Reduction of Membrane Protein CRIM1 Decreases E-Cadherin and Increases Claudin-1 and MMPs, Enhancing the Migration and Invasion of Renal Carcinoma Cells.

CRIM1 is a membrane protein that has been reported to be related to cell proliferation. CRIM1 is expressed in renal carcinoma cells, but its involvement in proliferation and malignant transformation remains unclear. We analyzed whether alterations in the characteristics of cancer cells are observed following knockdown of CRIM1. Decreased expression of CRIM1 did not affect proliferation or anchorage-independent growth. The results of wound healing and invasion assays showed that reduced expression of CRIM1 increased cells' migratory and invasive abilities. Expression analysis of factors involved in migration and invasion in CRIM1-knockdown cells revealed that expression of the cell adhesion factor E-cadherin declined and expression of claudin-1, which is upregulated in metastatic cancer cells, increased. In addition, increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9, protease essential for cancer cell invasiveness, was observed. Furthermore, an increase in phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which increases cell migration, was observed. Increased expression of the E-cadherin transcription repressors Snail, Slug, and ZEB-1 were observed, and mRNA levels of E-cadherin were decreased. Therefore, expression of E-cadherin is thought to be decreased by both suppression of E-cadherin mRNA expression and promotion of degradation of the E-cadherin protein. In addition, expression of CRIM1 was decreased in renal cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Thus, CRIM1 regulates the expression of several EMT-related factors and appears to play a role in suppressing migration and invasion through control of EMT.

[Questionnaire survey of efficacy of patient support in outpatient chemotherapy by pharmacist].

The aim of this study is evaluation of the efficacy of the pharmacist in providing support at the ambulatory therapy center (ATC), especially in connection with chemotherapy side effects in patients. The unsigned questionnaire survey was conducted for patients receiving chemotherapy in ATC. 108 patients were enrolled, and 78 patients answered questions. Patients were asked which kind of specialists provide the most ideal support in the ATC, and what do patients suffer in the ATC. Interestingly, more patients chose pharmacists than nurses and doctors. Many of patients suffer hair loss, nausea and peripheral neuropathy, and many people feel time spent in the ATC is not so meaningful.

[Two cases of interstitial lung diseases in patients treated with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FOLFOX)].

Oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Leucovorin (FOLFOX) currently represents a valid approach for treating advanced colorectal cancer. In Japan, it is generally performed. Gastrointestinal, hematological and neurosensory toxicities are the most common. However, information concerning the pulmonary toxicity of this regimen is very limited. We report here two cases of interstitial lung disease occurring in association with the use of this combination chemotherapy. Reports of interstitial lung disease due to FOLFOX are infrequent, but could lead to severe complications. It is important to perform an X-ray examination regularly and detect symptoms early.