Impact of alcohol consumption on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease development and remission: A longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of alcohol intake on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) development and remission remains unclear; thus, we aimed to investigate their longitudinal associations. METHODS: This observational cohort study included 6349 patients who underwent more than two health check-ups over >2 years between April 2013 and March 2021. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyse the longitudinal associations between changes in alcohol intake and MAFLD according to repeated measures at baseline and the most recent stage. RESULTS: The MAFLD development and remission rates were 20.4 and 5.1 and 9.1 and 4.7% in men and women, respectively. Although alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD development, consuming 0.1-69.9 g/week (odds ratio [OR]: 0.672, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.469-0.964, p < .05) and ≥280 g/week were significant factors for MAFLD development in males (OR: 1.796, 95% CI: 1.009-3.196, p < .05) and females (OR: 16.74, 95% CI: 3.877-72.24, p < .001). Regardless of quantity and frequency, alcohol consumption was not a significant factor for MAFLD remission. Several noninvasive liver fibrosis scores were significantly associated with alcohol intake quantity and frequency in males with MAFLD development and remission (p < .05). The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score differed significantly between males with and without reduced alcohol intake (p < .05) who showed MAFLD remission. CONCLUSIONS: Although the influence of alcohol intake on MAFLD development and remission differed, alcohol consumption was not beneficial for MAFLD remission in either sex. Alcohol intake reduction or cessation is recommended to prevent liver fibrosis, even in those who achieve MAFLD remission.

Gastric fundic gland polyposis and cancer development after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patient with gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS).

A 44-year-old woman with gastric cancer (GC) and fundic gland polyposis (FGPs) was referred to our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. She successfully underwent eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) 6 years ago, but did not exhibit FGPs at that time. When she underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy 2, 4, and 5 years after the eradication of HP, her imaging results revealed the existence of FGPs which gradually increased in her gastric fundus and body. Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach (GAPPS) was suspected and a mutational analysis was performed, revealing an APC promoter 1B variant c.-191T > C. A robotic total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Histopathological analysis of the surgical specimens revealed GC with no lymph node metastasis. GAPPS is characterized by GC and FGPs. However, our case shows different gastric phenotypes that are dependent on the status of HP infection.

Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with erosive esophagitis development: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although erosive esophagitis (EE) is associated with fatty liver and metabolic dysregulation, the association between EE and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between MASLD and EE. METHODS: We included 1578 patients without EE at baseline who underwent more than two health checkups over 2 years. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyze associations between MASLD and EE according to repeated measures at baseline and most recent stages. RESULTS: EE development rates in men and women were 14.5% and 7.2%, respectively. After adjusting for lifestyle habits, the odds ratios of MASLD for EE development in men and women were 1.907 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.289-2.832, P < 0.005) and 1.483 (95% CI: 0.783-2.811, P = 0.227), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, after adjusting for lifestyle habits, among men and women aged ≥50 years with more than three MASLD components, the odds ratios for EE development were 2.408 (95% CI: 1.505-3.855, P < 0.001) and 2.148 (95% CI: 1.093-4.221, P < 0.05), respectively. After adjusting for various factors, the significant risk factors for EE development were different between men and women. CONCLUSION: The influence of MASLD and other factors on EE development differed by sex and age. Particularly, patients aged ≥50 years with MASLD and with an increased number of MASLD components should be considered at increased risk for EE.

Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with gallstone development: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The influence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease on gallstone development remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development in both men and women. METHODS: This observational cohort study included 5398 patients without gallstones who underwent > 2 health check-ups between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2020. A generalized estimation equation model was used to analyze the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and gallstone development according to repeated measures at baseline and most recent stage. RESULTS: After adjustment, the odds ratios of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease for gallstone development in men and women were 3.019 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.901-4.794) and 2.201 (95% CI: 1.321-3.667), respectively. Among patients aged ≥ 50 years, the odds ratio for gallstone development was significantly enhanced with increasing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease component numbers in both sexes; however, no significance was observed in those aged < 50 years. Other significant risk factors for gallstone development were age (odds ratio: 1.093, 95% CI: 1.060-1.126) and waist circumference (odds ratio: 1.048, 95% CI: 1.018-1.079) in men and age (odds ratio: 1.035, 95% CI: 1.003-1.067) and current smoking (odd ratio: 5.465, 95% CI: 1.881-15.88) in women. CONCLUSION: Although the risk factors for gallstone development differed between sexes, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was common. Paying attention to an increase in the number of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease components in patients aged ≥ 50 years is important for gallstone prevention.

Clinical Outcomes of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Tests for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Experience from Tokushima University Hospital.

In Japan, cancer genome profiling (CGP) for cancer patients without standard treatment has been covered by public insurance since June 2019. This study analyzed data of 122 patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent CGP to clarify cancer genome medicine's current status and possible problems at the Tokushima University Hospital. The major types of cancer included pancreatic (n=30), colorectal (n=25), biliary tract (n=15), gastric (n=11), and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=8). CGP tests included F1CDx in 70 patients (57%), F1LCDx in 36 (30%), TSO500 in 14 (11%), and NCC Oncopanel in 2 (2%). Actionable gene alterations were identified in 72 patients (59%), but only 5 patients (4%) were treated for pancreatic (n=1), colorectal (n=3), and small bowel cancers (n=1). The main reasons for not receiving genotype-matched therapy included the lack of appropriate drugs or clinical trials that matched the actionable gene alterations (n=40) and the inability to participate in clinical trials (n=10). There is still not a sufficient number of patients receiving genotype-matched treatment for gastrointestinal cancers. To promote cancer genome medicine in regional areas, attempts to improve access to genotype-matched therapies are required, as well as to promote the development of new molecular-targeted drugs and clinical trials for these drugs. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 154-159, February, 2023.

Influence of alcohol on newly developed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in both sexes: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The influence of changes in alcohol consumption on newly developed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is unclear. We investigated the influence of alcohol consumption on newly developed MAFLD in both sexes. METHODS: This observational cohort study included 4071 patients who underwent more than two health check-ups between 2015 and 2020 over an interval of more than a year. Generalised estimating equations were used for analyses. RESULTS: At baseline, the rates of drinking and MAFLD between men and women were 72.5% versus 41.7% and 42.2% versus 22.1%, respectively. At the most recent stage, the rates of an increase in alcohol consumption for men and women were 13.3% and 8.7%, respectively, and 311/1192 (26.1%) men and 155/1566 (9.9%) women had newly developed MAFLD. The odds ratio (OR) for drinking in patients with newly developed MAFLD was 0.863 (men) (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.676-1.102, p = 0.237) and 1.041 (women) (95% CI, 0.753-1.439, p = 0.808); the OR for women who drank 140-279.9 g/week was 2.135 (95% CI, 1.158-3.939, p < 0.05) and that for all drinking categories among women was >1. Several non-invasive fibrosis scores were significantly associated with the quantity of alcohol consumption in patients with newly developed MAFLD (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption had no significant protective effect against newly developed MAFLD in both sexes, regardless of quantity. Conversely, alcohol consumption ≥140 g/week was a risk factor for newly developed MAFLD in women. The development of liver fibrosis with increased alcohol intake should be considered in patients with MAFLD.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator blockade ameliorates experimental colitis in mice.

Although several angiogenesis-related factors are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), the mechanisms by which they contribute to disease are unclear. We first examined the expression of angiogenesis-related factors in inflamed colorectal tissue of UC patients using antibody array, and identified the 5 factors with highest expression, which included matrix metalloproteinase-8, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), angiostatin/plasminogen, hepatocyte growth factor and endoglin. Subsequent real-time PCR experiments using additional colorectal tissues revealed that uPA mRNA levels were significantly higher in inflamed tissues than in non-inflamed tissues, and significantly correlated with the severity of UC. Mirror section immunohistochemistry revealed that uPA was expressed in the neutrophils of inflamed colorectal tissues. We administered dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water to uPA knockout (uPA-/-) mice, and found that the disease activity index in uPA-/- mice was marginally lower and the histological score in uPA-/- mice was significantly lower than those in wild-type mice, suggesting the importance of uPA in colitis. When an uPA-selective inhibitor, UK122, was administered to DSS-treated C57BL6J mice, the disease activity index and histological score in those mice were significantly lower compared with control mice. Multiple cytokine/chemokine assay using colorectal tissues from uPA-/- and UK122-treated mice revealed significantly lowered level of RANTES. In conclusion, uPA was highly expressed in neutrophils of the inflamed mucosa of UC patients, and the expression level correlated with the severity of UC. Genetic uPA deletion or pharmacological uPA blockade significantly ameliorated colitis in mice, concomitant with downregulation of RANTES.

Overview of Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most clinically challenging cancers worldwide. Over the past few years, new molecular-targeted agents and immunotherapy have markedly improved GC prognosis. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is a key biomarker in first-line chemotherapy for unresectable advanced GC. Further, the addition of trastuzumab to cytotoxic chemotherapy has extended the overall survival of patients with HER2-positive advanced GC. In HER2-negative GC, the combination of nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and a cytotoxic agent has been demonstrated to prolong the overall survival of GC patients. Ramucirumab and trifluridine/tipiracil, which are second- and third-line treatments for GC, and trastuzumab deruxtecan, an antibody-drug conjugate for HER2-positive GC, have been introduced in clinics. New promising molecular-targeted agents are also being developed, and combination therapy comprising immunotherapy and molecular-targeted agents is expected. As the number of available drugs increases, it is important to understand the target biomarkers and drug characteristics and select the optimal therapy for each patient. For resectable disease, differences in the extent of standard lymphadenectomy between Eastern and Western countries have led to different standard treatments: perioperative (neoadjuvant) and adjuvant therapy. This review aimed to summarize recent advances in chemotherapy for advanced GC.

Influence of Alcohol Consumption on the Development of Erosive Esophagitis in Both Sexes: A Longitudinal Study.

The influence of changes in alcohol consumption on erosive esophagitis (EE) development in both sexes is unclear. This observational study investigated sex differences in the influence of alcohol consumption on EE development, and included 2582 patients without EE at baseline from 13,448 patients who underwent >2 health check-ups over >1 year. The rates of non-drinkers who started drinking, and drinkers who abstained from drinking, who increased, and who decreased their weekly alcohol consumption were 7.2%, 9.7%, 14.7%, and 24.1% and 7.3%, 17.8%, 12.8%, and 39.0% in men and women, respectively. In the final cohort, 211/1405 (15.0%) men and 79/1177 (6.7%) women newly developed EE. The odds ratio (OR) for drinking in EE development was 1.252 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.907−1.726) among men and 1.078 (95% CI, 0.666−1.747) among women. Among men aged <50 years, the OR for drinking ≥70 g/week in EE development was 2.825 (95% CI, 1.427−5.592), whereas among women, the OR for drinking ≥140 g/week in EE development was 3.248 (95% CI, 1.646−6.410). Among participants aged <50 years, the OR for daily drinking in EE development was 2.692 (95% CI, 1.298−5.586) among men and 4.030 (95% CI, 1.404−11.57) among women. The influence of alcohol consumption on EE development differed between the sexes. We recommend no alcohol consumption for individuals aged <50 years to avoid EE development. Daily drinkers should be assessed for EE development.

[Gastric cancer genome profiling reveals HER2 false-negative status and informs a successful trastuzumab treatment strategy].

Intratumoral HER2 heterogeneity is a well-described gastric cancer feature and may explain many false-negative results related to this oncogene. An 81-year-old man was diagnosed at our hospital with stage IV gastric cancer with multiple lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis indicated that the primary tumor was HER2-negative. After a chemotherapy course, we submitted a pretreatment biopsy specimen for comprehensive cancer genome profiling (CGP) to determine the last-line therapy. This revealed HER2 amplification. The specimen was reevaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization and IHC with deeper-cut specimens, which confirmed that the tumor was indeed HER2-positive. Therefore, the patient was treated with chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, which elicited tumor shrinkage and conferred long-term survival. Our current data underscore the CGP importance, which can provide more accurate tumor profilings and inform subsequent treatment decisions.

Comparison of the role of alcohol consumption and qualitative abdominal fat on NAFLD and MAFLD in males and females.

The clinical difference between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) between the two sexes is unclear. This study aimed to determine the influences of alcohol consumption and qualitative abdominal fat between male and female patients with NAFLD and MAFLD. This cross-sectional study examined 11,766 participants who underwent health check-ups comparing lifestyle habits, biochemical features, and noninvasive liver fibrosis scores, between non-MAFLD and MAFLD groups. Furthermore, differences in alcohol consumption and qualitative abdominal fat were examined between male and female patients with NAFLD and MAFLD. The prevalence of metabolic dysregulation, ratio of visceral fat area to subcutaneous fat area, and noninvasive liver fibrosis scores were significantly higher in male patients with MAFLD than in those with NAFLD (p < 0.05), but these were not significantly different in female patients. Among male patients with an alcohol consumption of > 70 g/week, several noninvasive liver fibrosis scores were significantly higher in the MAFLD group than in the NAFLD group (all p < 0.05). The influences of alcohol consumption and qualitative abdominal fat on NAFLD and MAFLD were different between sexes. The development of liver fibrosis should be considered in male patients with MAFLD who exceed mild drinking.

Clinicopathological characteristics of early gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune gastritis is known to be associated with neoplastic lesions but the relationship between autoimmunity and tumorigenesis have not been sufficiently clarified. The aim of this study is to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer cases associated with autoimmune gastritis. METHODS: A total of 24 patients diagnosed as early gastric cancer with autoimmune gastritis were registered. Chart reviews with the data including age, gender, state of Helicobacter pylori infection, comorbidity, and concomitant gastric diseases were conducted. As for the characteristics of gastric cancer, location, size, morphological type, histopathology, invasion depth, and the presence of metachronous or simultaneous lesion were assessed. These data from autoimmune gastritis group were compared with those from 301 patients of early gastric cancer as a control group. RESULTS: The gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis was located in the upper, middle, and lower parts in 28.1%, 53.1%, and 18.8%, respectively. The morphological types are as follows: 0-I, 9.4%; 0-IIa, 28.1%; 0-IIb, 15.6%; 0-IIc, 46.9%; and 0-III, 0.0%. The mean tumor size was 21.8 mm. While 90.6% were confined to the mucosa, 9.4% showed submucosal invasion. The histological classifications are as follows: tub1, 50.0%; tub2, 15.6%; pap, 21.9%; sig, 9.4%; and por, 3.1%. More numbers of female, protruded types, larger tumor size, papillary tumor, and that in the upper location were observed in autoimmune gastritis group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Early gastric cancer associated with autoimmune gastritis demonstrated different characteristics from those without autoimmune gastritis including variety of tumor morphologies and histological types with female dominancy.

MiR-125b-5p Is Involved in Sorafenib Resistance through Ataxin-1-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The mechanism of resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We analyzed miRNA expression profiles in sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines (PLC/PRF5-R1/R2) and parental cell lines (PLC/PRF5) to identify the miRNAs responsible for resistance. Drug sensitivity, migration/invasion capabilities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties were analyzed by biochemical methods. The clinical relevance of the target genes to survival in HCC patients were assessed using a public database. Four miRNAs were significantly upregulated in PLC/PRF5-R1/-R2 compared with PLC/PRF5. Among them, miR-125b-5p mimic-transfected PLC/PRF5 cells (PLC/PRF5-miR125b) and showed a significantly higher IC50 for sorafenib compared with controls, while the other miRNA mimics did not. PLC/PRF5-miR125b showed lower E-cadherin and higher Snail and vimentin expression-findings similar to those for PLC/PRF5-R2-which suggests the induction of EMT in those cells. PLC/PRF5-miR125b exhibited significantly higher migration and invasion capabilities and induced sorafenib resistance in an in vivo mouse model. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ataxin-1 as a target gene of miR-125b-5p. PLC/PRF5 cells transfected with ataxin-1 siRNA showed a significantly higher IC50, higher migration/invasion capability, higher cancer stem cell population, and an EMT phenotype. Median overall survival in the low-ataxin-1 patient group was significantly shorter than in the high-ataxin-1 group. In conclusion, miR-125b-5p suppressed ataxin-1 and consequently induced Snail-mediated EMT and stemness, leading to a poor prognosis in HCC patients.

Differences in Several Factors in the Development of Erosive Esophagitis Among Patients at Various Stages of Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Erosive esophagitis (EE) is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), but is not always recognized in individuals with MS and the prevalence of EE in individuals with non-MS is not low. AIM: To examine the differences in clinical factors associated with EE at various stages of MS, as well as the differences in metabolites between subjects with MS, with and without EE. METHODS: A total of 7,097 persons who underwent health checkups including esophagogastroduodenoscopy were analyzed. We examined the differences in clinical factors for EE among subjects with non-MS, pre-MS, and MS and compared metabolites between 34 subjects with MS, with and without EE. RESULTS: EE prevalence was significantly higher in the MS and pre-MS groups than in the non-MS group (p < 0.001). EE severity was higher in the MS group than in the pre-MS and non-MS groups (p < 0.001). In the non-MS group, there were significant differences between subjects with and without EE with respect to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and smoking. In the pre-MS and MS groups, there were significant differences in H. pylori, hiatal hernia, and drinking in those with and without EE. The levels of glutamine, hypoxanthine, and lactic acid metabolites were significantly different between subjects with MS, with and without EE (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although H. pylori and lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking are important for EE, differences in these factors should be considered at various stages of MS. Additionally, several metabolites may be involved in the development of EE in MS.

Differences among patients with and without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease having elevated alanine aminotransferase levels at various stages of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the non-obese population has increased and NAFLD is not always recognized in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MS). The risk of cirrhosis is higher in patients having NAFLD with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels than in those having NAFLD with normal ALT levels. OBJECTIVE: To measure the differences in clinical factors associated with NAFLD having elevation of ALT among subjects with Non-MS, Pre-MS, and MS, and to measure differences in metabolites between MS subjects with and without NAFLD having elevation of ALT. METHODS: Among 7,054 persons undergoing health check-ups, we included 3,025 subjects who met the selection criteria. We measured differences in clinical factors for NAFLD having elevation of ALT among subjects with Non-MS, Pre-MS, and MS, and compared metabolites between subjects with and without NAFLD having elevation of ALT in 32 subjects with MS. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD and NAFLD having elevation of ALT was significantly progressively greater in subjects with Non-MS, Pre-MS, and MS (p <0.001, respectively). In the Non-MS group, there were significant differences between subjects with and without NAFLD having elevation of ALT with respect to body mass index (BMI), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST); In the Pre-MS group, there were significant differences in BMI, hypertension, AST, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT); In the MS group, there were significant differences in HDL-C, impaired glucose tolerance, AST, and GGT. There were significant differences in levels of metabolites of nicotinamide, inosine, and acetyl-L-carnitine between MS subjects with and without NAFLD having elevation of ALT (all p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although NAFLD having elevation of ALT is important for development of NAFLD, differences in factors associated with NAFLD having elevation of ALT at various stages of MS should be considered. Additionally, several metabolites may play roles in the identification of risk for NAFLD in individuals with MS.

JMJD2A sensitizes gastric cancer to chemotherapy by cooperating with CCDC8.

BACKGROUND: Jumonji domain-containing protein 2A (JMJD2A) of the JMJD2 family of histone lysine demethylases has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, its expression and role in gastric cancer (GC) drug resistance remain unknown. Here, we investigated the role of JMJD2A in GC chemotherapeutic susceptibility and its clinical relevance in GC. METHODS: We selected 12 relevant genes from previously identified gene signatures that can predict GC susceptibility to docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 (DCS) therapy. Each gene was knocked down using siRNA in GC cell lines, and cell viability assays were performed. JMJD2A expression in GC cell lines and tissues was assessed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. A JMJD2A downstream target related to drug susceptibility was examined using whole-gene expression array and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Among the 12 candidate genes, down-regulation of JMJD2A showed the maximum effect on GC susceptibility to anti-cancer drugs and increased the IC50 values for 5-FU, cisplatin, and docetaxel 15.3-, 2.7-, and 4.0-fold, respectively. JMJD2A was universally expressed in 12 GC cell lines, and its overexpression in GC tissue was positively correlated with tumor regression in 34 DCS-treated patients. A whole-gene expression array of JMJD2A-knockdown GC cells demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of pro-apoptotic coiled-coil domain containing 8 (CCDC8), a downstream target of JMJD2A. Direct interaction between CCDC8 and JMJD2A was verified using immunoprecipitation. CCDC8 inhibition restored drug resistance to docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that JMJD2A is a novel epigenetic factor affecting GC chemotherapeutic susceptibility, and JMJD2A/CCDC8 is a potential GC therapeutic target.

Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted molecular imaging of colorectal tumors: Detection and treatment evaluation of tumors in animal models.

To overcome the problem of overlooking colorectal tumors, a new and highly sensitive modality of colonoscopy is needed. Moreover, it is also important to establish a new modality to evaluate viable tumor volume in primary lesions of colorectal cancer (CRC) during chemotherapy. Therefore, we carried out molecular imaging of colorectal tumors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is highly expressed on tumor cells, for evaluating chemotherapeutic efficacy and for endoscopic detection of colorectal adenomas. We first attempted to image five CRC cell lines with various levels of EGFR expression using an Alexa Fluor-labeled anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (AF-EGFR-Ab). A strong fluorescence signal was observed in the cells depending on the level of EGFR expression. When nude mice xenografted with LIM1215 CRC cells, which highly express EGFR, were i.v. injected with AF-EGFR-Ab, a strong fluorescence signal appeared in the tumor with a high signal to noise ratio, peaking at 48 hours after injection and then gradually decreasing, as shown using an IVIS Spectrum system. When the xenografted mice were treated with 5-fluorouracil, fluorescence intensity in the tumor decreased in proportion to the viable tumor cell volume. Moreover, when the colorectum of azoxymethane-treated rats was observed using a thin fluorescent endoscope with AF-EGFR-Ab, all 10 small colorectal adenomas (≤3 mm) were detected with a clear fluorescence signal. These preliminary results of animal experiments suggest that EGFR-targeted fluorescent molecular imaging may be useful for quantitatively evaluating cell viability in CRC during chemotherapy, and also for detecting small adenomas using a fluorescent endoscope.