Shitau Hirata

The Krüppel-type zinc finger family gene, HKR1, is induced in lung cancer by exposure to platinum drugs

To investigate the molecular mechanism associated with the signaling pathway of platinum drug administration, we focused on the C2H2-type zinc finger (ZNF) transcription factor gene family. Here we show cloning of a Krüppel-type ZNF gene, HKR1, which contains Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain and ZNF motifs. We found that mRNA expression of the HKR1 gene was induced in lung-cancer cell lines by exposure to cisplatin using Northern blot analysis. Moreover, we also found that HKR1 mRNA expression levels in lung cancers were higher than those in normal lung tissues, and that high expression levels in lung cancers were associated with antemortem platinum drug administration. These results suggest that HKR1 may be associated with the regulation of a signaling pathway involved in the progression of lung cancer or the acquisition of resistance to platinum drugs.

Gastric tumor induction by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in Wistar rats with intestinal metaplasia caused by X-irradiation

Five‐week‐old male Wistar rats were X‐irradiated with a total of 20 Gy in 2 equal fractions at a 3‐day interval. 1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) solution was injected i.m. into the back musculature at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight weekly for 10 weeks, beginning 20 weeks after the final irradiation. Twelve months after the initial carcinogen treatment, tumors in the fundus of the glandular stomach were observed in 5 of 23 animals receiving both X‐irradiation and DMH treatment. No tumors of the glandular stomach were observed in the DMH and X‐ray alone or nontreatment groups. It is concluded that the presence of intestinal metaplasia may increase sensitivity to the induction of gastric tumors by carcinogens like DMH.

Expression of the Krüppel-type zinc finger gene, ZK7, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and normal mucosa

ZK7 is thought to be involved in the inhibitory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on apoptotic cell death in human hematopoietic cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of ZK7 on human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The expression levels of messenger RNA for ZK7 in HNSCC clinical specimens exposed to platinum drugs and/or ionizing radiation were found to be higher than those in non-exposed specimens (P=0.0116). Cell lines examination showed that ZK7 over-expressing cells had low sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin and ionizing radiation. These results suggest that ZK7 may inhibit apoptotic cell death in HNSCC.

Clinical Efficacy of 200 mg Twice Daily Administration of Levofloxacin in the Treatment of Sinusitis

Fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin (LVFX), exert antibacterial effects in a dose-dependent manner and show a postantibiotic effect (PAE) that inhibits the growth of microorganisms after brief contact with the agent. In the present study, we prospectively evaluated whether the mode of administration influences the clinical efficacy of oral LVFX for infectious sinusitis. One hundred seven sinusitis patients were randomly divided into two groups (Group A (n=50): 200mg twice a day, Group B (n=57); 100mg three times a day). Both groups were treated with oral LVFX for 5-10 days then the clinical effectiveness and radiological improvement were evaluated. After treatment, 46.7% of patients in Group A and 65.1% of patients in Group B showed a clinical response, with the complete resolution rate being more pronounced in the latter group. Radiological improvement was observed in 42.0% of patients in Group A and 46.2% of patients in Group B. However, the difference was not significant. Treatment with oral LVFX proved efficacious for bacterial sinusitis, either acute or acute exacerbation. Our results also indicated that administering 200mg twice a day is an effective and applicable alternative to obtain better clinical and bacteriological efficacy based on the theoretical pharmacodynamics.

A Case of Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma of the Cheek

Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of smooth muscle origin that rarely occurs in external soft tissues of the head and neck region. We report a 61-year-old male with cutaneous leiomyosarcoma of the right cheek. The tumor, which had a rough surface, was 45×35mm in size, roundish in shape and well movable from the underlying tissues but not from the skin. The consistency was hard and elastic without tenderness. The tumor was completely excised with a margin of 25mm proximally. The defect of overlaying skin was reconstructed using a D-P flap. The tumor was composed of long spindle-shaped cells with blunting nuclei. Multinucleated giant cells and mitotic cells were also found. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that these cells were positive for anti α-smooth muscle actin antibody, but negative for S-100 protein, CD34, CD68 (Kp-1) and p53. A boxed-in appearance was observed by silver staining. This tumor was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma by these findings. No local recurrence or distant metastasis were noted one year after the excision.

Long-Term Outcome of Treatment of Carcinoma of the Hypopharynx

Thirty-one cases of carcinoma of the hypopharynx treated between 1970 and 1983 were investigated retrospectively. The carcinoma was in the piriform sinus in 17 cases, postcricoid in 10, and posterior pharyngeal wall in 4 cases. The stage II and III occupied 74.5% of all cases, and were particularly more frequent in postcricoid carcinoma. The rate of cervical lymph node metastasis in postcricoid carcinoma was high. The group treated by surgery had a higher five-year survival rate than the nonsurgery group, and the group treated with combined therapy of irradiation and surgery had a higher five-year survival rate than the group of surgery alone. The surgical treatment applied in the 17 cases was pharyngolaryngotomy in 3, pharyngolaryngoesophagotomy in 13, partial resection of pharynx in 1. The five-year survival rate for all the patients was 40.4%.

Long-term results of treatment for carcinoma of the maxillary sinus.

Seventy-three patients with previously untreated carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, treated during an 11-year period were investigated retrospectivelyThe overall three-year and five year survival rates were 51.5% and 42.7% respectively. The five-year survival rate for the group treated with combined therapy consisting of local chemotherapy, radiation and necrotomy was 12.9%, it was 54.8% in the group treated with combined therapy followed by surgery, such as partial or total resection of the maxilla.The most successful treatment was intraarterial infusion of adriamycin (bolus) and 5-FU (continuous), combined with radiotherapy and necrotomy, followed by surgery. The five-year survival rate in this group was 61.7%.

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity.

A surgical procedure for correcting postoperative cleft lip nasal deformity and its indications are described.The method employed is basically Isshikis technique, which features a nostril rim incision on the cleft side to make the nostrils symmetrical, and traction sutures passing through the non-cleft side nostril skin. This technique was useful for achieving a symmetrical nostril and adequate alar tip, producing satisfactory results. No recoils were observed. The key issues for secondary repair of cleft lip nasal deformity are recon struction of nasal function and structure.