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Publications (3)4.72 Total impact

  • Article: Vitamin D binding protein-macrophage activating factor inhibits HCC in SCID mice.
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    ABSTRACT: A high incidence of recurrence after treatment is the most serious problem in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, a new strategy for the treatment of the disease is needed. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether vitamin D binding protein-macrophage activating factor (DBP-maf) is able to inhibit the growth of HCC. The effects of DBP-maf on endothelial cells and macrophage were evaluated by WST-1 assay and phagocytosis assay, respectively. Human HCC cells (HepG2) were implanted into the dorsum of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. These mice were divided into control and DBP-maf treatment groups (n = 10/group). The mice in the treatment group received 40 ng/kg/d of DBP-maf for 21 d. DBP-maf showed anti-proliferative activity against endothelial cells and also activated phagocytosis by macrophages. DBP-maf inhibited the growth of HCC cells (treatment group: 126 ± 18mm(3), untreated group: 1691.5 ± 546.9mm(3), P = 0.0077). Histologic examinations of the tumors revealed the microvessel density was reduced and more macrophage infiltration was demonstrated in the tumor of mice in the treatment group. DBP-maf has at least two novel functions, namely, an anti-angiogenic activity and tumor killing activity through the activation of macrophages. DBP-maf may therefore represent a new strategy for the treatment of HCC.
    Journal of Surgical Research 01/2012; 172(1):116-22. · 2.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: mPGES-1 expression in non-cancerous liver tissue impacts on postoperative recurrence of HCC.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate whether microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in non-cancerous liver affects HCC prognosis after hepatectomy. The relationship between patient clinical profiles, tumor factors, surgical determinants, and mPGES-1 expression and the recurrence-free survival rate were examined in 64 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy between March 2003 and December 2006. The scores for mPGES-1 expression were higher in well differentiated and moderately differentiated HCC tissues than in poorly differentiated HCC tissues (well differentiated, 5.1 ± 2.7; moderately differentiated, 5.1 ± 1.7; poorly differentiated, 3.0 ± 1.8). In non-cancerous liver tissues, the mPGES-1 levels were higher in injured liver tissues than in normal tissues. Cirrhotic livers had higher mPGES-1 levels than livers with chronic hepatitis (normal livers, 3.3 ± 0.7; chronic hepatitic livers, 5.4 ± 1.9; cirrhotic livers, 6.4 ± 1.6). A univariate analysis revealed that the recurrence-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with vascular invasion, a higher mPGES-1 level in non-cancerous liver tissue, a larger tumor diameter (≥ 5 cm), and a lower serum albumin level (≤ 3.7 g/dL). The mPGES-1 expression in HCC tissues did not correlate well with postoperative recurrence. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of vascular invasion and higher mPGES-1 levels were statistically significant independent predictors for early postoperative recurrence of HCC. Increased mPGES-1 expression in non-cancerous liver tissues is closely associated with the early recurrence of HCC after curative resection.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 10/2010; 16(38):4846-53. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: [A case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma].
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    ABSTRACT: A 47-year-old otherwise healthy woman, presented elevation of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels at a general health checkup. Both HCV antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen were negative. A screening abdominal CT revealed no abnormal change. An abdominal MRI and repeated CT, however, revealed a 20-mm tumor adjacent to the inferior vena cava and adjacent to or involving the liver. A surgical resection of the tumor was performed. The tumor was adjacent to, but distinct from, the liver. The Capsule of the tumor was connected to the liver but it was distinct from hepatic, renal, and adrenal tissue. A histological examination yielded a diagnosis of moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, with positive staining of hepatocyte-specific antigen and AFP.
    Nippon Shokakibyo Gakkai zasshi The Japanese journal of gastro-enterology 12/2009; 106(12):1770-7.