OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene expression of Kiss-1 in the hypothalamus of true precocious female rats at various stages of development.

METHODSForty 5-day-old normal female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups of 10 rats: Control group 1, Control group 2, Model group 1 and Model group 2. The rats from the two model groups were injected with 300 microg of danazol at 5 days of age to induce true precocious puberty. The two control groups were injected with normal saline instead. For the determination of Kiss-1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, the rats of the Model group 1 were sacrificed during the first diestrus (early puberty) and meanwhile the rats of the Control group 1 were sacrificed when they were at prepuberty; the Control group 2 rats were sacrificed at the first diestrus (early puberty); the rats of the Model group 2 were sacrificed during the second diestrus (middle puberty). The expression of Kiss-1 mRNA in the hypothalamus in the four groups was detected using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSKiss-1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus in Model group 1 and Model group 2 increased by 1.4-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, compared with that of Control group 1 (P < 0.05). Model group 2 showed significantly higher Kiss-1 mRNA levels than Model group 1 (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in the Kiss-1 mRNA expression between Control group 2 and Model group 1.

CONCLUSIONSGene expression of Kiss-1 is associated with the developmental period of true precocious puberty, suggesting that Kiss-1 might play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Animals ; Female ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; Kisspeptins ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Proteins ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sexual Maturation ; physiology

Humans ; Kisspeptins ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Stomach Neoplasms ; enzymology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the change of expression level of metastasis suppressor gene Kiss-1 in the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 after radiation, and to determine its association with the proliferation and apoptosis of SW480 cells.

METHODSSW480 cells were divided into control group (0 Gy) and study groups (2, 4, 6, 8 Gy). Cells in the study groups were irradiated by 6-MV X-ray radiation for 48 hours. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR methods were used to investigate the influence of radiation on Kiss-1 gene expression of SW480. Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation of SW480. Flow cytometry-Annexin- V/PI assay was used to observe the change of the apoptosis rate.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, Kiss-1 protein expression increased after radiation of 6, 8 Gy (P<0.05), but no significant changes were observed after radiation of 2, 4 Gy(P>0.05). Kiss-1 gene mRNA level increased after radiation of 2, 4, 6 Gy, while no obvious change was observed for 8 Gy radiation. The apoptosis rates increased for 4, 6, 8 Gy radiation(P<0.05), however, there was no significant difference for 2 Gy radiation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONRadiation may increase Kiss-1 gene expression in SW480 cells, which results in decreases proliferation and increases apoptosis in residual surviving cells.

Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; genetics ; metabolism ; radiation effects ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; X-Rays

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of expression of kisspeptin-1 (KiSS-1) metastasis-suppressor gene on the proliferative, adhesive and invasive abilities of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using an in vitro cell system.

METHODSThe highly metastatic human hepatoma cell line MHCC97-H was transiently transfected with the pcDNA3.1/HisC vector expressing the KiSS-1 gene (experimental group) or the vector without the KisS-1 gene (blank control group). Untransfected cells served as the negative control group. Proliferative abilities of the three groups were assessed by flow cytometry and MTT assay. Adhesive abilities were assessed by MTT assays using matrigel and fibronectin. Invasive abilities and cell motility were assessed by chemoinvasion chamber assay using reconstituted matrigel and migration chamber assay using polycarbonate filters, respectively.

RESULTSThe experimental group showed significantly lower adhesion capacity to matrigel (0.257+/-0.029) than either the blank control group (0.374+/-0.016; t=-7.90345, P less than 0.01) or the negative control group (0.394+/-0.031; t=-7.22752, P less than 0.01). Similarly, the experimental group showed significantly lower adhesion capacity to fibronectin (0.292+/-0.004) than either the blank control group (0.394+/-0.010; t=-20.93138, P less than 0.01) or the negative control group (0.412+/-0.023; t=-11.31371, P less than 0.01). The experimental group also showed significantly lower numbers of cells with invasive capacity (42.40+/-1.14) than either the blank control group (66+/-1.58; t=-27.0711, P less than 0.01) or the negative control group (67.80 +/- 1.92; t=-25.4, P less than 0.01). Similarly, the experimental group showed significantly lower numbers of cells with chemotactic movement (65.80+/-1.92) than either the blank control group (93.80+/-2.28; t=-30.11750, P less than 0.01) or the negative control group (96.40+/-2.07; t=-24.19142, P less than 0.01). The experimental group showed slightly, but not significantly, lower cell proliferation (0.644+/-0.027) than either the blank control group (0.669+/-0.022; t=-1.60371, P?>?0.05) or the negative control group (0.678+/-0.027; t=-1.97828, P?>?0.05). In addition, there were no obvious differences between the three groups in the amounts of cells arrested in either the G1 phase or the S phase.

CONCLUSIONKiSS-1 overexpression suppresses the adhesion, invasion and motility, but not the proliferation, of hepatoma carcinoma cells in vitro. These findings imply that KiSS-1 might represent a promising new candidate for gene therapy against human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo assay the expression of KiSS-1 and GnRH in the male rat hypothalamus at different developmental stages, and to explore the significance of KiSS-1 in sex development onset and normal reproduction regulation.

METHODSExpression analyses of KiSS-1 and GnRH genes were conducted in the rat hypothalamus at different developmental stages with RT-PCR and real time-PCR. The testosterone level was assayed by chemoluminescence technique.

RESULTSKiSS-1 mRNA rose gradually during sex development in the rat hypothalamus, highest at puberty and lowered a little at adulthood. KiSS-1 mRNA of the prepubertal, early pubertal, pubertal and adult rats was 1.7, 2.1, 3.5 and 2.0 times higher than that of the infantile rats respectively. The expression of GnRH and KiSS-1 correlated positively (r = 0.905, P < 0.05). But the activation of GnRH neuron was later than KiSS-1. The expression of GnRH was the highest in the puberty rats. GnRH mRNA of the prepubertal, early pubertal, pubertal and adult rats was 1.1, 1.94, 2.42 and 1.92 times higher than that of the infantile rats respectively. The level of testosterone in the adult rats was significantly higher than that at the earlier stage and was the highest at the adult stage.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of KiSS-1 correlates positively with that of GnRH. KiSS-1 may participate in the regulation of GnRH and is relevant to puberty onset and the regulation of reproduction function.

Animals ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; Kisspeptins ; Male ; Proteins ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Kisspeptin/G-protein couple receptor-54 (GPR54) system plays a key role in the activation of the gonadotropic axis at puberty. Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by the premature activation of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. This study was aimed to identify KISS1 gene variations and to investigate the associations between KISS1 gene variations and CPP in Korean girls. All coding exons of KISS1 gene were sequenced in Korean girls with CPP (n = 143) and their healthy controls (n = 101). Nine polymorphisms were identified in KISS1 gene. A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 55648176 T/G, was identified for the first time. SNP 55648184 C/G and 55648186 -/T were detected more frequently in CPP group than in control group. SNP 55648176 T/G was detected less frequently in CPP group than in control group. Haplotype GGGC-ACCC was detected less frequently in CPP group. The genetic variations of KISS1 gene can be contributing factors of development of CPP. The association between the gene variations and CPP should be validated by further evidence obtained from large-scaled and functional studies.
Base Sequence ; Child ; Female ; Genetic Markers/genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/*epidemiology/*genetics ; Humans ; Kisspeptins/*genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Point Mutation/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/*genetics ; Prevalence ; Puberty, Precocious/*epidemiology/*genetics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Assessment ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Kisspeptin/G-protein couple receptor-54 (GPR54) system plays a key role in the activation of the gonadotropic axis at puberty. Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by the premature activation of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. This study was aimed to identify KISS1 gene variations and to investigate the associations between KISS1 gene variations and CPP in Korean girls. All coding exons of KISS1 gene were sequenced in Korean girls with CPP (n = 143) and their healthy controls (n = 101). Nine polymorphisms were identified in KISS1 gene. A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 55648176 T/G, was identified for the first time. SNP 55648184 C/G and 55648186 -/T were detected more frequently in CPP group than in control group. SNP 55648176 T/G was detected less frequently in CPP group than in control group. Haplotype GGGC-ACCC was detected less frequently in CPP group. The genetic variations of KISS1 gene can be contributing factors of development of CPP. The association between the gene variations and CPP should be validated by further evidence obtained from large-scaled and functional studies.
Base Sequence ; Child ; Female ; Genetic Markers/genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/*epidemiology/*genetics ; Humans ; Kisspeptins/*genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Point Mutation/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/*genetics ; Prevalence ; Puberty, Precocious/*epidemiology/*genetics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk Assessment ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and metastin in colorectal carcinoma and their association with the clinicopathological features of the malignancy.

METHODSVEGF and metastin expressions were examined immunohistochemically with SP method in 70 specimens of human colorectal carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues.

RESULTSVEGF protein overexpression was detected in 48.6% (34/70)of the colorectal carcinoma tissues but in none of the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01), and for metastin, the overexpression rate was 28.6% (20/70) in the colorectal carcinoma tissues and 70.0% (49/70) in the normal tissues (P<0.01). The expression of both VEGF and metastin was related to the histological grades, infiltration depth, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of the tumor (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONImmunohistochemical detection of VEGF and metastin can be of value in assessment of the malignancy and in prognostic evaluation of colorectal carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of KiSS-1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) p50 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in breast cancer tissue and the relationship with clinicpathological factors.

METHODSImmunohistochemical staining for KiSS-1, NF-KappaBp50, and MMP-9 protein was performed in 152 cases of human breast tissue [92 cases of BC, 30 cases of epithelial hyperplasia, and 30 cases of peritumoral breast tissue (PMT)] and 54 cases of axillary lymph node metastases. In-situ hybridization for KiSS-1 mRNA was done in 50 cases of breast cancer, and 20 cases of PMT.

RESULTS(1) The expression of KiSS-1 gene was significantly higher in well-differentiated breast cancer than in PMT, and this expression progressively decreased with decreasing degree of tumor differentiation, increasing pathological grade, TNM stage and the presence of lymph node metastases. The expression of KiSS-1 gene in lymph node metastasis was markedly lower than the corresponding primary tumor. There was correlation between the expression of KiSS-1 mRNA and KiSS-1 protein in breast cancer group. (2) The expression of NF-kappaKBp50 and MMP-9 increased progressively with decreasing degree of tumor differentiation, increasing TNM stage, large tumor size ( >2 cm) and the presence of lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of KiSS-1 protein showed negative correlation with that of NF-kappaBp50 and MMP-9 respectively. MMP-9 protein expression was positively correlated with NF-kappap50 protein expression. These suggest that the genes of KiSS-1, NF-kappaBp50 and MMP-9 could be involved in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer.

Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; physiopathology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Statistics as Topic ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and clinical significance of KISS-1 mRNA and GPR54 mRNA in endometrial carcinoma.

METHODSThe expression of KISS-1 mRNA and GPR54 mRNA in 32 patients with endometrial carcinoma, 10 patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and 12 patients with normal endometrium was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTSThe positive rate of KISS-1 mRNA in endometrial carcinoma, EIN and normal endometrium was 37.5%, 80.0% and 83.3% respectively (endometrial carcinoma vs EIN or normal endometrium, P < 0.05). The expression of KISS-1mRNA in patients with endometrial carcinoma was correlated with its clinical stage, myometrial invasion and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In endometrial carcinoma, the more advanced clinical stage, the lower expression of KISS-1 mRNA was detected. The positive rate of GPR54 mRNA in endometrial carcinoma, EIN and normal endometrium was 78.1%, 70.0% and 66.7% respectively, with no significant statistical difference (P > 0.05). It was not correlated with the clinical stage, histology grade, myometrial invasion or lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe interaction of KISS-1 and GPR54 may play an important role in inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of endometrial carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Kisspeptins ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Receptors, Kisspeptin-1 ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics