The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Dec 2019
Review Case ReportsEsophageal Carcinosarcoma with Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Esophageal carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor composed of neoplastic squamous epithelium and sarcomatous spindle cells. The origin of spindle cells remains unknown; however, the majority of sarcomatous components are currently considered to be derived from existing carcinomatous cells via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We report a case of esophageal carcinosarcoma harboring basaloid squamous cell carcinoma successfully treated with preoperative chemotherapy. ⋯ In addition, the marked immunoreactivity of vimentin (an EMT marker) detected in the tumor cells of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma could be consistent with the concept of monoclonal origin via EMT. The regimen targeting squamous cell carcinoma could also be effective in the treatment of sarcomatous components. Preoperative therapy might achieve the improvement of clinical outcome of patients with esophageal carcinosarcoma.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Oct 2014
ReviewThe Glu504Lys polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 contributes to development of coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death, and its genetic mechanism has been always a major research concern. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated that the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphism, known as Glu504Lys (rs671), may contribute to CAD development. ALDH2 has been well known as a key enzyme in alcohol metabolism, and subjects with *504Lys allele exist in 30-50% of the East Asian population (6% of the world's population). ⋯ Furthermore, the ALDH2 Glu504Lys polymorphism has been shown to be associated with certain traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. In this review, we update the current research on the association of the Glu504Lys polymorphism with the susceptibility to CAD. We also highlight and discuss the underlying mechanisms, by which the ALDH2 Glu504Lys polymorphism may be targeted for the prevention and treatment of CAD.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Oct 2014
Review Case ReportsA Japanese patient with Löfgren's syndrome with an HLA-DR12 allele and review of literature on Japanese patients.
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, with several clinical manifestations. Löfgren's syndrome is an acute type of sarcoidosis, characterized by the triad of arthritis, erythema nodosum, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL), which spontaneously resolve within about 2 years. Löfgren's syndrome is common among young white women from Nordic countries and Ireland, but it is very rare in Japan. ⋯ The relevant data were unavailable in the remaining three patients. Importantly, only 5.4% of registered donors in the Japan Marrow Donor Program are positive for this allele. We suggest the potential link between HLA-DR12 and the pathogenesis of Löfgren's syndrome in Japanese patients.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · May 2011
ReviewClinical applications of sentinel lymph node biopsy in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a dilemma.
Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in the world, which often spreads first to the axillary lymph nodes (ALN) from the primary tumor. ALN helps clinician stage breast cancer. In addition, it is one of the key prognostic factors for patients with invasive breast cancer. ⋯ The potential benefit of accurately upstaging patients with DCIS and the minimal invasiveness of SLNB justify use of SLNB in selected high-risk DCIS patients. At least DSIS with microinvasion, have DCIS of sufficient extent on mammography or MRI, or indicated invasive or microinvasive focus by final histological examination, are recommended for SLNB. Moreover, large randomized trials to evaluate the usefulness of SLNB in DCIS patients after long-term follow-up on local control and survival are required for further evaluation.
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Tohoku J. Exp. Med. · Sep 2010
ReviewPrevalence, classification, and etiology of pain in Parkinson's disease: association between Parkinson's disease and fibromyalgia or chronic widespread pain.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by resting tremor, slow and decreased movement (hypokinesia and akinesia), rigidity, postural instability, problems with gait, and coordination. The prevalence of PD is between 0.1% and 0.3% in the general population and between 1% and 2% in persons 65 years of age or older. Patients with PD are more likely to suffer from pain. ⋯ When pain in PD is discussed, FM and CWP should be considered because their prevalence is high. Patients with PD may be likely to suffer from FM and CWP; however, the prevalence of FM and CWP in patients with PD has not been reported. Here, we discuss the relationship between PD and FM or CWP.