OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinicopathological and prognostic significance of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression in breast cancer and its molecular subtypes.
 METHODS: The expression of EpCAM in 835 patients with breast invasive ductal carcinoma was detected by immunohistochemical Max VisionTM method, and its correlation with clinical pathological features and prognosis was analyzed.
 RESULTS: The positive expression of EpCAM was related to histological grade, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, clinical stage, the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 (P<0.05). The positive expression rates of EpCAM were 19.2%, 73%, 48.9%, 72.2%, and 62.1%, in Luminal A, Luminal B (HER2-), Luminal B(HER2+), HER2+, and triple-negative subtype, respectively. Log-rank test and univariate COX analysis showed that the EpCAM expression was associated with a poor prognosis in all patients (P<0.001), as well as the triple-negative subtype, luminal B subtype (HER2-), and HER2+ subtype (P<0.05). Multivariate COX analysis showed that EpCAM expression was associated with the survival in patients with the triple-negative or HER2+ subtype (P<0.05).
 CONCLUSION EpCAM may be associated with progress of breast cancer. It is an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer, especially in the triple-negative and HER2+ subtypes.
Breast Neoplasms ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; Receptors, Progesterone

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils are suggested to play a deleterious role in the inflammatory disease of the respiratory mucosa by releasing granule substances such as major basic prorein and eosinophil cationic protein. To investigate the contribution of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and the mechanism of their accumulation and activation, we observed the eosinophil inhllration and expression of endotjelial and epithelial cell adhesion molecules in the nasal polyp tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polyp and inferior turbinate mueosal specimens (polyp group) taken out of 20 patients and 10 inferior turbinate mucosa specimens of non-allergic and non-infectious controls (control group) were immunohistochemically stained using EG1, EG2, and mAb for the ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-seleetin. The number of EG1 (+) and EG2 (+) cells within lmm2 of tissue and the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-seleetin on the vessels (% of total vessel) and epithelial eelis (area x intensity) were compared among three groups. RESULTS:The inferior turbinate mucosae of nasal polyp patients .were infiltrated by signifieantly higher number of eosinophils (EG1:17, EG2:16/mm2) compared with those of controls (EGi:0, EG2:0/mm2) (p<0.05), and the polyp tissue revealed much more eosinophils (EG1: 213, EG2:154/mm2) than inferior turbinates of same patients and those of controls (p<0.001). ICAM-1 expression in the vessels was frequenly observed both in polyps and in the turbinate mucosae with significant difference (median:85% vs. 67%, p<0.05), and ICAM-1 expression in the epithelial ceils was significantly different between the polyp and turbinate groups (median:9 vs. 2.5, p<0. 01). VCAM-1 was moderately expressed on the vessels of both polyps and turbinate mucosac (median:37%, 14%, respectively) and their expressions were significantly different (p<0.01). E-selectin expression was moderate to low both in the polyps and in the turbinate mucosae (median:18%, 10% respectively) and their expressions were not significantly different (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Most of the eosinophils infiltrated into nasal tissue as well as nasal polyps were activated forms and they were significantly increased in the nasal polyps compared to the inferior turbinate mueosae of the same patients and control subjects. Significantly increased expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the vessels and increased epithelial ICAM-1 expression in the nasal polyps indicate that interactions of eosinophils with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 participate in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps.
E-Selectin ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; Eosinophils* ; Epithelial Cells ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Mucous Membrane ; Nasal Polyps* ; Polyps ; Respiratory Mucosa ; Turbinates ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are weakly expressed in normal glomerular cells and vascular endothelial cells, but not in tubules. Granzyme B is a cytotoxic granule present in activated cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. To determine the effect of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression and granzyme B-positive cells on histologic grade of rejection, we performed the immunohistochemical study on 19 renal biopsy specimens and one nephrectomy specimen from 14 patients with acute renal allograft rejection using monoclonal antibodies against theses proteins. According to severity of rejection based on Banff classification, three biopsies were classified as borderline, 4 grade I, 12 grade II, and 1 grade III. In all the cases with acute rejection, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were expressed in the tubular epithelial cells. The numerical score of ICAM-1 in the tubular epithelial cells was 1.0 in borderline cases, 1.3 0.4 in grade I cases, 2.2 0.8 in grade II cases, and 3.0 in grade III case. The staining intensity of ICAM-1 in the tubular epithelial cells was increased in accordance with histologic rejection grade (P<0.05). The staining intensity of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the renal tubular epithelial cells was increased in accordance with the number of T lymphocytes in the renal parenchyme (r=0.46; P<0.05, r=0.61; P<0.01). The number of granzyme B-positive cells was 6.4 1.6/HPF in borderline cases, 8.1 2.5 in grade I cases, 19.6 11.7 in grade II cases, and 53 in grade III case. The number of T lymphocytes and granzyme B-positive cells was also increased in accordance with histologic rejection grade (P<0.05). These results suggest that ICAM-1 and granzyme B-positive cells may play an important role in the induction of renal allograft rejection and that the grading of severity of these parameters may be useful to predict the prognosis of renal allograft.
Allografts* ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Biopsy ; Classification ; Endothelial Cells ; Epithelial Cells ; Granzymes* ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Nephrectomy ; Prognosis ; T-Lymphocytes ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a 220-kDa type I membrane glycoprotein and is normally expressed in neuronal cells, endothelial cells, and renal epithelial cells. Recent clinical studies demonstrated aberrant L1CAM expression in various cancers, especially at the invasive area of cancers. L1CAM has a key role in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and it is associated with a poor prognosis of cancer. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has a highly poor outcome and it is resistant to conventional treatment. In this review, I discuss the biological role of L1CAM in proliferation, migration, and invasion in the ATC.
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Endothelial Cells ; Epithelial Cells ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1* ; Neurons ; Prognosis ; Thyroid Neoplasms

Mechanical environment seems to be one of the most important surviving environment for vessel conduit and vascular endothelial cells(ECs), while adhesion is one of the most important physical characteristics of ECs. In this study, Flow chambers of steady laminar and turbulent flow are made and improved. Different flow-derived VCAM-1, ICAM-1 expressions are detected by laser confocal microscope. Spacial and temporal curves of the adhesion molecules are protracted. In laminar flow, expression of VCAM-1 is dramatically elevated, whereas the expression of ICAM-1 is transiently elevated and it immediately falls back to the baseline. In turbulent flow, expression of VCAM-1 declines, while expression of ICAM-1 slowly rises to a peak. These results indicate that such pathological flow field as turbulence exerts different influence on the adhesion of vascular ECs from laminar flow, and turbulence could be one of the most important reasons of the ECs structural and functional lesion.
Cell Adhesion ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Stress, Mechanical ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis

Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease, which may result in bilateral loss of vision. The gene responsible for GDLD, M1S1 is mapped on the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p), but the possible etiology of this disease remains unclear. Corneal transplantation is the only treatment for visual rehabilitation. The detection of the mutations of the M1S1 gene and the possible etiological involvement of the amyloid deposits are discussed. The current literatures are extensively reviewed in this article.
Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 ; genetics ; Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary ; diagnosis ; genetics ; therapy ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Humans ; Mutation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the transformative potential of hepatic progenitor cells to differentiate into liver stem cells using a normal adult mouse system and to determine the effects of HBx protein in these liver stem cells' differentiation into hepatic cells.

METHODSHepatic progenitor cells were obtained from mice by means of an optimized two-step digestion and perfusion method followed by joint differential centrifugation and density gradient centrifugation. Transformation of the hepatic progenitor cells into liver stem cells was observed by immunofluorescent detection of CD 133, EPCAM, CD49f and CK19. Differentiation of the resultant liver stem cells into hepatic cells and bile duct epithelial cells was observed after DMSO addition by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining followed by cell immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. To determine the effects of HBx on these liver stem cells' ability to differentiate into hepatic cells, cell transfection was used followed by observation of morphology and proliferation capacity.

RESULTSCell viability of the isolated hepatic progenitor cells was 78.67+/-4.04%. Stimulation with EGF and collagen led to growth of some of the paving-stone shaped cells attached to the hepatic progenitor cells which had gathered into spherical clumps, as is the nature of stem cells. The liver stem cells showed high expression of CD133, CD49f and CK19, and low expression of EPCAM. Under the effect of DMSO, the liver stem cells differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells. After HBx transfecfion, the liver stem cells maintained the characteristic shape of stem cells and showed enhanced proliferation.

CONCLUSIONEPCAM-positive adult hepatic progenitor cells can transform into liver stem cells.The HBx protein may play an important role in maintaining the stability of liver stem cells in the adult mouse.

Animals ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Bile Ducts ; cytology ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Liver ; cytology ; Mice ; Stem Cells ; cytology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenol in green tea and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of EGCG on the expression of adhesion molecules and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling in rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells. METHODS: The effect of EGCG on LPS-induced NF-kappaB signaling and expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: LPS-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA was inhibited by EGCG treatment in RIE cells. LPS-induced inhibitor of kappa B alpha degradation and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation were blocked by EGCG in RIE cells. EGCG blocked LPS-induced NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity in RIE cells. The pharmacological NF-kappaB inhibitor Bay11-7082 suppressed the LPS-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA in RIE cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that EGCG inhibits LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression by blocking NF-kappaB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Catechin ; Epithelial Cells* ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; NF-kappa B* ; Nitriles ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger ; Sulfones ; Tea ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinical significance.

METHODSWe collected tissue samples from 63 cases of PCa, 46 cases of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and 58 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) adjacent to PCa and determined the expression of EpCAM in the epithelial and stromal cells by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe positive expression rates of EpCAM in the epithelial cells were significantly higher in PCa and PIN than in PCa-adjacent BPH (98. 4 and 97. 8 vs 51.7%, P <0. 01), and so was that in the stromal cells of PCa than in those of PCa-adjacent PIN (89.5 vs 50.0%, P <0.01). The expression of EpCAM.was remarkably higher in the stromal cells of bone metastasis than in those of non-bone metastasis tissue (100. 0 vs 40. 0%, P <0. 01) but showed no statistically significant differences between the highly and poorly differentiated PCa tissues (88.5 vs 91.9%, P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression level of EpCAM in the stromal cells of PCa is related to the occurrence, progression, and bone metastasis of the tumor, and therefore may be used as a marker in the early diagnosis of PCa as well as a predictor of bone metastasis of the tumor.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; secondary ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Disease Progression ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Epithelial Cells ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the cell morphology change in dormancy and proliferation stage of colorectal cancer stem cells in order to provide reference to the treatment of colorectal cancer.

METHODSThe subpopulation of EpCAM(high)/CD44(+)/CD133(+) was isolated from fresh colorectal cancer tissues. These cells were tested by xenograft assay in NOD/SCID nude mice. Colorectal cancer stem cells underwent three-dimensional culture, and the growth curve of stem cells was drawn by WST-1. The expression of P27 and Ki-67 was examined by flow cytometry to understand the phase of dormancy and proliferation of colorectal cancer stem cells. Then the morphological differences of colorectal cancer stem cells between dormant and proliferation stages were recognized by immunofluorescence staining of actin.

RESULTSThe percentage of EpCAM(high)/CD44(+)/CD133(+) was 1.6%, and the subpopulation was confirmed to be colorectal cancer stem cells by means of the experiment of tumorigenicity in vivo. The growth curve of colorectal cancer stem cells was "S" type. Colorectal cancer stem cells grew slowly in the first three days. The expression of P27 was gradually up-regulated, and the level of Ki-67 was very low. These cells remained quiescence, which was the so-called dormancy. The expression of Ki-67 of colorectal cancer stem cells was at high level since the fourth day, and the P27 level was very low. According to the growth curve, this period belonged to the proliferative stage of colorectal cancer stem cells. On immunofluorescence staining, colorectal cancer stem cells with high level of P27 were round, large, and few pseudopodium, but no obvious death was found. These cells showed characteristics of dormancy. In contrast, the stem cells with high level of Ki-67 had much pseudopodium, showing proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSIONSCancer recurrence and metastasis may be associated with the change of growth state of cancer stem cells. Colorectal cancer stem cells in the proliferation stage show greater proliferative and invasive ability as compared to the dormancy stage, which provides a new perspective for the treatment of colorectal cancer, and recurrence and metastasis of other tumors.

Animals ; Antigens, CD ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Shape ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; Glycoproteins ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, SCID ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; cytology