Sur8 mediates tumorigenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer

Sur8, a scaffold protein of the Ras pathway, interacts with Ras and Raf and modulates the Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Here we show that Sur8 is overexpressed in established human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and CRC patient tissues. Moreover, Sur8 expression is increased during liver metastasis in CRC patients. Sur8 knockdown decreases ERK and Akt activities in CRC cell lines, regardless of their K-Ras, B-Raf or PI3K mutation status. Overexpression or knockdown of Sur8 increases or decreases, respectively, the proliferation or transformation of CRC cell lines. Sur8 knockdown attenuates the migration and invasion of HCT116 CRC cells. Subcutaneous or orthotopic injection of HCT116 cells harboring a doxycycline (Dox)-mediated Sur8 knockdown system in nude mice resulted in decreased tumorigenic potential and inhibited the liver metastatic potential of HCT116 cells. Taken together, our data support the role of Sur8 as a promoter of tumorigenesis and liver metastasis in CRC through its modulation of the Ras-ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

Akt is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation by EGF

Axin is a negative regulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and is involved in the regulation of axis formation and proliferation. Involvement of Axin in the regulation of other signaling pathways is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the involvement of Akt in growth regulation by Axin in L929 fibroblasts stimulated by EGF. Akt activity was increased by EGF treatment and Ras activation, respectively. Both the EGF- and Ras-induced Akt activations were abolished by Axin induction, as revealed by both Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. The proliferation and Akt activation induced by EGF were decreased by Axin induction, and the effects of EGF were abolished by treatment of an Akt-specific inhibitor. Therefore, Axin inhibits EGF-induced proliferation of L929 fibroblasts by blocking Akt activation.

Functional Improvement of the Patients with Inpatient Rehabilitation after Total Hip Replacement

OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional outcomes of the patients with total hip replacement and to evaluate the variables associated with the functional recovery. METHOD: Subjects were 188 patients, who had undertaken total hip replacement between March 1, 1997 and July 31, 1999 at Asan Medial Center. The four functional milestones including sitting, standing, 50 m walking, and climbing stairs were evaluated. RESULTS: The average duration of treatment was 8.3 +/- 7.0 days, and the days required for sitting were 1.9 +/- 1.0; standing 2.4 +/- 1.8; walking 50 m 6.4 +/- 4.3; climbing stairs 7.9 +/- 4.5 days. In results of analysis of each variable, male patients showed faster functional improvement than female patients in standing and climbing stairs. The patients of age 60 years and over had slower recovery in sitting and standing. The patients with sequelae of septic hip or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease had slower recovery than the others in standing. The patient with the use of cement showed rapid improvement in sitting and standing. Those who could bear full weight had rapid recovery than those with partial weight. CONCLUSION: We would like to suggest that careful consideration on characteristics of each patient should be given in determining the duration of rehabilitation management of the patients who had total hip replacement.

Changes of Plasma Lipids in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate plasma lipid changes in pre- and poststroke patients and to evaluate the difference of these changes between hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. METHOD: Two hundred thirty five stroke patients who underwent blood tests for health check-up before stroke were included in this study. Lipids profile among blood tests included total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. These tests were taken again within 48 hours, at 1 week, and 3 months after stroke. Prestroke lipid profile was compared with the control group, which was composed of two hundred forty seven healthy men. RESULTS: The difference between lipid profile of prestroke and within 48 hours after stroke was not statistically significant. Total cholesterol at 1 week after stroke was significantly lower, but its concentration increased at 3 months after. There's no significant changes in triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol according to time. There was no significant difference in lipid profile between the ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and no significant changes between the subtypes of ischemic stroke were noted. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the lipid profile after stroke is changed, so the lipid profile taken after stroke are not reflect clearly the state of prestroke lipid concentration.

The Phrenic Nerve Conduction Study in Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of phrenic neuropathy in diabetic patients, and to define the factors that influence phrenic neuropathy in those patients. METHOD: Seventeen diabetic patients and sixteen controls participated in this study. The fasting and postprandial 2 hours blood sugar levels, HbA1c study, motor and sensory nerve conduction study, pulmonary function test, and phrenic nerve conduction study were examined in all subjects. The neuropathic disability score (NDS) was measured for clinical assessment in diabetic patients. RESULTS: 1) The mean duration of diabetes was 12.3+/-7.7 years, and the mean NDS score was 3.2+/-3.8. 2) In pulmonary function test, FEV1 and FVC of diabetic patients were lower than controls (p<0.05). 3) The prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of phrenic nerve were shown in diabetic patients compared with controls (p<0.05). The FEV1 and FVC in the diabetics with phrenic neuropathy were lower than ones without phrenic neuropathy (p<0.05). 4) The duration of diabetes, NDS are related to prolonged phrenic latency. CONCLUSION: The diabetic patients with decreased pulmonary function with might be related phrenic neuropathy. The prolonged latencies of phrenic nerve were related with longer duration of diabetes and higher NDS score.