Cell Line HET-1A Research Articles

Real-time electrical impedance-based measurement to distinguish oral cancer cells and non-cancer oral epithelial cells

In this study, electrical impedance-based measurements were used to distinguish oral cancer cells and non-cancer oral epithelial cells based on their cellular activities on the microelectrodes in a real-time and label-free manner. CAL 27 and Het-1A cell lines were used as the models of oral cancer cells and non-cancer oral epithelial cells, respectively. Various cellular activities, including cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation were monitored. We found that both the kinetics of cell spreading and the static impedance-based cell index were feasible to distinguish the two cell types. At each given cell number, CAL 27 cell spreading produced a smaller cell index change rate that was 60-70% of those of Het-1A cells. When cells were fully spread, CAL 27 cells generated a cell index more than four times greater than that of Het-1A cells. Since cell spreading and attachment occurs in the first few hours when they were cultured on the microelectrodes, this impedance-based method could be a rapid label-free and non-invasive approach to distinguish oral cancer cells from non-cancer oral epithelial cells. Cell viability analysis was performed along with the impedance-based analysis. Confocal microscopic imaging analysis showed the difference in cell morphology and the thickness of cell monolayers between the two cell types.

Cigarette smoke induces promoter methylation of single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein 2 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world, and cigarette smoke is a key factor in esophageal carcinogenesis. To identify molecular changes during cigarette smoke-induced ESCC, we examined the methylation status of 13 gene promoters in the human immortalized, nontumorigenic esophageal epithelial cell line (Het-1A) that were exposed to mainstream (MSE) or sidestream cigarette smoke extract (SSE) for 6 months in culture. The promoter of sequence-specific single-stranded DNA-binding protein 2 (SSBP2) was methylated in the Het-1A cells exposed to MSE (MSE-Het-1A). Promoter methylation (86%, 56/70) and downregulation of SSBP2 expression were frequently detected in tumor tissues from ESCC patients. In addition, reintroduction of SSBP2 in an ESCC cell line (TE1) that does not express SSBP2 and in the MSE-Het-1A cells inhibited expression of LRP6 and Dvl3, which are mediators of the Wnt signaling pathway. SSBP2 expression markedly decreased the colony-forming ability of ESCC cell lines and significantly inhibited cell growth of the MSE-Het-1A cells. Our results indicate that cigarette smoking is a cause of SSBP2 promoter methylation and that SSBP2 harbors a tumor suppressive role in ESCC through inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Bile acid toxicity structure–activity relationships: Correlations between cell viability and lipophilicity in a panel of new and known bile acids using an oesophageal cell line (HET-1A)

The molecular mechanisms and interactions underlying bile acid cytotoxicity are important to understand for intestinal and hepatic disease treatment and prevention and the design of bile acid-based therapeutics.Bile acid lipophilicity is believed to be an important cytotoxicity determinant but the relationship is not well characterized. In this study we prepared new azido and other lipophilic BAs and altogether assembled a panel of 37 BAs with good dispersion in lipophilicity as reflected in RPTLC RMw. The MTT cell viability assay was used to assess cytotoxicity over 24h in the HET-1A cell line (oesophageal). RMw values inversely correlated with cell viability for the whole set (r2=0.6) but this became more significant when non-acid compounds were excluded (r2=0.82, n=29). The association in more homologous subgroups was stronger still (r2 >0.96). None of the polar compounds were cytotoxic at 500μM, however, not all lipophilic BAs were cytotoxic. Notably, apart from the UDCA primary amide, lipophilic neutral derivatives of UDCA were not cytotoxic. Finally, CDCA, DCA and LagoDCA were prominent outliers being more toxic than predicted by RMw. In a hepatic carcinoma line, lipophilicity did not correlate with toxicity except for the common naturally occurring bile acids and their conjugates. There were other significant differences in toxicity between the two cell lines that suggest a possible basis for selective cytotoxicity. The study shows: (i) azido substitution in BAs imparts lipophilicity and toxicity depending on orientation and ionizability; (ii) there is an inverse correlation between RMw and toxicity that has good predictive value in homologous sets; (iii) lipophilicity is a necessary but apparently not sufficient characteristic for BA cytocidal activity to which it appears to be indirectly related.

Fibroblast-derived HB-EGF promotes Cdx2 expression in esophageal squamous cells

The molecular basis of attaining columnar phenotype in Barrett’s esophagus is poorly understood. One hypothesis states that factors locally produced by cells of mesenchymal origin in chronic reflux esophagitis induce metaplastic transformation. This study was performed to elucidate the factors secreted from fibroblasts that cause columnar phenotype in adjacent squamous epithelium. Human fibroblast cells were exposed to acidified medium for 20 min, followed by medium neutralization for 2 h, and then total RNA was hybridized to Sentrix Human-6 Expression BeadChips. Furthermore, esophageal mucosal biopsy specimens from reflux esophagitis patients were examined for HB-EGF expression using immunohistochemistry. In addition, cells from the human esophageal squamous epithelial cell line HET1A were treated with recombinant HB-EGF, and changes in expressions of Cdx2 and columnar markers were analyzed. The gene expression profile revealed significant upregulation of a variety of growth factors and inflammatory chemokines in response to acid exposure. Among them, HB-EGF was upregulated more than 10-fold. Biopsy specimens from reflux esophagitis patients showed a strong expression of HB-EGF in fibroblast cells underlying the damaged epithelium. Furthermore, in vitro stimulation of HET1A cells with HB-EGF increased Cdx2 in dose-dependent manners. Functional analysis of human Cdx2 promoter also revealed its upregulation by HB-EGF stimulation, showing the role of potential responsive elements (AP-1 and NF-κB) for its transcriptional activation. Moreover, the columnar markers cytokeratin 7 and villin were also upregulated by HB-EGF stimulation. HB-EGF induces several genes characteristics of columnar phenotypes of esophageal squamous epithelium in a paracrine manner.

Down-regulation of microRNA 10a expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells

This study identified significantly down-regulated microRNAs (miRs) specific for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. Total RNA was extracted from ESCC cell lines (OE21 and TE10) and a non-malignant human esophageal squamous cell line (Het1A), and subjected to microarray analysis. Expression levels of miRs that showed significant down-regulation in ESCC cells compared to Het1A cells based on the comprehensive analysis were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Among the significantly down-regulated miRs, miR-10a expression levels in the five ESCC cell lines examined were significantly lower than in Het1A and the esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Since miR-10a is a specific miR in ESCC, its clinical relevance was examined. Using ESCC tumor samples and non-cancerous tissue obtained endoscopically, the involvement of miR-10a in the clinicopathological findings was examined. MiR-10a expression was comparably down-regulated in the tumors of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasm and non-invasive ESCC, while the expression levels were elevated in the invasive ESCC tumors. Treatment with a demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, restored miR-10a expression in OE21 cells. Only a modest additive or synergistic effect was observed in the presence of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A. These results imply that miR-10a may be differentially expressed in ESCC cells and may be involved in ESCC development and progression. The unique epigenetic regulation of miR-10a expression can be mediated via hypermethylation of the CpG islands proximal to its gene locus, at least in certain ESCC cells.

S1056 The Prevalence of Dysplasia is Increasing in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Barrett's Esophagus (BE): Secular Trends From a Large, Multicenter, Cohort Study

represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of esophageal malignancies. Methods: Esophageal cell lines HET-1A(normal-squamous), QhTRT(metaplastic), GOhTRT(dysplastic) and SKGT4(adenocarcinoma) were utilized. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT proliferation assay. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that specific inhibition using siRNA to BCL-XL sensitized GOhTRTs to DCA(10hours@500μM) induced cell death, decreasing cell viability by ~45%(p-value <0.0001). siBCL-XL was incorporated as a positive control in the screening protocol. An automated siRNA transfection protocol was developed using the Matrix Hydra II and Matrix WellMate liquid handling robots. Results: A significant level of resistance to DCA-induced cell death was observed in the GOhTRTs when compared to Het-1As(normal-squamous). An siRNA screen targeting GPCRs identified a number of genes whose specific inhibition resulted in a sensitization of the GOhTRT cell line to DCA induced cell death (10hours @ 500μM). The top 25 targets that reduced cell viability by greater than 25% include FZD3, GPSM2, GPR27, CCL25 and IL8Rα. Validation and further investigations will assess how these molecules mediate resistance to DCA induced cell death. Discussion: IL8Rα is a high affinity receptor for IL8 and mediates its angiogenic effect in intestinal microvascular endothelial cells. This may be important in progression through the esophageal carcinogenic sequence from Barrett's esophagus(BE) to adenocarcinoma. CCL25 is a chemokine ligand with chemotactic activity for dendritic cells, thymocytes and activated macrophages. Interestingly, the promoter region of CCL25 contains the binding site for the caudal-related homeobox(Cdx) transcription factors. This is significant as CDX2 is upregulated in BE and may drive an inflammatory response through CCL25. These findings have potential implications for pathogenesis and therapeutics of esophageal cancer. Future investigations will involve the implementation of this screening strategy with more comprehensive siRNA libraries to target a larger number of genes to potentially identify new therapeutic targets.

S1635 Loss of Bile Acid Responsive Gene Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor A (Rora) in Barrett's Metaplasia, Implications for Refluxed Induced Signaling in Esophageal Cells

Introduction The involvement of gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease in the development of Barrett9s metaplasia (BM) is well established. Recent evidence has begun to implicate bile acids such as the secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA) in BM and subsequent carcinogenesis. Our laboratory has identified the transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor A (RORA) as a novel bile acid responsive gene with altered expression in BM through a novel integrative transcriptomic profiling approach. RORA, a putative tumour suppressor gene, has no established target hormone and is postulated to act independently from putative hormone binding. We now aim to validate RORA expression, induction and implications to oesophageal cell signalling. Methods Oesophageal cell lines HET-1A (normal-squamous), QhTRT (metaplastic), GohTRT (dysplastic) and SKGT4(adenocarcinoma) were utilised. Expression of RORA was determined by semi-quantitative real-time RT-PCR (ABI) in BM (n=16) and control patients (n=14) and the above cell lines. RORA protein was examined by Western blotting utilising a polyclonal antibody specific to RORA (Abcam). Results A significant reduction in RORA levels, as determined by real-time RT-PCR, was observed in a cohort of BM patients (p Conclusion This study for the first time demonstrates a loss of a critical regulator of cell growth, circadian rhythm and inflammation, RORA, in BM. Additional work described the ability of refluxed agents, such as DCA, to induce RORA in oesophageal cells. It is likely that RORA loss in BM may allow for dysregulated cellular growth, impact upon responses to nocturnal reflux through alterations in circadian rhythm and for resistance to refluxed induced damage in BM.

PWE-086 Ursodeoxycholic acid modulates the glucocorticoid receptor in oesophageal cells

Introduction Hydrophobic bile acids have been identified as aetiological agents in inflammatory oesophageal diseases. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to attenuate the inflammatory effects of hydrophobic bile acids in numerous cell lines. This has been shown to be partly mediated by UDCA activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Here, we investigate the potential role of UDCA in modulating the GR in oesophageal cell lines. Methods Western blot analysis and RT-PCR were used to characterise GR expression in oesophageal cell lines (HET1A, SKGT-4). High Content Analysis (GE In-Cell analyser 1000) was used to investigate nuclear translocation of the GR in response to UDCA stimulation. Trans-activation of glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) was determined in a transient transfection assay using a construct of the human GRE promoter ligated to a firefly luciferase reporter gene Similarly trans-repression of NFKB was determined using a construct of the human NFKB promoter ligated to a luciferase reporter gene. Results GR was found to be present in the oesophageal cell lines used at the mRNA and protein levels. No GRβ was expressed at the mRNA level suggesting that the GR present is GRα. UDCA induced translocation of the GR in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (EC50 of 298.68 μM in SKGT-4 and 320 μM in HET1A cell lines, 54% and 36% efficacy of dexamethasone 100 nM, respectively, both p Conclusion Glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory agents for treating a spectrum of diseases. Their chronic use is limited due to serious side effects, primarily thought to be due to GR-mediated transactivation. Here we show that UDCA can act as a GR modulator, with the ability to differentiate between transrepression and transactivation pathways. As a result UDCA may be of benefit in treating inflammatory conditions of the oesophagus.

Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery Improves Daytime Somnolence

Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery Improves Daytime Somnolence

Signaling in TRPV1-induced platelet activating factor (PAF) in human esophageal epithelial cells

Transient receptor potential channel, vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) receptors were identified in human esophageal squamous epithelial cell line HET-1A by RT-PCR and by Western blot. In fura-2 AM-loaded cells, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin caused a fourfold cytosolic calcium increase, supporting a role of TRPV1 as a capsaicin-activated cation channel. Capsaicin increased production of platelet activating factor (PAF), an important inflammatory mediator that acts as a chemoattractant and activator of immune cells. The increase was reduced by the p38 MAP kinase (p38) inhibitor SB203580, by the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA(2)) inhibitor AACOCF3, and by the lyso-PAF acetyltransferase inhibitor sanguinarin, indicating that capsaicin-induced PAF production may be mediated by activation of cPLA(2), p38, and lyso-PAF acetyltransferase. To establish a sequential signaling pathway, we examined the phosphorylation of p38 and cPLA(2) by Western blot. Capsaicin induced phosphorylation of p38 and cPLA(2). Capsaicin-induced p38 phosphorylation was not affected by AACOCF3. Conversely, capsaicin-induced cPLA(2) phosphorylation was blocked by SB203580, indicating that capsaicin-induced PAF production depends on sequential activation of p38 and cPLA(2). To investigate how p38 phosphorylation may result from TRPV1-mediated calcium influx, we examined a possible role of calmodulin kinase (CaM-K). p38 phosphorylation was stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187 and by capsaicin, and the response to both agonists was reduced by a CaM inhibitor and by CaM-KII inhibitors, indicating that calcium induced activation of CaM and CaM-KII results in P38 phosphorylation. Acetyl-CoA transferase activity increased in response to capsaicin and was inhibited by SB203580, indicating that p38 phosphorylation in turn causes activation of acetyl-CoA transferase to produce PAF. Thus epithelial cells produce PAF in response to TRPV1-mediated calcium elevation.

Regulation of CDX2 expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma

Reflux of acidic gastric contents and bile acids into the lower esophagus has been identified to have a central role in esophageal malignancy and is reported to upregulate caudal-related homologue 2 (CDX2), a regulatory gene involved in embryonic development and axial patterning of the alimentary tract. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of CDX2 in a well-defined series of human esophageal tissues, comprising reflux-induced esophagitis, premalignant Barrett esophagus (BE), and primary esophageal adenocarcinoma (EADC). To explore potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, we also studied the expression of beta-catenin, SOX9, and CDX2 promoter methylation in esophageal tissues, in addition to the effect of bile acids and nitric oxide (NO) on CDX2 expression in the normal human esophageal cell line Het1A. Relative to matched normal esophageal epithelia, CDX2 was overexpressed in esophagitis (37% for RNA; cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in 48% of tissues), a high proportion (91%) of BE tissues, and in EADC (57% for RNA; cell nuclear immunopositivity in 80%). An association with beta-catenin expression was seen, but not with SOX9 or CDX2 promoter methylation. In Het1A cells, CDX2 was upregulated following exposure to bile acids and NO, alone and in combination. These results further implicate CDX2 and beta-catenin in the molecular pathogenesis of human EADC. The observed synergistic effect of NO on the efficacy of bile acid-induction of CDX2 suggests a novel role for NO in modulating the development of the Barrett phenotype and esophageal adenocarcinogenesis.

578 MEK1 Kinase and Rho Kinase ROCK2 Mediate Acid-Induced NOX5-S Expression and H 2O 2 Production in Barrett's Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease complicated by Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). The mechanisms whereby acid reflux may accelerate the progression from BE to EA are not fully understood. We therefore investigated the role of NADPH oxidases in acid-induced changes in Barrett's EA cell line FLO. RT-PCR and 5'-RACE showed that NOX5-S was the major isoform of NADPH oxidase in FLO cells. NOX5-S mRNA expression was significantly greater in EA cell lines (FLO, and OE33) than in esophageal squamous epithelial cell line HET-1A. The levels of NOX5 mRNA were also markedly increased in human Barrett's mucosal biopsies with moderate dysplasia and in EA tissues, when compared with normal esophageal mucosa or BE mucosa. Immunohistochemical studies showed that NOX5-S was present in the cytosol of FLO cells. This result was further confirmed by transfection of FLO cells with GFP-tagged NOX5-S plasmid. In FLOEA cells, knockdown of NOX5-S by NOX5 siRNA significantly decreased cell proliferation at basal condition and inhibited acid-induced increase in cell proliferation, suggesting that NOX5-S may play a role in growth and proliferation of EA cells. Acid treatment significantly increased H2O2 production in both FLO cells and BE mucosa. Acid treatment significantly increased NOX5-S mRNA expression and H2O2 production, and knockdown of NOX5-S with NOX5 siRNA abolished acid-induced H2O2 production in FLO cells, indicating that NOX5-S mediates acid-induced H2O2 production. Acid-induced NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production were significantly decreased by knockdown of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase with their siRNAs. Overexpression of constitutively active ROCK2 Rho kinase and constitutively active MEK1 kinase significantly increased NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production. In addition, acid treatment significantly increased Rho kinase activity, an increase which was not affected by knockdown of MEK1 kinase. Overexpression of constitutively active ROCK2 significantly increased MEK1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that acidinduced NOX5-S expression depends on sequential activation of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase. In conclusion, in EA cells acid induces H2O2 production by activation of NADPH oxidase NOX5-S and causes upregulation of NOX5-S expression through sequential activation of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase. In these cells NOX5-S contributes to increased cell proliferation. Supported by NIH NIDDK R21 DK073327-01.

582 Manometry and Impedance Characteristics of the Esophagus in Patients with Early Stage of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease complicated by Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). The mechanisms whereby acid reflux may accelerate the progression from BE to EA are not fully understood. We therefore investigated the role of NADPH oxidases in acid-induced changes in Barrett's EA cell line FLO. RT-PCR and 5'-RACE showed that NOX5-S was the major isoform of NADPH oxidase in FLO cells. NOX5-S mRNA expression was significantly greater in EA cell lines (FLO, and OE33) than in esophageal squamous epithelial cell line HET-1A. The levels of NOX5 mRNA were also markedly increased in human Barrett's mucosal biopsies with moderate dysplasia and in EA tissues, when compared with normal esophageal mucosa or BE mucosa. Immunohistochemical studies showed that NOX5-S was present in the cytosol of FLO cells. This result was further confirmed by transfection of FLO cells with GFP-tagged NOX5-S plasmid. In FLOEA cells, knockdown of NOX5-S by NOX5 siRNA significantly decreased cell proliferation at basal condition and inhibited acid-induced increase in cell proliferation, suggesting that NOX5-S may play a role in growth and proliferation of EA cells. Acid treatment significantly increased H2O2 production in both FLO cells and BE mucosa. Acid treatment significantly increased NOX5-S mRNA expression and H2O2 production, and knockdown of NOX5-S with NOX5 siRNA abolished acid-induced H2O2 production in FLO cells, indicating that NOX5-S mediates acid-induced H2O2 production. Acid-induced NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production were significantly decreased by knockdown of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase with their siRNAs. Overexpression of constitutively active ROCK2 Rho kinase and constitutively active MEK1 kinase significantly increased NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production. In addition, acid treatment significantly increased Rho kinase activity, an increase which was not affected by knockdown of MEK1 kinase. Overexpression of constitutively active ROCK2 significantly increased MEK1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that acidinduced NOX5-S expression depends on sequential activation of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase. In conclusion, in EA cells acid induces H2O2 production by activation of NADPH oxidase NOX5-S and causes upregulation of NOX5-S expression through sequential activation of Rho kinase ROCK2 and MEK1 kinase. In these cells NOX5-S contributes to increased cell proliferation. Supported by NIH NIDDK R21 DK073327-01.

Sodium deoxycholate causes nitric oxide mediated DNA damage in oesophageal cells

Patients with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease experience the reflux of acid and bile into the distal oesophagus. The secondary bile salt sodium deoxycholate (NDC) is implicated in the induction of mucosal injury during reflux episodes. This study hypothesized that NDC damages DNA in oesophageal cells by an oxidative mechanism. In the oesophageal cell line HET1-A, increased production of nitric oxide (NO) was measured in NDC-treated cells. Protection from DNA strand breaks induced by NDC (10 µm) was observed in cells coincubated with the nitric oxide scavenger C-PTIO (p<0.012) or pre-incubated with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (p<0.009) or the NFκB inhibitor, TPCK (p<0.036). Collectively these data implicate the involvement of NFκB and nitric oxide synthase in the DNA damage induced by NDC in oesophageal cells. In conclusion, NDC-driven NO production may play an important role in inducing DNA damage during episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux and thereby contribute to reflux-related carcinogenesis.

HIF-1a modulates hypoxic radioresistance in vitro

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been approved by regulatory agencies worldwide for the treatment of several oncologic and non-oncologic conditions, PDT-induced tissue hypoxia as a result of vascular damage and photochemical oxygen consumption limits the efficacy of this modality. This may largely be due to hypoxia-mediated angiogenesis via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a major transcription factor involved in angiogenesis, hematopoiesis and anaerobic energy metabolism. We hypothesized that hypoxia-induced HIF-1α overexpression may also lead to tumor cells resistant to PDT by favouring tumor cell proliferation. Human esophageal normal Het-1A and tumor KYSE-70 and KYSE-450 cell lines were used in the present study. High-expression of HIF-1α induced in vitro by cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-mediated chemical hypoxia mimic was clearly seen in the Het-1A cell line. In addition, cells treated with CoCl2 were more resistant to 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated PDT than those without CoCl2 treatment. The photosensitivity of the cells to ALA–PDT decreased with increasing HIF-1α expression by enhancing CoCl2 concentrations. Moreover, transfection of the cells with anti-HIF-1α short interfering RNA (siRNA) knocked down the HIF-1α expression and restored the photosensitivity of the cells to ALA–PDT. However, the induction of HIF-1α expression by CoCl2 was not indicated in both KYSE-70 and KYSE-450 cell lines, and no difference in cell survival was found after ALA–PDT in the presence and absence of CoCl2. We thus conclude that high-expression of HIF-1α induced by CoCl2 plays an important role in the resistance of the Het-1A cells to ALA–PDT. The present finding suggests that hypoxia-induced HIF-1α overexpression attenuates PDT efficacy through probably not only angiogenesis, but also cellular resistance to the modality. PDT in combination with anti-HIF-1α treatment may thus enhance the PDT efficacy.

Impact of Gastro-esophageal Reflux on Mucin mRNA Expression in the Esophageal Mucosa

IntroductionChanges in the expression of mucin genes in the esophageal mucosa associated with uncomplicated gastro-esophageal reflux disease have not been evaluated even though such changes could be associated with reflux-induced mucosal damage. We therefore sought to identify reflux-induced changes in mucin gene expression using a cell line and biopsies from the esophageal mucosa in patients with and without reflux. MethodsMUC-1, MUC-3, MUC-4, and MUC-5AC gene expressions were investigated in the HET-1A cell line following exposure to acid (pH 4) and/or bile (120μm of a bile salt milieu), and in esophageal mucosal biopsies from controls, subjects with non-erosive gastro-esophageal reflux, and subjects with reflux associated with ulcerative esophagitis (erosive). The mucosal biopsies were also evaluated for IL-6 mRNA expression (inflammatory marker) and CK-14 mRNA expression (mucosal basal cell layer marker). Gene expression was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. ResultsIn the cell line studies, there were differences in mRNA levels for all of the evaluated mucins following treatment with either acid or the acid and bile combination. In the studies which evaluated tissue specimens, IL-6 and CK-14 mRNA levels increased according to degree of reflux pathology. The expression of MUC-1 and MUC-4 in mucosa from patients with erosive reflux was lower than in subjects without reflux and in patients with non-erosive reflux, whereas the expression of MUC-3 and MUC-5AC was increased (although these differences did not reach significance at p < 0.05). When mRNA expression data for tissue samples from all groups were combined, significant correlations were identified between IL-6 vs. CK-14 and IL-6 vs. MUC-3, MUC-3 vs. CK-14 and MUC-3 vs. MUC-5AC, and for MUC-1 vs. MUC-5AC. The correlation between IL-6 and CK-14 was also significant within the control and non-erosive reflux groups. The correlation between IL-6 and MUC-3 was significant within the control and erosive reflux groups, and the correlation between MUC-1 and MUC-5AC was significant within the erosive reflux group. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the profile of mucin expression in the esophageal mucosa is influenced by the pH and composition of the gastro-esophageal reflux. Further work should explore the response of these genes to acid and bile reflux, and their role in the etiology of mucosal damage in gastro-esophageal reflux.

The overexpression of caveolin-1 and caveolin-2 correlates with a poor prognosis and tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) and caveolin-2 (CAV2) are the major structural proteins of caveolae. We investigated the relationship between the clinicopathological factors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the expression of CAV1 and CAV2. CAV1 and CAV2 expression were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 15 esophageal cancer cell lines (TE1-15) and a normal esophageal epithelium cell line (Het-1A). CAV1 and CAV2 expression was examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in 47 ESCC specimens. High levels of CAV1 and CAV2 mRNA were detected in TE1-15, but neither CAV1 nor CAV2 mRNA were detected in Het-1A. In the ESCC samples CAV1 and CAV2 mRNA expression in the ESCC samples were significantly higher than in the corresponding normal esophageal mucosa (CAV1, P=0.0024; CAV2, P=0.0136). However, we could not find any significant relationship between CAV1 or CAV2 mRNA expression and clinicopathological factors. Immunostaining for CAV1 was positive in 13 of 47 patients (27.7%), whereas CAV2 was positive in 22 of 47 patients (46.8%). A significant correlation was observed between CAV1 and CAV2 immunostaining and T factor, lymphatic invasion, vein invasion and differentiation. The patients with positive staining for CAV1 or CAV2 had a significantly shorter survival than those with negative staining (P=0.0105 and 0.0424 for CAV1 and CAV2, respectively). These results suggest that positive staining for CAV1 and CAV2 could be a potentially useful prognostic marker of ESCC.

A novel gene, RSRC2, inhibits cell proliferation and affects survival in esophageal cancer patients.

In Japan and China, esophageal cancer is common and more than 90% of esophageal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) shows a poor prognosis, but the mechanism of ESCC and target genes for treatment remains unclear. We searched for genes related to ESCC, and identified a novel gene, FLJ11021, which was designated arginine/serine-rich coiled-coil 2 (RSRC2). We sought to determine the role of RSRC2 in the proliferation of esophageal cell lines and to examine the relationship between RSRC2 and clinicopathologic factors and ESCC prognosis. Expression of RSRC2 was quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 70 primary ESCCs and paired noncancerous esophageal mucosa. To determine the role of RSRC2 in ESCC cell proliferation, we used vector-based transfection and small interfering RNA methods. Our results show that RSRC2mRNA levels in all ESCC cell lines (TE1-15, excluding TE7) were lower than those in a human esophageal squamous epithelial cell line (Het-1A). Cell proliferation of an ESCC cell line was inhibited by overexpression of RSRC2, while reduced expression was accompanied by tumor progression. RSRC2 expression levels were significantly correlated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and vascular invasion. Moreover, ESCC patients with low RSRC2mRNA expression had significantly shorter post-operative survival time than those with high expression. In vitro study revealed that RSRC2 might play a role in cell proliferation. Our study demonstrated that RSRC2 expression may be a novel tumor suppressor of esophageal cancer cell growth and a prognostic factor in ESCC.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease–Associated Esophagitis Induces Endogenous Cytokine Production Leading to Motor Abnormalities

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition frequently associated with esophagitis and motor abnormalities. Recent evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6, may be implicated because they reduce esophageal muscle contractility, but these results derive from in vitro or animal models of esophagitis. This study used human esophageal cells and tissues to identify the cellular source of cytokines in human esophagitis investigate whether cytokines can be induced by gastric refluxate, and examine whether esophageal tissue- or cell-derived mediators affect muscle contractility. Endoscopic mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with and without esophagitis, organ-cultured, and undernatants were assessed for cytokine content. The cytokine profile of esophageal epithelial, fibroblast, and muscle cells was analyzed, and esophageal mucosa and cell products were tested in an esophageal circular muscle contraction assay. The mucosa of esophagitis patients produced significantly greater amounts of IL-1beta and IL-6 compared with those of control patients. Cultured esophageal epithelial cells produced IL-6, as did fibroblasts and muscle cells. Epithelial cells exposed to buffered, but not denatured, gastric juice produced IL-6. Undernatants of mucosal biopsy cultures from esophagitis patients reduced esophageal muscle contraction, as did supernatants from esophageal epithelial cell cultures. The human esophagus produces cytokines capable of reducing contractility of esophageal muscle cells. Exposure to gastric juice is sufficient to stimulate esophageal epithelial cells to produce IL-6, a cytokine able to alter esophageal contractility. These results indicate that classic cytokines are important mediators of the motor disturbances associated with human esophageal inflammation.

Dickkopf Homologs in Squamous Mucosa of Esophagitis Patients Are Overexpressed Compared with Barrett's Patients and Healthy Controls

Esophageal mucosal response to acid exposure varies from minimal changes to erosions/ulcerations and Barrett's metaplasia. While differences in acid contact time have been suggested, the reason for these different responses is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to identify and compare gene expression differences between normal distal and proximal squamous esophageal mucosa (SM) in esophagitis patients with that of healthy controls and Barrett's patients. Gene microarray was performed on laser-capture microdissected epithelial cells isolated from biopsy specimens followed by real-time PCR. The effect of acidic pH (pH 4.5) on Dickkopf Homolog 1 (Dkk-1) expression in the human esophageal epithelial cell line (Het-1A) was determined. Gene microarray analysis demonstrated that the upregulation of five genes in the distal compared with the proximal SM in esophagitis patients was greater than the healthy controls and Barrett's patients. Overexpression of Dkk-1 and Dkk-4 was further confirmed by real-time PCR. Dkk-1 and Dkk-4 mRNA levels in the distal SM of the esophagitis patients were 7.0- and 3.1-fold higher, respectively, than in the distal SM of the Barrett's patients and 4.1- and 4.1-fold higher than in healthy controls, respectively. Dkk-1 protein expression in the distal esophagitis SM was also higher than the Barrett's patients and healthy controls. Acidic pH exposure of Het-1A cells resulted in Dkk-1 upregulation at the level of both mRNA and protein. Dkk-1 and Dkk-4 may potentially be involved in the development of different injuries in response to pathological gastroesophageal acid reflux.