Kagawa University

About: Kagawa University is a education organization based out in Takamatsu, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Cancer & Population. The organization has 6028 authors who have published 11918 publications receiving 224111 citations. The organization is also known as: Kagawa Daigaku.

Effect of the anti-diabetic drug metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo

Abstract: Metformin is a commonly used oral anti-hyperglycemic agent of the biguanide family. Recent studies suggest that metformin may reduce cancer risk and improve prognosis. However, the antitumor mechanism of metformin in several types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has not been elucidated. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of metformin on HCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and to study microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with the antitumor effect of metformin in vitro. We used the cell lines Alex, HLE and Huh7, and normal hepatocytes to study the effects of metformin on human HCC cells. In an in vivo study, athymic nude mice bearing xenograft tumors were treated with metformin or left untreated. Tumor growth was recorded after 4 weeks, and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins was determined. Metformin inhibited the proliferation of Alex, HLE and Huh7 cells in vitro and in vivo. Metformin blocked the cell cycle in G0/G1 in vitro and in vivo. This blockade was accompanied by a strong decrease of G1 cyclins, especially cyclin D1, cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4). In addition, microRNA (miRNA) expression was markedly altered by the treatment with metformin in vitro and in vivo. In addition, various miRNAs induced by metformin also may contribute to the suppression of tumor growth. Our results demonstrate that metformin inhibits the growth of HCC, possibly by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest through the alteration of microRNAs.

An observational study of soil moisture effects on wind erosion at a gobi site in the Taklimakan Desert

Abstract: [1] The measurements at a gobi site suggest that (1) saltation mass flux q(z) is particle size and soil moisture-dependent and (2) a simple relationship exists between q and wind speed u and threshold wind speed ut(θ). The ut(θ) in wet conditions (θ = 0.009 m3 m−3) was estimated to be 9.5 m s−1 at a height of 3.8 m. This value is 1.27 times larger than that in dry condition, which corresponds to Fecan et al.'s theoretical result. The (D) in wet conditions was smaller than that in dry conditions for the particles of 69–203 μm in diameter. However, for 38 and 54 μm particles, the did not change in both dry and wet conditions. Furthermore, long-term monitoring showed that (1) the ground surface was dry during Aeolian Dust Experiment on Climate Impact (ADEC)-Intensive Observation Period (IOP) 1 (8–21 April 2002), whereas it was wet during ADEC-IOP2 (16–27 March 2003) because of snowfall at the beginning of March, and (2) the visibility frequently became worse during warm season when strong winds over the threshold wind speed blew and was dry.

Prospective Evaluation of Selection Criteria for Active Surveillance in Japanese Patients with Stage T1cN0M0 Prostate Cancer

Abstract: Objective Selection criteria for active surveillance (AS) program of localized prostate cancer remain to be standardized. The purpose was to evaluate the validity of selection criteria and investigate the feasibility of this AS program. Methods Patients meeting the criteria (i) stage T1cN0M0, (ii) age 50-80, (iii) serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 2y', which was defined as the proportion of patients who showed PSADT assessed at 6 months >2 years out of all the patients who chose AS. Point estimate of '%PSADT > 2y' was expected to be >80%. Results One hundred and eighteen patients opted for AS and 16 chose immediate treatment at enrollment. PSADT for the initial 6 months based on four measurements could be assessed in 106 patients. Intent-to-treat analysis of '%PSADT > 2y' was 71.2% (84/118, 95% CI: 62.1-79.2). Pathological progression rate at 1-year re-biopsy was 33%. Fifty-four (46%) patients remained on AS for maximal observation of 54 months. General health-related QOL in patients undergoing AS was not impaired. Conclusions The primary endpoint, '%PSADT > 2y', did not meet the pre-specified decision criteria. Further prospective study with revised program and endpoint is needed.