Oestrogen Receptor Isoforms May Represent a Therapeutic Target in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is a rapidly increasing problem in which treatment options are limited. Previous studies have shown that oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells and tissues express oestrogen receptors (ERs) and show growth suppression and apoptosis in response to ER modulator agents such as tamoxifen. ERs are known to be expressed in a number of isoforms that act together to regulate cell growth and cell death.

Oestrogen receptors: A potential therapeutic target in oesophageal adenocarcinoma?

Oesophageal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world and adenocarcinoma is the dominant subtype in Western industrialised nations. The global 5-year relative survival rate for oesophageal adenocarcinoma is 12%. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment offered to patients with both resectable and unresectable disease.

Mutant p53 Mediates Sensitivity to Cancer Treatment Agents in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Associated with MicroRNA and SLC7A11 Expression.

gene mutations occur in 70% of oesophageal adenocarcinomas (OACs). Given the central role of p53 in controlling cellular response to therapy we investigated the role of mutant (mut-) p53 and SLC7A11 in a CRISPR-mediated JH-EsoAd1 knockout model. Response to 2 Gy irradiation, cisplatin, 5-FU, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, and endoxifen was assessed, followed by a TaqMan OpenArray qPCR screening for differences in miRNA expression.

Sugar Responses of Human Enterochromaffin Cells Depend on Gut Region, Sex, and Body Mass.

Gut-derived serotonin (5-HT) is released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in response to nutrient cues, and acts to slow gastric emptying and modulate gastric motility. Rodent studies also evidence a role for gut-derived 5-HT in the control of hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and thermogenesis, and in mediating diet-induced obesity. EC cell number and 5-HT content is increased in the small intestine of obese rodents and human, however, it is unknown whether EC cells respond directly to glucose in humans, and whether their capacity to release 5-HT is perturbed in obesity.

Augmented capacity for peripheral serotonin release in human obesity.

Background/objectives: Evidence from animal studies highlights an important role for serotonin (5-HT), derived from gut enterochromaffin (EC) cells, in regulating hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and thermogenesis, and promoting obesity and dysglycemia. Evidence in humans is limited, although elevated plasma 5-HT concentrations are linked to obesity.

Subjects/methods: We assessed (i) plasma 5-HT concentrations before and during intraduodenal glucose infusion (4 kcal/min for 30 min) in non-diabetic obese (BMI 44 ± 4 kg/m, N = 14) and control (BMI 24 ± 1 kg/m, N = 10) subjects, (ii) functional activation of duodenal EC cells (immunodetection of phospho-extracellular related-kinase, pERK) in response to glucose, and in separate subjects, (iii) expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) in duodenum and colon (N = 39), and (iv) 5-HT content in primary EC cells from these regions (N = 85).

Mechanisms Controlling Glucose-Induced GLP-1 Secretion in Human Small Intestine.

Intestinal glucose stimulates secretion of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). The mechanisms underlying this pathway have not been fully investigated in humans. In this study, we showed that a 30-min intraduodenal glucose infusion activated half of all duodenal L cells in humans.

Androgens and esophageal cancer: What do we know?

Significant disparities exist between genders for the development and progression of several gastro-intestinal (GI) diseases including cancer. Differences in incidence between men vs women for colon, gastric and hepatocellular cancers suggest a role for steroid sex hormones in regulation of GI carcinogenesis. Involvement of intrinsic gender-linked mechanisms is also possible for esophageal adenocarcinoma as its incidence is disproportionally high among men.

Caecal tumor biopsy with a rigid sigmoidoscope - Ileorectal intussusception.

Introduction: Ileorectal intussusception is a rare condition in adults in which the distal ileum, caecum, variable lengths of ascending and transvers colon, and associated mesentery invaginate into the rectum.

Presentation Of Case: We present the case of a 56 year old man who presented to our hospital for investigation of vague symptoms including small volumes of bright red rectal bleeding and colicky abdominal pain. He was found on CT scanning to have an extensive ileorectal intussusception and extensive liver metastasis.

Endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocysts: refining the indications.

Background: Pseudocysts are a common consequence of acute pancreatitis and require intervention if symptomatic. Endoscopic management is emerging as a safe and effective alternative to surgery, although its use is not yet widespread.

Methods: We describe our experience of 10 consecutive unselected patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided cyst-gastrostomy and stent insertion at a tertiary referral centre.

Colorectal cancer surgery 2000-2008: evaluation of a prospective database.

Background:   Colorectal cancer is a common cause of cancer death in Australia and is primarily managed operatively. Surgical databases are valuable in monitoring performance in cancer treatment and detecting problems and trends.

Methods:   Diagnostic and treatment variables and short-term outcomes were gathered prospectively for patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer over a 9-year period.

Pseudomonas arthropathy in an older patient.

Background: septic arthritis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is uncommon in the immunocompetent older population, despite its occurrence in younger patients with open injuries and in intravenous drug abusers.

Case Report: here we report a case of septic arthritis caused by P. aeruginosa complicated by death in an older patient with recently treated Pseudomonas urinary tract infection.