealing strong expression of Cx26 protein in 30/43 cases (70%), weak expression in 6/43 (14%) and no expression in 7/43 (16%). The present study demonstrated up-regulated Cx26 expression in a considerable percentage of GI carcinomas, with the exception of HCC. Our findings suggest that Cx26 may be involved in some of the malignant processes of GI cancers, and especially in pancreatic carcinomas.

Development of CMTD (Curved Multi-Tubed Device) -system III and its application to the needle-insertion for liver.

The purpose of this study is to realize the mechanically-controllable needle-insertion system using the CMTD (Curved Multi-Tube Device) which was developed by Furusho Laboratory. A CMTD, was developed for minimally-invasive surgery and needle insertion. And we use ultrasonograph as a sensing device to detect the position of bible duct or tumor and the orientation and position of the needle which is inserted into liver. This system makes safe minimally-invasive surgery possible, because all complex mechanisms are arranged outside of the body.

Curved multi-tube device for path-error correction in a needle-insertion system.

BACKGROUND: Needle insertion is an important procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. A prototype curved multi-tube device (CMTD) and system for performing computerized correction of path errors during needle insertion is described. METHODS: The CMTD provides two functional modes, the straight-needle mode and the curved-needle mode. This study describes the CMTD and path-error correction, using a prototype needle-insertion system in a trial with a simple water phantom. RESULTS: The needle insertion procedure was performed precisely in the centre of an ultrasound image. The CMTD functioned with the inner needle extending properly from its sleeve to correct path errors. CONCLUSIONS: The path-error corrections by the CMTD in a needle-insertion system were shown. The system's computer processing can successfully determine the needle path from the ultrasound image and automatically guide the CMTD to the target.

A multivariate analysis of adhesion molecules expression in assessment of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adhesion molecules are implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the evidence of association between their expression and patients' prognosis, the data have not been examined simultaneously in a same study; thus, the relative clinical value remained largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the adhesion factors that display the most significant prognostic value for CRC patients to guide clinical decision-making regarding appropriate treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined by immunohistochemistry, the expression of E-cadherin and its associated catenins, alpha(alpha)-catenin and beta(beta)-catenin, DCC, and CD44 and its partner, MT1-MMP in a series of 140 CRC tissues at intermediate Stage II and Stage III to determine their prognostic significance. RESULTS: Clinicopathological survey indicated an inverse relationship between E-cadherin expression and tumor differentiation, and an association between CD44 expression and venous invasion. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that loss of expression of E-cadherin and CD44 significantly correlated to poor survival, especially in Stage II. Combination studies indicated that loss of E-cadherin and loss of CD44 had the worst impact on patient prognosis, particularly in colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical staining of E-cadherin and CD44 may help to identify a subgroup of high-risk patients with Stage II CRC, especially in colon cancer, who may need intensive follow-up and appropriate therapeutic strategy.