Role of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A review

Human papillomavirus(HPV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. As a result, traditional paradigms in relation to the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been changing. Research into HPVrelated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rapidly expanding, however many molecular pathological and clinical aspects of the role of HPV remain uncertain and are the subject of ongoing investigation. A detailed search of the literature pertaining to HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was performed and information on the topic was gathered. In this article, we present an extensive review of the current literature on the role of HPV in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in relation to epidemiology, risk factors, carcinogenesis, biomarkers and clinicalimplications. HPV has been established as a causative agent in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and biologically active HPV can act as a prognosticator with better overall survival than HPV-negative tumours. A distinct group of younger patients with limited tobacco and alcohol exposure have emerged as characteristic of this HPV-related subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis are not completely understood and further studies are needed to assist development of optimal prevention and treatment modalities.

The Effect of MMP-9 Inhibitors on the Biological Behavior of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC15 Cell Line Through PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of MMP-9 inhibitor(Mki67)on the biology of human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 cell line and to explore its mechanism of action through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:SCC15 cells were extracted,and the supernatant was discarded.The cells were then rinsed twice with PBS,and 0,2.5,5,and 10μL of Mki67(50 mg/mL)were added to the culture respectively.The inhibition rate of cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)method,and the cell migration was measured by Transwell chamber test.The cell apoptosis rate was detected by cytometry,and the p-Akt protein content in the cells of each group was determined by a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kit.Results:The cell proliferation rates of the 2.5μL,5μL,and 10μL dose groups were all lower than the 0μL group(P<0.05)before treatment,and the cell proliferation rates in the 2.5μL,5μL,and 10μL dose groups decreased overtime(P<0.05).After 24 h,with the increase of Mki67 concentration,the number of migration and invasion gradually decreased(P<0.05),and the number of apoptosis gradually increased(P<0.05);besides,the relative expression of MMP-9,PI3K,and Akt mRNA decreased gradually(P<0.05),and the expression level of Akt mRNA was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:MMP-9 inhibitor(Mki67)can inhibit the proliferation and migration of SCC15 cell line and induce apoptosis,and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Pathogenesis, treatment, and novel therapeutic approaches

Oropharyngeal cancer accounts for approximately 2.8% of newly cancer cases. Although classically a tobacco related disease, most cases today are related to infection with human papilloma virus(HPV) and present with locally advanced tumors. HPV related tumors have been recognized as a molecularly distinct entity with higher response rates to therapy, lower rates of relapse, and improved overall survival. Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer entails a multi-disciplinary approach with concomitant chemoradiation. The role of induction chemotherapy in locally advanced tumors continues to be controversial however large studies have demonstrated no difference in survival or time to treatment failure. Surgical approaches may be employed with low volume oropharyngeal cancers and with development new endoscopic tools, more tumors are able to be resected via an endoscopic approach. Given advances in the understanding of HPV related oropharyngeal cancer, ongoing research is looking at ways to minimize toxicities via de-intensification of therapy. Unfortunately, some patients develop recurrent or metastatic disease. Novel therapeutics are currently being investigated for this patient population including immunotherapeutics. This review discusses the current understanding of the pathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancer and treatment. We also discuss emerging areas of research as it pertains to de-intensification as well novel therapeutics for the management of metastatic disease.

REVERSION OF MALIGNANT PHENOTYPES OF HUMAN LUNG SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA CELLS BY ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE ANTISENSE RNA

Abnormally elevated activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), and subsequent polyamine accumulation are intimately associated with the genesis.development and metastasis of cancer. In the present study, to control the growth of tumor cells, ODC antisense RNA was used to transfect human lung squamous carcinoma cell line LTEP-78. Compared with the parental cells, growth of the antisense transfected LTEP-78 cells arrested in G0/Gl phase and colony formation in soft agarose and tumorigenicity in nude mice were significantly reduced. Nucleic acid hybridization demonstrated that the transfectants expressed a high level of ODC antisense RNA and a significantly reduced level of endogenous ODC mRNA.The results suggest that the reversion of malignant phenotypes of human lung squamous carcinoma cells transfected with ODC antisense RNA is associated with the inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis.

Diagnostic value of serum human epididymis protein 4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated that human epididymis protein 4(HE4)is overexpressed in various malignant tissues including ovarian,endometrial,lung,breast,pancreatic,and gastric cancers.However,no study has examined the diagnostic impact of HE4 in patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)until now.AIM To analyze the value of four serum tumor markers for the diagnosis of ESCC,and examine the associations of serum levels of HE4 with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics.METHODS The case group consisted of 80 ESCC patients,which were compared to a control group of 56 patients with benign esophageal disease.Serum levels of HE4,carcinoma embryonic antigen(CEA),alpha fetal protein,and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)were detected by ELISA.The associations of serum HE4 levels with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics such as gender,tumor location,and pathological stage were also examined after operation.RESULTS The result of ELISA showed that serum HE4 level was significantly higher in the patients with ESCC than in the controls,and the staining intensity was inversely correlated with the pathological T and N stages.Serum HE4 levels had a sensitivity of 66.2%and specificity of 78.6%when the cutoff value was set at 3.9 ng/mL.Moreover,the combined HE4 and CA19-9 increased the sensitivity to 83.33%,and interestingly,the combination of HE4 with CEA led to the most powerful sensitivity of 87.5%.Furthermore,A positive correlation was observed between HE4 serum levels and pathological T and N stages(P=0.0002 and 0.0017,respectively),but there was no correlation between HE4 serum levels and ESCC patient gender(P=0.4395)or tumor location(P=0.6777).CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that detection of serum HE4 levels may be useful in auxiliary diagnosis and evaluation of the progression of ESCC.

Evidence of human papilloma virus infection and its epidemiology in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

瞄准：在食道的有鳞的房间癌(ESCC ) 寻找病毒(HPV ) 感染人的乳突淋瘤的证据并且在河南省移民在食道的癌的致病调查 HPV 感染的潜在的角色和传染病学。方法：乳突淋瘤病毒(PV ) 和 HPV 被 Ultrasensive S-P 免疫组织化学(IHC ) 和原位杂交(ISH ) 在食道的癌纸巾(82 个案例) 和正常粘膜(40 个案例) 决定。结果：当时， IHC 表明 PV 的积极的率分别地是 75.0% ， 68.18% 和 72.5% 积极的率是的 HPV (16/18-E6 )45.0%,36.36% ， 37.5% ，分别地在从在湖北癌症的河南省移民，本地公民和病人的食道的癌组织标本医院。PV 和 HPV (16/18-E6 ) 在所有正常食道的粘膜标本是否定的。没有关联在食道的有鳞的房间癌纸巾并且在等级 1-3 在 HPV 之间被发现食道的有鳞的房间癌房间。原位杂交证明 HPV (16/18 ) DNA 积极的率是 30.0% ， 31.8% ， 25.0% ，分别地在 3 组样品。没有积极杂交信号在 40 个正常食道的粘膜标本被发现。在食道的癌标本的 HPV (16/18 ) DNA 的积极的率在正常粘膜标本(P【0.05 ) 比那显著地高。积极的率不在 3 组食道的癌组织标本(P】0.05 ) 之中是不同的。结论：HPV 感染在在湖北癌症 Hospital.HPV 的河南省移民，本地居民和病人的食道的癌高仔细与食道的有鳞的房间癌被联系。HPV 感染可以在食道的有鳞的房间癌起一个重要作用。

Role of human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers and it constitutes a major health problem particularly in developing countries. Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) represents the most frequent of all oral neoplasms. Several risk factors have been well characterized to be associated with OSCC with substantial evidences. While tobacco and alcohol are the primary risk factors for OSCC development, many epidemiological studies report a strong association with human papillomavirus(HPV) in a subset of OSCC. This article presents our current knowledge on the relationship between HPV and development of OSCC. HPVs are DNA viruses that specifically target the basal cells of the epithelial mucosa. Most experimental data are consistent with the hypothesis that HPV plays a causal role in oral carcinogenesis. Genotypes, such as HPV1 infect epidermal cells, whereas HPV6, 11, 16 and 18 infect epithelial cells of the oral cavity and other mucosal surfaces. Several studies have shown that there is an increased risk of head and neck cancer in the two major HPV 16 oncogenes E6 and E7-positive patients. The presence of antibodies to HPV E6 and E7 proteins was found to be more associated with tumors of the oro-pharynx than of the oral cavity. However, HPV alone appears to be insufficient as the cause of OSCC but requires other co-factors. Although a viral association within a subset of OSCC has been shown, the molecular and histopathological characteristics of these tumors have yet to be clearly defined.

Human papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal with papillary features

Human papillomavirus(HPV)related squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)involving the anal canal is a well-known carcinoma associated with high-risk types of HPV.HPVrelated SCC with papillary morphology(papillary SCC)has been described in the oropharynx.We describe,for the first time,a case of anal HPV-related squamous carcinoma with papillary morphology.The tumor arose from the anal mucosa.The biopsies revealed a superficially invasive SCCwith prominent papillary features and associated in situ carcinoma.The tumor cells were positive for p16 and were also positive for high-risk types of HPV using chromogenic in situ hybridization.The findings are consistent with a HPV-related SCC of the anal canal with papillary features.This tumor shows histologic features similar to a papillary HPV-related SCC of the oropharynx.Additional studies are needed to characterize these lesions.

Multimodality functional imaging using DW-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT during radiation therapy for human papillomavirus negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Meixoeiro Hospital of Vigo Experience

AIM To noninvasively investigate tumor cellularity measured using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(DW-MRI) and glucose metabolism measured by 18 Flabeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography(18F-FDG-PET/CT) during radiation therapy(RT) for human papillomavirus negative(HPV-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).METHODS In this prospective study, 6 HPV- HNSCC patients underwent a total of 34 multimodality imaging examinations(DW-MRI at 1.5 T Philips MRI scanner [(n = 24) pre-, during-(2-3 wk), and post-treatment(Tx), and 18F-FDG PET/CT pre- and post-Tx(n = 10)]. All patients received RT. Monoexponential modeling of the DW-MRI data yielded the imaging metric apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) and the mean of standardized uptake value(SUV) was measured from 18F-FDG PET uptake. All patients had a clinical follow-up as the standard of care and survival status was documented at 1 year.RESULTS There was a strong negative correlation between the mean of pretreatment ADC(ρ =-0.67, P = 0.01) and the pretreatment 18F-FDG PET SUV. The percentage(%) change in delta(?) ADC for primary tumors and neck nodal metastases between pre- and Wk2-3 Tx were as follows: 75.4% and 61.6%, respectively, for the patient with no evidence of disease, 27.5% and 32.7%, respectively, for those patients who were alive with disease, and 26.9% and 7.31%, respectively, for those who were dead with disease.CONCLUSION These results are preliminary in nature and are indicative, and not definitive, trends rendered by the imaging metrics due to the small sample size of HPV- HNSCC patients in a Meixoeiro Hospital of Vigo Experience.

Detection of Human Papilloma Virus Type 16 E6 mRNA in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by In Situ Hybridization

Objective：Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma（LSCC） is a common malignant tumor in Northeast China and is frequently associated with well-established risk factors like smoking and alcohol abuse.Human papilloma virus（HPV） is an epitheliotropic oncogenic virus that has been detected in a variety of head and neck tumors including LSCC.This retrospective study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV infection in patients with LSCC.Methods：In situ hybridization was performed in 99 patients with LSCC to detect the expression of HPV-16 E6 mRNA.Results：The positive rate of HPV16 E6 mRNA was 36.36%（36/99） in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma（LSCC）,whereas only 3 of 50（6%） specimens of the normal laryngeal mucosa as a control group showed positive results（P0.05）.Additionally,there was no corelation between HPV16 and age,gender,clinical stage,nodal status and tumor site（P0.05）.Conclusion：The results suggest that the increased prevalence of HPV infection compared to normal laryngeal mucosa and the fact that high-risk HPV types（especially type 16） were the most frequently identified do not allow the exclusion of HPV as a risk factor in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.However,their clinical value remains to be further investigated.

The Relationship between Human Papillomavirus and Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in China—A Review of the Evidence

Background: China has one of the highest incidence rates of oesophageal cancer in the world. The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been extensively researched in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with indeterminate results. The majority of these studies have been conducted in the Chinese population. Evidence for a definitive HPV-OSCC association could potentially support prophylactic vaccination in target populations, highlighting the need for ongoing investigation. The aim of this review is to summarise the findings of HPV DNA in OSCC tissue in Chinese subjects, with a view to informing further research in this area. Methods: A systematic literature search of the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Medline, Embase and PubMed was conducted for all studies in English and Chinese language, examining OSCC tissue for HPV DNA in China. Reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed and hand searches of relevant, key journals were conducted, to source articles which were not electronically indexed. Sixty-four studies met our selection criteria. Data from case-control and cross-sectional studies were analysed separately for any HPV-OSCC association, using the Epi InfoTM 3.5.3 software program. Results: From all studies conducted in the Chinese population, 2166/5953 (36%) of all OSCC tissue and 478/1684 (28%) of healthy control tissue, tested positive for HPV. We found that 11/16 case-control and cross-sectional studies had a statistically significant crude odds ratio, which supported a potential HPV-OSCC association. The largest study, carried out in the high incidence County of Anyang in Henan Province, reported 207/265 (78%) OSCC tissues testing positive for HPV DNA against 203/357 (57%) controls and had an unadjusted odds ratio of 2.71 (p-value Conclusion: A rigorous meta-analysis would improve interpretation of the data and a well-designed large-scale case-control study is warranted. If a link is found between HPV and OSCC, prophylactic HPV vaccines could be of significant benefit in China.

Use of Holmium:Yag laser in early stage oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Holmium:Yag laser resection for oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer.METHODS: A prospectively collected case series of all patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing laser resection using the Holmium:Yag laser technique only over a 15 year period at a tertiary referral centre. All patients underwent long term follow up with regular clinical and radiological surveillance, when indicated. All patients were operated on under general anaesthetic with a laser-safe endotracheal tube. Typically laser resection was performed first using an operating microscope, followed by neck dissection. The tumour was held with a Luc's forceps or Allis clamp. The Holmium:Yag laser was implemented via a fibre delivery system. The Holmium:Yag laser fibre, of 550 micron diameter, was inserted through a Zoellner sucker and attached via steri-strips to a second Zoellner suction to provide smoke evacuation. The settings were 1J/pulse, 15 Hz, 15 W in a continuous delivery modality via a foot pedal control. The procedure is simple, bloodless, effective and quick. All surgeries were performed as day cases. RESULTS: Twenty-seven oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer patients were identified, at the following subsites:23 lateral pharyngeal wall/tonsil, 2 anterior faucal and 2 tongue base. Of the 23 tonsil tumours,19 required no further treatment(83% therefore had negative histopathological margins) and 4 required chemoradiotherapy(17% were incompletely excised or had aggressive histopathological features such as discohesive, perineural spread, vascular invasion). The 2 patients with anterior faucal pillar neoplasia needed no further treatment. Both tongue base cancer cases required further treatment in the form of chemoradiotherapy(due to positive histopathological margins). Postoperatively, patients complained of pain locally, which resolved with regular analgesia. There were no postoperative haemorrhages. Swallowing and speech were normal after healing(10-14 d). There was one case of fistula when neck dissection was carried out simultaneously; this resolved with conservative management. All patients were followed up with serial imaging and clinical examination for a minimum of five years. Median follow up was 84 mo.CONCLUSION: Holmium:Yag lasers are a safe and effective treatment for Stage 1 and 2 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, excluding the tongue base.

Effect of Collagen Type I or Human Fibronectin on Imatinib Cytotoxicity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Extracellular matrix (ECM) components are critical for all aspects of cell proliferation, adhesion, and morphological alteration. Recent progress has yielded multiple molecular drugs that specifically target gene products which are expressed at high levels in tumor cells. We investigated whether the sensitivity of tumor cells to molecular target drugs could be altered when cells were cultured on surfaces with various coating conditions such as lysine, laminin, Matrigel, collagen type I, and human fibronectin (HFN). This study evaluates the IC50 values of imatinib in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines when cells are cultured on plates coated with ECM components such as collagen type I and HFN. Four OSCC cell lines—SQUU-A, SQUU-B, SAS, and NA— are used. Cell proliferation was assessed using WST-8 reagent. Collagen type I and HFN significantly enhanced OSCC cell proliferation compared with control. Imatinib cytotoxicity was demonstrated following culture of OSCCs in culture plates coated with collagen type I or HFN. However, there were no significant changes in imatinib IC50 values between collagen type I and HFN. These results indicate that some molecular target drugs exhibit cancer cell cytotoxicity without being influenced by cell environment factors such as the ECM. These results may aid in the search for molecular target drugs to apply in the clinical chemotherapy of OSCC.

Nomograms based on HPV load for predicting survival in cervical squamous cell carcinoma: An observational study with a longterm follow-up

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment human papillomavirus(HPV) viral load for cervical cancer, and to develop nomograms based on HPV load and other clinicopathological factors for long-term survival.Methods: We conducted a prospective study on cervical squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) patients diagnosed between January 2003 and December 2008. Cervical samples were tested for HPV viral load by the Hybrid Capture II(HCII) assay before treatment and 6 months after treatment. Clinical characteristics and follow-up information were also collected. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust covariates in both the radical hysterectomy(RH) treatment group and concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT) treatment group to identify relevant covariates, and then nomograms were constructed and used for internal validation.Results: A total of 520 SCC patients enrolled in this study with a median follow-up of 127 months, 360 patients received RH, whereas 160 patients received CCRT. The median HPV viral load in RH and CCRT groups was356.10 and 294.29, respectively. Tumor size was positively correlated with high pretreatment HPV load in both groups. In CCRT group, the advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO) stage and enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node status determined by computed tomography(LNSCT) were correlated with low HPV load group. Initial HPV viral load, FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis were prognostic factors for RH group, whereas HPV viral load, squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCC-Ag) level and LNSCT were identified as prognostic factors for CCRT group. Nomograms incorporating these predictors for 10-year progression-free survival(PFS) were constructed [concordance index(C-index): 0.756, 0.749].Conclusions: A low pretreatment HPV viral load is an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of cervical SCC and is related to other clinicopathological factors. The survival nomogram based on HPV viral load could predict the long-term prognosis.

No evidence of HPV DNA in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a population of Southern Brazil

AIM:To investigate the association between human papillomavirus(HPV)and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)in southern Brazil.METHODS:We studied 189 esophageal samples from125 patients from three different groups:(1)102 biopsies from 51 patients with ESCC,with one sample from the tumor and another from normal esophageal mucosa distant from the tumor;(2)50 esophageal biopsies from 37 patients with a previous diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC);and(3)37 biopsies from esophageal mucosa with normal appearance from 37 dyspeptic patients,not exposed to smoking or alcohol consumption.Nested-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)with the MY09/11 and GP5/6 L1primers was used to detect HPV L1 in samples fixed in formalin and stored in paraffin blocks.All PCR reactions were performed with a positive control(cervicovaginal samples),with a negative control(Human Genomic DNA)and with a blank reaction containing all reagents except DNA.We took extreme care to prevent DNA contamination in sample collection,processing,and testing.RESULTS:The histological biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of ESCC in 52 samples(51 from ESCC group and 1 from the HNSCC group)and classified as well differentiated(12/52,23.1%),moderately differentiated(27/52,51.9%)or poorly differentiated(7/52,13.5%).One hundred twenty-eight esophageal biopsies were considered normal(51 from the ESCC group,42 from the HNSCC group and 35 from dyspeptic patients).Nine had esophagitis(7 from the HNSCC and 2 from dyspeptic patients).Of a total of 189 samples,only 6 samples had insufficient material for PCR analysis:1 from mucosa distant from the tumor in a patient with ESCC,3from patients with HNSCC and 2 from patients without cancer.In 183 samples(96.8%)GAPDH,G3PDH and/orβ-globin were amplified,thus indicating the adequacy of the DNA in those samples.HPV DNA was negative in all the 183 samples tested:52 with ESCC,9 with esophagitis and 122 with normal esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION:There was no evidence of HPV infection in different ESCC from southern Brazil.

Human Papillomavirus as an Independent Predictor in Oral Squamous Cell Cancer

Aim There is an increasing evidence for the role of high risk human papillomavirus （HPV） in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC）. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relevance of HPV infection to the survival and prognosis of OSCC. Methodology Fifty-two patients with OSCC were followed from 4 to 88 months with a median of 50.7 months. HPV DNA was identified in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens by nested PCR with MY09/MY11 and GP5^＋/GP6^＋ primer pairs and the HPV genotype was determined by direct DNA sequencing. Association between the HPV status and risk factors for cancer as well as tumor-host characteristics were analyzed.Survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed using the log-rank test. Results HPV was found in 40.4% of the tumors with HPV16 accounting for 63.5%, HPV18 for 30.8%, HPV6 for 3.9% and HPVll for 1.8%. No infection with more than one HPV genotype was detected. HPV infection was significantly associated with poor histological grade, TNM stage Ⅰ -Ⅱ, alcohol usage and no smoking status. Multivariate analysis showed that HPV had an independent prognostic effect on the overall survival after adjusting other confounding factors such as histological grade, TNM stage and tobacco usage. The presence of HPV was significantly correlated with a better survival in patients with OSCC. Conclusion HPV infection can act as an independent predictor for the survival and prognosis of OSCC.

Id2 regulates the proliferation of squamous cell carcinoma in vitro via the NF-κB/Cyclin D1 pathway

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a significant cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an incidence of up to 166 cases per 100 000 population. It arises in the skin, upper aerodigestive tract, lung, and cervix and affects more than 200 000 Americans each year. We report here that a microarray experiment comparing 41 SCC and 13 normal tissue specimens showed that Id2, a gene that controls the cell cycle, was significantly up-regulated in SCC. Enforced expression of Id2 in vitro stimulated the proliferation of SCC cells and up-regulated the transcription of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclin D1. Enhancement of the NF-κB activity with p65 significantly increased the cell proliferation and the transcription of cyclin D1, whereas inhibition of the NF-κB activity with I kappa B alpha mutant (IκBα M) and pyrroline dithiocarbamate (PDTC) abrogated cell proliferation and transcription of cyclin D1. Furthermore, a mutated NF-κB binding site in the cyclin D1 promoter fully abrogated the Id2-induced transcription of cyclin D1. Taken together, these data indicate that Id2 induces SCC tumor growth and proliferation through the NF-κB/cyclin D1 pathway.

Cytochrome P450 levels are altered in patients with esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the carcinogenesis of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) in human esophagus by determining expression patterns and protein levels of representative CYPs in esophageal tissue of patients with SCC and controls. METHODS: mRNA expression of CYP2E1, CYP2C, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 was determined using RT-PCR in both normal and malignant esophageal tissues of patients with untreated esophageal SCC (n = 21) and in controls (n = 10). Protein levels of CYP2E1, CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Within the group of SCC patients, mRNA expression of CYP 3A4 and CYP2C was significantly lower in malignant tissue (-39% and -74%, respectively, P < 0.05) than in normal tissue. Similar results were found in CYP3A4 protein levels. Between groups, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C8 protein concentration was significantly higher in non-malignant tissue of SCC patients (4.8-, 2.9-, and 1.9-fold elevation, P < 0.05) than in controls. In contrast, CYP2E1 protein levels were significantly higher in controls than in SCC patients (+46%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant differences exist in protein levels of certain CYPs in non-malignant esophageal tissue (e.g. CYP2C8, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2E1) between SCC patients and healthy subjects and may contribute to the development of SCC in the esophagus.

GSTM1,GSTT1,GSTP1 and CYP1A1 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal cancer in a French population:Different pattern of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the association between CYPIA1 and GSTs genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and esophageal adenocarcinorna (ADC) in a high risk area of northwest of France.METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of these enzymes (CYPIAI*2C and GSTP1 exon 7 Val alleles, GSTM1 *2/*2 and GSl-l-l*2/*2 null genotypes). A total of 79 esophagealcancer cases and 130 controls were recruited. RESULTS: GSTM2*2/*2 and CYP1A1*1A/*2C genotype frequencies were higher among squamous cell cardnomas at a level close to statistical significance (OR = 1.83, 95% CI0.88-3.83, P= 0.11; OR = 3.03, 95% CI 0.93-9.90, P= 0.07,respectively). For GSTP1 polymorphism, no difference wasfound between controls and cases, whatever their histological status. Lower frequency of GST/-1 deletion was observed in ADC group compared to controls with a statistically significant difference (OR=13.31, 95% CI 1.66-106.92, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: In SCC, our results are consistent with the strong association of this kind of turnout with tobacco exposure. In ADC, our results suggest 3 distinct hypotheses:(1) activation of exogenous procarcinogens, such as small halogenated compounds by GSTTI', (2) contribution of GSTT1 to the inflammatory response of esophageal mucosa, which is known to be a strong risk factor for ADC,possibly through leukotriene synthesis; (3) higher sensitivity to the inflammatory process associated with intracellular depletion of glutathione.

Expression levels of PTK7, HER-2 and Mcm5 proteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their clinical prognostic value

Objective:To investigate the expression levels and clinical prognosis of tyrosine protein kinase-7(PTK7),human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)and minichromosome maintenance protein 5(Mcm5)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)value.Methods:180 patients with ESCC were enrolled as the study subjects.Tumor tissues were collected and 100 paracancerous tissues were randomly collected.The expression levels of PTK7,HER-2 and Mcm5 proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and their clinical pathological features and prognosis.Relationship.Results:The positive rates of PTK7,HER-2 and Mcm5 in ESCC tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues(P<0.05).The positive rate of PTK7 in lymphatic metastasis was significantly higher than that in lymphatic metastasis(P<0.05).The tumor body diameter was greater than 2 cm,the TNM stage was stage III and IV,and the HER-2 positive rate of ESCC tissues with lymphatic metastasis was significantly increased(P<0.05).The positive rate of Mcm5 in stage III and IV and combined lymphatic metastasis ESCC was higher in TNM stage(P<0.05).The expression level of PTK7 in ESCC tissues was positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis(P<0.05).HER-2 was positively correlated with TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis(P<0.05).Mcm5 was positively correlated with tumor size,TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis(P<0.05).The tumor-free survival of PTK7,HER-2,and Mcm5-positive ESCC patients was significantly shorter than that of the negative group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The expression levels of PTK7,HER-2,and Mcm5 were significantly up-regulated in ESCC tissues,and high levels of HER-2 and Mcm5 predicted more severe pathological stage and lymphatic metastasis,and PTK7,HER-2,Mcm5 and worse.Prognosis is related.