Showing papers in "International Journal of Molecular Medicine in 2000"
TL;DR: The role of MMPs in normal wound repair as well as in chronic ulcers is discussed, and the role of signaling pathways, in particular, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in regulating MMP expression is discussed as possible therapeutical targets for wound healing disorders.
Abstract: Wound repair is initiated with the aggregation of platelets, formation of a fibrin clot, and release of growth factors from the activated coagulation pathways, injured cells, platelets, and extracellular matrix (ECM), followed by migration of inflammatory cells to the wound site. Thereafter, keratinocytes migrate over the wound, angiogenesis is initiated, and fibroblasts deposit and remodel the granulation tissue. Cell migration, angiogenesis, degradation of provisional matrix, and remodeling of newly formed granulation tissue, all require controlled degradation of the ECM. Disturbance in the balance between ECM production and degradation leads to formation of chronic ulcers with excessive ECM degradation, or to fibrosis, for example hypertrophic scars or keloids characterized by excessive accumulation of ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, which as a group can degrade essentially all ECM components. So far, 20 members of the human MMP family have been identified. Based on their structure and substrate specificity, they can be divided into subgroups of collagenases, stromelysins, stromelysin-like MMPs, gelatinases, membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs), and other MMPs. In this review, the role of MMPs in normal wound repair as well as in chronic ulcers is discussed. In addition, the role of signaling pathways, in particular, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in regulating MMP expression is discussed as possible therapeutical targets for wound healing disorders.
477 citations
TL;DR: Data suggest the possible use of leptin as a clinical marker in cancer patients associated with elevated values of estrogen- and progesterone-receptors and blood plasma levels were correlated with TNM staging, cachexia parameters, tumour markers and hormones.
Abstract: Leptin is a hormone which controls fat metabolism. Leptin plasma levels and adipose tissue mRNA expression were measured in cancer patients. Plasma levels were correlated with TNM staging, cachexia parameters, tumour markers and hormones. Breast and colorectal cancer patients showed blood plasma levels of insulin, TNF-alpha and tumour markers higher than controls. Breast cancer patients, but not colorectal cancer patients, had plasma levels and adipose tissue expression of leptin significantly higher than controls associated with elevated values of estrogen- and progesterone-receptors. These data suggest the possible use of leptin as a clinical marker.
194 citations
TL;DR: A novel method for enhancing the integration efficiency of these vectors will be presented and some limitations of rAAV vector integration will be discussed.
Abstract: Adeno-associated virus (AAV), a non-pathogenic human parvovirus, is gaining attention for its potential use as a human gene therapy vector. One of the most attractive features of recombinant AAV vectors is the ability to be stably maintained in host cells as integrated proviruses. This property is particularly desireable for therapies requiring long-term correction of a genetic defect. This review highlights recent advances made in the AAV field and will discuss some limitations of rAAV vector integration. A novel method for enhancing the integration efficiency of these vectors will be presented.
172 citations
TL;DR: An unoccupied electron mass appears to be an unusual degradation product of curcumin (4-hydroxyperoxy-2-methoxyphenol) located near the soybean L3 catalytic site that may help in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs used for treatment where lipoxygenases are involved.
Abstract: Many lipoxygenase inhibitors including curcumin are currently being studied for their anti-carcinogenic properties. Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemical isolated from the powdered rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits cancer formation in mice. Recently it was shown that the soybean lipoxygenase L1 catalyzed the oxygenation of curcumin and that curcumin can act as a lipoxygenase substrate. In the current study, we investigated the fate of curcumin when used as a soybean lipoxygenase L3 substrate. By use of X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry, we found an unoccupied electron mass that appears to be an unusual degradation product of curcumin (4-hydroxyperoxy-2-methoxyphenol) located near the soybean L3 catalytic site. Understanding how curcumin inhibits lipoxygenase may help in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs used for treatment where lipoxygenases are involved.
138 citations
TL;DR: This review summarizes the different pathways known to be involved in V EGF signal transduction and the biological responses triggered by the VEGF signaling cascade.
Abstract: Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are the mechanisms responsible for the development of the blood vessels. Angiogenesis refers to the formation of capillaries from pre-existing vessels in the embryo and adult organism, while vasculogenesis is the development of new blood vessels from the differentiation of endothelial precursors (angioblasts) in situ. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members are major mediators of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis both during development and in pathological conditions. VEGF has a variety of effects on vascular endothelium, including the ability to promote endothelial cell viability, mitogenesis, chemotaxis, and vascular permeability. It mediates its activity mainly via two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR-1 (flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (flk-1/KDR), although other receptors, such as neuropilin-1 and -2, can also bind VEGF. Another tyrosine kinase receptor, VEGFR-3 (flt-4) binds VEGF-C and VEGF-D and is more important in the development of lymphatic vessels. While the functional effects of VEGF on endothelial cells has been well studied, not as much is known about VEGF signaling. This review summarizes the different pathways known to be involved in VEGF signal transduction and the biological responses triggered by the VEGF signaling cascade.
129 citations
TL;DR: Possible mechanisms through which mRNA, leaving from the nucleus as an RNA-protein complex, might reach its final intracellular destinations and how its access to the translational apparatus might be regulated in time and space are discussed.
Abstract: Growing evidence demonstrates the importance of regulating mRNA localization, stability and translation, in the control of gene expression, both in development and in differentiated cells. The signals responsible for specific regulation of mRNA metabolism reside in the RNA message itself: both 5' and 3' to the coding region, all transcripts contain variable lengths of untranslated sequences (5'-UTR and 3'-UTR) which contain the binding sites for a number of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Most RBPs assemble on the message at the moment of transcription, thus determining the future fate of the transcript from the very beginning. We discuss possible mechanisms through which mRNA, leaving from the nucleus as an RNA-protein complex, might reach its final intracellular destinations and how its access to the translational apparatus might be regulated in time and space. We also focus on a few known examples of aberrant RNA-protein interactions associated with human diseases, including cancer.
129 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that SIT, by a still unknown mechanism, may offer protection from breast cancer by inhibiting growth and stimulating apoptosis.
Abstract: Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested a protective role of phytosterols (PS) in the development of some types of cancer such as colon and prostate cancer. No work has been reported on the role of PS in the development of breast cancer, the second leading cancer in woman. The present study was designed to examine the effect of the two most common dietary PS, beta-sitosterol (SIT) and campesterol, as compared to cholesterol, the main sterol in the Western diet, on growth, apoptosis and cytotoxicity of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in culture. In addition, we investigated the possible role of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), an enzyme that has been shown to regulate growth and apoptosis in tumor parameters studied. Breast cancer cell growth was found to be inhibited by 66% after 3 days and 80% after 5 days with 16 microM SIT. Both campesterol and cholesterol sustained tumor growth at levels comparable to that of the vehicle control. None of the sterols tested at this level (16 microM) induced cytotoxicity as measured by lactic dehydrogenase release. SIT supplementation for 3 days at 16 microM resulted in a 6-fold increase in apoptosis in cells when compared to cholesterol treated cells. SIT treatment was found to have no effect on the level and content of tumor cell PP2A. It is concluded that SIT, by a still unknown mechanism, may offer protection from breast cancer by inhibiting growth and stimulating apoptosis.
116 citations
TL;DR: Future studies need to further identify the signals for PCD activation in neurons as they relate to the pathogenesis of ALS and to clarify the molecular pathways leading to motor neuron apoptosis in animal and cell culture model systems to lead to a better understanding of motor neuron death.
Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as motor neurone disease, is a fatal neurological disease that is characterized clinically by progressive muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and eventual paralysis. The neuropathology of ALS is primary degeneration of upper (motor cortical) and lower (brainstem and spinal) motor neurons. The amyotrophy refers to the neurogenic atrophy of affected muscle groups, and the lateral sclerosis refers to the hardening of the lateral white matter funiculus in spinal cord (corresponding to degeneration of the corticospinal tract) found at autopsy. Because the mechanisms for the motor neuron degeneration in ALS are not understood, this disease has no precisely known causes and no effective treatments. Very recent studies have identified that the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS is a form of apoptotic cell death that may occur by an abnormal programmed cell death (PCD) mechanism. In order to treat ALS effectively, we need to understand the mechanisms for motor neuron apoptosis more completely. Future studies need to further identify the signals for PCD activation in neurons as they relate to the pathogenesis of ALS and to clarify the molecular pathways leading to motor neuron apoptosis in animal and cell culture model systems. These studies should lead to a better understanding of motor neuron death and to the design of new therapeutic experiments critical for the future treatment of ALS.
105 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that genistein has an anabolic effect on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and might be partly involved in estrogen action.
Abstract: Genistein is a natural isoflavone found in Leguminosae. The effect of genistein on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells was investigated. Cells were cultured for 48 h in the presence of genistein (10(-7)-10(-5) M). Genistein (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) caused a significant elevation of protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and deoxyriboncleic acid (DNA) content in the cells. The effect of genistein (10-5 M) in increasing protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity and DNA content in the cells was completely prevented by the presence of cycloheximide (10(-6) M), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, suggesting that the isoflavone's effect results from a newly synthesized protein component. The effect of genistein (10(-5) M) in elevating cellular protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity was completely inhibited by the presence of trifluo-perazine (10(-5) M), staurosporine (10(-7) M) or vanadate (10(-6) M), various protein kinase inhibitors. Moreover, genistein (10(-5) M)-increased protein content and alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells was clearly abolished by the presence of anti-estrogen tamoxifen (10(-6) M). The effect of 17beta-estradiol (10(-9) M) in elevating protein and alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells was not enhanced by the presence of genistein (10(-5) M). Genistein's effect might be partly involved in estrogen action. The present study demonstrates that genistein has an anabolic effect on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.
105 citations
TL;DR: Kinases play a central role in oncogenesis rendering them putative targets for anti-cancer drug design, and are found mutated in a variety of human tumors.
Abstract: Tumorigenesis in humans is a multistep process, which reflects genetic alterations that lead to cell transformation and malignancy. Cellular genes that are altered are normally involved in maintaining cell homeostasis by participating in signaling pathways tightly regulated to maintain the functional integrity of the cell. When these genes are altered they escape from the regulatory control and transmit signals that lead to the progressive conversion of normal cells into cancer cells. Oncogenic signals involve activation of kinases, which can be either a primary event when they are directly mutated in a tumor cell or a secondary event as recipients and mediators of oncogenic signals. Transmembrane (e.g. EGFR, PDGFR) or cytoplasmic (Src, Abl) tyrosine kinases are found mutated in a variety of human tumors. Cytoplasmic serine threonine kinases (Raf, Akt, Tpl-2) are also mutated or activated in several types of human malignancies. Kinases transduce signals that lead to cell proliferation or inhibition of programmed cell death by activating transcription factors (e.g. AP1, NFkappaB, Myc), inhibiting pro-apoptotic molecules (e.g. Bad, Bax), or they participate in deregulating the cell cycle control. Thus, kinases play a central role in oncogenesis rendering them putative targets for anti-cancer drug design.
99 citations
TL;DR: The present study suggests that the suppressive effect of genistein on rat bone osteoclasts is partly involved in the inhibition of protein kinase and the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase in osteoclast.
Abstract: The suppressive effect of genistein on osteoclast-like multinucleated cells from rat femoral tissues was investigated. The bone cells isolated from rat femoral tissues were cultured for 48 h in an alpha-minimal essential medium (5% fetal bovine serum) containing either vehicle or genistein (10(-7)-10(-5) M). Osteoclasts were estimated by staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, a marker enzyme of osteoclasts. The presence of genistein caused a significant decrease in the number of osteoclasts. Such a decrease was also seen in the presence of calcium choride (10(-5) M). Magnesium chloride (10(-5)-10(-3) M), a blocker of Ca2+ channels, had no effect on the number of osteoclasts. The effect of genistein (10(-5) M) or calcium (10(-3) M) in decreasing osteoclasts was significantly prevented by the presence of magnesium (10-3 M). Vanadate (10(-6)-10(-4) M), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, did not have an effect on the number of osteoclasts. The genistein's effect was not altered by vanadate. When isolated osteoclasts were cultured for 24 h in the presence of genistein (10(-7)-10(-5) M), protein kinase activity in the 5500 g supernatant of homogenate of the cells was significantly decreased, while protein tyrosine phosphatase activity was significantly elevated. Such an effect was also seen by the addition of genistein (10(-7)-10(-5) in the enzyme reaction mixture in vitro. The present study suggests that the suppressive effect of genistein on rat bone osteoclasts is partly involved in the inhibition of protein kinase and the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase in osteoclasts.
TL;DR: Results suggest that MIF plays a major role in autoimmune diseases and, moreover, potentially induces various patho-logical outcomes in cases of hemolytic disorders.
Abstract: We raised monoclonal antibodies against human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and developed a one-step sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method highly specific for human MIF. The ELISA system utilizes a solid phase monoclonal antibody as a capture antibody and a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated monoclonal antibody as a detector antibody. We used this ELISA method to evaluate the serum level of MIF in 240 healthy volunteers (140 males and 100 females). We found no significant difference in MIF concentration with respect to age. A significant difference was found with respect to sex, with the mean value (+/- SD) for male subjects of 5.3+/-2.3, and that for female subjects of 4.6+/-2.3 ng/ml (p<0.05). We next measured the serum MIF contents of patients with autoimmune diseases, and found that MIF levels were significantly elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, 20.0+/-11.0 ng/ml and 21. 7+/-11.2 ng/ml, respectively. Using anti-MIF antibody-immobilized sepharose column chromatography, we discovered for the first time that MIF was present in erythrocytes. Taken together these results suggest that MIF plays a major role in autoimmune diseases and, moreover, potentially induces various patho-logical outcomes in cases of hemolytic disorders.
TL;DR: It appears that HIF-1 plays a central role in normal cellular functions and in tissue metabolism but it is also involved in pathological evolutions raising its interest as a therapeutic target.
Abstract: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor first identified as being activated by hypoxia but also in normoxic conditions by insulin and IGF-2. It is able to induce the expression of glycolytic genes and hence the ATP production, it also regulates the expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF and stimulates erythropoiesis via EPO production. HIF-1 is a protein necessary for the normal embryonic and cardiovascular system development, but seems to be also involved in cancer progression and apoptosis. Thus, it appears that HIF-1 plays a central role in normal cellular functions and in tissue metabolism but it is also involved in pathological evolutions raising its interest as a therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the dual role of HIF-1 as a major component of the embryo development, as well as an element of tumor progression and of anoxia-induced apoptosis.
TL;DR: It is found that the frequency of the variant allele for mEPHX codon 113 is higher in Japanese than that in Caucasians (P=0.0028), a novel silent polymorphism exists in exon 3 and shows strong linkage disequilibrium with the wild allele forcodon 113, and individual homozygous variants for codon113 may be associated with development of advanced COPD rather than the susceptibility to COPD.
Abstract: Polymorphisms in the gene for microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEPHX), an enzyme involved in the protective mechanism against oxidative stress, have been reported to be associated with individual susceptibility to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The polymorphisms in exons 3 and 4 in the mEPHX gene were examined in a total of 358 Japanese individuals, including 40 patients with COPD and 71 patients with lung cancer. The overall frequencies of variant allele for mEPHX codons 113 (exon 3) and 139 (exon 4) were 44% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (estimated allele frequency: 0.29) was identified in Japanese at 20 bp downstream of the codon 113 polymorphism with strong linkage disequilibrium with the wild allele for codon 113. While the frequencies of variant allele and proportions of individuals homozygous variant for codon 113, assumed having very slow mEPHX activity, were similar among COPD or lung cancer patients and the control population, they were significantly higher in patients with severe COPD than in those with mild COPD [P=0.0225, odds ratio 2.9 (95%CI 1.1-7.4); P=0.0350, respectively]. Thus, we found that the frequency of the variant allele for mEPHX codon 113 is higher in Japanese than that in Caucasians (P=0.0028), a novel silent polymorphism exists in exon 3 and shows strong linkage disequilibrium with the wild allele for codon 113, and individual homozygous variants for codon 113 may be associated with development of advanced COPD rather than the susceptibility to COPD.
TL;DR: The data demonstrated that the primary target of arsenic trioxide induced apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells may be the mitochondria, and it is possible that arsenic Trioxide is a mitochondriotoxic agent.
Abstract: It is accepted that inorganic arsenic trioxide is an inducer of apoptosis for many types of cancer. Our previous studies have demonstrated that arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells. Administration of arsenic trioxide results in the inhibition of growth and survival of tumor cells. Esophageal carcinoma cells treated with arsenic trioxide for 3 days demonstrated a typical morphological appearance of apoptosis. To further examine molecular mechanism of arsenic trioxide induced apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells, we have investigated the early changes of the apoptotic cell induced by arsenic trioxide. Our results indicated that arsenic trioxide induced apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells occurs as early as 2 h after treatment. Annexin-v staining has further proved that the phosphatidylserine is exposed at 2 h. The early morphological change of arsenic trioxide treated cells was in the mitochondria. Arsenic trioxide treated cells displayed aggregated mitochondria. It induces accumulation of high electron-density amorphous substances, swollen and disruption of mitochondria in oesophageal carcinoma cells after 2 h treatment. The alteration of mitochondria induced by arsenic trioxide seems to occur before the condensation of chromatin. Thus, our data demonstrated that the primary target of arsenic trioxide induced apoptosis of esophageal carcinoma cells may be the mitochondria. It is possible that arsenic trioxide is a mitochondriotoxic agent.
TL;DR: A possible model of pterygium formation is proposed, in which genetic predisposition, environmental factors and viral infection(s) participate in a multi-step process, which may lead to new ways of perygium treatment such as anti-viral or gene therapy.
Abstract: Pterygium is a lesion of the corneoscleral limbus which tends to grow in size, often recurs after surgical excision and is associated with exposure to solar light. Additionally, a family history is frequently reported. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH), increased P53 expression and the presence of oncogenic viruses, such as human papilloma virus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), have been detected in pterygia, supporting the possible neoplastic nature of the lesion. Co-infection by HSV and HPV as well as LOH at some loci have also been correlated with clinical features, such as postoperative recurrence and history of conjunctivitis. A possible model of pterygium formation is proposed, in which genetic predisposition, environmental factors and viral infection(s) participate in a multi-step process. Future research may lead to new ways of pterygium treatment such as anti-viral or gene therapy.
TL;DR: Data indicate that the upper aerodigestive environment of the patients permitting S. anginosus infection was implicated in the carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Abstract: It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be associated with not only gastric ulcers but also gastric malignancies. Recently, it was reported that the Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus) DNA sequence was found in DNA samples extracted from esophageal cancers. Because smoking and alcohol abuse are regarded as risk factors for both esophgeal cancer and head and neck cancer, infection of S. anginosus might be associated with carcinogenesis of head and neck cancer. To investgate the involvement of S. anginosus infection in head and neck cancer, we analyzed 217 DNA samples prepared from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. We performed PCR analysis with S. anginosus-16S ribosomal DNA-specific primers, and Southern blot analysis. For detection of S. anginosus in the oral and pharyngeal cavities, we used oropharyngeal bacteriological culture and PCR analysis of gingival smears of the patients. By PCR analysis, the S. anginosus DNA sequence was found in 217 out of 217 (100%) DNA samples obtained from head and neck cancers. By Southern blot analysis, positive bands were detected in 41 out of 125 (33%) samples. We could find no S. anginosus colony in oropharyngeal bacteriological culture dishes of 53 patients with and without head and neck cancer. On the other hand, we found the S. anginosus DNA fragment in 8 out of 8 DNA samples obtained from gingival smears by PCR analysis. These data indicate that the upper aerodigestive environment of the patients permitting S. anginosus infection was implicated in the carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
TL;DR: The data indicate that HPV-16 E7 inhibits the IRF-1 and NFkappaB function and this could lead to the impairment of the IFN response in HPV-infected cells and the findings suggest that different events of theIFN inducible signal cascade seem to be target for HPV- 16 E7.
Abstract: We had previously observed that HPV-16 E7 disturbs the Guanylate Binding Protein (GBP)-ISRE reporter activation by IFN-gamma thus suggesting an alteration of the IRF-1 function. In this study we examined the mechanism by which E7 affects the IFN-gamma signals driving the activation of gene transcription. Using 14/2 BRK cells containing dexamethasone-inducible HPV-16 E7 gene, we observed a large inhibition of the IRF-1 DNA binding activity upon E7 induction. Concomitantly, there was no significant change in the levels of IRF-1, indicating that this was not due to reduced levels of IRF-1 expression. Likewise, in vitro translated E7 did not affect the IRF-1 DNA binding activity in nuclear extracts derived from IFN-induced cells, thus indicating that the effects of E7 are upstream of IRF-1's binding to its DNA recognition site. Finally, NFkappaB DNA binding activity was also inhibited under conditional expression of E7. These data indicate that HPV-16 E7 inhibits the IRF-1 and NFkappaB function and this could lead to the impairment of the IFN response in HPV-infected cells. Furthermore, the findings suggest that different events of the IFN inducible signal cascade seem to be target for HPV-16 E7.
TL;DR: This study cloned cDNA for regucalcin from rabbit, bovine, chicken and toad livers by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method, and revealed that the nucleotide sequences of regucAlcin from seven vertebrate species were highly conserved in their coding region.
Abstract: Regucalcin is a Ca2+-binding protein, which plays a regulatory role in liver cell functions related to Ca2+. In this study we have cloned cDNA for regucalcin from rabbit, bovine, chicken and toad livers by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of them are compared with published human, rat and mouse sequences. Comparison analysis revealed that the nucleotide sequences of regucalcin from seven vertebrate species were highly conserved in their coding region. The overall regucalcin proteins in these species consisted of 299 amino acids, and they had 69.9-91.3% identity. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that regucalcin in seven species appears to form a single cluster. This study demonstrates a great conservation of the regucalcin genes throughout evolution.
TL;DR: Combined analysis of VEGF and TSP-1 may be useful for predicting recurrence in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, and both antigens are important regulators of tumor angiogenesis.
Abstract: Solid tumors require neovascularization for growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-characterized inducer of angiogenesis, while, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is thought to be an antiangiogenic factor. In this study, we examined the expressions of these antigens and their relationship with microvessel density, and determined their prognostic significance. One hundred specimens resected from patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were examined using immunohistochemical methods. Microvessel density, determined by immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen, was significantly higher in tumors that were VEGF-positive and TSP-1-negative than in other tumors. Patients with VEGF-positive tumors had a significantly worse prognosis than did those with VEGF-negative tumors, and TSP-1 expression was inversely correlated with prognosis. The frequency of hepatic recurrence was significantly higher in patients with tumors that were VEGF-positive and TSP-1-negative than in all other patients. In conclusion, VEGF and TSP-1 are important regulators of tumor angiogenesis, and combined analysis of VEGF and TSP-1 may be useful for predicting recurrence in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.
TL;DR: It is observed that IR-A is not capable of inducing frank damage to DNA, induction of oxidative stress proteins or proteases involved in carcinogenesis and photoaging of the skin, and these wavelengths may prove to be beneficial for human skin.
Abstract: The modification of ferritin in human skin cells in vitro and in vivo following infrared-A irradiation by immunohistochemical analysis and ELISA were evaluated. In addition, we observed that IR-A is not capable of inducing frank damage to DNA (pyrimidine dimers, p53), induction of oxidative stress proteins (heme oxygenase, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, heat shock proteins) or proteases (collagenase, stromelysin, gelatinase) involved in carcinogenesis and photoaging of the skin. in vivo, basal levels of ferritin were heterogeneous for all individuals tested but all showed ferritin to stain precisely in the basal layer of unirradiated epidermis. Following IR-A radiation, the ferritin increase was localized to epidermal tissue and showed an increase from 120 to 220%. Parallel to the in vivo analysis, dermal fibroblasts were cultured from six individuals. Quantitative analysis for ferritin in cultured fibroblasts was assessed by ELISA and increases were seen to be dose-dependent and up to 130% of basal levels of ferritin following infrared-A. Our findings indicate that the putative defense system of ferritin that exists in human skin in vivo can be induced by infrared-A radiation and that these wavelengths may prove to be beneficial for human skin. Importantly, following the same doses of IR-A that induced ferritin levels, there was no alteration seen for nuclear DNA type damage, oxidative stress proteins or proteases involved in the degradation of skin. The increased concentrations of this antioxidant in human skin following acute UV radiation could afford increased protection against subsequent oxidative stress.
TL;DR: Advances in the field of rAAV technology that overcome certain limitations of the vector as a gene delivery system and overview applications involving these recombinant vectors for the treatment of acquired and inherited diseases are described.
Abstract: Adeno-associated virus (AAV), a defective parvovirus, was discovered more than 30 years ago. Interest in this virus for human gene therapy applications focuses on its non-pathogenicity, broad tropism and infectivity, site-specific integration and long-term persistence. The field of rAAV research has considerably advanced: titers of 1014 p/ml have been achieved, plasmid systems devised to produce helper-free viruses, chimaeric vectors combining properties of rAAV ITRs and large sequence capacity from Ad/HS vectors in parallel with the revolutionary intron strategy based on heterodimerisation of the forming concatamers have expanded the vector capacity. Muscle cells and neurons (post-mitotic cells) are amongst the most efficient targets of rAAV delivery and AAV receptors and co-receptors have been identified. This review will describe advances in the field of rAAV technology that overcome certain limitations of the vector as a gene delivery system and overview applications involving these recombinant vectors for the treatment of acquired and inherited diseases.
TL;DR: It is suggested that growth inhibitions by sesamin and episesamin of Molt 4B cells result from the induction of apoptosis in the cells.
Abstract: The exposure of human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells to sesamin and episesamin which were isolated from unroasted sesame seed oil and identified by MS, and 1H and 13C-NMR, led to both growth inhibition and the induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Morphological change showing apoptotic bodies was observed in the Molt 4B cells treated with sesamin and episesamin. The fragmentations by sesamin and episesamin of DNA to oligonucleosomal-sized fragments that are characteristics of apoptosis were observed to be concentration-dependent, respectively. Moreover, the amount of the DNA fragments in the sesamin-treated cells was increased from 2 days, while that in the episesamin-treated cells was elevated at 3 days after addition of the compounds. These findings suggest that growth inhibitions by sesamin and episesamin of Molt 4B cells result from the induction of apoptosis in the cells.
TL;DR: The structure and detailed chromosomal localization of the human PPARD gene was determined and the chromosomal sublocalization of PPARD was determined by radiation hybrid mapping.
Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors regulating the expression of genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Three different PPARs; alpha (PPARA), gamma (PPARG) and delta (PPARD) have been characterized and they are distinguished from each other by tissue distribution and cell activation. In this study, the structure and detailed chromosomal localization of the human PPARD gene was determined. Three genomic clones containing the PPARD gene was isolated from a human P1 library. The gene spans approximately 85 kb of DNA and consists of 9 exons and 8 introns with exons ranging in size from 84 bp to 2.3 kb and introns ranging from 180 bp to 50 kb. All splice acceptor and donor sites conform to the consensus sequences including the AG-GT motif. Although PPARD lacks a TATA box, the gene is transcribed from a unique start site located 380 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon. The 5' and 3' ends were mapped by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and the mRNA size of PPARD based upon the structure of the gene is 3803 bp. In addition, the chromosomal sublocalization of PPARD was determined by radiation hybrid mapping. The PPARD gene is located at 14 cR from the colipase gene and 15 cR from the serine kinase gene at chromosomal region 6p21.2.
TL;DR: It is of particular interest that in certain tissues (cornea and aorta) aging was associated with a decrease of content of the GAGs which were most effective as anti-oxidant, which suggests that age-induced modifications of ECM composition incertain tissues may increase the susceptibility to oxidative stress.
Abstract: Recent investigations show that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) have the ability to affect lipid peroxidation, one the best characterized forms of free radical mediated biological damage. A protective effect of these extracellular matrix (ECM) components has been demonstrated in various experimental systems, including fatty acids and liposomes, where oxidation was induced by transition metals, including copper and iron. The effect was specific and dependent on the type and structural features of GAGs and PGs. The mechanism of peroxidation inhibition was likely to be dependent, at least to a large extent, on the sequestration of transition metals by GAG chains. Thus, it is conceivable that GAGs in the ECM and in the pericellular space may contribute to protecting cells against free radical damage. It is of particular interest that in certain tissues (cornea and aorta) aging was associated with a decrease of content of the GAGs which were most effective as anti-oxidant. This suggests that age-induced modifications of ECM composition in certain tissues may increase the susceptibility to oxidative stress. The investigation on the effect of GAGs on lipoprotein oxidation led to apparently conflicting results. An interesting reconciliation is possible, according to which GAGs exerted their protective effect under experimental conditions not compatible with the formation of lipoprotein-GAG complexes; rather, lipoproteins exhibited increased susceptibility to metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO), possibly due to structural modifications of the particle after binding to GAGs or PGs. This process is likely to occur in the intimal matrix of arteries.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in patients with squamous cell and small cell lung cancer and their dependence on the histological type and the clinical stage of the neoplasm.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies indicate that low serum total cholesterol level may increase the risk of death due to cancer, mainly lung cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in patients with squamous cell and small cell lung cancer and their dependence on the histological type and the clinical stage of the neoplasm. Lung cancer patients (n=135) and healthy controls (n=39) entered the study. All lung cancer patients had higher rate of hypocholesterolemia and lower TC and TG levels than the control group. TC concentration was lower in lung cancer patients and in both histological types in comparison with the control group, TG level was lower only in patients with squamous cell lung cancer. There were no statistically significant differences of TC and TG levels between the histological types, or between the clinical stages of each histological type.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that regucalcin is translocated into liver nucleus, and that it can regulate the nuclear function.
Abstract: The translocation of regucalcin to the nuclei of normal rat liver was investigated. The existence of endogenous regucalcin in isolated liver nuclei was confirmed by Western blotting using anti-regucalcin antibody. Nuclear translocation of regucalcin was estimated by sodium sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. When isolated liver nuclei were incubated in the presence of exogenous regucalcin (50 microg/ml; 1.5 microM), potent band for regucalcin was found in the nuclei, indicating that the protein is translocated into the nucleus. This translocation was an early event. Nuclear regucalcin translocation was not appreciably changed in the presence of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (2 mM), guanosine 5'-triphosphate (2 mM), calcium chloride (0.1 mM), and the lectin wheat germ agglutinin (50 or 100 microg/ml), suggesting that its translocation is not mediated through nuclear localization signal. Moreover, Ca2+-dependent protein kinase and protein tyrosine phosphatase activities in isolated liver nuclei were significantly increased in the presence of anti-regucalcin monoclonal antibody (100 ng/ml) in the enzyme reaction mixture, and these increases were completely abolished by the addition of regucalcin (50 microg/ml). This study demonstrates that regucalcin is translocated into liver nucleus, and that it can regulate the nuclear function.
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that GRK2 regulates Gq-mediated signaling negatively by direct interaction between its RGS domain and the transitional state of Galphaq, as well as through phosphorylation of activated receptors by its kinase domain.
Abstract: We have previously shown that not only G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2, but also a catalytically inactive Lys220Trp GRK2 decreases endothelin (ET)-1-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation, and demonstrated the presence of phosphorylation-independent desensitization mechanism. To clarify the role of GRK2 other than that as a kinase, we characterized an RGS (regulator of G protein signaling)-like domain in the amino-terminus of GRK2. Both GRK2(1-181) and GRK2(54-174) suppressed Ca2+ responses induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and ET-1, and bound directly with Galphaq but not Galphas nor Galphai3 in the presence of GDP and AlF4-. These results demonstrate that GRK2 regulates Gq-mediated signaling negatively by direct interaction between its RGS domain and the transitional state of Galphaq, as well as through phosphorylation of activated receptors by its kinase domain.
TL;DR: Results suggest that BAI1 expression may inhibit stromal vascularization in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Abstract: Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) is a novel angioinhibitory factor. We examined BAI1 gene expression in 48 pulmonary adenocarcinoma specimens by RT-PCR. Vascular density (number and measurement area) was immunohistochemically evaluated in tumor specimens using anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. BAI1 gene expression was detected in 38 of 48 pulmonary adenocarcinomas (79. 2%). Vascular number and measurement area were significantly decreased in the BAI1-positive pulmonary adenocarcinomas (19.3+/-4. 4/microm2 and 1.7+/-0.6%) as compared with those in the BAI1-negative carcinomas (75.5+/-42.7/microm2 and 5.5+/-1.5%) (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0.0017). These results suggest that BAI1 expression may inhibit stromal vascularization in pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
TL;DR: Results indicate that BAEC TGF-beta1 mRNA was up-regulated with the kinetics of the up-regulation faster for steady and non-reversing pulsatile flow than for oscillatory flow, consistent with the notion that regions transiently exposed to oscillatory Flow may be particularly prone to atherosclerosis.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of long-term exposure of steady (19 dyne/cm2), 1-Hz non-reversing pulsatile (19+/-6 dyne/cm2) and 1-Hz purely oscillatory (0+/-19 dyne/cm2) shear stress on endothelial transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA expression. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were systematically exposed to the three flow conditions for periods of 2, 6, 12 and 24 h, and relative differences in TGF-beta1 mRNA levels were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In response to steady shear stress, TGF-beta1 mRNA levels normalized to no-flow controls were 1.24, 1.42, 1.30 and 1.47 at the 2-, 6-, 12- and 24-h time points, respectively. In response to non-reversing pulsatile flow, these levels were 1.49, 1.64, 1.64 and 1.73, while the respective transcript levels for oscillatory flow were 1.33, 1.12, 1.12 and 1. 93. These results indicate that BAEC TGF-beta1 mRNA was up-regulated with the kinetics of the up-regulation faster for steady and non-reversing pulsatile flow than for oscillatory flow. Given the preferential localization of early atherosclerotic lesions in arterial regions exposed to low and/or oscillatory shear stress and the implication of TGF-beta1 as an athero-protective gene, these results are consistent with the notion that regions transiently exposed to oscillatory flow may be particularly prone to atherosclerosis.