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.