Masako Kaji

A mechanism for abnormal angiogenesis in human radiation proctitis: analysis of expression profile for angiogenic factors

BackgroundRadiation proctitis is an increasingly prevalent problem, with many patients being treated with radiotherapy for pelvic cancers. However, the mechanisms by which radiation proctitis develops in humans are not well understood. In this study, the expression profiles of angiogenic factors were analyzed to clarify their role in the etiology of radiation proctitis.MethodsRectal biopsies were taken from 8 patients with radiation proctitis and 8 normal subjects. Protein lysates of the tissues were applied to an antibody array for angiogenesis-related factors. The mRNA level of each factor was evaluated by Taqman real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the labeled streptavidin biotin method.ResultsAntibody array analysis revealed 2.12- to 7.31-fold higher expression levels of angiogenin, fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), endoglin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and maspin in radiation proctitis tissues compared with normal rectal mucosa. The mRNA level of each factor in radiation proctitis tissue was significantly higher than in normal rectal mucosa, suggesting their transcriptional activation. Immunohistochemical staining showed strong expression of angiogenin and maspin in rectal epithelia, MMP-8 and uPA in infiltrating lymphocytes, FGF1 in fibroblasts and endoglin in endothelial cells. The expression of VEGF was not evident.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in radiation proctitis, MMP-8 and uPA cooperatively degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane to provide space for angiogenesis. Simultaneously, angiogenin and FGF1 promote endothelial cell proliferation, and endoglin induces vessel formation, culminating in angiogenesis. Inhibitors of angiogenic factors such as angiogenin and FGF1 may be effective for treating radiation proctitis.

Idiopathic phlebosclerosis: An atypical presentation of ischemic colitis treated by laparoscopic colectomy

From the Departments of Surgery and Digestive and Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima; and the Departments of Human Pathology and Intestinal Medicine, Tokushima Municipal Hospital, Tokushima, Japan This section features outstanding photographs of clinical materials selected for their educational value or message, or possibly their rarity. The images are accompanied by brief case reports (limit 2 typed pages, 4 references). Our readers are invited to sumit items for consideration.

Principle and clinical usefulness of the infrared fluorescence endoscopy

We have developed infrared fluorescence endoscope (IRFE) and ICG-derivative as infrared fluorescence labeling materials. Specific antibodies tagged with ICG-derivative with the reinforcement agent can label cancer cells and can generate a strong enough fluorescent signal to detect small cancers when examined with an IRFE.

S1323 Usefulness of Electrocolonography for Evaluation of Colonic Motility

Purpose: Mobility disorders of the alimentary tract including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now increasing worldwide. Measurement of intracolonic pressure has been conventionally employed for assessment of colonic motility. However, it is very laborious and burdensome for a routine examination. Therefore, in this study, we performed electrocolonography (ECoG), an easy and simple methodology, and investigated its usefulness for evaluation of colonic motility in comparison with the conventional methodology. Method: Twenty-five well-informed healthy volunteers were enrolled. ECoG was performed using a portable electrogastrograph (NIPRO EGG, A&D, Tokyo, Japan). After detecting a sigmoid colon using external ultrasonography, 4 electrodes of ECoG were attached to the abdomen. The ECoG was recorded by a bipolar lead between the central electrode and 3 surface probe electrodes (Ch1-3) at 1-second interval with frequencies of 1.5-6.0 cpm. Mosapride (10mg) or butylscopolamine (10mg) was orally administered during the examinations. For the analysis of ECoG data, the dominant frequencies and peak powers in 3 channels were calculated using a Fast Fourier Transform. In the 3 subjects, intracolonic pressure was measured using mobility visualization system (ManoScan 360, Sierra Scientific Instruments, CA) concurrently with ECoG. A catheter with 36 pressure sensors was introduced through the anus to the sigmoid colon, and the change of the pressure at each point was recorded. Results: Colonic peristalsis at about 2 cpm (1.95 0.41 cpm) was observed by mobility measuring system. The pressure was significantly increased by administration of mosapride, and was decreased by butylscopolamine, consistent with the previous reports. While, a dominant frequency at 2 cpm, which represented action potential of colonic peristalsis, was observed in all channels of ECoG. The peak power of the dominant frequency was significantly increased by mosapride (pre 15.0 ± 7.38uV, after 52.0 ± 50.3uV) and was significantly decreased by butylscopolamine (pre 15.2 ± 6.27uV, after 0.35 ± 0.24uV), corresponding to the change of intracolonic pressure. The dominant frequency did not change after administration of mosapride or butylscopolamine in ECoG. Conclusion:We could detect action potential of colonic peristalsis by ECoG, an easy and simple methodology, and showed the usefulness of ECoG for assessing colonic motility.

A novel diagnostic endoscopy for gastrointestinal lesions using infrared fluorescence and indocyanine-green

An infrared fluorescence endoscope (IRFE) was used to evaluate several kinds of gastrointestinal lesions under indocyanine-green (ICG) administration. It may be useful as a novel diagnostic procedure for vascular lesions occurring in the gastrointestinal tract.