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In a variety of cancer cell types, the pharmacological and genetic blockade of autophagy increases apoptosis induced by various anticancer drugs. These observations suggest that autophagy counteracts drug‑induced apoptosis. We previously reported that in human melanoma and osteosarcoma cells, autophagy inhibitors, such as 3‑methyladenine and chloroquine increased the sensitivity to apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor‑related apoptosis‑inducing ligand (TRAIL). In the present study, we report that different autophagy inhibitors regulate the mitochondrial network and calcium (Ca2+) dynamics in these cells. We found that compared to tumor cells, normal fibroblasts were more resistant to the cytotoxicity of TRAIL and autophagy inhibitors used either alone or in combination. Notably, TRAIL increased the autophagic flux in the tumor cells, but not in the fibroblasts. Live‑cell imaging revealed that in tumor cells, TRAIL evoked modest mitochondrial fragmentation, while subtoxic concentrations of the autophagy inhibitors led to mitochondrial fusion. Co‑treatment with TRAIL and subtoxic concentrations of the autophagy inhibitors resulted in severe mitochondrial fragmentation, swelling and clustering, similar to what was observed with autophagy inhibitors at toxic concentrations. The enhanced aberration of the mitochondrial network was preceded by a reduction in mitochondrial Ca2+ loading and store‑operated Ca2+ entry. On the whole, the findings of this study indicate that co‑treatment with TRAIL and autophagy inhibitors leads to increased mitochondrial Ca2+ and network dysfunction in a tumor‑selective manner. Therefore, the co‑administration of TRAIL and autophagy inhibitors may prove to be a promising tumor‑targeting approach for the treatment of TRAIL‑resistant cancer cells.

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP)-activated liquids have emerged as new promising anticancer agents because they preferentially injure malignant cells. Here, we report plasma-activated infusion (PAI) as a novel NTAP-based anti-neoplastic agent. PAI was prepared by irradiating helium NTAP to form a clinically approved infusion fluid. PAI dose-dependently killed malignant melanoma and osteosarcoma cell lines showed much lower cytotoxic effects on dermal and lung fibroblasts. We found that PAI and salinomycin (Sal), an emerging anti-cancer stem cell agent, mutually operated as adjuvants. Combined administration of PAI and Sal was much more effective than single agent application in reducing the growth and lung metastasis of osteosarcoma allografts with minimal adverse effects. Mechanistically, PAI explicitly induced necroptosis and increased the phosphorylation of receptor-interacting protein 1/3 in a rapid and transient manner. PAI also suppressed the ambient autophagic flux by activating the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. PAI increased the phosphorylation of Raptor, Rictor, and p70-S6 kinase, along with decreased LC3-I/II expression. In contrast, Sal promoted autophagy. Moreover, Sal exacerbated the mitochondrial network collapse caused by PAI, resulting in aberrant clustering of fragmented mitochondrial in a tumor-specific manner. Our findings suggest that combined administration of PAI and Sal is a promising approach for treating these apoptosis-resistant cancers.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and its metabolite salicylate, have an anti-melanoma effect by evoking mitochondrial dysfunction through poorly understood mechanisms. Depolarization of the plasma membrane potential leads to voltage-gated Ca2+ entry (VGCE) and caspase-3 activation. In the present study, we investigated the role of depolarization and VGCE in aspirin&rsquo, s anti-melanoma effect. Aspirin and to a lesser extent, salicylate (&ge, 2.5 mM) induced a rapid (within seconds) depolarization, while they caused comparable levels of depolarization with a lag of 2~4 h. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation also occurred in the two-time points, and antioxidants abolished the early ROS generation and depolarization. At the same concentrations, the two drugs induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death in a caspase-independent manner, and antioxidants and Ca2+ channel blockers prevented cell death. Besides ROS generation, reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ (Ca2+m) and mitochondrial membrane potential preceded cell death. Moreover, the cells expressed the Cav1.2 isoform of l-type Ca2+ channel, and knockdown of Cav1.2 abolished the decrease in Ca2+m. Our findings suggest that aspirin and salicylate induce Ca2+m remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death via ROS-dependent depolarization and VGCE activation.

Background: Congenital ichthyoses (CIs) adversely affect quality of life (QOL) in patients. However, the effects of CIs on patient QOL have not been studied sufficiently. Objective: To investigate the association between disease severity and QOL in patients with harlequin ichthyosis (HI) and ichthyosis: syndromic forms (ISFs) Methods: Clinical information of patients with HI and ISFs from 2010 to 2015 were obtained from 100 dermatology departments/divisions of principal institutes/hospitals throughout Japan. We examined the relationship between disease severity and QOL in patients with HI and ISFs. Patients who were aged 8 years or older and participated in a multicenter retrospective questionnaire survey in Japan were assessed by dermatology life quality index (DLQI, range of 0–30) and clinical ichthyosis score (range of 0–100). Results: Netherton syndrome patients had a significantly higher risk of allergy to food or environmental allergens than patients with other phenotypes. Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome patients showed a significantly higher risk of skin infections than patients with other phenotypes. Complete data on DLQI were obtained from 13 patients, whose median age was 21 (8–71) years. Nine patients were male, and 4 were female. Systemic retinoids were administrated to 2 of the 3 HI patients. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the clinical ichthyosis score and DLQI was 0.611 (P, ファイル公開：2019-11-01

Linear immunoglobulin (Ig)A/G bullous dermatosis (LAGBD) is an autoimmune bullous disease characterized by formation of subepidermal blisters and linear deposition of IgA and IgG antibodies along the basement membrane zone (BMZ). The association between linear IgA bullous dermatosis and ulcerative colitis (UC) is well recognized, but reports of UC-associated LAGBD are lacking. We have reported a 24-year-old man suffering from LAGBD associated with UC, which occurred before exacerbations of skin rash. A skin biopsy indicated a subepidermal blister with an infiltration of primarily neutrophils and eosinophils in the dermis. Direct immunofluorescence (IF) studies showed a linear deposition of IgA, IgG and C3c. Indirect IF of human skin revealed IgA and IgG anti-BMZ autoantibodies. Indirect IF of 1 M NaCl-split human skin demonstrated reactivity of IgA and IgG antibodies at the epidermal side. Immunoblotting showed that IgG antibodies reacted to the BP180 NC16a domain and 120-kDa linear IgA dermatosis-1, and enzyme-linked immunoassay detected IgG anti-BP230 antibodies. Administration of prednisolone and diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) via the p.o. route improved skin lesions and bowel conditions. These results suggest that the bowel inflammation observed in UC may have a causative effect of initiation of the immune response to the skin and development of the bullous skin lesions in LAGBD. A combination of DDS and corticosteroid could be a recommended therapeutic option for patients with LAGBD with UC.

Allium vegetables such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) are rich in organosulfur compounds that prevent human chronic diseases, including cancer. Of these, diallyl trisulfide (DATS) exhibits anticancer effects against a variety of tumors, including malignant melanoma. Although previous studies have shown that DATS increases intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in different cancer cell types, the role of Ca2+ in the anticancer effect is obscure. In the present study, we investigated the Ca2+ pathways involved in the anti-melanoma effect. We used melittin, the bee venom that can activate a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and apoptosis, as a reference. DATS increased apoptosis in human melanoma cell lines in a Ca2+-dependent manner. It also induced mitochondrial Ca2+ (Ca2+mit) overload through intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ fluxes independently of SOCE. Strikingly, acidification augmented Ca2+mit overload, and Ca2+ channel blockers reduced the effect more significantly under acidic pH conditions. On the contrary, acidification mitigated SOCE and Ca2+mit overload caused by melittin. Finally, Ca2+ channel blockers entirely inhibited the anti-melanoma effect of DATS. Our findings suggest that DATS explicitly evokes Ca2+mit overload via a non-SOCE, thereby displaying the anti-melanoma effect.

Allium vegetables such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) are rich in organosulfur compounds that prevent human chronic diseases, including cancer. Of these, diallyl trisulfide (DATS) exhibits anticancer effects against a variety of tumors, including malignant melanoma. Although previous studies have shown that DATS increases intracellular calcium (Ca2+) in different cancer cell types, the role of Ca2+ in the anticancer effect is obscure. In the present study, we investigated the Ca2+ pathways involved in the anti-melanoma effect. We used melittin, the bee venom that can activate a store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and apoptosis, as a reference. DATS increased apoptosis in human melanoma cell lines in a Ca2+-dependent manner. It also induced mitochondrial Ca2+ (Ca2+mit) overload through intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ fluxes independently of SOCE. Strikingly, acidification augmented Ca2+mit overload, and Ca2+ channel blockers reduced the effect more significantly under acidic pH conditions. On the contrary, acidification mitigated SOCE and Ca2+mit overload caused by melittin. Finally, Ca2+ channel blockers entirely inhibited the anti-melanoma effect of DATS. Our findings suggest that DATS explicitly evokes Ca2+mit overload via a non-SOCE, thereby displaying the anti-melanoma effect.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and cold plasma-stimulated medium (PSM) have been shown to exhibit tumor-selective cytotoxicity and have emerged as promising new tools for cancer treatment. However, to date, at least to the best of our knowledge, no data are available as to which substance is more potent in killing cancer cells. Thus, in this study, we systematically compared their abilities to kill human malignant cells from different origins. We found that PSM dose-dependently killed TRAIL-resistant melanoma, osteosarcoma and neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, PSM had little cytotoxicity toward osteoblasts. PSM was more potent than TRAIL in inducing caspase-3/7 activation, mitochondrial network aberration and caspase-independent cell death. We also found that PSM was more potent in inducing plasma membrane depolarization (PMD) and disrupting endoplasmic-mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis. Moreover, persistent PMD was caused by different membrane-depolarizing agents; the use of the anti-type II diabetes drug, glibenclamide, alone caused mitochondrial fragmentation and enhanced TRAIL-induced Ca2+ modulation, mitochondrial network abnormalities and caspase-independent cell killing. These results demonstrate that PSM has a therapeutic advantage over TRAIL owing to its greater capacity to evoke caspase-independent cell death via mitochondrial network aberration by disrupting membrane potential and Ca2+ homeostasis. These findings may provide a strong rationale for developing PSM as a novel approach for the treatment of TRAIL-resistant malignant cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising candidate for cancer treatment, but some cancer cell types are resistant to TRAIL cytotoxicity. Therefore, overcoming this resistance is necessary for effective TRAIL therapy. Mitochondrial morphology is important for the maintenance of cell function and survival, and is regulated by the delicate balance between fission and fusion. However, the role of mitochondrial morphology dynamics in TRAIL-induced apoptosis is unknown. Here we show that mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (mdivi-1), an inhibitor of dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1), modulates mitochondrial morphology and TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human cancer cells. mdivi-1 treatment (≥12.5 µM) caused dose- and time‑dependent cell death in malignant melanoma, lung cancer and osteosarcoma cells, while sparing normal cells. mdivi-1 also sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. This potentiation of apoptosis occurred through a caspase-depependent mechanism including the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. Mdivi-1 potentiated mitochondrial oxidative stress, a major cause of mitochondrial and ER stresses, as evidenced by increases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial mass, and cardiolipin oxidation. Live cell fluorescence imaging using MitoTracker Red CMXRos revealed that Mdivi-1 caused substantial mitochondrial hyperfusion. Moreover, silencing of Drp1 expression also caused mitochondrial hyperfusion and sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that cancer cells are more vulnerable than normal cells to a perturbation in mitochondrial morphology dynamics and that this higher susceptibility can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells and sensitize to TRAIL.

We herein report the case of a patient with adult-onset Satoyoshi syndrome. Alopecia was detected on the patient's head, left leg and abdomen, with pigmentation on the left thigh and abdomen. Painful muscle spasms were also noted in the abdomen and left upper and lower extremities, and a sensory disturbance was present in the left thigh. A skin biopsy of this field showed lymphocyte infiltration, and the patient was found to be positive for antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor. These clinical findings were atypical, as they were lateralized. This case is the first report of Satoyoshi syndrome associated with a sensory disturbance. The patient's histological findings and positivity for autoantibodies indicated the presence of immunological abnormalities in this case of Satoyoshi syndrome.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is promising for cancer treatment owing to its selective cytotoxicity against malignant cells. However, some cancer cell types, including malignant melanoma cells, are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Therefore, drugs that can amplify TRAIL cytotoxicity are urgently required. Depolarization of the plasma membrane potential is associated with apoptosis induced by a variety of death-inducing agents but its role in apoptosis remains a matter of debate. We found that TRAIL treatment resulted in robust depolarization in human melanoma cells with a considerable lag (2-4 h). Moreover, membrane-depolarizing agents, including K+ and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel inhibitors glibenclamide and U37883A enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis. On the contrary, inhibitors of calcium- and voltage-dependent K+ channels and mitochondrial KATP channels had no such effects. Melanocytes were insensitive to TRAIL-induced depolarization and apoptosis as well as to the sensitization by membrane-depolarizing agents despite their substantial surface expression of death receptors. TRAIL induced robust activation of X-box-binding protein-1 and caspase-12, both of which were enhanced by the K+ and KATP channel inhibitors, but not by other K+ channel inhibitors. Finally, caspase-12-selective inhibitor completely abolished the amplification of apoptosis. These findings suggest that depolarization promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated death pathway, thereby amplifying TRAIL cytotoxicity. Thus, membrane-depolarizing agents such as KATP channel inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of TRAIL-resistant cancer cells without impairing tumor-selectivity.

Erythrasma is a superficial skin disease caused by Gram-positive Corynebacterium species. Coral-red fluorescence under Wood's light, strongly suggestive of erythrasma, can be attributed to the presence of porphyrins. Fractionated porphyrin analysis in erythrasma lesions is yet to be reported. We attempted to investigate erythrasma lesions by isolating the responsible bacteria and determining their exogenous porphyrin production by HPLC analysis. We observed a 78-year-old woman with erythrasma who had a well-demarcated slightly scaling patch on her left foot, between the fourth and fifth toes. Two kinds of colonies on 5 % sheep blood agar were obtained from this lesion. Analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence revealed the colonies to be Corynebacterium aurimucosum and Microbacterium oxydans. HPLC analysis demonstrated that coproporphyrin III (Copro III) levels were clearly elevated, although the amounts of protoporphyrin were diminished. These results indicate that the fluorescent substance was Copro III. This study supports the view that excess Copro III synthesis by C. aurimucosum and M. oxydans leads to accumulation of porphyrin in cutaneous tissue, which emits a coral-red fluorescence when exposed to Wood's light.

Here, we describe a patient with disseminated systemic nocardiosis. He had a history of systemic lupus erythematosus and had received oral prednisolone for 7 months. Nocardia farcinica was isolated from the pus. There were neither clinical nor radiologic features of pulmonary nocardiosis. The patient was treated with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, intravenous imipenem and surgical drainage with a good clinical response, and there has been no recurrence of the infection.

Heavy metals, including gold, induce severe contact hypersensitivity and autoimmune disorders, which develop through an initial Th2-independent process followed by a Th2-dependent process. It has been shown that mast cell activation plays a role in the Th2-independent process and that gold stimulates histamine release in vitro. However, the mechanisms of the gold-induced mast cell activation remain largely unclear. Here we report that gold directly activates mast cells in a Ca2+-dependent manner. HAuCl4 [Au(III)] at nontoxic concentrations (≤50 μM) induced substantial degranulation and leukotriene C4 secretion in an extracellular Ca2+-dependent manner. Au(III) induced a robust Ca2+ influx but not Ca2+ mobilization from internal stores. Au(III) also stimulated intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, including H2O2, and blockade of the production abolished the mediator release and Ca2+ influx. Au(III) induced Ca2+ influx through multiple store-independent Ca2+ channels, including Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB)-sensitive Ca2+ channels. The 2-APB-sensitive channel seemed to mediate Au(III)-induced degranulation. Our results indicate that gold stimulates Ca2+ influx and mediator release in mast cells through multiple H2O2-sensitive Ca2+ channels including LTCCs and 2-APB-sensitive Ca2+ channels. These findings provide insight into the roles of these Ca2+ channels in the Th2-independent process of gold-induced immunological disorders.

We reported a 52-year-old woman with an apocrine gland carcinoma of the mammary skin concomitant with pagetoid phenomenon. She had a 23-year history of a small nodular lesion on the lower left part of her right breast with a 1-year history of the pigmented plaque spreading peripherally around the nodule. Our diagnosis revealed that the nodule was an apocrine gland carcinoma and the intraepidermal neoplastic cells with pagetoid spread in the pigmented plaque were derived from the apocrine gland carcinoma. No Paget's cells were detected in the right nipple, and no tumor cells were observed in the sentinel lymph node and underlying mammary gland tissue. We also investigated the immunohistochemical changes in this case. They showed that both intraepidermal neoplastic cells with pagetoid spread and tumor cells of the apocrine gland carcinoma were positive with cytokeratin-7 and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)/neu overexpression. The results of the present study conclude that the intraepithelial spread of tumor cells in the mammary skin distant from the nipple occurred as a pagetoid phenomenon, and that HER-2 may have a key role in pagetoid phenomenon of an underlying apocrine gland carcinoma, as well as in mammary Paget's disease.

Aspirin is a well-known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may potentiate some acute allergies and causes adverse immunological reactions collectively referred to as aspirin intolerance. Aspirin intolerance is accompanied by increased leukotriene (LT) synthesis, and high levels of serum IgE are a risk factor for NSAID sensitivity. Here we demonstrate that aspirin modulates LTC 4 secretion in mast cells. Therapeutic levels of aspirin and salicylates (≤ 0.3 mM, i.e., the concentrations observed in vivo in the use of antipyretic analgesic) increased IgE-mediated LTC 4 secretion. Aspirin-induced stimulation was accompanied by increased Ser-505 phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 , which occurred independently of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Aspirin also increased IgE-mediated Ca 2+ influx, whereas aspirin at concentrations of ≥ 0.3 mM dose-dependently reduced Ca 2+ store emptying and Ca 2+ release-activated Ca 2+ channel activation. Instead, aspirin facilitated a dihydropyridine receptor-mediated Ca 2+ influx, resulting in increased LTC 4 secretion. This novel action of aspirin may play roles in exacerbation of immediate allergy and aspirin intolerance.

Background Dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) with respect to antigens presented to T cells. We performed immunohistochemical analysis to elucidate the process of activation of DC in OLP. Methods Thirty biopsy specimens were obtained from the patients with OLP. The expressions of CD1a, Langerin, S-100, fascin, chemokine receptor-7 (CCR-7), D2-40, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in DC from OLP and disease free control were investigated using specific antibodies. The distribution and number (1 mm(2)) of DC were assessed in the intra-epithelium and the submucosa specimens. Correlation between the number of DC and epithelium thickness was also determined. Result Immature DC (Langerin(+), CD1a(+), and S-100(+)) were identified in the epithelia from OLP patients and control, though the numbers of Langerin(+) and CD1a(+) positive cells were decreased in the OLP samples as compared to the control. Mature DC (fascin(+)) were identified in the submucosa specimens, not found in the epithelium from OLP or control. Double immunostaining revealed DC positive for fascin and CCR-7 in the submucosa, which had migrated into D2-40(+) lymph vessels. Furthermore, keratinocytes expressed both Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) converting enzymes, COX-2, and mPGES-1, indicating PGE(2) synthesis in the epithelial layer of the OLP specimens. Conclusion Our results indicate that DC change from immature to mature in the epithelium and are then drawn out to the submucosa. We demonstrate that mature DC localized in the submucosa, it consequently migrates into lymph vessels. This maturation process of DC is an important immunopathological feature of OLP.

Background Recent reports have shown a correlation between extensive Mongolian spots and mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome). However, a statistical survey of the incidence and natural history of extensive Mongolian spots among the patients with Hunter syndrome is lacking. Objectives To determine the prevalence of extensive Mongolian spots, to determine the natural course of the spots according to age in Japanese patients with Hunter syndrome, and to compare them with the results obtained from the patients’ brothers who did not have Hunter syndrome. Patients/Methods Fifty-two males with Hunter syndrome aged 3 to 40 years were studied. Twenty-five patients were examined in two clinics to determine the existence and characteristics of the spots. We interviewed their families about the spots in their neonates and the natural course of the spots according to their ages. The same survey was done among another 27 patients using a mailed questionnaire to their families. As control, we investigated 21 brothers of the patients by a mailed questionnaire to their families. Results The extensive Mongolian spots are identified in almost all the infants with Hunter syndrome and disappear extremely later in their life. The lesions had a high incidence of deep-blue hyperpigmentation. Regardless of age, the overall incidence was 78%. All of the brothers who did not have Hunter syndrome had common-type Mongolian spots in neonates, which regressed during their childhood. Conclusion Our results confirm a strong correlation between extensive Mongolian spots and Hunter syndrome for the Japanese population. The presence of extensive Mongolian blue spots should alert the physician to the possibility of Hunter syndrome.

// Yoshihiro Suzuki-Karasaki 1,2 , Kyoko Fujiwara 2,3 , Kosuke Saito 2,3 , Miki Suzuki-Karasaki 4 , Toyoko Ochiai 4 and Masayoshi Soma 2,3 1 Division of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan 2 Innovative Therapy Research Group, Nihon University Research Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan 3 Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan 4 Department of Dermatology, Nihon University Surugadai Hospital, Tokyo, Japan Correspondence to: Yoshihiro Suzuki-Karasaki, email: // Keywords : TRAIL, mitochondrial fragmentation, depolarization, reactive oxygen species, tumor-selective killing Received : February 09, 2015 Accepted : May 13, 2015 Published : May 25, 2015 Abstract Apo2 ligand/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) is a promising anticancer drug due to its tumor-selective cytotoxicity. Here we report that TRAIL exhibits distinct effects on the mitochondrial networks in malignant cells and normal cells. Live-cell imaging revealed that multiple human cancer cell lines and normal cells exhibited two different modes of mitochondrial responses in response to TRAIL and death receptor agonists. Mitochondria within tumor cells became fragmented into punctate and clustered in response to toxic stimuli. The mitochondrial fragmentation was observed at 4 h, then became more pronounced over time, and associated with apoptotic cell death. In contrast, mitochondria within normal cells such as melanocytes and fibroblasts became only modestly truncated, even when they were treated with toxic stimuli. Although TRAIL activated dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-dependent mitochondrial fission, inhibition of this process by Drp1 knockdown or with the Drp1 inhibitor mdivi-1, potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis, mitochondrial fragmentation, and clustering. Moreover, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated depolarization accelerated mitochondrial network abnormalities in tumor cells, but not in normal cells, and TRAIL caused higher levels of mitochondrial ROS accumulation and depolarization in malignant cells than in normal cells. Our findings suggest that tumor cells are more prone than normal cells to oxidative stress and depolarization, thereby being more vulnerable to mitochondrial network abnormalities and that this vulnerability may be relevant to the tumor-targeting killing by TRAIL.

31歳,女性。22歳時,顔面の環状紅斑の既往がある。28歳頃から長時間の立位後,下肢に紫斑を生じることがあったが,妊娠後,増悪するため,妊娠8ヵ月時に当科を受診した。初診時,両下腿に径2～3mmの紅斑ないし紫斑が多発,一部癒合して局面を形成し,色素沈着を伴っていた。抗SS-A抗体30.8 ELISA index,抗SS-B抗体138.4 ELISA index,γグロブリン2.0g/dl。ガムテスト正常, Schirmerテスト正常,Rose-Bengal染色テストおよびfluorescein染色テスト陽性。組織は真皮血管周囲性の好中球性細胞浸潤が主体で,核塵と赤血球の血管外漏出がみられた。紫斑は安静のみで妊娠約9ヵ月で色素沈着を残し軽快した。出生した児は環状紅斑と心室中隔欠損を伴い,抗SS-A, SS-B抗体高値で新生児エリテマトーデス(LE)と診断された。以上より,自験例の紫斑は血管炎にγグロブリンおよび血液粘稠度の増加,妊娠に伴う循環血漿量の増加や子宮の圧迫による下大静脈還流障害などが加味されて生じたと考えられ,高γグロブリン血症性紫斑と診断した。しかし,抗SS-A, SS-B抗体高値であること,乾燥性角結膜炎が疑われ,新生児LE児を出産したことより,厚生省の改定診断基準を完全には満たしていないが,基礎疾患としてSjogren症候群を有する可能性も考えられる。高γグロブリン血症性紫斑の妊婦では抗SS-A, SS-B抗体を確認し,胎児の心症状に留意することが肝要である。

Background: Werner’s syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, is characterized by features of premature aging. Seventy-five percent of the alleles of Japanese patients with Werner’s syndrome have one of three major mutations. Objective: To determine the genotype of a patient with Werner’s syndrome. Methods: We diagnosed Werner’s syndrome in a 47-year-old Japanese man who had juvenile cataracts, skin sclerosis and hyperpigmentation of the feet, a high-pitched voice, characteristic bird-like appearance of the face with a beak-shaped nose, thinning of the skin over the whole body and hyperkeratoses on the soles of the feet, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. None of his immediate family had entered into a consanguineous marriage. He had undergone surgery to treat duodenal perforation. We screened his family for three major mutations (mutations 1, 4, 6) in the WRN gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Automated DNA sequencing fluorescence-labeled dideoxy terminators proceeded for abnormally migrating bands. Results: The patient and his mother had mutation 1 (nonsense mutation) in one chromosome. Although mutations 4 and 6 were undetectable, screening for mutation 4 revealed an abnormally migrating band. Consequently, we discovered a novel 4-bp deletion in exon 25 only in the patient. This mutation was not detected in any other family member. Conclusion: This is the first description of a patient with Werner’s syndrome who has a compound heterozygote of mutation 1 and a novel deletion mutation.

We report a rare autopsy case of disseminated strongyloidiasis combined with cytomegalovirus co-infection involving a 68-year-old man, who was originally from Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan, where strongyloidiasis occurs sporadically among the elderly. This patient was admitted with a diagnosis of drug eruption and hypereosinophilic syndrome. He was administered steroid therapy, but suffered complications of fever, respiratory distress, and pulmonary hemorrhaging. The autopsy findings showed disseminated strongyloidiasis in the alveolar spaces and the intestine and cytomegalovirus inclusion body foci in the lungs.

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and life-threatening cutaneous adverse drug reactions. While there is no established therapy for SJS/TEN, systemic corticosteroids, plasma exchange and i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) have been used as treatment. The efficacy of IVIG is still controversial because total doses of IVIG used vary greatly from one study to another. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG, administrated for 5 days consecutively, in an open-label, multicenter, single-arm study in patients with SJS or TEN. IVIG (400 mg/kg per day) administrated for 5 days consecutively was performed as an additional therapy to systemic steroids in adult patients with SJS or TEN. Efficacy on day 7 of IVIG was evaluated. Parameters to assess clinical outcome were enanthema including ophthalmic and oral lesions, cutaneous lesions and general condition. These parameters were scored and recorded before and after IVIG. We enrolled five patients with SJS and three patients with TEN who did not respond sufficiently to systemic steroids before IVIG administration. All of the patients survived and the efficacy on day 7 of the IVIG was 87.5% (7/8 patients). Prompt amelioration was observed in skin lesions and enanthema in the patients in whom IVIG therapy was effective. Serious side-effects from the use of IVIG were not observed. IVIG (400 mg/kg per day) administrated for 5 days consecutively seems to be effective in patients with SJS or TEN. IVIG administrated together with steroids should be considered as a treatment modality for patients with refractory SJS/TEN. Further studies are needed to define the therapeutic efficacy of IVIG.

Background: Few electron microscopic studies of blister lesions in bullous amyloidosis have been reported, and the mechanism of blister formation remains to be elucidated. This study was designed to examine the nature of bullous amyloidosis ultrastructurally, and clarify the pathogenesis of blister formation. Methods: We examined a 47-year-old woman with IgD-lambda type myeloma, suffering from bullous lesions on her hands and feet caused by trauma or rubbing. Light and electron microscopic studies were performed. Result: Ultrastructurally, amyloid deposits aggregated under the lamina densa. Keratinocyte protrusions penetrated the dermis through the gap in the lamina densa and enfolded amyloid deposits. Amyloid globules were found in enlarged intercellular spaces of keratinocytes. Desmosomes were sparsely distributed in some areas of the epidermis. Conclusion: These results indicate that keratinocytes enfold the amyloid globules and take them in the intercellular space of epidermis, and that the breakdown of the lamina densa and widening of the intercellular space between keratinocytes induce skin fragility. Trauma or rubbing of her hands and feet appears to act as the localized precipitating factor of blister formation in bullous amyloidosis.

We previously showed that membrane-depolarizing agents such as K+ and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel inhibitors potentiate tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis‑inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in human melanoma cells, but not in normal melanocytes. In this study, we investigated whether the tumor-selective effect of depolarization was observed among different tumor cell types and the mechanisms by which depolarization potentiates death pathways. We found that K+ and KATP channel inhibitors elicited similar apoptosis-potentiating effects in human tumor cells with different origins, including leukemia, melanoma and lung cancer cells. In contrast, minimal potentiation of apoptosis was observed in non-transformed lung cells. The potentiation was associated with increased mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress death pathways. Upregulation of surface TRAIL receptor-2 expression and modulation of the caspase-3 activation pathway seemed to play roles in the enhancement of death signaling. Moreover, the results showed that depolarization and mitochondria‑derived reactive oxygen species (mROS) mutually regulated one another. Depolarization potentiated TRAIL-induced mROS accumulation. Conversely, scavenging of mROS by the antioxidant MnTBaP reduced depolarization, whereas mROS accumulation caused by metabolic inhibitors potentiated the depolarization. These findings suggest a positive loop between depolarization and mROS accumulation. This may provide a rationale for the tumor-selective cytotoxicity and/or potentiation of TRAIL cytotoxicity of a wide variety of ROS-producing substances in different types of tumor cells.

Malignant trichilemmoma (MT) is cutaneous adnexal neoplasm of external hair sheath origin, whose histologic feature is often confused with those of malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) . In order to investigate the possibility that MT might differ from MPTT clinically and histologically, we studied 37 cases of MT and 30 MPTT. MT regarded as the malignant counterpart of trichilemmoma, manifests as solitary keratotic or ulcerated nodules. MT is often misdiagnosed as Bowen disease. Microscopically MT consists of multiple intradermal epithelial lobules in continuity with the epidermis. The tumor is composed of large glycogenrich clear cells with peripheral palisading that exhibit areas of trichilemmal keratinization. Ultrastructurally intracytoplasmic focal dyskeratosis was observed. Despite the frequent presence of histologically malignant features, it has a relatively benign clinical behaviour. MPTT showed clinically ulcerated, teleangiectatic or keratotic nodules. Histologically, MPTT had the presence of cystic configuration that extended from epidermis into reticular dermis. They were more prone to local recurrence and metastasis. We conclude that histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies should be performed to offer a more complete definition and classification of these neoplasms.

We report a case of progressive juvenile localized scleroderma (JLS or morphea) treated with a combination of imatinib, corticosteroids, and methotrexate. This therapy halted the progressive skin thickening and the hand and finger joint deformity in the early stages of the disease. We conclude that imatinib used in addition to standard treatment with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate may be of therapeutic benefit for individuals with JLS.

Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O2()) are thought to mediate apoptosis induced by death receptor ligands, including tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). However, the role of H(2)O(2) is controversial, since some evidence suggests that H(2)O(2) acts as an anti-apoptotic factor. Here, we show that exogenously applied H(2)O(2) (30-100 µM) induces cell death in TRAIL-resistant human melanoma cells via intracellular superoxide (O(2)-) generation. H(2)O(2) induced apoptotic or necrotic cell death, depending on the concentration of the oxidant applied; low concentrations of H(2)O(2) preferentially activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, while high concentrations of H(2)O(2) induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death in a caspase-independent manner. The H(2)O(2)-induced cell death was associated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and caspase-3/7 activation and ER stress responses including caspase-12 and X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1) activation. H(2)O(2) induced intracellular O2- generation even within the mitochondria, while TRAIL did not. The superoxide dismutase mimetic antioxidant MnTBaP [Mn (III) tetrakis (4-benzonic acid) porphyrin chloride] inhibited the H(2)O(2)-induced O(2)- generation, apoptosis and XBP-1 and caspase-12 activation at comparable concentrations. Importantly, H(2)O(2) treatment caused minimal O(2)- generation and apoptosis in normal primary melanocytes. These data show that H(2)O(2) induces endoplasmic reticulum-associated cell death via intracellular O(2)- generation and that malignant melanoma cells are more susceptible than normal cells to this oxidative cell death. The findings suggest that H(2)O(2) has therapeutic potential in the treatment of TRAIL-resistant melanoma.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is promising for cancer treatment because of its selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells. However, some cancer cell types including malignant melanoma cells are resistant to TRAIL cytotoxicity. Here, we show that diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a garlic organosulfur compound, sensitizes melanoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis while sparing normal cells. DATS also potentiates apoptosis induced by agonistic antibodies against death receptors (DR) 4 and DR5. The amplification of DR-mediated apoptosis was associated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and caspase-3/7 activation. However, these events were not sufficient for full sensitization. TRAIL also induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as indicated by the activation of X-box-binding protein 1 and caspase-12 and DATS poten-tiated both events. Moreover, inhibition of caspase-12, but not caspase-4, abolished the amplification of apoptosis, indicating that ER stress plays a crucial role. On the other hand, DATS and/or TRAIL induced minimal apoptosis and caspase-12 activation in melanocytes despite their substantial expression of DR4 and DR5 on the cell surface. Our data suggest that DATS amplifies death ligand-induced melanoma cell death by disrupting their adaptation to ER-mediated death pathway. The present findings raise the possibility that DATS may be combined with death ligands to treat TRAIL-resistance melanoma cells without impairing its tumor selectivity.

Natural killer cells are large granular lymphocytes, which do not express CD3 surface antigen, nor rearrange (α, β, γ or δ) T cell antigen receptor (TCR) genes. This report covers a case of cutaneous natural killer cell lymphoma, followed by the occurrence of acute leukemia.In March, 1991, a 43-year-old male complained of the skin tumor on his back. The histopathological examination showed diffuse large cell lymphoma. Grenz zone was not recognized. The tumor cell's surface phenotypes were: Pan T-, Pan B-, CD2+, 3-, 4-, 8-, 19-, 20-, 16-, 57-, HLA-DR+. Laboratory findings on admission indicated no abnormal findings. (Hb 13.9g/dl, Platelet 227, 000/μl, WBC 3, 600/μl with 0% abnormal lymphoid cells.) Anti-HTLV-1 antibody was negative. Bone marrow aspiration, chest X-P, abdominal echo, whole body CT revealed no abnormalities. He was diagnosed as cutaneous non-T, non-B cell lymphoma. Electoron beam therapy was effective for the skin lesion.In October, 1991, he visited us again, complaining of high fever and night sweating. His leukocyte count was found to be 1, 900/μl, with large granular lymphocyte occupying 15% of peripheral blood, and 85% of bone marrow.Large granular lymphocytes were characterized by a presence of azurophilic granules in the cytoplasm. Two color analysis was performed using the flow cytometric method, 75.4% of the cells from the bone marrow examined under that method proved to be double-positive for both CD2 and CD56. Tumor cells were found to have the expression of CD 2+, 3-, 8-, 16-, 56+, 57-. They did not rearrange (β, γ) T cell antigen receptor gene. Based on those findings, the case was finally diagnosed as cutaneous natural killer cell lymphoma accompanied with acute leukemia. Although a combination chemotherapy using MACOP-B was performed, the patient died of sepsis within four months after the start of the therapy. Natural killer cell leukemia is classified into two types; one type with good and mild prognosis, the other with a poor. The latter type is characterized by a symptom of high fever, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphnode swelling, and does not express CD16, 57. These findings suggest that the examination of the surface antigen on natural killer cell is necessary for the diagnosis of the lymphoma with skin lesion of increased large granular lymphocytes.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinical form of inflammatory bowel disease. The association of pyoderma gangrenosum or erythema nodosum with UC is well known. In addition, pustular eruption has been reported in UC. We describe a patient with UC who exhibited subcutaneous abscesses, as well as pustular eruption with a clinical course paralleling that of UC exacerbation.

Dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) with respect to antigens presented to T cells. We performed immunohistochemical analysis to elucidate the process of activation of DC in OLP.Thirty biopsy specimens were obtained from the patients with OLP. The expressions of CD1a, Langerin, S-100, fascin, chemokine receptor-7 (CCR-7), D2-40, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in DC from OLP and disease free control were investigated using specific antibodies. The distribution and number (1 mm(2)) of DC were assessed in the intra-epithelium and the submucosa specimens. Correlation between the number of DC and epithelium thickness was also determined.Immature DC (Langerin(+), CD1a(+), and S-100(+)) were identified in the epithelia from OLP patients and control, though the numbers of Langerin(+) and CD1a(+) positive cells were decreased in the OLP samples as compared to the control. Mature DC (fascin(+)) were identified in the submucosa specimens, not found in the epithelium from OLP or control. Double immunostaining revealed DC positive for fascin and CCR-7 in the submucosa, which had migrated into D2-40(+) lymph vessels. Furthermore, keratinocytes expressed both Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) converting enzymes, COX-2, and mPGES-1, indicating PGE(2) synthesis in the epithelial layer of the OLP specimens.Our results indicate that DC change from immature to mature in the epithelium and are then drawn out to the submucosa. We demonstrate that mature DC localized in the submucosa, it consequently migrates into lymph vessels. This maturation process of DC is an important immunopathological feature of OLP.