Expression of B7-H3, a potential factor of tumor immune evasion in combination with the number of regulatory T cells, affects against recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: In the tumor microenvironment, factors inhibiting the targeting of cancer cells by activated T cells have recently been noted. B7-H3 belongs to the B7 superfamily of immune regulatory ligands and plays an important role in the adaptive immune response of co-inhibitory/stimulatory factors in regulating T cells. However, the degree to which B7-H3 directly affects tumor immune evasion mechanisms remains unclear, particularly in patients with breast cancer. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known as a key player in the inhibition of immune mechanisms. The present study demonstrated that expression of B7-H3 on tumor cells and the number of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment independently affected prognosis in breast cancer patients. METHODS: We immunohistochemically investigated the presence of B7-H3 and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)-positive Tregs in pathological specimens from 90 patients with breast cancer. RESULTS: Positive B7-H3 expression was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.014). A higher percentage of Foxp3-positive cells also correlated with shorter RFS (p = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed B7-H3 as an independent factor on RFS. Foxp3 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlated significantly with larger tumor size (>2 cm), expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and higher nuclear grade (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). No correlation was identified between expression of B7-H3 and the percentage of Foxp3-positive TILs. CONCLUSIONS: B7-H3 and Foxp3 can be regarded as markers of poor prognosis in breast cancer. These expressions were not correlated, suggesting that B7-H3 expression plays an independent role in tumor immune evasion, regardless of Tregs.

Search for dinucleon decay into kaons in Super-Kamiokande.

A search for the dinucleon decay pp → K+ K+ has been performed using 91.6 kton·yr data from Super-Kamiokande-I. This decay provides a sensitive probe of the R-parity-violating parameter λ112''. A boosted decision tree analysis found no signal candidates in the data. The expected background was 0.28±0.19 atmospheric neutrino induced events and the estimated signal detection efficiency was 12.6%±3.2%. A lower limit of 1.7×10(32) years has been placed on the partial lifetime of the decay O16 → C14K+ K+ at 90% C.L. A corresponding upper limit of 7.8×10(-9) has been placed on the parameter λ112''.

Cediranib in combination with mFOLFOX6 in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: results from the randomised phase II part of a phase I/II study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common malignancy in Japan. Treatment with inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway has proven benefit in metastatic CRC. Cediranib is an oral highly potent VEGF signalling inhibitor that inhibits all three VEGF receptors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 172 patients with metastatic CRC were randomised to receive once-daily cediranib (20 or 30 mg) or placebo, each combined with modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6). The primary objective was comparison of progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: The comparison of cediranib 20 mg versus placebo met the primary objective of PFS prolongation [hazard ratio = 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.44-1.11), P = 0.167], which met the protocol-defined criterion of P < 0.2. Median PFS was 10.2 versus 8.3 months, respectively. The PFS comparison for cediranib 30 mg versus placebo did not meet the criterion. The most common adverse events (AEs) in the cediranib-containing groups were diarrhoea and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Cediranib 20 mg plus mFOLFOX6 met the predefined criteria in terms of improved PFS compared with placebo plus mFOLFOX6. Cediranib 20 mg was generally well tolerated and the AE profile was consistent with previous studies.

Down-regulation of frizzled-7 expression decreases survival, invasion and metastatic capabilities of colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The canonical Wnt signalling pathway is activated in most sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs). We previously reported that FZD7 functions as a receptor for the canonical Wnt signalling pathway in colon cancer cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we examined the function of FZD7 in survival, invasion and metastatic capabilities of colon cancer cells. FZD7_siRNA transfection decreased cell viability of HT-29 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Expression of c-Jun, phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, and activation of RhoA were suppressed after FZD7_siRNA transfection into HCT-116 cells. In vitro invasion activity and Wnt target gene expression were also reduced in HCT-116 cells transfected with FZD7_siRNA. Liver metastasis of stable FZD7_siRNA HCT-116 cell transfectants in scid mice was decreased to 40-50% compared to controls. The mRNA levels of FZD7 in 135 primary CRC tissues were examined by real-time PCR. FZD7 mRNA levels were significantly higher in stage II, III or IV tumours than in non-tumour tissues (P<0.005), and overall survival was shorter in those patients with higher FZD7 expression (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that FZD7 may be involved in enhancement of survival, invasion and metastatic capabilities of colon cancer cells through non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways as well as the canonical pathway.

Aortic valve replacement in small patients.

OBJECTIVES: Asians are smaller than Europeans and North Americans, but aortic valve replacement (AVR) in small patients has not been examined. We aimed to compare short- and mid-term outcomes of AVR between small and non-small patients. METHODS: We retrospectively divided 173 patients who underwent AVR into small (S, n = 95) and non-small (NS, n = 78) groups according to body surface area (≤1.6 in men, ≤1.5 in women) and analyzed differences in baseline characteristics, procedural and post-procedural variables, and survival. RESULTS: Mean age differed significantly between the S and NS groups (71.9 ± 11.2 vs. 66.2 ± 9.8 years), as did the proportion of women (60.0% vs. 24.4%). Implanted valves (19.6 ± 1.6 mm vs. 20.7 ± 1.7 mm) were significantly smaller and more bioprosthetic valves (57.9% vs. 41.0%) were used in the S group. Effective orifice area index and the rate of moderate and severe patient-prosthesis mismatch were not significantly different. No significant intergroup differences were found in hospitalization duration, 30-day mortality, survival rates, or valve related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Small patients were older and the proportion of women was higher. The implanted aortic valves were smaller and more were biological prostheses. However, mortality rate did not differ and short- and mid-term outcomes were safe and favorable.

Relationship between serum levels of interleukin 6, various disease parameters and malnutrition in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) are correlated with the disease status and prognosis in cancer patients. IL-6 is also an important mediator of experimental cancer cachexia. We investigated the production of IL-6 and IL-6 receptors and expression of IL-6 mRNA by esophageal squamous carcinoma cells using immunohistochemical staining and in situ reverse transcription-PCR. We also measured levels of serum IL-6 using an ELISA in 50 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to determine the correlation between serum levels of IL-6 and clinicopathological factors IL-6 mRNA was expressed in the primary tumor. Esophageal squamous carcinoma cells produced both IL-6 and IL-6 receptor. IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in the primary tumor than in the normal epithelium. The incidences of weight loss, tumor invasion to adjacent organs, and noncurative resection were significantly higher in ESCC patients with serum levels of IL-6 > or = 7 pg/ml (n = 13, group C) compared with patients with serum levels <7 pg/ml and > or = 3 pg/ml (n = 14, group B) and <3 pg/ml (n = 23, group A). Tumor size and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher and albumin levels were significantly lower in group C. Results suggest that IL-6, which is produced by tumor cells, may be related to various disease parameters as well as to the nutritional status in patients with ESCC.

A dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of subcutaneously administered recombinant human interleukin 12 and its biological effects in Japanese patients with advanced malignancies.

A pilot dose-escalation study of recombinant human interleukin 12 (rhIL-12) was conducted in Japanese patients with advanced malignancies. Cohorts of three patients received escalating doses of rhIL-12 that increased from 50 to 300 ng/kg/day s.c. three times a week for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest. The same dosage and schedule was repeated for two additional courses. Sixteen previously treated patients were registered, and 15 were evaluated. Common toxicities were fever and leukopenia; the abnormality of laboratory tests included elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, and beta2-microglobin. Dose-limiting toxicity was the grade 3 elevation of aminotransferases, and was observed in two of six patients at the 300-ng/kg dose level after the first course in one patient and after the third course in the other. Leukopenia was observed at all of the dose levels; two of six patients at 300 ng/kg experienced grade 3 leukopenia. Thus, 300 ng/kg was determined to be the maximum acceptable dose. Peak plasma levels of rhIL-12 decreased in the second courses, but the areas under the curve were almost the same in the first and second courses. Biological effects included increases of plasma levels of IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and neopterin. In two patients with renal cell carcinoma, complete response and partial response of metastatic tumors were observed with 50 and 300 ng/kg; the responses lasted for 5 and 3.5 months, respectively. Although immunological response to rhIL-12 varies depending on administration route and schedule and on patients' physiological conditions, the recommended dose for Phase II studies is 300 ng/kg s.c. three times a week for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest.

Delayed afterdepolarisations and triggered activity in canine Purkinje fibres treated with neuraminidase.

We investigated the electrophysiological alterations induced by the removal of sialic acid from the sarcolemma in canine Purkinje fibres. About 70% of total sialic acid content of Purkinje fibres was removed by 120 min of exposure to neuraminidase (1 U X ml-1). The treatment with neuraminidase did not change any of the action potential characteristics at normal Ca2+ concentration (2.7 mmol X litre-1). However, action potential duration and maximum upstroke velocity of phase zero of the action potential were reduced to a greater degree in neuraminidase-treated Purkinje fibres than in non-treated controls at high Ca2+ concentration (8.1 mmol X litre-1). At high Ca2+ concentration, delayed afterdepolarisations were induced in five out of nine neuraminidase-treated Purkinje fibres and triggered activity was observed in two, when driven in trains of 20 stimuli of different cycle length (1000 to 180 ms). No discernible delayed afterdepolarisations were observed in nine non-treated control Purkinje fibres. In addition, the amplitude of delayed afterdepolarisations induced by ouabain (0.2 mumol X litre-1) in neuraminidase-treated Purkinje fibres was larger than non-treated controls. These findings suggest that sialic acid residues of glycocalyx function as a kind of barrier to Ca2+ influx.

Cytokine mRNA expression patterns in human esophageal cancer cell lines.

The mRNA expression for 21 kinds of cytokines was measured in six human esophageal cancer cell lines using RT-PCR. More than moderate levels of RNA for IL-1 alpha were expressed in six of six cell lines, IL-1 beta in four, IL-6 in six, IL-7 in five, IL-10 in six, G-CSF in six, GM-CSF in six, SCF in six, MIP-2 beta in two, and LIF in six. None of the tumors expressed detectable message for IL-2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 13, or IRAP after 30 cycles of PCR amplification. IL-1 alpha, IL-6, M-CSF, and GM-CSF levels in the culture supernatants were detectable using ELISA in three of six, four of six, one of six, and six of six ECCs, respectively. IL-1 beta, IL-2, TNF-alpha, and G-CSF were not detectable in all ECCs. There was no correlation between cytokine mRNA expression and production. These results suggest the existence of a complicated cytokine network around esophageal carcinomas that may affect their growth and proliferation.

The influence of interleukin-6 on the growth of human esophageal cancer cell lines.

We reported that human esophageal cancer cell lines (ECC) (YES-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6) produced interleukin-6 (IL-6). We, therefore, investigated the growth effects ([3H]thymidine uptake assay and direct cell count) of IL-6 on these ECC. IL-6 receptor (R) and GP-130 mRNA were detected in all the ECC, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, and IL-6R was detected in one (YES-3) by immunohistochemical staining. IL-6, anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody (mAb), or anti-IL-6R mAb caused no reproducible enhancement or suppression of [3H]thymidine uptake by all six ECC. Direct cell count also revealed that the growth enhancement or suppression by IL-6, anti-IL-6 mAb, or anti-IL-6R mAb was relatively small. Particularly, there was no significant sensitivity of YES-3 cells, which definitely produce IL-6 and express IL-6R for IL-6, anti-IL-6 mAb, or anti-IL6R mAb. These results suggest that some esophageal cancers may produce IL-6 and express IL-6R. However, no major interactions between IL-6 and the growth of human esophageal cancer cell lines were detected in this study.

Successful immunogene therapy using colon cancer cells (colon 26) transfected with plasmid vector containing mature interleukin-18 cDNA and the Igkappa leader sequence.

IL-18 is a novel cytokine that induces interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. In the present study, we constructed plasmid vectors encoding the murine mature IL-18 cDNA linked with the Igkappa leader sequence and the pro-IL-18 cDNA to estimate the efficacy of the mature IL- 18 vector and to evaluate IL-18--producing tumor cells as a tumor vaccine. Colon 26 cells were transfected with the abovementioned vectors or with vector alone (mock). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed increased expression of murine IL-18 cDNA in both mature IL-18 and pro-IL-18 transfectants in comparison to that in mock transfected cells. The ability of the culture supernatants of mature IL-18 transfectants to induce IFN-gamma secretion was extremely high (40-140 pg/10(6) cells) in comparison to that of pro-IL-18 transfectants (4-18 pg/10(6) cells). When injected into syngeneic BALB/c mice, the growth of mature IL-18 transfectants, but not pro-IL-18 transfectants, was significantly less than that in mock transfected cells ( P< .01, by ANOVA and analysis of covariance). In addition, injection of colon 26 or Meth-A cells into mice immunized with a mature IL-18 transfectant revealed acquired immunity. Depletion of natural killer cells did not affect the growth of transfectants. However, the growth inhibitory effects were partially abrogated following treatment with anti-CD4+ and anti-CD8+ antibodies. These data suggest that the rejection of mature IL-18/colon 26 cells was mediated through T-cell activation. Gene therapy using mature IL-18 transfectants containing a plasmid vector and the Igkappa leader sequence may be a useful tumor vaccine.

Inotropic effects of Ca2+ channel agonist and antagonists in neuraminidase-treated left atria of rats.

The effects of removal of sialic acid from cardiac sarcolemma on contractile functions and on inotropic responses to Ca2+ channel agonist and antagonists were investigated in rat left atria. About 64% of the total sialic acid content of the left atria was removed during a 90 min exposure to neuraminidase (2 u ml-1). The removal of sialic acid neither affected the development of twitch tension induced by stimulation at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, nor altered the interval-dependent changes in contractility such as the force-frequency relationship and post rest contractions. The positive inotropic effects produced by isoprenaline, and by an increase in extracellular Ca2+ concentration were the same in the neuraminidase-treated preparations as those in the untreated preparations. Bay K 8644, a Ca2+ channel agonist, induced an increase in contractility in the neuraminidase-treated preparations comparable to that in the untreated ones. Neuraminidase treatment significantly attenuated the negative inotropic effects of verapamil and diltiazem, whereas it had no effect on that of nifedipine. The results indicate that sialic acid removal modifies neither the basal contractile functions nor the positive inotropism which is associated with an enhancement of the slow inward Ca2+ current. However, sialic acid, which constitutes the glycocalyx of the cardiac sarcolemma, may be involved in the mechanism of the Ca2+ channel antagonistic actions of verapamil and diltiazem, but not that of nifedipine. Thus, our results provide pharmacological evidence that verapamil and diltiazem behave differently from the dihydropyridine compounds.

Nm23-H1 gene as a molecular switch between the free-floating and adherent states of gastric cancer cells.

The contribution of the nm23-H1 gene to metastasis in malignant tumors, including gastric cancer, is controversial. In this study, we compared nm23-H1 levels in two cell subtypes with different morphologies (floating and adherent states), but that were derived from the same gastric cancer cell line, KATO-III. A real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the number of nm23-H1 mRNA molecules in floating cells was significantly higher than that in adherent cells (P<0.0001). The average of the copies in floating cells was approximately 2.4-fold higher than that in adherent cells. Consistent with mRNA levels, intracellular levels of nm23-H1 protein were higher in floating cells than in adherent cells. There was no difference in cell cycle characteristics between the two subtypes. In conclusion, our present data indicate that expression of nm23-H1 by a tumor could be altered during the different steps in metastases, suggesting that nm23-H1 may act as a molecular switch between the free-floating and adherent states of cancer cells.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist mRNA expression and the progression of gastric carcinoma.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), an endogeneous inhibitor of IL-1, plays an immunosuppressive role in vivo by blocking the proinflammatory effects of IL-1. In the present study, we examined whether IL-1ra expression in human gastric carcinoma correlates with tumor progression and/or metastatic potential. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the expression of the secreted form of IL-1ra (sIL-1ra) and the intracellular form of IL-1ra (icIL-1ra) mRNA in tumor and corresponding benign tissue obtained from 38 patients with gastric carcinoma. The incidence of sIL-1ra mRNA expression was significantly higher in tumor (52%) than in corresponding benign tissue (18%) (P = 0.002). On the contrary, icIL-1ra mRNA was detected in all tumors and benign tissues. The expression of sIL-1ra mRNA by malignant tissue correlated positively with both lymph node metastasis (P = 0.008) and liver metastasis (P = 0.015). There was no association between tumor sIL-lra mRNA expression and other clinicopathologic factors. The degree of regional lymph node reaction, such as sinus histiocytosis, in tumors expressing sI-1ra mRNA was significantly weaker than that in tumors without sIL-1ra mRNA expression (5/20 vs. 12/18, P = 0.010). These results demonstrate that the altered expression of sIL-1ra by malignant tissue may be related to the progression of gastric carcinoma via modulating host immune response.

Inhibitory effect of Coptidis Rhizoma and berberine on the proliferation of human esophageal cancer cell lines.

Our previous study demonstrated that the herbal medicine, Oren-to, had antitumor effects on esophageal cancer cells (ECCs) in vitro. The purpose of this study was to examine which of the seven constituents of Oren-to had antitumor effects on esophageal cancer cells. MTT assay showed that, of the seven constituents, only the aqueous extract of Coptidis Rhizoma had potent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of two types of ECC lines, YES-3 and YES-4. In addition, the proliferation of all six types of ECC lines (YES-1 to YES-6) was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001 for all), when co-cultured at each concentration of Coptidis Rhizoma for 72 h. The ID50 of Coptidis Rhizoma for YES-1 to YES-6 was 2.2 microg/ml, 3.0 microg/ml, 0.25 microg/ml, 2.8 microg/ml, 2.5 microg/ml, and 0.5 microg/ml, respectively, berberine, one of protoberberine components of Coptidis Rhizoma, showed potent antitumor effects on all six types of ECC lines as well as Coptidis Rhizoma. In addition, the ID50 of berberine showed a positive correlation with that of Coptidis Rhizoma in six types of ECC lines examined (r2 = 0.763, P = 0.023). Cell cycle analysis of Coptidis Rhizoma-treated cancer cells showed the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and relative decrease of the S phase. These results support the possibility that the use of Coptidis Rhizoma containing abundant berberine may be useful as one of alternative therapies for esophageal cancers.

Anticachectic effects of Coptidis rhizoma, an anti-inflammatory herb, on esophageal cancer cells that produce interleukin 6.

Herbs as alternative cancer therapies have attracted a great deal of recent attention due to their low toxicity and costs. In this study, the antitumor activity and anticachectic effect of Coptidis rhizoma, an anti-inflammatory herb, were investigated in nude mice carrying a human esophageal cancer cell line YES-2, which constitutively secretes interleukin-6 (IL-6) and induces cachexia when injected into these mice. In this study, in vivo growth of YES-2 cells was not affected by an oral supplement containing the extract powder of C. rhizoma at a final concentration of 1% (CR supplement). However, in comparison with normal diet, CR supplement significantly attenuated weight loss of tumor-bearing mice without a change in food or water intake. Tumor IL-6 levels were significantly lower in mice treated with CR supplement than in control mice (P<0.001). Serum IL-6 was detectable in four (50%) of eight control mice; IL-6 was not detected in mice treated with CR supplement. We also confirmed that berberine (8-32 microM), a major component of C. rhizoma, dose-dependently inhibited secretion of IL-6 by YES-2 cells in vitro. Moreover, reverse transcription-PCR assay showed that treatment of YES-2 cells with berberine (8-32 microM) for 24 h reduced IL-6 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that C. rhizoma may have an anticachectic effect on esophageal cancer and an effect is associated with the ability of berberine to down-regulate tumor IL-6 production.

Depressed cytotoxic activity of hepatic nonparenchymal cells in rats with obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND: The nonparenchymal cells (NPC) of the liver have strong cytotoxic activity. Our hypothesis is that their activity may be imparted by obstructive jaundice and show recovery after biliary drainage. METHODS: In Donryu rats, we performed either a sham operation (group C; n = 5), production of irreversible obstructive jaundice (group J; n = 5), or production of reversible obstructive jaundice for 7 days, with biliary drainage then provided for 3 days (group Ds; n = 5) or for 14 days (group Dl; n = 5). Natural killer (NK)-cell activities shown against YAC-1 lymphoma cells of hepatic NPC and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed. We then measured the growth of experimental liver metastases 13 days after inoculation of a tumor cell line (AH130) into the portal vein of rats that had undergone similar biliary manipulations (group mC, group mJ, group mDs, and group mDl; n = 5 in each group). RESULTS: The highest number of NK activities by NPC in group J (11.5%) and group Ds (37.7%) were significantly lower than those in group C (68.8%) and group Dl (90.5%; effector/target ratios, 40:1; P < .01). NK activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was similar among groups. Metastatic liver tumors in group mJ (10.2% +/- 2.6%) and group mDs (5.4% +/- 1.5%) were significantly larger than in group mC (0.4% +/- 0.1%) and group mDl (0.5% +/- 0.3%; P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive jaundice depressed the NK activity of hepatic NPC and enhanced the growth of liver metastases. To counter this depression, adequate biliary drainage was required. These results suggest that preoperative biliary drainage to relieve obstructive jaundice might help to prevent liver metastases after surgery for biliary tract or pancreatic tumors.

Depression of cytotoxicity of nonparenchymal cells in the liver after surgery.

BACKGROUND: The nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) of the liver have a strong cytotoxic activity. Our hypothesis is that their activity, which prevents metastases to the liver, may be impaired after operation. METHODS: First, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either a sham operation consisting of only a laparotomy (group L, n = 10), a laparotomy and resection of a portion of the small intestine (group R, n = 10) or no operation (group C, n = 10). After 2 days liver NPCs were isolated and divided into two fractions, large and small NPCs. The cytotoxicity of the liver NPCs and of the circulating blood mononuclear cells (BMC) was assessed. Second, we measured the growth of tumor metastases 14 days after the inoculation of a cell line (MRMT-1) into the portal vein of rats undergoing similar surgical stress (group Rm, n = 10 and group Lm, n = 10). RESULTS: The natural killer cell activity (anti-YAC-1) of large NPCs was 38% in group R, which was significantly less (p < 0.002) than that in groups L (72%) and C (83%). Small NPCs showed reduced natural killer activity in groups R and L (26% and 35%, respectively) compared with that in group C (70%) (p < 0.02). The natural killer cell activity of BMCs was similar in each group, and the lymphokine-activated killer cell activity (by anti-EL4) did not change in either the NPCs or BMCs. In the second experiment the area of the tumors occupied in the liver in the group Rm rats was significantly greater compared with that in the group Lm rats (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical stress depressed the cytotoxic activity of liver NPCs and enhanced the growth of metastatic liver tumors. This suggests the possibility that perioperative immunotherapy might be clinically useful in the future to prevent liver metastases after gastrointestinal surgery.

Correlation between cerebral oxygen metabolism and cerebral blood flow simultaneously measured before and after acetazolamide administration.

The cerebral circulation and metabolism of ten preoperative cardiac surgery patients were assessed. Alterations in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), measured by 123I-N-isopropyl-p-iodo-amphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography, and in cerebral oxygen metabolism, simultaneously detected by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) before and after acetazolamide administration, were investigated. The rCBF (ml/min/100 g) increased significantly from 40.21±7.65 to 56.24±13.69(p<0.001), and a significant increase in oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) of 13.9% (p=0.0022) and total hemoglobin (Total-Hb) of 5.7% (0.0047) along with a significant decrease in deoxyhemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) of 8.9% (p=0.0414) were observed concomitantly. Thus, the Oxy-Hb/Total-Hb ratio (%Oxy-Hb) rose significantly from 67.26±9.82% to 72.98±8.09%(p=0.0022). Examination of the relationships between individual parameters showed that the percentage changes in rCBF and Oxy-Hb were significantly correlated (r=0.758,p=0.011). The percentage changes in rCBF and %Oxy-Hb were also correlated significantly (r=0.740,p=0.014). In conclusion, this evidence suggested that NIRS is able to detect relative changes in cerebral hemodynamics and reflect luxury perfusion induced by acetazolamide. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Immunoregulatory effects of the antitumor polysaccharide lentinan on Th1/Th2 balance in patients with digestive cancers.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrated that patients with advanced cancer may have impaired cell-mediated immunity caused by an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 responses. We evaluated the ability of lentinan (LNT) to modulate Th1 and Th2 responses in patients with digestive cancers. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected preoperatively from 28 patients with digestive cancers before and after intravenous administration of LNT (2 mg x 3 times/week). The proportions of CD4+ T-cells producing intracellular cytokines were determined with flow cytometry. RESULTS: After LNT treatment, CD4+ IFN-gamma+ T-cell percentages increased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas CD4+ IL-4+ T-cell and CD4+ IL-6+ T-cell percentages decreased significantly (p < 0.02). No significant change occurred in proportions of CD4+ IL-10+ T-cells. The after/before LNT treatment percentages ratio of CD4+ IFN-gamma+ T-cells correlated negatively with that of CD4+ IL-4+ T-cells (p < 0.01). The after/before treatment percentage ratio of CD4+ IL-4+ T-cells correlated positively with that of CD4+ IL-6+ T-cells (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LNT apparently can cancel Th2-dominant condition in patients with digestive cancers and may improve the balance between Th1 and Th2.