Chu-Yeop Huh

Expression and mutational analysis of TGF-β/Smads signaling in human cervical cancers

OBJECTIVE To define the molecular basis of TGF-beta1 function in cervical carcinogenesis, we explored the expression and mutational status of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1 receptors, and Smads, the regulators of the TGF-beta1 signaling pathway, in human cervical cancers. METHODS Expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1 receptors, and Smads transcripts were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequence alteration was analyzed using RT-PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Genomic levels of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1 receptors and Smads was also measured by quantitative genomic PCR. RESULTS Abnormal overexpression of TGF-beta1 and abnormal reduction of type II TGF-beta1 receptor were identified in 36% (18 of 50) and 20% (10 of 50) of cervical cancer tissues, respectively. 22% (11 of 50) in Smad2 and 14% (7 of 50) in Smad4 revealed tumor specific mRNA reduction less than a half of normal means. In addition, no evidence for sequence alterations of the gene was found by RT-PCR-SSCP analysis. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that disruption of TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway exist in human cervical cancer, suggesting that abnormal expressions of the member of TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway might contribute to the malignant progression of human cervical tumors via suppressing the tumor suppression function of TGF-beta1 1s tumor suppression function.

Correlation between FDG uptake by PET/CT and the expressions of glucose transporter type 1 and hexokinase II in cervical cancer.

Background The aim of this study was to explore the association between 2-deoxy-2-F18-fluoro-D-glucose uptake and the expressions of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) and hexokinase II (HK-II) in the lymph nodes of patients with cervical cancer. Methods This prospective study included 20 women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB to stage IIA cervical cancer who underwent positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) (PET/CT) before surgical treatment. In 333 dissected lymph nodes (LNs) obtained, we examined the size, tumor involvement, and expressions of GLUT-1 and HK-II. These characteristics were compared with PET/CT and pathological findings. Results Pathological analysis found that 21% (70) of the 333 surgically dissected LNs were metastatic. Positron emission tomography/CT detected metastasis with 22.8% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity. The levels of GLUT-1 and HK-II expression in false-positive LNs were higher than those in pathologically confirmed negative nodes (P = 0.015 and P = 0.001, respectively). In metastatic LNs, PET/CT-positive nodes were significantly different from PET/CT-negative nodes in mean size (P = 0.043), tumor involvement (P = 0.008), and proportion of GLUT-1–positive tumor cells (P = 0.042). Conclusions Our results indicate that overexpression of GLUT-1 and HK-II may be related to 2-deoxy-2-F18-fluoro-D-glucose uptake in false-positive tissues on PET/CT. In metastatic lymph nodes, the ability of PET/CT to detect cancer may depend on tumor involvement, lymph node size, and GLUT-1 expression.

Pulmonary toxicity after a quick course of combinatorial vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer.

Pulmonary toxicity is one of the most serious adverse effects associated with a quick course of vincristine, bleomycin, and cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC-VBP). The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary toxicity related to a quick course NAC-VBP. A total of consecutive 61 patients, who underwent at most 3 cycles of NAC-VBP every 10 days in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB-IIB cervical cancer from 1995 to 2007, were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 61 study subjects, 7 (11.5%) were identified to have pulmonary toxicity and 2 (3.3%) died of pulmonary fibrosis progression despite aggressive treatment and the use of a multidisciplinary approach. No factor predisposing pulmonary toxicity was identified. Initial symptoms were non-specific, but bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and interstitial pneumonitis were characteristic findings by high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. The benefit of steroid therapy was uncertain and was associated with steroid-induced diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy in two patients. Fatal pulmonary toxicity is a major concern of a quick course NAC-VBP. In conclusion, these patients require special monitoring for bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Ganglioneuroma of the uterine cervix—a case report

Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor usually found in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, or adrenal glands. We present a case of ganglioneuroma arising in the uterine cervix. A 65-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 3, abortus 0) showed vaginal spotting. The clinician observed a mild erosive lesion of her cervix and performed a biopsy and then conization. Histopathology revealed ganglioneuroma arising in the cervix. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a ganglioneuroma in the uterine cervix. Although ganglioneuroma is normally benign, a few malignant changes have been reported. Regular follow-up is necessary.

P10.05: Increased nuchal translucency as a sole clue of prenatal diagnosis in a fetus with trisomy 13

Methods: Since October 2002, 150 patients have been included in this study. Ultrasound examination of fetal profile was carried out between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. All data was obtained with a Voluson 730 GE and Toshiba SSH 140 A. All patients referred to our department have accepted fetal karyotyping. Results: A total of 150 fetuses were included in this study. Of these 07 had chromosomal anomaly. Additionally 04 of these fetuses were detected using the nuchal translucency. The sensitivity was 55.1%, specificity was 81.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 12.9% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.5%. The association was statistically significant (P = 0.03-Fisher). Conclusions: Our results suggest that majority of chromosomal anomalies can be detected by the assessment of the nuchal translucency.