High Glucose Accelerates Cell Proliferation and Increases the Secretion and mRNA Expression of Osteopontin in Human Pancreatic Duct Epithelial Cells.

Background: The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing year-by-year in Japan. Among the diseases that complicate pancreatic cancer, diabetes is the most common. Recently, it has become evident that patients suffering from diabetes and obesity show increased expression of osteopontin (OPN).

Pancreatic hyperechogenicity associated with hypoadiponectinemia and insulin resistance: A Japanese population study.

Aim: To examine the relationship between pancreatic hyperechogenicity and risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Methods: A general population-based survey of lifestyle-related diseases was conducted from 2005 to 2006 in Japan. The study involved 551 participants older than 40 year of age.

Specific MAPK-Associated MicroRNAs in Serum Differentiate Pancreatic Cancer from Autoimmune Pancreatitis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to distinguish from autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) because of their clinical and radiological similarities, and therefore simple and minimally invasive surrogate markers for differential diagnosis would be useful. In our previous studies, we identified four microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-7, miR-34a, miR-181d, and miR-193b -as MAPK-associated microRNAs whose expression was altered significantly with upregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Recently it has been reported that these miRNAs could be used as biomarkers in serum samples for accurate diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Stromal Fibrosis and Expression of Matricellular Proteins Correlate With Histological Grade of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas.

Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the correlation between the microenvironmental factors and histological grade in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

Methods: We investigated 65 IPMNs resected at Yamagata University Hospital between 2000 and 2011, and all cases were categorized to low-inter (including low- and intermediate-grade dysplasia) and high-inv (including high-grade dysplasia and IPMN with an associated invasive carcinoma) groups. We compared between the 2 groups pathologically with regard to fibrosis and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), periostin, and galectin-1 in the periductal stroma of IPMN.

Isolated intrapancreatic IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) is frequently associated with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Association with AIP can be utilized in the diagnosis of IgG4-SC. However, some cases of IgG4-SC are isolated from AIP, which complicates the diagnosis.

Pancreatic fat accumulation, fibrosis, and acinar cell injury in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat fed a chronic high-fat diet.

Objective: The histological alteration of the exocrine pancreas in obesity has not been clarified. In the present study, we investigated biochemical and histological changes in the exocrine pancreas of obese model rats.

Methods: Zucker lean rats were fed a standard diet, and Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were divided into 2 groups fed a standard diet and a high-fat diet, respectively.

MicroRNAs associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase in human pancreatic cancer.

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNA) is associated with phenotypes of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanism of the aberrant expression is largely unknown. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in gene expression related to the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer.

[An autopsy case of periampullary carcinoid with amyloid stroma and type 1 neurofibromatosis].

A 67-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of malaise. CT showed a pancreatic head tumor 5 cm in diameter with calcification. It also showed multiple liver metastases and bile duct dilatation.

An unusual case of undifferentiated carcinoma in situ with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas.

Objectives: We report an unusual case of undifferentiated carcinoma in situ with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC with OGCs) in a 68-year-old Japanese woman.

Methods: Preoperative examinations revealed an unidentifiable mass lesion within the main pancreatic duct (MPD) in the pancreatic head, accompanied by a dilated MPD distal to the mass lesion, which was suspected to be an intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm of the main-duct type with acute pancreatitis because of an increased serum amylase level. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.