Suzuki Tatsuya

PURPOSE: Arctigenin has been shown to have anti-tumor effects in various types of cancers. This study was conducted to verify these effects in the human-derived hepatoblastoma cell line, HUH-6 clone 5 (hereinafter, HUH-6). METHODS: Arctigenin was added to cultured HUH-6 cells, and cellular activity was evaluated by MTS assay. To determine the relationship between reduced cellular activity and apoptosis, we measured the activities of caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 and conducted flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining. RESULTS: The MTS assay revealed that cellular activity decreased after arctigenin treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 4 µM). To investigate apoptosis induction, activity assays of caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 were performed. While caspase 3/7 and 8 exhibited high activity, caspase 9 showed no activity. Thus, apoptosis induction may have involved the action of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). Flow cytometry conducted with Annexin V/PI staining revealed the occurrence of early apoptosis. CONCLUSION: We found that arctigenin has anti-tumor effects in HUH-6 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Arctigenin may have exerted its anti-tumor effect by inducing apoptosis via TNFR1, which recruits Complex IIa to activate caspase 8 and 3/7. These results may be useful for developing therapeutic agents for hepatoblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric malignant solid tumor characterized as refractory cancer with poor prognosis. Mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI) is a prognostic factor but is prone to observer bias. The usefulness of MKI with Ki-67, as a marker of malignancy, was investigated. The efficacy of molecular-targeted therapeutic agents with fewer side effects in tumors has been studied. Molecular-targeted therapy targets include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), involved in tumor angiogenesis; c-Kit, receptor of Kit/stem cells involved in tumor growth, vasculature, and lymphangiogenesis; platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR); and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), involved in the RAS protein-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, expression profiles of these factors and growth inhibitory effects of molecular-targeted drugs against NB were investigated. METHODS: Ten frozen NB tissue samples collected during January 1993-December 2017 were evaluated immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and VEGF. c-Kit, PDGFR, and BRAF expression levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; relationships between these factors and clinicopathological parameters of NB were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients with NB showed no amplification of MYCN (MYCN proto- oncogene, bHLH transcription factor). There were two cases of ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB). More NB cells were positive for Ki-67 than for GNB cells. VEGF expression was observed in all NB specimens and was stronger in stage IIB and higher. No BRAF or c-Kit activity was observed; PDGFR activity was greater in NB than in GNB (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, Ki-67 may help evaluate NB malignancy. As the first therapy for NB prevents amplification of MYCN, agents targeting PDGFR as well as VGFG can inhibit NB cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVES: In pediatric patients, renal dysfunction after living-donor liver transplant is a major issue that is difficult to evaluate. Recently, predictive equations for Japanese children have been introduced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study by prospectively collecting data on 26 patients under 16 years old who underwent living-donor liver transplant between June 2004 and March 2015. Serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured. Paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the following formulas for estimated glomerular filtration rate: the Schwartz formula and 3 formulas that were matched with Japanese children (polynomial, simple, and cystatin C formulas). RESULTS: Average estimated glomerular filtrations rates (in mL/min/1.73 m2) were 143.46, 122.90, 121.58, and 123.31 using the Schwartz, polynomial, simple, and cystatin C formulas, respectively. The estimated glomerular filtrations rate for biliary atresia was 141.53 ± 31.37 versus 109.95 ± 19.52 for other diseases, with significant differences only noted with the cystatin C formula. The formulas tailored for Japanese children showed significantly lower estimated glomerular filtrations rates than those obtained using the Schwartz formula (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of formulas for measuring estimated glomerular filtrations rates that are based on race may allow early detection of deteriorating renal function.

新生児マス・スクリーニングにおいてガラクトース(Gal)、ガラクトース-1-リン酸(Gal-1-P)高値により検出される症例には、先天性ガラクトース代謝酵素欠損症以外の疾患も認められるが、その対応については一定の見解は得られていない。今回我々は、Gal、Gal-1-P高値により発見された症例の臨床経過を比較することにより、Galスクリーニングの意義を検討した。対象は2004年1月〜2013年12月の10年間に高ガラクトース血症の精査を目的に当科を受診し、その後の経過を追えた63例について検討した。この結果、エピメラーゼ欠損症(III型)17例、自然軽快例40例、外科的処置を要した門脈体循環シャント6例であった。初診時のGal、Gal-1-P、総胆汁酸値の比較では、III型でGal-1-Pが高値、外科的処置例では総胆汁酸が高い傾向があり、外科的介入の要否は初診時の血液検査結果からは予測困難であった。自然閉鎖しない門脈体循環シャントは外科的介入が必要で、早期発見することで予後の改善が期待できる。新生児マス・スクリーニングではガラクトース代謝酵素欠損症以外も積極的に発見していくことが有用であると思われた。(著者抄録)