Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)3 is a major negative feedback regulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3-activating cytokines. Transgenic mouse studies indicate that high levels of SOCS3 in T cells result in type 2 T helper cell (Th2) skewing and lead to hypersensitivity to allergic diseases. To define the physiological roles of SOCS3 in T cells, we generated T cell–specific SOCS3 conditional knockout mice. We found that the mice lacking SOCS3 in T cells showed reduced immune responses not only to ovalbumin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness but also to Leishmania major infection. In vitro, SOCS3-deficient CD4+ T cells produced more transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and interleukin (IL)-10, but less IL-4 than control T cells, suggesting preferential Th3-like differentiation. We found that STAT3 positively regulates TGF-β1 promoter activity depending on the potential STAT3 binding sites. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that more STAT3 was recruited to the TGF-β1 promoter in SOCS3-deficient T cells than in control T cells. The activated STAT3 enhanced TGF-β1 and IL-10 expression in T cells, whereas the dominant-negative form of STAT3 suppressed these. From these findings, we propose that SOCS3 regulates the production of the immunoregulatory cytokines TGF-β1 and IL-10 through modulating STAT3 activation.

Approximately 20% of human cancers are estimated to develop from chronic inflammation. Recently, the NF-κB pathway was shown to play an essential role in promoting inflammation-associated cancer, but the role of the JAK/STAT pathway, another important signaling pathway of proinflammatory cytokines, remains to be investigated. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1) acts as an important physiological regulator of cytokine responses, and silencing of the SOCS1 gene by DNA methylation has been found in several human cancers. Here, we demonstrated that SOCS1-deficient mice (SOCS1−/−Tg mice), in which SOCS1 expression was restored in T and B cells on a SOCS1−/− background, spontaneously developed colorectal carcinomas carrying nuclear β-catenin accumulation and p53 mutations at 6 months of age. However, interferon (IFN)γ−/−SOCS1−/− mice and SOCS1−/−Tg mice treated with anti-IFNγ antibody did not develop such tumors. STAT3 and NF-κB activation was evident in SOCS1−/−Tg mice, but these were not sufficient for tumor development because these are also activated in IFNγ−/−SOCS1−/− mice. However, colons of SOCS1−/−Tg mice, but not IFNγ−/−SOCS1−/− mice, showed hyperactivation of STAT1, which resulted in the induction of carcinogenesis-related enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. These data strongly suggest that SOCS1 is a unique antioncogene which prevents chronic inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis by regulation of the IFNγ/STAT1 pathways.

It has been shown that transforming growth factor ␤1 (TGF-␤1

Lung RFA is a relatively safe procedure, but it can be fatal. Risk factors found in this study will help to stratify high-risk patients.

RF ablation combined with chemoembolization in patients with early-stage HCC provides overall and disease-free survival rates similar to those achieved by hepatectomy.

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Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) are involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory, and are affected in several neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms of their development are not fully elucidated. A recent report demonstrated that some BFCNs in adult rat are positive for L3/Lhx8, a LIM homeobox transcription factor. To examine the function of L3/Lhx8 in the development of BFCNs, we generated L3/Lhx8 gene-disrupted mice. In these mice, cells expressing cholinergic neuron markers, such as choline acetyltransferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter and p75 low-affinity NGF receptor, were markedly reduced in the basal forebrain, whereas other cholinergic neurons including brain stem and spinal motor neurons expressed the markers. Neurotransmitter phenotypes other than cholinergic in the basal forebrain appeared intact. From these results, we suggested that L3/Lhx8 has a pivotal and specific role in the development and/or maintenance of BFCNs.

Fatty replacement is more severe in the anterior aspect of the head of the pancreas. The posterior aspect of the head of the pancreas and the area around the CBD tended to be spared.