DNA hypermethylation status of multiple genes in papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Objective: The aim of this study was hypermethylation of multiple genes for papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).

Methods: We examined 39 lesions using methylation-specific PCR to assess hypermethylation in genes, including p16(INK4a), p14(ARF), RB1, p27(Kip1)and 0(6)-MGMT. Homozygous deletions of p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) were investigated by differential PCR, all with reference to clinicopathological factors.

Up-regulation of transcriptional factor E2F1 in papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancers.

Expression of genes in the Rb-E2F signaling pathway is controlled by E2F transcriptional factors originally defined as molecules that bind to the promoter of E2 adenovirus. The E2F gene family consists of six members and is designated E2F1-6. The Rb-E2F signaling pathway is among the main regulators of the cell cycle, hence its importance in differentiation and oncogenesis.

Surgical therapy in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is usually considered to be manageable by levothyroxine (L-T4) administration, which can reduce the thyroid volume and supplement the lack of hormone. However, we sometimes encounter a huge goiter that has not shrunk in response to L-T4 therapy. These goiters continue to produce symptoms of compression and an unsightly appearance.

Immunohistochemical, biochemical and immunoelectron microscopic analysis of antigenic proteins on neuroendocrine cell tumors using monoclonal antibody HISL-19.

The monoclonal antibody HISL-19 was originally generated after immunizing BALB/c mice with human islet cells. We used this antibody to study a wide variety of neuroendocrine (NE) and non-NE tumors by immunohistochemical, immunoelectron microscopic, and biochemical (Western blotting) techniques. Of the thyroid tumors, HISL-19 specifically immunoreacted with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT); of the pancreatic tumors, it reacted with islet cell tumors such as insulinomas and a gastrinoma; of the adrenal tumors, it reacted with pheochromocytoma.