What types of early gastric cancer are indicated for endoscopic ultrasonography staging of invasion depth?

AIM: To clarify the diagnostic efficacy and limitations of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and the characteristics of early gastric cancers (EGCs) that are indications for EUS-based assessment of cancer invasion depth. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the cases of 153 EGC patients who underwent conventional endoscopy (CE) and EUS (20 MHz) before treatment. RESULTS: We found that 13.7% were "inconclusive" cases with low-quality EUS images, including all nine of the cases with protruded (0-I)-type EGCs. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy between CE and EUS. Two significant independent risk factors for misdiagnosis by EUS were identified-ulcer scarring [UL(+); odds ratio (OR) = 4.49, P = 0.003] and non-indication criteria for endoscopic resection (ER) (OR = 3.02, P = 0.03). In the subgroup analysis, 23.1% of the differentiated-type cancers exhibiting SM massive invasion (SM2) invasion (submucosal invasion ≥ 500 µm) by CE were correctly diagnosed by EUS, and 23.1% of the undifferentiated-type EGCs meeting the expanded-indication criteria for ER were correctly diagnosed by EUS. CONCLUSION: There is no need to perform EUS for UL(+) EGCs or 0-I-type EGCs, but EUS may enhance the pretreatment staging of differentiated-type EGCs with SM2 invasion without UL or undifferentiated-type EGCs revealed by CE as meeting the expanded-indication criteria for ER.

In vivo role of aldehyde reductase.

BACKGROUND: Aldehyde reductase (AKR1A; EC 1.1.1.2) catalyzes the reduction of various types of aldehydes. To ascertain the physiological role of AKR1A, we examined AKR1A knockout mice. METHODS: Ascorbic acid concentrations in AKR1A knockout mice tissues were examined, and the effects of human AKR1A transgene were analyzed. We purified AKR1A and studied the activities of glucuronate reductase and glucuronolactone reductase, which are involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis and DNA microarray analysis were performed for a comprehensive study of AKR1A knockout mice. RESULTS: The levels of ascorbic acid in tissues of AKR1A knockout mice were significantly decreased which were completely restored by human AKR1A transgene. The activities of glucuronate reductase and glucuronolactone reductase, which are involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis, were suppressed in AKR1A knockout mice. The accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate in knockout mice tissue and the expression of acute-phase proteins such as serum amyloid A2 are significantly increased in knockout mice liver. CONCLUSIONS: AKR1A plays a predominant role in the reduction of both d-glucuronic acid and d-glucurono-γ-lactone in vivo. The knockout of AKR1A in mice results in accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate as well as a deficiency of ascorbic acid, and also leads to upregulation of acute phase proteins. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: AKR1A is a major enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of d-glucuronic acid and d-glucurono-γ-lactone in vivo, besides acting as an aldehyde-detoxification enzyme. Suppression of AKR1A by inhibitors, which are used to prevent diabetic complications, may lead to the accumulation of d-glucuronic acid and saccharate.

Intra-abdominal plexiform neurofibromatosis including periportal, mesentery, and gastrointestinal tract involvement in neurofibromatosis type 1: case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of intra-abdominal plexiform neurofibromatosis, including periportal, mesenteric, and gastrointestinal tract involvement, in a patient with von Recklinghausen's disease/neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). A 26-year-old man with familial NF-1 was admitted to hospital for further examination of an abnormal hepatic mass along the portal vein. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed antral wall thickening and swelling of the papilla of Vater. Mucosal biopsies taken from the duodenum revealed possible ganglioneuromatosis. Abdominal ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an abnormal periportal mass with serpiginous extension into the liver along the portal vein and the mesentery, which is the typical spread pattern of plexiform neurofibromatosis. A laparotomy and cholecystectomy for gallstones were performed, and this patient was diagnosed as having intra-abdominal plexiform neurofibromatosis. This is the 15th case of intrahepatic periportal plexiform neurofibromatosis and the 16th case of diffuse ganglioneuromatosis associated with NF-1 in the English literature. The imaging findings of the lesion have been followed for 10 years; there has been slight growth of the mass, but no malignant transformation has been found. The previously reported cases are reviewed.

Immunohistochemical analyses of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, CD44s, and CD44v6 expressions, and Ki-67 labeling index in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas and associated invasive carcinomas.

We examined the expressions of adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, beta-catenin, CD44s, and CD44v6) and Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) in low- and moderate-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma components in ten noninvasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas and eight invasive carcinomas associated with IPMNs of the pancreas using immunohistochemical methods. There was no significant difference in regard to the proportion of components expressing either E-cadherin or beta-catenin in more than 70% of the tumor cells between the low- and moderate-grade dysplasia components. In contrast, the proportion of those in invasive carcinoma components was significantly lower than in low- or moderate-grade dysplasia components. Also, there was no significant difference in the proportion of components expressing CD44s or CD44v6 in more than 5% of tumor cells among low-grade dysplasia, moderate-grade dysplasia, and invasive carcinoma components. In contrast, the Ki-67 LI values increased in the order of low-grade dysplasia, moderate-grade dysplasia, and invasive carcinoma components, with significant differences among them. The present results indicate that carcinoma components are associated with a decrease in tumor cells expressing E-cadherin and beta-catenin and have the highest proliferative activity.

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells arising in a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas.

A 26-year-old woman presented with pain in the left hypochondrium, for which pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed, with total gross excision of a mass. A tumor measuring 11 x 9 cm was found in the pancreas. On cut surface there were two cysts filled with a necrotic substance and hemorrhagic content. Spindle or ovoid-shaped cells, in the sarcomatous component, had diffusely infiltrated along the inner side of the walls of one cyst. Osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) were also contained in the sarcomatous component. Adenoma components of mucinous epithelium with foci of borderline and adenocarcinomatous components were seen on the inner side of the other cyst. An ovarian-type stroma beneath the epithelial component was seen in the cyst wall. A diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma with OGC arising in a mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas, was made. Seven months after the initial operation the patient had a local recurrence, and the tumor was removed. One month after the second operation, the patient was free of symptoms. Only four cases of undifferentiated carcinoma with OGC arising in MCN, involving an ovarian-type stroma of the pancreas, have been reported.

[Complete histological response in gastric cancer stage IV after neoadjuvant chemotherapy including S-1 combined with CDDP--report of a case].

A 60-year-old man complaining of black stool, body weight loss, and anemia, was examined and diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer (M, type 3, por 2, cT3, cN3, cH0, cP0, cM0, cStage IV). A poor prognosis was predicted, yet we tried neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) expecting downstaging of the tumor. Considering the efficacy and safety, we chose S-1+CDDP as the NAC regimen. S-1 (120 mg/day) was administered orally for 21 days, followed by CDDP (75 mg/body) div on day 8. Distal partial gastrectomy and lymph node dissection (D2) were performed, with Billroth I reconstruction. Histological examination of the resected stomach and lymph nodes revealed no residual cancer cells, suggesting complete histological remission (grade 3) according to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis through oxidative stress-mediated activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in rat Schwann cells.

Although recent studies have suggested the potential involvement of apoptotic cell death in the development of diabetic neuropathy, the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated. On the other hand, it is known that the formation of methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated under diabetic conditions through several glucose-related metabolisms including the glycation reaction. We found that MG was capable of inducing apoptosis in peripheral nerve-derived Schwann cells (SCs) in a time- and dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a reduction of intracellular glutathione content. Furthermore, MG induced phosphorylation of MKK3/MKK6, an upstream molecule in the p38 MAPK pathway. N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an antioxidant, successfully suppressed the activity of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway along with the inhibition of apoptosis, indicating the involvement of oxidative stress in the MG-induced apoptosis via the p38 MAPK pathway. These results suggest a possible contribution of glucose-derived MG to the development of diabetic neuropathy by injuring the cellular constituent of the peripheral nerve system, such as SCs, in the hyperglycemic milieu.

Fulminant massive gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens.

Clostridium perfringens (C.P) gas gangrene is one of the most fulminant infectious diseases. We encountered fulminant massive gas gangrene in a 56- year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The patient died 14 hours after diagnosis of gas gangrene (54 hours after admission). Dramatic changes in abdominal CT imaging revealed development of a massive volume of gas in the intra-portal vein, retroperitoneum and abdominal subcutaneous tissue within 24 hours. We also proved C.P infection by immunohistological staining, leading to a diagnosis of C.P gas gangrene.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis through activation of p38 MAPK in rat Schwann cells.

The formation of glucose-derived methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated under diabetic conditions. We examined whether MG was capable of inducing apoptosis in Schwann cells (SCs), since recent studies have suggested a potential involvement of apoptotic cell death in the development of diabetic neuropathy. MG induced apoptosis in SCs in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by a reduction of intracellular glutathione content and activation of the p38 MAPK. Inhibiting the p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 successfully suppressed the MG-induced apoptosis in SCs. Aminoguanidine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine also inhibited the MG-induced p38 MAPK activation and apoptosis along with restoration of the intracellular glutathione content. These results suggest a potential role for MG in SC injury through oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK activation under diabetic conditions, and it may serve as a novel insight into therapeutic strategies for diabetic neuropathy.

Methylglyoxal induces apoptosis through activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in rat mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND: The formation of methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, is accelerated through several pathways, including the glycation reaction under diabetic conditions, presumably contributing to tissue injury in diabetes. On the other hand, apoptotic cell death of glomerular cells has been suggested to play a role in the development of glomerulosclerosis in various types of glomerular injuries. We therefore examined whether MG was capable of inducing apoptosis in rat mesangial cells to address the possible mechanism by which hyperglycemia-related products accelerated pathologic changes in diabetic glomerulosclerosis. METHODS: Rat mesangial cells were incubated with 0 to 400 micromol/L MG, followed by the detection of apoptosis by both TUNEL method and electrophoretic analysis for DNA fragmentation. In addition, we investigated intracellular mechanisms mediating MG-induced apoptosis, focusing especially on the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. RESULTS: MG induced apoptosis in rat mesangial cells in a dose-dependent manner and was accompanied by the activation of p38alpha isoform. Aminoguanidine and N-acetyl-l-cysteine inhibited the MG-induced p38 MAPK activation, as well as apoptosis in rat mesangial cells, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress in these phenomena. SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK also suppressed the MG-induced apoptosis in rat mesangial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a potential role for MG in glomerular injury through p38 MAPK activation under diabetic conditions and may serve as a novel insight into the therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy.