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  • Electronic Resource  (362)
  • 1995-1999  (362)
  • 1999  (362)
  • Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy  (132)
  • breast cancer  (126)
  • apoptosis  (112)
  • Nuclear reactions
Material
  • Electronic Resource  (362)
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  • 1995-1999  (362)
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  • 1
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: chemoendocrine therapy ; pure antiestrogen ; 5-fluorouracil ; nude mouse ; breast cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: thyroid tumor ; apoptosis ; TUNEL ; MIB-1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To clarify the growth mechanisms of thyroid tumors, we examined apoptotic cells in 61 thyroid tumors, consiting of 14 adenomas, 35 papillary carcinomas, 4 follicular carcinomas, and 8 undifferentiated carcinomas, using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate digoxigenin-nick end labeling (TUNEL). The proliferative activity was also evaluated immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody to Ki-67 antigen (MIB-1) in the same tumors. The apoptotic index (AI) was expressed as a percentage of the TUNEL-positive cells in the tumor cells, and a proliferation index (PI), being the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells, was calculated for each tumor. The overall level of AI was very low in all histotypes of the thyroid tumors analyzed, the mean AI being 0.5±0.4 in adenoma, 0.4±0.3 in differentiated carcinoma, and 1.8±1.5 in undifferentiated carcinoma. The PI in the thyroid tumor subtypes was significantly lower in adenoma and differentiated carcinoma, at 0.5 ±0.7 and 1.1±0.7, respectively, than that in undifferentiated carcinoma at 14.5±3.7 (P〈0.05). There was no correlation between clinicopathological factors and AI or PI in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Our findings suggest that apoptosis occurs infrequently in thyroid tumors, and that proliferative activity markedly differs according to the thyroid tumor subtypes. Moreover, the ratio between proliferating cells and apoptotic cells may reflect thyroid tumor progression.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: thyroid tumor ; apoptosis ; TUNEL ; MIB-1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: P 〈 0.05). There was no correlation between clinicopathological factors and AI or PI in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Our findings suggest that apoptosis occurs infrequently in thyroid tumors, and that proliferative activity markedly differs according to the thyroid tumor subtypes. Moreover, the ratio between proliferating cells and apoptotic cells may reflect thyroid tumor progression.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: chemoendocrine therapy ; pure antiestrogen ; 5-fluorouracil ; nude mouse ; breast cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The antitumor effects of an experimental chemoendocrine therapy combining a new pure antiestrogen ICI 182780 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were studied on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells implanted in nude mice. ICI 182780 had a dose-dependent antitumor activity, which was potentiated by the concomitant use of 5-FU. When compared with the control group, the estrogen receptor (ER) level in the ICI 182780 group was lower and that in the combination group was markedly lower. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry (FCM) resulted in a lower percentage of S-phase cells (%S) in the treated mice. No significant difference was observed in the 5-FU concentrations in tumor cells, while the 5-FU content in RNA was significantly higher in the combination group. The changes in free thymidylate synthetase (TS) concentration indicated TS synthesis after the administration of 5-FU to be more greatly suppressed in the combination group than in the 5-FU group. These results suggest that ICI 182780 and 5-FU exert their combination effect mainly on ER-positive cells, and that the suppression of TS synthesis in tumor cells and the potentiation of the 5-FU-induced metabolic dysfunction of RNA are thus involved in the mode of action of this combination therapy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; old age ; vinorelbine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Older patients with advanced breast cancer are less likely to receive chemotherapy than younger patients. Vinorelbine is an attractive alternative in this setting because of its clinical activity and low frequency of side effects. This multicenter, phase II trial was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous vinorelbine as first-line therapy in women ≥60 years old. Patients and methods: Fifty-six women (median age, 72 years; range 60–84 years), with measurable advanced breast cancer and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease, were enrolled and included in the analysis. Vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 was administered weekly for 13 weeks and then every two weeks until development of progressive disease; doses were reduced or delayed to manage toxicity. Results: The objective response rate was 38% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 24%–51%); median duration of response, nine months; median time to disease progression in all patients, six months. The major dose-limiting toxicity was hematologic, which led to a median dose intensity of 20.6 mg/m2/week. Grade 3–4 nonhematologic toxicity consisted of asthenia (7%); nausea and generalized pain (5%); vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, and elevated AST (4%); fever, diarrhea, constipation, and injection site reaction (2%). Neurotoxicity and alopecia were grade 1–2 and relatively infrequent. Conclusions: Vinorelbine offers a promising alternative for the management of advanced breast cancer in elderly patients who are concerned about the subjective side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The dose-limiting toxicity is neutropenia, which is readily managed with dose adjustment. Nonhematologic toxicity, including gastrointestinal side effects, is minimal. Randomized studies are warranted to compare the activity of vinorelbine with that of other regimens in elderly patients.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neural transmission 106 (1999), S. 1-21 
    ISSN: 1435-1463
    Keywords: Keywords: Paraquat ; Parkinson's disease ; transcription factor ; AP-1 ; apoptosis ; cycloheximide ; genistein ; SOD ; catalase ; oxidative stress.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary. Drugs and certain environmental toxins may be responsible for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. We have used paraquat as a model toxin for this study since paraquat has been shown to make its way to the nerve terminals and cause cell death of dopamine neurons by oxidative injury. We have shown by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay that paraquat, together with low concentrations of chelated iron (Fe++/DETAPAC), induced the activation of transcription factor AP-1 binding activity to DNA. Under similar conditions we also found by both a DNA laddering assay procedure and by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay (TUNEL assay) that paraquat also induces apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, both apoptotic cell death and AP-1/DNA binding activity induced by paraquat were blocked by cyclohexamide and genistein, indicating that both the AP-1/DNA binding activation and apoptosis induced by paraquat are closely related. Moreover, cells were also protected from paraquat toxicity in the presence of antioxidant defense enzymes SOD and catalase. The results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress may be contributing to the apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic neurons, leading to the manifestation of Parkinson's disease. Since paraquat was an important herbicide in the mid 20th Century, our results have the important implication that exposure to environmental toxins such as paraquat may induce Parkinson's disease.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 7
    ISSN: 1572-8773
    Keywords: cadmium ; apoptosis ; RT-PCR ; p53 gene expression ; testes ; rat
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Reverse transcription (RT) PCR technique was used to investigate the mechanism of apoptosis induced by Cd and the change of its related genes in testes and prostate of rats. Adult male rats were given a single (s.c.) injection of CdC l2 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10 μmol/kg. 48 h and 72 h after administration of Cd, animals were sacrificed. The results indicated that Cd can induce apoptosis in testes via p53-independent pathway. No apoptosis occurred in prostate in any of the Cd-exposed groups. There was a clearly negative relationship in testes between p53 gene expression and Cd exposure and this dose-response relationship was observed both at 48 h and 72 h. There was a very small increase of this gene expression in the dorsolateral lobe of the prostate in Cd exposed groups. The other apoptosis related gene, bcl-x, was not detectable in either control or Cd-exposed group in testes and dorsal prostate. Although the MT-I gene was expressed in testes or dorsal prostate both in control and exposed groups, no overexpression of MT-I gene was found after administration of Cd . The expression of MT-I in the ventral prostate was not detected in the control group, but a weak expression was found after Cd exposure. Since p53 is a tumo r suppressor gene which can inhibit tumorigenesis, the consequence of a Cd-induced decrease of p53 in testes may have a relation to the known risk of Cd tumorigenesis in this tissue.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 8
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; fibroblast growth factor ; microvasculature
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Angiogenesis, the process whereby endothelial cells divide and migrate to form new blood capillaries, has been assessed in tumours by measuring microvessel density. High microvessel density is a significant adverse prognostic factor in breast cancer. The angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), has been associated with tumourigenesis and metastasis in several human cancers. There are few quantitative studies of bFGF expression in normal tissues compared to cancer. Patients and methods: We have measured bFGF levels in 149 human primary breast carcinomas and assessed the findings in relation to microvessel density, oestrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Basic FGF levels were measured by ELISA. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were carreid out to confirm the presence of bFGF. Results: Levels of bFGF were more than 10-fold higher in tumour cytosols compared to reduction mammoplasty tissue and 3-fold compared to non neoplastic cytosols from the same breast as the tumour (P 〈 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry showed bFGF protein was localised exclusively in the stroma whereas no bFGF staining was observed in the epithelial cells. High bFGF levels were significantly related to high ER (P = 0.01). Similarly, high bFGF levels were significantly related to low grade (P = 0.046) and to small tumour size (P = 0.04). No significant relationship was observed between bFGF and microvessel count, EGFR or age. In univariate analysis and in a Cox proportional hazard model bFGF did not reach significance for overall or relapse free survival. Conclusions: Our results show that although bFGF is elevated in breast carcinomas compared to normal breast tissue it is not related to microvessel density and it is not an independent predictor of survival in breast cancer patients. Basic FGF may be one of multiple factors that synergise with other growth factors such as VEGF to enhance angiogenesis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; high-dose chemotherapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 1163-1170 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: BRCA1 ; BRCA2 ; breast cancer ; family history ; survival
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Family history is a well recognized risk factor for breast cancer, but its impact in terms of breast cancer survival is uncertain. The recent identification of breast cancer predisposing genes has provided new clinical insights in this field. Design: English literature identified through Medline between 1976 and February 1999 was reviewed including search terms: breast cancer, survival, prognosis, family history, genetics, BRCA1, BRCA2, and related articles. Results: Publications were divided into three categories.Family history-based studies: eighteen articles were reviewed. Four studies showed a statistically significant better survival in patients with a family history of breast cancer, and two studies demonstrated a significantly worse prognosis in this context. The remaining articles showed no significant difference. Linkage studies: Two studies based on linkage to BRCA1 found that overall survival was better in linked families. A third one concluded to a worse outcome in BRCA2-linked tumors. Mutation-based studies: 10 studies looking at the association between germ-line mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Eight articles reported no significant difference in outcome, whereas two studies showed a worse outcome in patients with mutations. Conclusions: Conflicting data exist as to whether the prognosis of familial or hereditary breast cancer differs from that of sporadic cases. Some of the discrepancies may be explained by methodological differences or biases. However, no studies showed a survival advantage for BRCA1mutation carriers. This seems to indicate that BRCA1-related breast cancer is not associated with a survival advantage, and that in fact, certain BRCA1 germline mutations confer a worse prognosis. However, to adequately answer this question, more efficient molecular tools to identify all the genetic changes responsible for breast cancer predisposition, and large cohort studies to evaluate their clinical consequences, are needed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: AML ; apoptosis ; etoposide ; γ-GCS ; glutathione ; oxidative stress
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Etoposide mediates its cytotoxicity by inducing apoptosis. Thus, mechanisms which regulate apoptosis should also affect drug resistance. Oxidants and antioxidants have been shown to participate in the regulation of apoptosis. We were interested in studying whether responsiveness of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells to etoposide is mediated by oxidative stress and glutathione levels. Patients and methods: Two subclones of the OCI/AML-2 cell line which are etoposide-sensitive (ES), and etoposide-resistant (ER), were established by the authors at the University of Oulu, and used as models. Assays for apoptosis included externalization of phosphatidylserine (as evidenced by annexin V binding), and caspase activation as indicated by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (Western blotting). Peroxide formation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Glutathione and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) levels were determined spectrophotometrically and by Western blotting, respectively. Results: Etoposide-induced apoptosis was evident 12 hours after treatment in the ES subclone, but was apparent in the ER subclone only after 24 hours. The basal glutathione and γ-GCS levels were higher in the ER than the ES subclone. Etoposide increased peroxide formation in both subclones after 12-hour exposure. Significant depletion of glutathione was observed in the ES subclone during etoposide exposure, while glutathione levels were maintained in the ER subclone. In neither of the subclones was induction of γ-GCS observed during 24-hour exposure to etoposide. Furthermore, the catalytic subunit of γ-GCS was cleaved during apoptosis, concurrent with depletion of intracellular glutathione. When glutathione was depleted by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine, a direct inhibitor of γ-GCS, the sensitivity to etoposide was increased, particularly in the ER subclone. Conclusions: The results underline the significance of glutathione biosynthesis in the responsiveness of AML cells to etoposide. The molecular mechanisms mediating glutathione depletion during etoposide exposure might include the cleavage of the catalytic subunit of γ-GCS.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 12
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; chemotherapy ; margins ; radiotherapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Inadequate surgical excision with residual involvement of resection margins by tumour after breast conservation results in increased local recurrence rates. To reduce this risk positive margins are, therefore, usually excised. Systemic treatment with tamoxifen or chemotherapy reduces local recurrence, along with radiotherapy. However, no studies to date have examined the correlation between chemoendocrine treatment, together with radiotherapy, and local relapse in patients with unexcised involved resection margins, having had breast conservation treatment. Patients and methods: The histopathology reports were reviewed of 184 patients who were treated from June 1991 to August 1995 within our randomised study of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemoendocrine therapy with mitozantrone and methotrexate (2M) ± mitomycin-C (3M) and tamoxifen, used concurrently with radiation following conservation surgical treatment. Histological resection margin was considered positive if ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma was present microscopically less than 1mm from the excision margin. Results: Although 38% of patients had unexcised microscopically involved margins, local relapse rate as first site of relapse was only 1.9% after a median follow up of 57 months. There was no difference in distant relapse (P = 0.2) and survival (P = 0.5) between the positive and negative margins groups. Conclusions: The presence of positive unexcised margins does not have a significant effect on outcome in patients who are treated with chemoendocrine therapy together with radiotherapy. Further clinical trials are required.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; docetaxel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Given as first- or second-line chemotherapy, docetaxel appears to have great potential in advanced breast cancer. Patients and methods: Three hundred and seventy-seven locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer patients received docetaxel (Taxotere®) as part of a named patient programme under the care of 108 oncologists from 61 cancer units across the UK. The recommended starting dose was 100 mg/m2, but patients at higher risk of toxicity started at 75 mg/m2. All patients received corticosteroid premedication. The modal number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 2 (range 1–7), 342 patients (91%) had at least one prior anthracycline-based regimen. Results: Response was graded according to the managing clinician's best judgement without formal criteria. The overall response rate (ORR) was 46% among the 331 evaluable patients, 46% among the 299 patients who were 'anthracycline resistant' and 35% among the 82 patients who were 'anthracycline refractory' (progressive disease being the best response obtained to the most recent anthracycline containing regimen). One hundred and ninety-three patients started at the full dose of 100 mg/m2 with an ORR of 55% and 129 started at 75 mg/m2 with an ORR of 33%. In October 1997, some two years after the programme had started, 26 of 377 patients were still alive, although no complete remissions have lasted to this date. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis yielded a median survival of 194 days (95% CI: 178–218 days). Haematological parameters were checked before each course of docetaxel and additionally as clinically indicated. The safety data confirmed that docetaxel has a manageable, predictable side effect profile; 29 of 377 (7.7%) patients were hospitalised as a result of neutropenic sepsis. Conclusions: The results of this named patient programme over a two year timespan confirm that docetaxel is an effective chemotherapy option in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic breast cancer, including an 'anthracycline refractory' population.
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  • 14
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; dose-intensity ; epirubicin ; G-CS/kwd〉 ; vinorelbine ; weekly schedule
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: This study was designed to explore the effectiveness and tolerability of a weekly regimen of epirubicin and vinorelbine plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Patients and methods: Fifty-two patients with previously untreated advanced breast cancer were treated with epirubicin (25 mg/m2/week) and vinorelbine (25 mg/m2/week) with G-CSF support, for 24 consecutive weeks. Results: The median number of courses per patient was 22 (range 10–24). The administered dose intensity was 23 mg/m2 for both epirubicin and vinorelbine. Ten complete responses (19%) and 30 partial responses (58%) were obtained, for an overall response rate of 77%. None of the patients progressed during treatment. The median response duration and time to progression were both 10 months. A total of 1065 courses were assessed for toxicity. Grade 3 neutropenia was the most common toxic manifestation, (39% of patients), without febrile neutropenia or neutropenic sepsis. Two patients had grade 3 cardiac toxicity, which regressed without sequelae. Median survival was 31 months, with a median follow-up of 24 months (range 9–40). Conclusions: Owing to its effectiveness and tolerability, the weekly regimen of epirubicin and vinorelbine plus G-CSF may represent an acceptable alternative for patients with untreated metastatic breast cancer. It could be tested in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting.
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  • 15
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; doxorubicin ; paclitaxel-anthracycline combination ; schedule
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: We and others have demonstrated the antineoplastic efficacy of paclitaxel as a single agent in metastatic breast cancer. We performed this phase I trial to evaluate the combination of paclitaxel with doxorubicin. Patients and methods: Eligible patients had measurable or evaluable metastatic breast cancer for which this was the initial cytotoxic treatment. They may have received adjuvant chemotherapy with other drugs. The study had four parts. In part 1, the patients received paclitaxel by 24-hour infusion followed by doxorubicin by 48-hour infusion. The paclitaxel dose was to be escalated from a starting dose of 125 mg/m2, and the doxorubicin dose was to remain constant at 60 mg/m2 with treatment repeated every three weeks. The results of part 1 prompted part 2 which was a study of the reverse sequence. Part 3 was a formal study of pharmacology and has been reported (J Clin Oncol 14: 2713–21, 1996). In part 4, patients received doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 by bolus followed by paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 by 24-hour infusion for courses 1 and 2. In all subsequent courses doxorubicin was administered by 48-hour infusion. All patients in all four parts of the study had baseline cardiac scans. All patients received standard premedication for paclitaxel. Results: Forty-eight patients were treated in all four parts of the study. In part 1 (10 patients), the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was paclitaxel 125 mg/m2/24 hours followed by doxorubicin 48 mg/m2/48 hours as defined by dose-limiting mucositis and neutropenic fever which occurred at the starting dose. For part 2 (21 patients), the MTD was doxorubicin 60 mg/m2/48 hours followed by paclitaxel 160 mg/m2/24 hours. In part 4 (seven patients), the MTD was doxorubicin 50 mg/m2/bolus followed by paclitaxel 135 mg/m2/24 hours. In parts 2 and 4, the dose-limiting toxic effect was neutropenia. Of the entire cohort of 48 patients, seven (15%) had a complete response (one persists at five years without intervening therapy), 26 (54%) had a partial response for an objective response rate of 69% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 54%–81%). The median follow-up of all living patients is 38+ months (range 20+ to 62+); the median response duration is seven months (range 2–33.7+); the median overall survival is 20.5 months (range 5–54+). The median time to progression is 9.6 months (range 1–33.7+ months). Two patients developed congestive heart failure, one at 24 months after her final dose of doxorubicin which amounted to a cumulative lifetime total doxorubicin dose of 870 mg/m2, one after a total of 660 mg/m2. In both, cardiac symptoms were controlled with medications. Conclusions: The combination of paclitaxel/24 hours with doxorubicin/48 hours is an effective antineoplastic treatment for metastatic breast cancer. However, the incidence of complete response, the median overall survival, and time to progression were not greater than for standard doxorubicin-based combinations. Additionally, a sequence-dependent interaction between paclitaxel and doxorubicin, given in the schedule described here, was defined. Other strategies and schedules should be evaluated to maximize the antineoplastic efficacy of these two potent agents.
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  • 16
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 495-503 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: antisense ; apoptosis ; bcl-2 ; lymphoma ; leukaemia ; phase I
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 17
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: 5-fluorouracil ; breast cancer ; neoadjuvant ; primary chemotherapy ; vinorelbine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Biological considerations support the use of primary chemotherapy in operable breast cancer; and despite wide variations of used regimens, clinical studies consistently show a significant tumor response allowing breast conservation in many patients otherwise canditates for mastectomy. We investigated the efficacy and the acceptance of a combination chemotherapy with vinorelbine, 5-fluorouracil and high-dose folinic acid in operable breast cancer with favorable prognostic factors and tested the relationship of hormone receptor status, Ki67, p53, c-erbB2 and bcl-2 with treatment response. Patients and methods: Thirty-nine patients (median age 51 years, range 36–71 years), eight with T1, twenty-eight with T2 and two with T3 lesions, were treated with 5-fluorouracil (350 mg/m2, i.v. on day 1 to 3) preceded by folinic acid (100 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 to 3) and vinorelbine, given on days 1 and 3 at the dose of 20 mg/m2 (FLN regimen). Therapy was administered on an outpatient basis every three weeks. Non responders had surgery after three courses, while complete or partial responders underwent surgery after six courses. All but one were evaluable for response and toxicity. Results: Objective responses were observed in 23 of the 38 evaluable patients (61%; 95% CI: 46%–76%): three complete responses (8%) and 20 partial responses (53%). Fifteen patients (39%) had stable disease, of whom nine (23%) had minor response. None of the patients had disease progression during treatment. Objective responses were significantly associated with no expression of estrogen and/or progesteron receptors and 〉50% decrease in Ki67 after induction chemotherapy. Tolerance was excellent and none of the patients experienced grade 2 alopecia. Conclusions: The ‘moderate’ efficacy of this regimen might be partially due to the selection of patients with high expression of steroid hormone receptors and low proliferation rate, which have an unfavorable impact on response to this chemotherapy.
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  • 18
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 1011-1021 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemosensitivity ; cytotoxicity ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Although hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors such as germ cell tumors and pediatric malignancies can be cured by cytotoxic treatment, the most prevalent solid tumors are relatively resistant to these interventions. Apoptosis is involved in the cell kill of anticancer drugs and p53 is believed to be of principal importance in this process. However p53 also plays a role in cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, cellular processes that can decrease the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Therefore, p53 may play a dual role after exposure to cytotoxic treatment, activating either mechanisms that lead to apoptosis or launching processes directing to DNA repair and survival of the cell. Design: In this article, we review in details the p53functions involved in the mediation of chemosensitivity. The preclinical and clinical data published in the recent years about the relation between p53 and chemosensitivity are discussed and the potential pitfalls associated to most of these studies, and that may account for the contradictory results produced so far are also mentioned.
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  • 19
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 31-38 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; lanreotide treatment ; neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumors ; octreotide ; somatostatin analogs
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuroendocrine gastrointestinal tumors express somatostatin receptors (ssts) in 80%–90% of cases and somatostatin analogs have become increasingly important in the management of these patients. Most of the presently available somatostatin analogs (octreotide, RC-160, and lanreotide) bind to the sst2 and sst5, and in higher doses to sst3 of the ssts 1–5 described. Clinical improvement during somatostatin analog therapy is mainly mediated via a direct inhibitory effect on hormone production from the tumors, seen in 30%–70% of the patients. Also indirect non-tumor mediated effects on peripheral target organs contribute to the subjective improvement, achieved in 30%–70% of patients. Recently, significant improvement of quality of life has been demonstrated with long-acting depot formulations. There is little or no effect on tumor growth during octreotide therapy; tumor shrinkage has been reported in 10%–20% of patients, but stabilization of tumor growth can be achieved in about half of the patients with a duration of 8–16 months. Recently, induction of apoptosis has been described with high doses of lanreotide (12 mg/d). Eventually, however, all patients escape from somatostatin analog therapy with regard both to hormonal production and tumor growth, and the mechanism behind the tachyphylaxis is not yet known. Studies of optimal dosage and modes of administration, development of new slow release formulations, the potential value of high-dose somatostatin analog therapy and novel somatostatin receptor subtype specific analogs are important directions for the use of somatostatin analogs in the future. In addition, assessment of somatostatin receptor status for each patient and studies of tumor biology, e.g., inhibition of exocytosis, antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis during treatment will help to optimize treatment and provide new insights into mechanisms of action of somatostatin analogs.
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  • 20
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cardiotoxicity ; cyclophosphamide ; epirubicin ; high dose
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the long term cardiac effects of high-dose epirubicin and cyclophosphamide given to women with early stage, poor prognosis breast cancer. Patients and methods: Women with stage 2 breast cancer and 10+ nodes or 4+ nodes and estrogen receptor negative tumor, or stage 3 breast cancer received three cycles of epirubicin 200 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 4 gm/m2 with peripheral blood progenitor cell and filgrastim support. Treatment was given every 28 days (n = 79) or 21 days (n = 20). Fifty patients received radiotherapy to the chest wall or breast, 25 of to the left side. Patients were assessed clinically regularly during chemotherapy and at least three times yearly after completion of treatment. Cardiac left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by radionuclide scan before therapy, after each cycle of chemotherapy, three months and six months after completion of chemotherapy, and yearly thereafter until relapse. Results: Ninety-nine women were treated, and 92 completed all three cycles of chemotherapy. The median age was 43 years (range 24 to 60 years). All patients were included in this analysis. The median relapse-free survival was 39 months (11 to 68 months). There was a significant fall in LVEF during chemotherapy. In general, there was no further deterioration in cardiac function from the third month after cessation of treatment, however there was substantial variation between individuals. 35 patients had at least one LVEF measure less than normal (〈50%), but the LVEF returned to normal in 20 of these with further follow-up. Cardiac dysfunction was not increased in women who received radiotherapy and was not different between cohorts given chemotherapy every three or every four weeks. One patient died of acute myocardial necrosis following the third cycle of chemotherapy. Two patients developed clinical evidence of cardiac failure, and another had radiological signs but was asymptomatic. One woman died of progressive cardiac failure, one recovered clinically but also developed recurrent breast cancer, while the third recovered after commencement of medical therapy. Conclusions: During follow-up after high-dose epirubicin and cyclophosphamide as delivered in this study, the LVEF fell to below normal in approximately one third of patients. However, in over half of these patients the LVEF subsequently recovered to the normal range, and the incidence of clinically evident chronic cardiac failure was low. Further follow-up is required to assess the long- term safety. A randomized comparison with standard-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy is needed to determine whether this regimen is associated with an increased risk of clinical cardiac toxicity.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: nitric oxide ; DNA damage ; apoptosis ; tumor necrosis factor-α ; mitochondrial respiration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: S -nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine protected cul-tured L929 cells from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plus actinomycin D, as determined by the detection of DNA fragmentation and morphological changes. NO also prevented an enhancement of the production of reactive oxygen intermediates by TNF-α plus actinomycin D, as assessed by the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 and hydroethidine. Because the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by rotenone or antimycin A suppressed the increased oxidation of both dihydrorhodamine 123 and hydroethidine, it was suggested that TNF-α accelerated the leakage of reactive oxygen intermediates from the mitochondrial electron transport system. Polarography showed that NO reversibly inhibited mitochondrial respiration at either complexes I–III, II–III, or IV, thus suggesting the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase. Taken together, these findings indicate that the decreased mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen intermediates in the presence of NO might have a protective effect against TNF-α plus actinomycin D-induced apoptosis.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: angiogenesis ; p53 ; apoptosis ; lung adenocarcinoma ; hematogenous metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify which factors are important as predictors not only of patient survival but also of hematogenic metastasis in 15 patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent curative operation. The relationship between tumor angiogenesis, apoptosis, and p53 oncogene was also studied. A total of 15 patients were divided into two groups: surviving group (n=7) and nonsurviving (metastasis) group (n=8). We studied the medical charts, operative records, pathologic reports, and tumor specimens taken at surgical resection. We measured the apoptotic index using the ApopTag kit and the intratumoral microvessel count using an anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the expression of p53 was conducted simultaneously. The clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, tumor size (pT), and histological differentiation, were not significantly different between the surviving and the nonsurviving group. The microvessel count was significantly higher in nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. The apoptotic index and the expression of p53 was not significantly different between the two groups. An inverse correlation between the apoptotic index and microvessel count, and a positive correlation between the expression of p53 and microvessel count, were observed. Angiogenesis may be an important prognostic factor in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1436-2813
    Keywords: Key Words: angiogenesis ; p53 ; apoptosis ; lung adenocarcinoma ; hematogenous metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: n = 7) and nonsurviving (metastasis) group (n = 8). We studied the medical charts, operative records, pathologic reports, and tumor specimens taken at surgical resection. We measured the apoptotic index using the ApopTag kit and the intratumoral microvessel count using an anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the expression of p53 was conducted simultaneously. The clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, tumor size (pT), and histological differentiation, were not significantly different between the surviving and the nonsurviving group. The microvessel count was significantly higher in nonsurviving group than in the surviving group. The apoptotic index and the expression of p53 was not significantly different between the two groups. An inverse correlation between the apoptotic index and microvessel count, and a positive correlation between the expression of p53 and microvessel count, were observed. Angiogenesis may be an important prognostic factor in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.
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  • 24
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    Diabetologia 42 (1999), S. 711-718 
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Malnutrition ; ageing ; beta-cell mass ; apoptosis ; glucose tolerance.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. In a recently developed rat model, maternal food restriction from day 15 of pregnancy until weaning induced low birth weight and a 70 % reduction of beta-cell mass in the offspring at day 21 after birth. Subsequent renutrition from weaning was insufficient to fully restore beta-cell mass in young adult rats. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term consequences of early malnutrition on beta-cell mass and function. Methods. Oral glucose tolerance tests were done in 3- and 12-month-old animals and beta-cell mass and apoptosis were determined by morphometrical measurements on pancreatic sections. The specific impact of postnatal malnutrition was studied by comparing control animals (C group) with animals malnourished during their fetal life only (R/C group), and animals malnourished during fetal life and until weaning (R group). Results. In 3-month-old R/C animals beta-cell mass reached 8.0 ± 1.5 mg with no further increase until 12 months (8.1 ± 1.5 mg), compared with 9.3 ± 1.9 mg in control rats. Twelve-month-old R/C animals showed normal plasma insulin responses and borderline glucose tolerance. In R animals, apoptosis reached 1.9 ± 0.4 % of the beta cells at 3 months, compared with 0.7 ± 0.5 % in control rats, and beta-cell mass did not increase between 3 and 12 months (4.7 ± 0.8 mg at 12 months). In aged control and R animals, apoptosis affected 8 % of the beta cells. At 12 months only, R animals showed profound insulinopenia and marked glucose intolerance. Conclusion/interpretation. In conclusion, perinatal malnutrition profoundly impairs the programming of beta-cell development. In animals with decreased beta-cell mass the additional demand placed by ageing on the beta cells entails glucose intolerance since beta-cell mass does not expand and apoptosis is increased. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 711–718]
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  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Type I diabetes ; interferon-γ ; transgenic mice ; apoptosis ; insulin secretion ; tumour necrosis factor.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Aims/hypothesis. To examine whether interferon-γ destroys islet beta cells directly or indirectly through lymphocyte activation, or whether direct action of interferon-γ on beta cells by itself induces diabetes without insulitis. Methods. To avoid possible nonspecific breakdown of beta cells by transgenic overexpression of interferon-γ by the insulin promoter, we generated transgenic mice expressing interferon-γ under the control of rat glucagon promoter (RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice). Results. The absence of insulitis in RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice enabled us to investigate the direct effects of paracrine interferon-γ. In RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice, serum concentrations of interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were 50 and 6 times higher than those in their littermates, respectively, and glucose-responsive insulin secretion decreased to one-half the level of that in the littermates. Transgenic interferon-γ induced remodelling of beta cells where apoptosis of many beta cells was compensated by their vigorous regeneration and diabetes did not occur in most of the RGP-IFN-γ-Tg mice. Conclusion/interpretation. Interferon-γ alone is insufficient for the complete destruction of beta cells in vivo, and factors other than interferon-γ including activated lymphocytes or other cytokines, are necessary in addition to interferon-γ for the development of Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 566–573]
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1432-0428
    Keywords: Keywords Nicotinamide ; cytokine ; islet ; insulin ; apoptosis ; diabetes.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Summary Nicotinamide intervention trials are presently undertaken to prevent Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes in high risk subjects. They are based on studies in rodents reporting nicotinamide protection against beta-cell injury in vitro and in vivo. This study examines whether nicotinamide can protect human beta cells in vitro. At concentrations (2 and 5 mmol/l) to protect rat beta cells against necrosis by streptozotocin or hydrogen peroxide, nicotinamide prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced necrosis of human beta cells. As with rat beta cells, nicotinamide fails to protect human beta cells against apoptosis induced by a combination of the cytokines interleukin-1β , interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α. In rat beta cells, nicotinamide (2 to 20 mmol/l) was also found to induce apoptosis, in particular during the days following its protection against necrosis; this cytotoxic effect was not observed with human beta cells. These data demonstrate that nicotinamide can protect human beta cells against radical-induced necrosis, but not against cytokine-induced apoptosis. This effect is not associated with a delayed apoptosis as in rat beta cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 55–59]
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  • 27
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 197-203 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cost-effectiveness ; mammography ; screening
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Mammography screening is a promising method for improving prognosis in breast cancer. Patients and methods: In this economic analysis, data from the Norwegian Mammography Project (NMP), the National Health Administration (NMA) and the Norwegian Medical Association (NMA) were employed in a model for cost-effectiveness analysis. According to the annual report of the NMP for 1996, 60,147 women aged 50–69 years had been invited to a two-yearly mammographic screening programme. 46,329 (77%) had been screened and 337 (0.7%) breast cancers had been revealed. The use of breast conserving surgery (BCS) was in this study estimated raised by 17% due to screening, the breast cancer mortality decreased by 30% and the number of life years saved per prevented breast cancer death was calculated 15 years. Results: The cost per woman screened was calculated £75.4, the cost per cancer detected £10,365 and the cost per life year (LY) saved £8,561. A raised frequency of BCS, diagnosis and adjuvant chemotherapy brought two years forward, follow-up costs and costs/savings due to prevented breast cancer deaths were all included in the analysis. A sensitivity analysis documented mammography screening cost-effective in Norway when four to nine years are gained per prevented breast cancer death. Conclusion: Mammography screening in Norway looks cost- effective. Time has come to encourage national screening programmes.
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  • 28
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 139-150 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy ; clinical trials ; gene therapy ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Nearly twenty years after the initial discovery of p53, we are now in an ideal position to exploit our vast knowledge of p53 biology in the creation of novel cancer therapies. Disruption of p53 function through mutation, or other means, occurs very frequently in human cancer. Loss of p53 function has been linked with unfavourable prognosis in a large number of tumour types, as indicated by more aggressive tumours, early metastasis and decreased survival rates. Many different avenues of research have converged upon p53 to highlight this protein as being one of the foremost cellular responders to stress, in particular to DNA damage. Huge advances have been made in understanding the complex role p53 plays in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. This review is not meant to be a comprehensive description of p53 biology, but rather serves to highlight current progress in the development of p53- oriented cancer therapies. These may be categorised into three basic strategies: gene replacement therapy using wild-type p53, restoration of p53 function by other means and, finally, targeting of the p53 dysfunction itself. Rapid progress is expected to be made regarding the identification of conventional pharmaceutical agents which either work in a p53-independent manner or act preferentially in p53 defective cells. Gene replacement therapy with wild-type p53 also holds considerable potential for obtaining clinically relevant results quickly. The other forms of cancer therapies based around p53 are much further behind in the developmental process, but may prove to more efficacious in the long run, especially in terms of specificity. As with many other fields, the innovation of successful p53-oriented cancer therapies is only limited by our understanding of p53 biology and the creative use of such knowledge.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: anastrozole ; aromatase inhibitors ; breast cancer ; hormonal therapy ; letrozole ; review ; vorozole
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Three new aromatase inhibitors have recently completed phase III evaluation as treatment of metastatic breast cancer in post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed despite tamoxifen therapy: anastrozole (ARIMIDEX, Zeneca), letrozole (FEMARA, Novartis) and vorozole (RIVIZOR, Janssen). All belong to the third generation of non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors, and each is superior to previous generations in terms of potency and selectivity. The trials that have been performed compare each agent to megestrol acetate, and letrozole and vorozole to aminoglutethimide. Although the studies are not directly comparable due to differing study designs and patient populations, it has been demonstrated each of these drugs provides single agent, once-daily, oral palliation of hormone-responsive, post-menopausal metastatic breast cancer. Letrozole is clearly more effective than megestrol acetate, and anastrozole and vorozole are possibly so. All three are better tolerated than the progestin, particularly in terms of weight gain. Both letrozole and vorozole are significantly more effective, and better tolerated than aminoglutethimide. Overall, this most recent generation of aromatase inhibitors is a clear improvement on our current standard second-line therapies. In 1999, tamoxifen remains the first choice in the hormonal therapy of breast cancer. Following tamoxifen failure, the optimal second-line hormonal therapy remains undefined, but aminoglutethimide and megestrol acetate are no longer optimal therapy in this setting. The third-generation non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors must now be compared to each other, to the steroidal aromatase inhibitors, to the pure anti-oestrogens, and to tamoxifen.
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  • 30
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cisplatin ; ovarian cancer ; paclitaxel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Despite the known association of these malignancies, the incidence of a synchronous presentation of breast and ovarian cancer is low, and the current literature does not address an approach to this clinical problem directly. We report a greater than 2.5 year disease-free survival in a patient treated for synchronous stage IIIB inflammatory breast cancer and stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer. The prolonged disease-free survival in our case may provide some guidance in this unusual clinical situation.
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  • 31
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; local regional therapy ; stem-cell transplantation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation is used increasingly in the treatment of poor-prognosis primary breast cancer. Because these patients may be cured with standard multimodality therapy, it is important to address both the efficacy of transplantation, and its effect on the delivery of standard treatments including local radiation therapy. Patients and methods: Patients with high risk primary breast cancer were treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa and stem-cell transplant following surgery and conventional-dose adjuvant chemotherapy. Outcome, including sites of failure and delivery of local radiation therapy, was assessed for 103 patients. Results: Overall and disease-free survival rates at 18 months were 83% (± 4%) and 77% (± 4%) respectively. Twenty patients (19.4%) received radiation therapy prior to transplant. Of the remaining 83, 77 received radiation therapy after transplant. Overall, 5 (19.2%) of 26 first sites of recurrence were local alone. For patients receiving radiation prior to transplant, 3 of 7 (43%, 95% CI: 6%–80%) sites of first recurrence were local, while 2 of 19 (10.5%, 95% CI: 0%–24.5%) sites of first recurrence were local alone in patients receiving post-transplant radiation or no radiation. Conclusion: Transplantation does not appear to significantly compromise the delivery or outcome of local radiation therapy for primary breast cancer.
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  • 32
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 122-126 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: apoptosis ; biliary carcinogenesis ; cholangiocarcinoma ; genotoxicity ; risk factors ; therapeutic strategies
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Carcinomas of the biliary tract are rare cancers developing from the epithelial or blast-like cells lining the bile ducts. A variety of known predisposing factors and recent experimental models of biliary carcinogenesis (e.g., infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, models of chemically induced carcinogenesis and experimental models of pancreaticobiliary maljunction) have elucidated different stages of this complex system of biliary tumorigenesis. Chronic inflammatory processes, generation of active oxygen radicals, altered cellular detoxification mechanisms, activation of oncogenes, functional loss of tumor-suppressor genes and dysregulation of cell proliferation and cell apoptotic mechanisms have been identified as important contributors in the development of cholangiocarcinomas. In this review, the known mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of biliary epithelium are addressed. We will divide the topic into four stages: 1) Predisposition and risk factors of biliary cancer, 2) Genotoxic events and alterations leading to specific DNA damage and mutation patterns. 3) Dysregulation of DNA repair mechanisms and apoptosis, permitting survival of mutated cells and 4) Morphological evolution from premalignant biliary lesions to cholangiocarcinoma. Finally, established and hypothetical future therapeutic strategies directed towards specific pathogenetic events during biliary carcinogenesis will be addressed.
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  • 33
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: acute myelogenous leukemia ; apoptosis ; ara-CTP ; cytosine arabinoside ; HL-60 ; retinoic acid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Accumulation of the cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) metabolite ara-C-triphosphate (ara-CTP) in leukemic blast cells is considered to be the main determinant of ara-C cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Retinoids such as all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) have been shown to increase the sensitivity of acute myelogenous leukemic (AML) blast cells to ara-C. To investigate the mechanism of this sensitisation, the hypothesis was tested that ATRA augments cellular ara-CTP levels in human-derived myelogenous leukemia HL-60 cells. Materials and methods: The effect of ATRA and 13-cis-retinoic acid on ara-CTP accumulation and ara-C-induced apoptosis was studied. Ara-CTP levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), cytotoxicity by the tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and apoptosis by occurrence of DNA fragmentation (gel electrophoresis), cell shrinkage and DNA loss (flow cytometry). Results: Pretreatment of HL-60 cells with ATRA (0.01–1 µM) caused a significant decrease in intracellular ara-CTP levels; e.g., incubation for 72 hours with ATRA 1 µM prior to one hour ara-C 10 µM reduced ara-CTP levels to 41% ± 4% of control. Similar results were obtained after preincubation with 13-cis-retinoic acid. In spite of decreased ara-CTP levels, the cytotoxicity of the combination was supraadditive and ATRA augmented ara-C-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: At therapeutically relevant concentrations ATRA increased ara-C cytotoxicity and ara-C induced apoptosis but this augmentation is not the corollary of elevated ara-CTP levels. The feasibility of ara-C treatment optimisation via strategies other than those involving elevation of ara-CTP levels should be investigated further.
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  • 34
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 129-137 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: adjuvant treatment ; breast cancer ; systemic therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The theoretical prediction that breast cancer is a systemic disease, and that patients may benefit from addition of systemic therapy to local treatment, has now been confirmed by three decades of clinical investigations. A long-term follow up of individual trials and the International Overview based on meta-analyses clearly showed the potential of both hormonal therapies and chemotherapy to prolong disease-free and overall survival in nearly all groups of patients. The benefits have been demonstrated for both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients, with both node-negative and node-positive disease. However, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient. In the present review, the results of meta-analysis are highlighted in the context of the new trials supporting the value of chemoendocrine therapy and anthracycline-based therapy. The results of prospective randomised trials evaluating the role of dose intensification, drug sequencing and dose density are discussed. Also presented are new treatment strategies, such as preoperative chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support, the value of which remains to be confirmed. Future possibilities opened by inclusion of biologics into adjuvant therapy are discussed.
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  • 35
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 139-146 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: anthracycline ; breast cancer ; chemotherapy ; HER-2 antibody ; N,N-diethyl-2[4-(phenylmethyl)-phenoxy] ethanamine.HCl (DPPE, BMS-217380-01) ; paclitaxel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Anthracyclines and taxanes are the two most active classes of chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Recent studies have investigated combination therapy including doxorubicin (Dox) and paclitaxel. The efficacy of this combination has been established in a phase III study conducted by ECOG, comparing Dox/paclitaxel versus Dox versus paclitaxel. The combination is superior to Dox or paclitaxel with respect to response rate and time to disease progression, indicating that the combination provides a new standard for the first line treatment of metastatic breast cancer [1]. Phase II studies using higher doses of Dox and using shorter infusions of paclitaxel have suggested the combination can be further optimised; Gianni reported a 94% objective response rate using Dox 60 mg/m2 followed by paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 given over three hours [2]. The more active regimens are associated with enhanced cardiotoxicity; this toxicity can be avoided, however, by limiting the exposure to doxorubicin. The newer regimens have now been moved into phase III studies. Future progress for this disease will depend on the introduction of new agents. Two novel drugs are currently being investigated in randomised phase III trials as potentiators of Dox and/or paclitaxel. One is a monoclonal antibody from Genentech (Herceptin, trastuzumab) directed at the HER-2/neu oncogene, which is overexpressed in 〉25% of breast cancers [3]. Recent results indicate that Herceptin in combination with paclitaxel (or with a Dox plus cyclophosphamide regimen) induces a higher response rate (RR) and prolongs the time to disease progression when compared to chemotherapy alone. The second agent N,N-diethyl-2[4-(phenylmethyl)-phenoxyl] ethanamine.HCl (DPPE, BMS-217380-01), when combined with Dox, was associated with a higher RR than previously observed with Dox alone [4]. A randomised trial of Dox versus Dox plus DPPE is ongoing. The possible mechanisms underlying chemo-potentiation by these agents are discussed. As new anthracycline/taxane combinations establish themselves in earlier stages of the disease, the need for effective, non-cross resistant salvage regimens will emerge.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; Cowden disease ; Lhermitte Duclos
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 37
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: anastrozole ; Arimidex® ; aromatase inhibitor ; breast cancer ; formestane ; oestradiol ; tolerability
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: This study provides a direct randomized comparison of a new-generation, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (Arimidex®), with a steroidal aromatase inhibitor (formestane) with respect to oestrogen (oestradiol, oestrone, and oestrone sulphate) suppression and tolerability. Patients and methods: Sixty postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer were randomized to receive either anastrozole 1 mg once daily orally (n = 29), or formestane 250 mg once every two weeks by intramuscular injection (n = 31). Treatment was continued until progression of disease or withdrawal from the study. The primary endpoints of this study were oestradiol suppression and tolerability. The secondary endpoints included oestrone and oestrone sulphate suppression. All laboratory analyses were conducted ‘blind’ of the randomized drug treatment. Results: Anastrozole produced a greater and more consistent suppression of oestradiol levels compared with formestane. Based on two- and four-week measurements, the mean fall from baseline (pre-dose) in oestradiol level was 79% and 58% in the anastrozole and formestane groups, respectively (P = 0.0001). After four weeks of treatment, oestrone and oestrone sulphate levels were also suppressed to a greater extent by anastrozole compared with formestane (oestrone: 85% versus67%, respectively, P = 0.0043; oestrone sulphate: 92% versus 67%, respectively, P = 0.0007). No statistical differences were seen between the two drugs in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: Anastrozole provides a more consistent and significantly more effective suppression of oestradiol compared with formestane. Similar results were observed for oestrone and oestrone sulphate. The clinical significance of these differences in total oestrogen suppression remains to be established.
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  • 38
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 121-127 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; mammography ; prevention ; screening
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract From numerous studies on breast cancer it can be concluded that no single measure can lessen the burden of this frequent cancer in women in all developed countries. Complex strategies including primary prevention by identification of risk factors and their modification, secondary prevention by earlier detection and tertiary prevention by improving treatment outcome are needed to control the disease. Besides age, the established breast cancer risk factors include certain benign breast diseases, family history, ionising radiation, some reproductive factors and obesity. Primary prevention includes general recommendation for healthy lifestyle, e.g., avoidance of obesity, proper diet, physical activity and moderate alcohol consumption. Randomised controlled trials conducted in the USA, Canada, Scotland and Sweden have shown that regular mammography, alone or in combination with clinical examination, is effective in reducing mortality for about 30% in women over the age of 50, and much less in younger population. However, mammography screening has several drawbacks, the major being its tendency towards false positive and false negative results with all their potential psychosocial consequences. High quality assurance and control, as well as effective and readily available treatment, all of which demand high investments, are indispensable for good results. Even in the absence of organised screening, the availability of effective treatment may contribute to reduction in breast cancer mortality.
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  • 39
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cytomegalovirus pneumonia ; dexamethasone ; ganciclovir ; standard dose chemotherapy regimen
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia in the setting of non-transplantation patients is a rarity. We present a case of CMV pneumonitis in a woman with stage IV breast cancer, with brain metastases, receiving both chemotherapy and systemic corticosteroids. A review of the literature reveals this as a unique case. Potential viral etiologies should therefore be considered in cancer patients with pneumonia receiving non-transplantation chemotherapy-regimens, particularly if steroids are a component of their therapy.
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  • 40
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; docetaxel ; epirubicin
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: To determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) and the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of docetaxel (D) in combination with epirubicin (Epi) in patients with advanced breast cancer. Patients and methods: Forty-seven chemotherapy-naïve metastatic breast cancer patients aged 〈75 years with PS (WHO) 0–2 and adequate bone marrow, renal, liver and cardiac function, were enrolled in the study. Epi was given as a five-min bolus i.v. infusion on day 1 (d1) in escalated doses with increments of 10 mg/m2; D was given in a one-hour infusion after appropriate premedication on either day 1 or on day 2 in escalated doses with increments of 10 mg/m2. The patients' median age was 60 years, 42 (89%) had a PS (WHO) 0–1, 16 (34%) were premenopausal and 25 (53%) had visceral disease. Results: When the two drugs were given on the same day, the MTD1 was reached at the doses of Epi 60 mg/m2 and D 80 mg/m2; administration of G-CSF could not result in a dose intensification. When the drugs were given on two consecutive days, the MTD2 was reached at the doses of Epi 80 mg/m2 (d1) and D 90 mg/m2 (d2). The dose-limiting events were febrile neutropenia and grade 4 neutropenia, which developed in 30 (64%) patients during the study; among 227 delivered cycles grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 64 (28%) cycles but only 22 (10%) of them were complicated by fever. There were no septic deaths. Grade 1–2 neurosensory toxicity occurred in nine (19%) patients, mild edema in eight (17%) and allergic reactions in five (11%). Four (9%) patients presented a greater than 10% decrease of LVEF and treatment discontinuation was required in two of them; none of the patients developed congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, one patient suddenly died 10 days after treatment initiation of myocardial ischemia, and this death is considered treatment-related. Five (14.7%) complete and thirteen (38.2%) partial responses (ORR: 53.9%; 95% confidence interval: 36.1%–69.7%) were observed in 34 evaluable patients. Ten (29.4%) and six (17.6%) patients had stable and progressive disease, respectively. The median duration of response and time to tumor progression were five and seven months, respectively. The median survival has not yet been reached. Conclusions: The combination of epirubicin and docetaxel is a feasible and well tolerated regimen, but the MTD depends on the administration schedule of the drugs.
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  • 41
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    Annals of oncology 10 (1999), S. 627-636 
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; depression ; diagnosis ; treatment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; paclitaxel ; phase I ; vinorelbine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: In vitro experiments suggest that administration of vinorelbine preceding paclitaxel results in synergistic cytotoxic effects. A phase I dose escalation trial of vinorelbine daily × 3 with paclitaxel on day 3 repeated every 28 days in metastatic breast cancer patients was completed. Patients and methods: Female patients, PS 0–2, without evidence of CNS disease or prior neuropathies were treated with vinorelbine at dose levels 7, 10, 13 mg/m2 per day and paclitaxel over three hours at dose levels of 135, 175, and 200 mg/m2. Results: Twenty-eight patients with six dose levels were studied. At dose level 1, patients developed intolerable but reversible neutropenia. Subsequent dose levels required filgrastim. Dose limiting toxicities were myalgia and fatigue at vinorelbine 13 mg/m2 /day and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2. Neuropathy was minor. Twelve of twenty-five patients with measurable disease had a rapid response which did not correlate with dose level. Conclusions: Sequential administration of these two agents demonstrates activity in breast cancer patients. Phase II dosing on this schedule should be vinorelbine 13 mg/m2/day × 3 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2. With proper selection of patients, concern about neurologic toxicity should not impede future trials of vinorelbine with paclitaxel.
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  • 43
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: protein kinase A ; site-directed mutagenesis ; breast cancer ; growth arrest ; cAMP response element
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Expression of the RIα regulatory subunit of protein kinase A type I is increased in human cancer cell lines, in primary tumors, in cells after transformation, and in cells upon stimulation of growth. Ala99 (the pseudophosphorylation site) of human RIα was replaced with Ser (RIα-p) for the structure-function analysis of RIα. MCF-7 hormone- dependent breast cancer cells were transfected with an expression vector for the wild-type RIα or mutant RIα-p. Overexpression of RIα-P resulted in suppression of protein kinase A type II, the isozyme of type I kinase, production of kinase exhibiting reduced cAMP activation, and inhibition of cell growth showing an increase in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and apoptosis. The wild-type RIα overexpression had no effect on protein kinase A isozyme distribution or cell growth. Overexpression of protein kinase A type II regulatory subunit, RIIβ, suppressed RIα and protein kinase A type I and inhibited cell growth. These results show that the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells is dependent on the functional protein kinase A type I.
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  • 44
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 196 (1999), S. 13-21 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: apoptosis ; DNA fragmentation ; GSHPx-1 knockout mice ; GSHPx-1 transgenic mice ; ischemia/repurfusion
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis, a genetically controlled programmed cell death, has been found to play a role in ischemic reperfusion injury in several animal species including rats and rabbits. To examine whether this is also true for other animals, an isolated perfused mouse heart was subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Experiments were terminated before ischemia (baseline), after ischemia, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of reperfusion. At the end of each experiment, hearts were processed for the evaluation of apoptosis and DNA laddering. The in situ end labeling (ISEL) technique was used to detect apoptotic cardiomyocyte nuclei while DNA laddering was evaluated by subjecting the DNA obtained from the cardiomyocytes to 1.8% agarose gel electrophoresis followed by photographing under UV illumination. The results of our study revealed that apoptotic cells appear only after 60 min of reperfusion as demonstrated by the intense fluorescence of the immunostained genomic DNA when observed under fluorescence microscopy. None of the ischemic hearts showed any evidence of apoptosis. These results were corroborated with the findings of DNA fragmentation showing increased ladders of DNA bands in the same reperfused hearts representing integer multiples of the internucleosomal DNA length (about 180 bp). Since our previous studies showed a role of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in apoptotic cell death, we performed identical experiments using isolated hearts from GSHPx-l knockout mice and transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx-l. GSHPx-l knockout mice showed evidence of apoptotic cell death even after 30 min of reperfusion. Significant number of apoptotic cells were found in the cardiomyocytes as compared to non-transgenic control animals. To the contrary, very few apoptotic cells were found in the hearts of the transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx-l. Hearts of GSHPx-l knockout mice were more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury while transgenic mice overexpressing GSHPx- 1 were less susceptible to ischemia reperfusion injury compared to non-transgenic control animals. The results of this study clearly demonstrate a role of GSHPx in ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis in mouse heart.
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  • 45
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: progesterone receptor ; breast cancer ; steroid receptor agonists ; antagonists ; T47D cells ; RU486
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract T47D cells, cultured in medium containing serum stripped of endogenous steroids, proliferate in response to treatment with the progesterone receptor (PR) agonist, R5020 or the PR agonist/antagonist, RU486, whereas the full PR antagonist, ZK98299 has no proliferative effects. Under estrogenized conditions, all of the PR ligands tested inhibit cell growth [23]. In order to determine whether the levels or phosphorylation state of PR are reflected in the growth patterns of T47D cells, we monitored the effects of these PR ligands on the immunoblotted PR band intensities, the relative intensities, of PR-A and PR-B, and their phosphorylation states that are reflected in their altered mobility during SDS-PAGE. Under conditions where the PR ligands inhibit cell proliferation, each ligand had distinctively different qualitative and quantitative effects on PR. Short term treatment of the cells with R5020 or RU486 induced a characteristic phosphorylation-dependent upshift of both PR-A and PR-B. The phosphorylated PR was stable for up to 4 days after treatment of the cells with RU486, but was down regulated between 6-24 h after treatment with R5020. No replenishment of PR in cells treated with R5020 was detected. ZK98299, at concentrations tested, had no qualitative or quantitative effects on PR. Culturing cells for 8 days in medium containing steroid-depleted serum caused a significant reduction in the PR band intensity without causing a change in the ratio of PR-A and PR-B or their phosphorylation states. This decrease in the PR band intensity was reversed by maintaining the cells in 1 nM estrogen, but was potentiated by RU486 or ZK98299. These observations support the view that decreased PR levels may play a role in the stimulatory effects of R5020 and RU486 when cells are cultured under non-estrogenized conditions.
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  • 46
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: MKP-1 ; Fas ligand ; Fas ; apoptosis ; prostate cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Recent studies have suggested that MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) is overexpressed in prostate cancer. To evaluate the role of MKP-1 in regulating cell death and tumor growth in prostate cancer, MKP-1 was conditionally overexpressed in the human prostate cancer cell line DU145. Overexpression of MKP-1 in DU145 cells blocked activation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK). MKP-1 overexpression in DU-145 cells was also found to inhibit Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptosis, as well as block the activation of caspases by Fas engagement. In addition, MKP-1 blocked the activation of apoptosis by transfected MEKK-1 and ASK-1, presumably through its inhibition of the SAPK/JNK family of enzymes. MKP-1 blocked the ability of FasL to induce loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δγm), suggesting that MKP-1 acts upstream of mitochondrial pro-apoptotic events induced by FasL and that the SAPK/JNK pathway may form the signaling link between Fas receptor and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, MKP-1 overexpression in prostate cancer may play a role in promoting prostate carcinogenesis by inhibiting FasL-induced cell death.
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  • 47
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 199 (1999), S. 125-137 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: apoptosis ; ADP-ribosylation ; caspases ; PARP ; PARG
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Poly(ADP-ribosylation) is a post-translational modification playing a relevant role in DNA damage recovery, DNA replication and viral integration. Several reports also suggest a modulation of this process during cell death by apoptosis. The aim of this review is to discuss the possible involvement of poly(ADP-ribosylation) during apoptosis, by dealing with general considerations on apoptosis, and further examining the correlation between NAD consumption and cell death, the regulation of poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism in apoptotic cells, the effect of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition on cell death occurrence and the use of enzyme cleavage as a marker of apoptosis. Finally, the future prospects of the research in this area will be addressed.
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  • 48
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: DNA binding protein ; NAD metabolism ; cellular response to DNA damage ; γ-rays ; alkylating agents ; genomic instability ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A dual approach to the study of poly (ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) in terms of its structure and function has been developed in our laboratory. Random mutagenesis of the DNA binding domain and catalytic domain of the human PARP, has allowed us to identify residues that are crucial for its enzymatic activity. In parallel PARP knock-out mice were generated by inactivation of both alleles by gene targeting. We showed that: (i) they are exquisitely sensitive to γ-irradiation, (ii) they died rapidly from acute radiation toxicity to the small intestine, (iii) they displayed a high genomic instability to γ-irradiation and MNU injection and, (iv) bone marrow cells rapidly underwent apoptosis following MNU treatment, demonstrating that PARP is a survival factor playing an essential and positive role during DNA damage recovery and survival.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: PARP ; poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation ; apoptosis ; DNA replication
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have focused on the roles of PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation early in apoptosis, as well as during the early stages of differentiation-linked DNA replication. In both nuclear processes, a transient burst of PAR synthesis and PARP expression occurs early, prior to internucleosomal DNA cleavage before commitment to apoptosis as well as at the round of DNA replication prior to the onset of terminal differentiation. In intact human osteosarcoma cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis, both PARP and PAR decreased after this early peak, concomitant with the inactivation and cleavage of PARP by caspase-3 and the onset of substantial DNA and nuclear fragmentation. Whereas 3T3-L1, osteosarcoma cells, and immortalized PARP +/+ fibroblasts exhibited this early burst of PAR synthesis during Fas-mediated apoptosis, neither PARP-depleted 3T3-L1 PARP-antisense cells nor PARP -/- fibroblasts showed this response. Consequently, whereas control cells progressed into apoptosis, as indicated by induction of caspase-3-like PARP-cleavage activity, PARP-antisense cells and PARP -/- fibroblasts did not, indicating a requirement for PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins at an early reversible stage of apoptosis. In parallel experiments, a transient increase in PARP expression and activity were also noted in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes 24 h after induction of differentiation, a stage at which ~95% of the cells were in S-phase, but not in PARP-depleted antisense cells, which were consequently unable to complete the round of DNA replication required for differentiation. PARP, a component of the multiprotein DNA replication complex (MRC) that catalyzes viral DNA replication in vitro, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ates 15 of ~40 MRC proteins, including DNA pol α, DNA topo I, and PCNA. Depletion of endogenous PARP by antisense RNA expression in 3T3-L1 cells results in MRCs devoid of any DNA pol α and DNA pol δ activities. Surprisingly, there was no new expression of PCNA and DNA pol α, as well as the transcription factor E2F-1 in PARP-antisense cells during entry into S-phase, suggesting that PARP may play a role in the expression of these proteins, perhaps by interacting with a site in the promoters for these genes.
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  • 50
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: breast cancer cells ; anti-apoptotic genes ; apoptosis ; progesterone
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Progesterone inhibits the proliferation of normal breast epithelial cells in vivo, as well as breast cancer cells in vitro. But the biologic mechanism of this inhibition remains to be determined. We explored the possibility that an antiproliferative activity of progesterone in breast cancer cell lines is due to its ability to induce apoptosis. Since p53, bcl-2 and survivin genetically control the apoptotic process, we investigated whether or not these genes could be involved in the progesterone-induced apoptosis. We found a maximal 90% inhibition of cell proliferation with T47-D breast cancer cells after exposure to 10 μM progesterone for 72 h. Control progesterone receptor negative MDA-231 cancer cells were unresponsive to 10 μM progesterone. The earliest sign of apoptosis is translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and can be monitored by the calcium-dependent binding of annexin V in conjunction with flow cytometry. After 24 h of exposure to 10 μM progesterone, cytofluorometric analysis of T47-D breast cancer cells indicated 43% were annexin V-positive and had undergone apoptosis and no cells showed signs of cellular necrosis (propidium iodide negative). After 72 h of exposure to 10 μM progesterone, 48% of the cells had undergone apoptosis and 40% were annexin V positive/propidium iodide positive indicating signs of necrosis. Control untreated cancer cells did not undergo apoptosis. Evidence proving apoptosis was also demonstrated by fragmentation of nuclear DNA into multiples of oligonucleosomal fragments. After 24 h of exposure of T47-D cells to either 1 or 10 μM progesterone, we observed a marked down-regulation of protooncogene bcl-2 protein and mRNA levels. mRNA levels of survivin and the metastatic variant CD44 v7-v10 were also downregulated. Progesterone increased p53 mRNA levels. These results demonstrate that progesterone at relative high physiological concentrations, but comparable to those seen in plasma during the third trimester of human pregnancy, exhibited a strong antiproliferative effect on breast cancer cells and induced apoptosis.
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  • 51
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 200 (1999), S. 51-57 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: smokeless tobacco ; apoptosis ; nitric oxide
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Smokeless tobacco usage is, a growing public health concern in the United States. Lesions of the oral cavity have been clearly linked to smokeless tobacco use. The objective of this study was to determine the biochemical effects of smokeless tobacco extract (STE) exposure upon hamster cheek pouch cell (HCPC-1) cultures. HCPC-1 cells were exposed to a 5 -fold dose-range of STE (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5%) over a time-course of 24-96 h. Following each exposure we measured various biochemical parameters of cell proliferation and cell death. Cell viability, cell cycle progression and S-phase DNA synthesis were measured as markers of cell proliferation. We measured lactate dehydrogenase leakage as a marker of cell membrane damage and cell death due to necrosis. No significant alterations were observed in cell cycle progression and cell proliferation as a result of exposure to STE. LDH measured colorimetrically indicated no significant effect with the lower doses (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% STE). Apoptosis measured as the A0 peak and by the TUNEL procedure revealed that STE caused significant rates of apoptosis. Maximal apoptosis was noted between 48-96 h. In order to probe the mechanism further we measured the levels of nitrites as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) in the media. NO levels were significantly elevated at the doses that caused an induction of apoptosis. The results from this study indicate that STE causes a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and that this is mediated by nitric oxide.
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  • 52
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 37-42 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: Rho ; GTPase ; toxins ; Clostridium ; signal transduction ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The Rho family small GTPases are members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. Rho proteins were first determined to act as key regulators of many types of actin cytoskeletal-dependent cellular functions. Recent work by several investigators indicates that Rho GTPases are also critical modulators of several important intracellular and nuclear signal transduction pathways. Certain clostridial toxins and exoenzymes covalently modify, and thereby inactivate, specific types of Rho family GTPases. As such, these microbial enzymes have proven invaluable in helping to identify structural and functional attributes of Rho GTPases.
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  • 53
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 103-108 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase ; Drosophila melanogaster ; alternative splicing ; apoptosis ; DNA repair ; development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is conserved in eukaryotes. To analyze the function of PARP, we isolated and characterized the gene for PARP in Drosophila melanogaster. The PARP gene consisted of six translatable exons and spanned more than 50 kb. The DNA binding domain is encoded by exons 1-4. Although the consensus cleavage site of CED-3 like protease during apoptosis is conserved from human to Xenopus laevis PARPs, it is neither conserved in the corresponding region of Drosophila nor Sarcophaga peregrina. There are two cDNAs species in Drosophila. One cDNA could encode the full length PARP protein (PARP I), while the other is a truncated cDNA which could encode a partial-length PARP protein (PARP II), which lacks the automodification domain and is possibly produced by alternative splicing. The expression of these two forms of PARP in E. coli demonstrated that while PARP II has the catalytic NAD-binding domain and DNA-binding domain it is enzymatically inactive. On the other hand PARP I is active. A deletion mutant of PARP gene could grow to the end of embryogenesis but did not grow to the adult fly. These results suggest that the PARP gene plays an important function during the development of Drosophila.
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  • 54
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 193 (1999), S. 119-125 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: benzamides ; nicotinamides ; apoptosis ; inflammation ; NF-kB ; DNA repair
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Our laboratory has concentrated on the possible regulation the benzamides and nicotinamides may have on the processes of DNA repair and apoptosis. Recent reports [14-16] have suggested that both apoptosis and inflammation are regulated by the transcription factor NF-kB. We have initiated studies regarding the hypothesis that the benzamides and nicotinamides could inhibit the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and the inflammatory response as well as induce apoptosis via inhibition of NF-kB. Our data have shown that nicotinamide and two N-substituted benzamides, metoclopramide (MCA) and 3-chloroprocainamide (3-CPA), gave dose dependent inhibition of lipopolysacharide induced TNFalpha in the mouse within the dose range of 10-500 mg/kg. Moreover, lung edema was prevented in the rat by 3 ï 50 mg/kg doses of 3-CPA or MCA, and 100-200 μM doses of MCA could also inhibit NF-kB in Hela cells. Taken together these data strongly support the notion that benzamides and nicotinamides have potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, because their primary mechanism of action is regulated by inhibition at the gene transcription level of NF-kB, which in turn inhibits TNFalpha and induces apoptosis.
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  • 55
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: antisense oligonucleotide ; apoptosis ; cAMP-dependent protein kinase ; cancer cells ; growth inhibition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The enhanced expression of the RIα subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type 1 (PKA-I) has been correlated with cancer cell growth. We have investigated the effects of sequence-specific inhibition of RIα gene expression on the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We report that RIα antisense treatment results in a reduction in RIα expression at both mRNA and protein levels and inhibition of cell growth. The growth inhibition was accompanied by changes in cell morphology, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and appearance of apoptotic nuclei. In addition, bcl-2 protein level was reduced and p53 expression increased in growth arrested cells. Interestingly, RIα antisense inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in the absence of p53, suggesting that these actions of RIα antisense are exerted independent of p53. In contrast, two- and four-base mismatched control oligonucleotides had no effect on either cell growth or morphology. These results demonstrate that the RIα antisense, which efficiently depletes the growth stimulatory molecule RIα, induces cell differentiation and apoptosis, providing a new approach to combat breast cancer cell growth.
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  • 56
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    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 197 (1999), S. 97-108 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: neutrophil ; PKC ; TNF-α ; apoptosis ; DNA fragmentation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the present study we investigated the TNF-α induced signal transduction mechanism in human neutrophil. Exogenously added TNF-α affects both PKC activity and its translocation from cytosol to the membrane. Endogenous protein phosphorylation pattern is inhibited in TNF-α induced neutrophil in Ca-dependent and Ca-independent manner, including a major 47 and 66 kDa cytosolic proteins, which may be implicated in superoxide anion generation. However TNF-α dose dependently enhances the expression of ζ-PKC isotype but not the β-PKC. Morphology and cell cytotoxicity are studied in TNF-α treated neutrophil to understand the TNF-α induced cell death or apoptosis and these experiment is further confirmed by DNA fragmentation analysis. These results clearly demonstrate that TNF-α induces cellular death of human neutrophil at least in part by enhanced expression of Ca-independent ζ-PKC. These observations provide an insight towards understanding the function of ζ-PKC in apoptotic pathway.
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  • 57
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: T47D cells ; breast cancer ; cellular proliferation ; progesterone ; estradiol ; steroid receptors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have examined the influence of progestins (progesterone, R5020) and antiprogestins (RU486, ZK98299, Org 31710 and Org 31806) on the rate of proliferation of wild type T47D cells cultured in whole fetal bovine serum (FBS) or in single charcoal stripped fetal bovine serum (SSFBS). All of the progesterone antagonists RU486, ZK98299 and two novel antiprogestins Org 31710 and Org 31806 inhibited cell proliferation when cells were cultured in FBS. In contrast, all of the antiprogestins with the exception of ZK98299 enhanced cell growth when cells were cultured in SSFBS. This stimulatory effect of RU486 was observed only at a high concentration of the ligand (1 μM). The effect of R5020, however, was concentration independent. The number of cells in the presence of RU486 was ~ 600% followed by R5020 ~ 400% above control values after a 28 day culturing period. In contrast, when the cells were grown in the presence of medium containing non-stripped whole serum, RU486 inhibited the extent of cell proliferation by 45%. Estradiol (E2) stimulated the rate of proliferation in cells cultured in SSFBS. Similar to when cells were cultured in whole serum, the antiprogestins inhibited cell growth in E2-supplemented SSFBS. Detection of the growth enhancement effects of progesterone receptor (PR) ligands such as RU486 and R5020 on the cells grown in charcoal-stripped medium appear to require the removal of E2 by charcoal stripping of the serum.
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  • 58
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: rotenone ; apoptosis ; oncogenes ; liver cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Rotenone decreases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and lowers rates of hepatocellular proliferation. In an effort to delineate mechanisms involved, the in vivo effect of rotenone on liver mitochondrial metabolism, apoptotic machinery as well as elements of the hepatic signal transduction pathways were investigated. Mitochondria from livers of male B6C3F1 mice fed a standard diet containing 600 ppm rotenone for 7 days were uncoupled or inhibited when succinate or glutamate plus malate were used as the substrate, respectively. These livers also showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with control livers. Furthermore, rotenone increased the expression of c-myc mRNA to 5-fold of control values within 3 days, an effect which was still observed (3-fold) after 7 days. Levels of p53 mRNA were also increased 3-fold after 1 day, but declined to control levels by 7 days. Rotenone also caused a transient, yet marked increase in liver particulate glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein expression, while it did not alter the expression of the cytosolic form of the enzyme. Conversely, mRNA of the proto-oncogene H-ras showed a decline of 35% after 3 days of rotenone treatment, and remained diminished for the duration of the experiment. These data suggest that rotenone may act as an anticancer agent by diminishing mitochondrial bioenergetics which prevents basal hepatocyte proliferation and lowers the threshold for liver cells with DNA damage to undergo apoptosis.
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  • 59
    ISSN: 1573-4943
    Keywords: Two-dimensional electrophoresis ; MALDI-MS ; apoptosis ; RNA polymerase B transcription factor 3
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis or programmed cell death is essential in the process of controlling lymphocyte growth and selection. We identified RNA polymerase B transcription factor 3 (BTF3), which is associated with anti-IgM antibody-mediated apoptosis, using a subclone of the human Burkitt lymphoma cell line BL60. To identify the transcription factor BTF3, which is expressed only in minor amounts, we used preparative high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) employing carrier ampholytes for isoelectric focusing. Comparison of the 2DE protein patterns from apoptotic and nonapoptotic cells showed BTF3 as a predominantly altered protein spot. The characterization of the differentially expressed transcription factor and 13 marker proteins described in this study were performed by internal Edman microsequencing and/or by peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The proteome analysis was significantly improved by performing the newly developed preparative high-resolution two-dimensional gels employing high protein concentrations.
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  • 60
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    Investigational new drugs 17 (1999), S. 227-240 
    ISSN: 1573-0646
    Keywords: apoptosis ; protein kinase C ; sphingoid bases ; safingol ; diglyceride ; bryostatin 1 ; staurosporine ; 7-hydroxy staurosporine (UCN-01) ; 4′-N-benzoyl staurosporine (CGP-41251) ; calphostin C (UCN-1028c)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neoplastic cell survival is governed by a balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. Noteworthy among several anti-apoptotic signaling elements is the protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzyme family, which mediates a central cytoprotective effect in the regulation of cell survival. Activation of PKC, and subsequent recruitment of numerous downstream elements such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, opposes initiation of the apoptotic cell death program by diverse cytotoxic stimuli. The understanding that the lethal actions of numerous antineoplastic agents are, in many instances, antagonized by cytoprotective signaling systems has been an important stimulus for the development of novel antineoplastic strategies. In this regard, inhibition of PKC, which has been shown to initiate apoptosis in a variety of malignant cell types, has recently been the focus of intense interest. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that selective targeting of PKC may prove useful in improving the therapeutic efficacy of established antineoplastic agents. Such chemosensitizing strategies can involve either (a) direct inhibition of PKC (e.g., following acute treatment with relatively specific inhibitors such as the synthetic sphingoid base analog safingol, or the novel staurosporine derivatives UCN-01 and CGP-41251) or (b) down-regulation (e.g., following chronic treatment with the non-tumor-promoting PKC activator bryostatin 1). In preclinical model systems, suppression of the cytoprotective function(s) of PKC potentiates the activity of cytotoxic agents (e.g., cytarabine) as well as ionizing radiation, and efforts to translate these findings into the clinical arena in humans are currently underway. Although the PKC-driven cytoprotective signaling systems affected by these treatments have not been definitively characterized, interference with PKC activity has been associated with loss of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) response. Accordingly, recent pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that pharmacological disruption of the primary MEK-ERK module can mimic the chemopotentiating and radiopotentiating actions of PKC inhibition and/or down-regulation.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1573-0646
    Keywords: UCN-01 ; IL-2 receptor ; Fas ; Fas-ligand ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) is a new anticancer agentwhich exerts an inhibitory effect on cell cycle check points andis currently under phase I clinical trials in US and Japan.Preliminary clinical data indicated that UCN-01 remained inplasma at high concentrations for long periods of time. Thisunavoidable high plasma drug exposure is likely to lead tohematological toxicities in patients. In the present study,cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were used toevaluate the possible hematological toxicities of UCN-01treatment. UCN-01 induces apoptosis, and the induction ofapoptosis-related surface markers were also examined toinvestigate the involvement of these molecules in UCN-01-inducedapoptosis in PBLs. in vitroviability of PBLs wasdecreased by high dose of UCN-01 (25 μM, 3-day exposure). Thiseffect of UCN-01 was significantly suppressed by the presence ofhuman serum, suggesting that some specific inhibitory factor(s)in human serum may antagonize the lympholytic effect of UCN-01.The percentage of annexin V-positive PI-negative cells increasedwith exposure to UCN-01 in a time- and dose-dependent manner; byup to 30.3% after exposure to 25 μM UCN-01 for 3 days.At the same time, the expression of both interleukin-2 receptor(IL-2R, CD25) and Fas (CD95), analyzed by flow cytometry, wasinduced. Con A-stimulated PBLs were more sensitive toUCN-01-induced apoptosis than non-stimulated lymphocytes andUCN-01 increased the sFas-L released into culture medium from conA-stimulated PBLs. Therefore, lymphocyte depletion mediated byactivation-induced apoptosis is likely to occur in patientstreated with UCN-01 at high doses.
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  • 62
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    Investigational new drugs 17 (1999), S. 417-427 
    ISSN: 1573-0646
    Keywords: breast cancer ; growth factors ; metalloproteinase ; angiogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A better understanding of the biology of breast cancer should leadto the rational development of new treatments and the ability tocustomize therapy for individual patients. Though promising intheory, translating advances in biological knowledge to the clinichas been difficult. Recently several areas of research haveproduced treatments which have entered clinical trials; three willbe reviewed here. The growth of breast cancer is regulated bygrowth factors and their receptors; amplification or overexpressionis associated with poor prognosis. As such inhibition of growthfactors and/or growth factor receptors may provide an idealtherapeutic target. Herceptin binds to c-erbB-2, a member of theepidermal growth factor receptor family. Significant responses wereseen in patients with c-erbB-2 overexpressing breast cancer withHerceptin administered as a single agent or in combination withchemotherapy. Herceptin was approved by the Food and DrugAdministration in late 1998. Breast cancer invasion and metastasisrequires degradation of the surrounding basement membrane by matrixmetalloproteinases and other proteolytic enzymes. Syntheticinhibitors of these enzymes are now in clinical trials. Breastcancers must stimulate angiogenesis, the growth of new bloodvessels, in order to grow beyond a few millimeters in diameter.This nascent vascular network provides another opportunity fortherapy. Preclinical models support the critical role ofangiogenesis and the therapeutic benefit of angiogenesisinhibition; clinical trials are underway.
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  • 63
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; fixed-bed ; hollow fibre ; hybridoma ; perfusion ; protein-free medium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis is an active, genetically determined death mechanism which can be induced by a wide range of physiological factors and by mild stress. It is the predominant form of cell death during the production of antibodies from murine hybridoma cell lines. A number of studies have now demonstrated that the suppression of this death pathway, by means of over-expression of survival genes such as bcl-2, results in improved cellular robustness and antibody productivity during batch culture. In the present study, the influence of bcl-2 expression on hybridoma productivity in two high density perfusion bioreactor systems was investigated. In the first system, a fixed-bed reactor, the DNA content in the spent medium was 25% higher in the control (TB/C3-pEF) culture than that found in the bcl-2 transfected (TB/C3-bcl2) cultures at all perfusion rates. This is indicative of a higher level of cell death in the control cell line. The average antibody concentration for the TB/C3-pEF cell line was 14.9 mg L-1 at perfusion rates of 2.6 and 5.2 d-1. However, for the TB/C3-bcl2 cell line it was 33 mg L-1 at dilution rates of 2 and 4 d-1. A substantial increase in antibody concentration was also found in the Integra Tecnomouse hollow fibre reactor. The antibody titre in the TB/C3-bcl2 cassette was nearly 100% higher than that in the TB/C3-pEF cassette during the cultivation period which lasted 6 weeks. Clearly, these results demonstrate the positive impact of bcl-2 over-expression on production of antibody in hybridoma perfusion cultures.
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  • 64
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: antibody productivity ; apoptosis ; BAG-1 ; Bcl-2 ; cell survival ; hybridoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Human bcl-2 and bag-1 DNA were introduced into mouse hybridoma 2E3- O cells and expressed. The expression of bcl-2 in BCMGneo-bcl2 transfectants was confirmed by ELISA and that of bag-1 in pZeo-bag1 was confirmed by western blotting. In batch cultures, the over-expression of bcl-2 prolonged the culture period by 2 days and co-expression of bcl-2 and bag-1 prolonged the culture period by 3 days. The delayed increase in the dead cell number in culture of the bcl-2 and bag-1 cotransfectant indicated the additional antiapoptosis effect of bcl-2 and bag-1 cotransfection in comparison with the bcl-2 only transfection. The bcl-2 transfectants (2E3O-Bcl2) produced antibody twofold per batch culture in comparison with 2E3-O cells transfected with BCMGSneo (2E3O-Mock). Enhancement of this MoAb production was due to the improved survival of the cells and was not due to stimulation of antibody production rate per cell by Bcl-2 expression. And the bcl-2 and bag-1 co-transfectant (2E3O-Bcl2-BAG1) produced antibody approximately fourfold of 2E3O-Mock per batch culture. Enhancement of this MoAb production was due to the improved survival of the cells and was partly due to stimulation of MoAb production rate per cell in the non-growing phase by the cotransfection. The method to engineer hybridoma cells genetically with bcl-2 and bag-1 for increasing viability and productivity would be widely applied for improving antibody productivity of hybridoma cultures.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: annexin V ; Apo-2 ligand ; apoptosis ; Cytostar-T® scintillating microplates ; flow cytometry ; lymphotoxin (LT)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract The translocation of phospholipids across the plasma membrane has been widely documented as one of the earliest measurable biochemical events of apoptosis. Using fluorescently labelled annexin V, which preferentially binds phosphatidylserine (PS) in the presence of Ca2+, the externalization of PS can be measured and apoptosis quantified using flow cytometry. Conventional detection methods utilizing annexin V, while faster than in situ DNA end-labelling or DNA laddering, require extensive sample preparation which may compromise samples and makes rapid, high volume screening prohibitive. This paper describes a novel assay for the measurement of apoptosis based upon binding of radiolabelled annexin V to apoptotic cells attached to the growth surface of a 96-well scintillating microplate (Cytostar-T®). We compared measurements of apoptosis made by flow cytometry to those obtained with the scintillating microplate in three model systems, treatment of: mouse connective tissue (L-M) cells with lymphotoxin (LT), human lung carcinoma (H460) cells with Apo-2 ligand and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells with staurosporine. In this assay, we compare both direct and indirect labelling methods by utilizing either iodinated annexin V or biotinylated annexin V/[35S] streptavidin to radiolabel apoptotic cells. The signal detected is a direct consequence of the binding of annexin V to externalized PS on apoptotic cells and the proximity of the label to the base of the plate. Using this method, separation of bound and unbound radiolabel signal occurs directly within the well resulting in a sensitive assay that requires minimal manipulation and can accomodate a large number of samples.
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  • 66
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    Cardiovascular drugs and therapy 13 (1999), S. 289-294 
    ISSN: 1573-7241
    Keywords: heart failure ; apoptosis ; protein kinases ; caspases ; DNA damage ; cardiomyocytes ; β-blocks
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis as defined by contemporary science describes a form of cell death that involves discrete genetic and molecular programs, de novo protein expression and unique cellular phenotype. Evidence for the existence of apoptosis in the human heart has been reported in various cardiac diseases, including ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure, myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Among the most potent stimuli that elicit cardiomyocyte apoptosis are: oxygen radicals (including NO), cytokines, (FAS/TNFα family of cytokines) and growth factors/energy deprivation. Several complex signal transduction pathways have been implicated in execution of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, including: Fas/TNFα receptors signaling, stress or mitogen activated protein kinases (SAPK/MAPK), sphingolipids metabolites (ceramide), G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling (Gαi, Gαq) and NFkB activation. Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes may contribute to progressive pump-failure, arrhythmias and cardiac remodeling. The recognition of numerous molecular targets associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis that are amenable for pharmacologic manipulation, may provide novel therapeutic strategies for diverse cardiac ailments, as recently suggested by pharmacologic studies in experimental animals.
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  • 67
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    Clinical & experimental metastasis 17 (1999), S. 67-72 
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: breast cancer ; extracellular matrix ; gelatinase ; invasion ; matrix metalloproteinase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Seprase is a serine protease that is integral to the plasma membrane and is overexpressed by invasive tumor cells (Piñeiro-Sánchez et al., J Biol Chem 1997; 272: 7595–601; Monsky et al., Cancer Res 1994; 54: 5702–10). Seprase activity is most often assessed by zymography, which is not a quantitative assay. This study establishes a relatively simple and quantitative method for determining seprase activity. The degradation of a 3H-gelatin substrate is measured in the presence of 5 mM EDTA which inhibits matrix metalloproteinases but not seprase. The quantitative character of the assay was demonstrated using partially purified seprase from chicken embryos, a preparation that lacks detectable matrix metalloproteinase activity. In this assay, release of 3H-gelatin fragments is linear over time for 1.5 μg/assay seprase concentration as well as for preparations concentrated or diluted by five fold (7.5 μg/assay and 0.3 μg/assay respectively). Additional experiments were performed to validate the quantification of seprase activity using the radiographic assay by comparing the results to zymography. Exposure to 22 or 37 °C results in maximal seprase activity while exposure to 80 or 100 °C completely abolishes seprase activity in both zymography and the radiographic assay. Exposure to 60 °C abolished seprase activity as judged by zymography, but about 50% gelatinase activity was observed using the 3H-gelatin substrate. Immunopreciptiation with seprase-specific antibody specifically removed seprase and lowered the seprase activity remaining in the extracts as judged by both assays. Investigation of the seprase that was partially purified from human breast cancer tissue revealed that its specific activity (cpm gelatin fragments released/ {mg protein×h}) is five times greater than that of seprase purified from chicken embryos. This assay will be useful for determining the seprase activity in extracts of tumor tissues and cells as well as for identifying inhibitors of seprase.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cell death ; C6 glioma ; nerve growth factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays an important physiological role in differentiation and survival of various types of neurons. Glial cells and glial tumor cells synthesize multiple neurotrophic factors including NGF and secrete them into the surrounding environment; however, the mechanisms of NGF and the significance of NGF receptors have not been studied in detail. The C6 glioma cell line can synthesize NGF, respond to exogenous application of NGF and stimulate the expression of NGF receptor in an autocrine manner. In order to determine the significance of such an NGF autocrine system, the effects of exposure to exogenous NGF and deprivation of endogenous NGF were examined in a C6 glioma cell line in vitro. Exogenous NGF significantly inhibited maintenance of the cell number and thymidine incorporation. Morphological changes, including the formation of growth cones, outgrowth of processes and cellular hypertrophy, were observed, concurrently, indicating that exogenous NGF stimulated differentiation and thereby inhibited proliferation of the cells. Deprivation of endogenous NGF with anti-NGF antibody elicited a rapid decrease in cell number and thymidine incorporation, and led almost all of the cells to death within 8 days. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, strongly inhibited the death of NGF-deprived cells, suggesting the involvement of an active process requiring synthesis of suicide proteins. These findings imply that the NGF autocrine system plays a significant role in regulating the differentiation and survival of C6 glioma cells, similarly to neuronal cells.
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  • 69
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: glutamate ; glioblastoma ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Glutamate has been shown to function as a toxic agent in neuronal and glial cells, as well as an excitatory neurotransmitter throughout the central nervous system. In the present study, we examined the effect of increasing glutamate concentration on the induction of apoptosis in the two human glioblastoma cell lines GB-4 and GB-12. Glutamate exposure caused cell death of GB-4 and GB-12 in a dose-dependent manner. The cells were found to die via apoptosis in response to glutamate based on the following criteria: propidium iodide (PI) staining, H–E staining, electron microscopic analysis, and the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The glutamate-induced apoptosis appears to involve the modulation of Bcl-2 family gene products such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax-α. Both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were down-regulated by glutamate at 24 h and further at 48 h. The apoptosis-promoting product p21 Bax-α was also down-regulated in GB-12 but slightly up-regulated in GB-4, accompanied by generation of variant form of p18 Bax-α in both cell lines. These findings suggest that glutamate toxicity results in cellular death via an apoptotic mechanism which appears to involve the Bcl-2/Bax-α molecular complex.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1573-7365
    Keywords: Cerebral ischemia ; focal ischemia ; mutant mice ; bcl-2 ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neuronal death after brain ischemia is mainly due to necrosis but there is also evidence for involvement of apoptosis. To test the importance of apoptosis, we investigated the effect of targeted disruption of the apoptosis-suppressive gene bcl-2 on the severity of ischemic brain injury. Transient focal ischemia for 1 hour was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in homozygous (n=7) and heterozygous (n = 6) bcl-2 knockout mice as well as in their wildtype littermates (n=5). Bcl-2 ablation did not influence cerebral blood flow but it significantly increased infarct size and neurological deficit score at 1 day after reperfusion in a gene-dose dependent manner. The exacerbation of tissue damage in the absence of Bcl-2 underscores the importance of apoptotic pathways for the manifestation of ischemic injury after transient vascular occlusion.
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  • 71
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: glioma ; immunohistochemistry ; MIB-1 ; apoptosis ; TUNEL
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract With the introduction of new (immuno-)histochemical techniques it is now possible to assess rates of proliferation and apoptosis in brain gliomas using archival paraffin embedded material. As proliferation and apoptosis are related to tumour growth rate quantification of these processes has prognostic value and is related to tumour grading. In this study we assessed the proliferation rate by measuring the Ki-67 labelling index using the MIB-1 antibody (MIB-LI) and the apoptotic rate using the in situ labelling of DNA strand breaks with TUNEL (TUNEL-LI) in 315 supratentorial gliomas. MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI in astrocytomas (A) where significantly lower compared to anaplastic astrocytomas (AA), glioblastomas (GBM) and oligodendroglial tumours [oligodendrogliomas (O) and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AO)]. MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI were significantly lower in AA compared to GBM. In astrocytic tumours MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI appeared to be correlated. As the distinction between A and AA is of clinical value but can be difficult histomorphologically we analysed the prognostic value of MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI in gliomas with particular emphasis on A and AA. MIB-LI below 10% was of prognostic value in A and AA, O and AO but not in GBM on univariate survival analysis. TUNEL-LI was of no prognostic value. With multivariate survival analysis MIB-LI lost prognostic significance in O and AO. Astrocytomas with a gemistocytic component (AG) are similar to A with respect to survival and MIB-LI and TUNEL-LI. MIB-LI is of independent prognostic value in A and AA. Assessment of MIB-LI in A and AA can be used as an aid in distinguishing A and AA.
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  • 72
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; astrocytoma ; glioma ; growth inhibition ; protein kinase C ; signal transduction ; UCN-01
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), which is a derivative of the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine that exhibits relative selectivity for protein kinase C (PKC), is a potent inhibitor of glioma growth in in vitro and in vivo models. This agent exhibits both cytotoxic and cytostatic effects, depending on the time period of drug exposure. In the present study, we examined whether UCN-01-induced cytotoxicity correlated with the induction of apoptosis, and characterized further the time course of this process as a prelude to application of UCN-01 in clinical trials. We first demonstrated that the cytotoxic effects of UCN-01 were associated with the induction of morphological features of apoptosis. Secondly. we identified electrophoretic features of apoptosis semiquantitatively at a series of time points using field inversion gel electrophoresis. These studies showed a peak in the induction of high-molecular-weight DNA fragmentation after 3–6 days of drug treatment. Thirdly, we measured the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis at various time points using a terminal transferase-catalyzed in situ end-labeling technique, which confirmed a time- and concentration-dependent increase in apoptotic cell numbers. This correlated with a progressive decrease in the percentage of cells that were viable as assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Cell killing peaked within 2–4 days after beginning UCN-01 treatment, but continued at a lower level in the ensuing days. Taken together, these studies demonstrated that extended periods of exposure to UCN-01 are needed for optimal manifestation of cytotoxic effects against glioma cells, a factor that must be taken into consideration in the design of future clinical trials with this agent for malignant gliomas.
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  • 73
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: germinoma ; spontaneous regression ; multiple intracranial ; germ cell tumor ; immunological mechanism ; apoptosis ; MIB-1 index
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A case of multiple intracranial germ cell tumor in which a pineal tumor regressed spontaneously after resection of the cerebellar mass is reported. Immunohistochemical staining of the cerebellar mass showed that most of the infiltrating lymphocytes were positive for CD3 and CD8. The anti-Ki-67 monoclonal antibody MIB-1 staining of the resected tumor revealed a high MIB-1 positivity ratio (36.1%) among the large tumor cells, and TUNEL staining demonstrated that positivity in up to 6% of the tumor cells. Possible mechanisms responsible for this spontaneous regression including immunological responses and apoptosis induced by T lymphocytes are discussed.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cell cycle ; cell death ; medulloblastoma ; T cells ; tumour necrosis factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We studied the effect of the treatment of a medulloblastoma cell line by human T cells derived soluble factors. Medulloblastoma is one of the more common aggressive solid neoplasms in children for which there is no adequate therapy. Cell lines established from such tumours may be helpful to test the effect of various molecules on cell proliferation. Previous studies have suggested that T cell-derived factors may be toxic for the medulloblastoma cell line Dev. Cytokines were thought to mediate this effect. In this paper, we described changes in morphology, survival and cell cycle induced in Dev cells cocultured with human T cell lines chronically infected with a retrovirus (HTLV-I) and known to secrete high level of cytokines TNFα, IL1α and IL6. Such cocultures resulted in the death of a part of Dev cells and in decreased proliferation of surviving cells, associated with morphological changes and increase in vimentin expression. Treatment with conditioned medium from infected Dev cells, containing virus induced cytokines, triggered the same effect. Reduction of these effects by TNFα deprivation of conditioned medium suggested that this cytokine may be implicated. Direct treatment of Dev cells with recombinant cytokines indicated that TNFα, but not IL1 or IL6, is associated with Dev cell alterations. TNFα was shown to induce the death of Dev cells by an apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, TNFα had a bimodal effect on the cell cycle of surviving Dev cells. These differential effects of such cytokines on medulloblastoma cells could be therefore of interest for immunotherapy of these tumours.
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  • 75
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: adenoviral gene transfer ; p53 ; apoptosis ; experimental malignant gliomas
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer for the treatment of experimental intrinsic malignant brain neoplasms holds promise. The role, however, of intracellular, adenoviral-mediated p53 expression to inhibit growth of experimental human intracranial malignant gliomas remains largely unexplored. Using the AdCMV.p53 vector we measured the in vitro expression of p53 and the resultant effect upon U251 human malignant glioma cellular proliferation. We further measured the survival of nude mice after intracranial injection of the infected vs. control U251 cells. The growth of the infected U251 cells was inhibited when compared to both the uninfected cells and cells infected with the control vector (AdCMV.Null). Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the AdCMV.p53-dependent cellular apoptosis. Nude mice having intracranial injections of the U251 cells infected with the control (AdCMV.Null) vector showed diminished survival. In contrast, mice having intracranial injections of the cells infected with the AdCMV.p53 vector showed 100% survivorship measured 100 days after treatment. Gene therapy via the AdCMV.p53 viral vector holds promise for the clinical treatment of human malignant gliomas.
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  • 76
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    Journal of neuro-oncology 41 (1999), S. 159-166 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: neuroblastoma ; chemotherapy ; apoptosis ; dopamine receptors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract While neuroscientists are often involved in the assessment and care of patients with central nervous system tumors, they are only rarely involved in the case of peripheral nervous system neoplasia. Neuroblastoma is a childhood tumor of the primitive sympathetic nervous system. It is at once one of the most common and one of the most deadly tumors of childhood. The prognosis for children with this tumor has not changed in the past two decades. Clearly, a fresh approach to neuroblastoma is needed. The neuroscientist has much to add to our understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma and its sequelae. Conversely, neuroblastoma has much to teach us regarding the normal development of the neural crest and the aberrant loss of neurons in this lineage. A neuroscientist's approach to neuroblastoma, its biology and clinical features, is presented herein.
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  • 77
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy ; human cell lines ; lovastatin ; medulloblastoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Medulloblastoma is a malignant paediatric central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis, stimulating the evaluation of improved treatment strategies. Lovastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, is currently used to treat patients with hypercholesterolemia. This compound also inhibits the production of non-steroidal mevalonate derivatives that are implicated in the control of cellular proliferation, and can induce cell-cycle arrest in vitro. We recently showed that lovastatin inhibited growth and promoted apoptosis of neuroblastoma, the peripheral nervous system ‘cousin’ of medulloblastoma. Therefore the potential of lovastatin as a possible anticancer drug against medulloblastoma was evaluated in vitro. Four medulloblastoma cell lines, Daoy, UW228, D341 Med and D283 Med, were treated with 1–40 µM of lovastatin in vitro. Analysis of cell morphologic changes, cell viability, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry in all four cell lines showed growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis with lovastatin treatment. As little as 10 µM of lovastatin was sufficient to cause a marked reduction in cell numbers, and more than 20 µM of lovastatin induced 〉90% cells to undergo apoptosis, after intervals ranging between 36 and 96 h, depending on the cell line. Lovastatin induced apoptosis in these cell lines was concomitant with cell cycle arrest in G1. The attached cell lines UW228 and Daoy were more sensitive to lovastatin than D283 Med and D341 Med. Daoy cells which survived several cycles of lovastatin treatment could still be induced to undergo apoptosis after longer treatment times. The efficient induction of apoptosis by lovastatin favours this drug as a potential new avenue of therapeutic intervention for medulloablastoma.
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  • 78
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    Journal of neuro-oncology 43 (1999), S. 237-239 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: primary CNS lymphoma ; glucocorticoids ; cerebral edema ; apoptosis ; bcl-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Glucocorticoid therapy may result in the rapid resolution of cerebral mass lesions in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. Since glucocorticoids will obscure the histological diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma upon biopsy, steroids should be withheld if primary CNS lymphoma is a likely diagnosis by neuroradiological criteria. The lympholytic effect of glucocorticoids is mediated by cytoplasmic steroid receptors which are translocated to the nucleus and signal apoptosis. Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis of lymphoid cells does not require wild-type p53 activity, seems not to depend on caspase activation, but is attenuated by the bcl-2 protooncogene product. Long-term glucocorticoid therapy of primary CNS lymphoma is not recommended because relapse is probably inevitable and because of the prominent side effects of long-term glucocorticoid treatment. Further, long-term glucocorticoid treatment is contraindicated in immunocompromised patients with primary CNS lymphoma.
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  • 79
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    Journal of neurocytology 28 (1999), S. 149-159 
    ISSN: 1573-7381
    Keywords: prion disease ; transmissible spongiform encephalopathy ; cell culture ; toxicity ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aetiological agent of prion disease is proposed to be an aberrant isoform of the cell surface glycoprotein known as the prion protein (PrPc). This pathological isoform (PrPSc) is abnormally deposited in the extracellular space of diseased CNS. Neurodegeneration in these disease has been shown to be associated with accumulation of PrPSc in affected tissue. To investigate the possible uptake mechanisms that may be required for PrPSc-induced neurodegeneration we studied the cellular trafficking of the neurotoxic fragment, PrP106-126. We were able to detect, by fluorescence microscopy, PrP106-126 inclusions in murine neurones, astrocytes and microglia in vitro. These inclusions were abundant after 24 hour exposure and still present 48h post-exposure. Shorter exposure times yielded only occasional cells with inclusions. Large extracellular aggregates of PrP106-126 could also be detected, which appeared in a time dependent manner. The appearance of inclusions or aggregates was not dependent on PrPc expression as determined by exposure of peptides from PrP-null mice. Using transmission electron microscopy and gold particle detection, positively labelled osmiophilic inclusions of peptide could be detected in the cytoplasm of exposed cells. These results demonstrate that cultured cells are capable of sequestering PrP106-126 and may indicate uptake pathways for PrPSc in various cell types. Toxicity of PrP106-126 may thus be mediated via a sequestration pathway that is not effective for this peptide in PrP-null cells.
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  • 80
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    Bioscience reports 19 (1999), S. 345-354 
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: Glycolipid ; apoptosis ; intracellular traffic ; multidrug resistance ; ovarian carcinoma ; astrocytoma ; post transplant lymphoproliferative disease ; bone marrow purging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Verotoxin (VT) is involved in the etiology of both hemorrhagic colitis and the hemolytic uremic syndrome which are microvasculopathies of the colon and pediatric renal glomerulus respectively. Thus, VT can be considered a vasotoxin. Cell sensitivity in vitro varies according to the receptor glycolipid (globotriaosyl ceramide-Gb3) expression and also to intracellular trafficking of the receptor/toxin complex, such that in highly sensitive cells, the toxin is targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope. Such cells include tumor cells which have become drug resistant. Thus Gb3 is upregulated in certain tumors and when such tumor cells become drug resistant, their sensitivity to verotoxin increases. This may be due to a direct role of the MDR1 drug efflux pump in glycolipid biosynthesis. In addition to the tumor tissue, the toxin receptor may also be expressed in the tumor neovasculature suggesting that activated endothelial cells may be verotoxin sensitive. Thus VT may have both a direct and indirect antineoplastic potential. VT has proved highly effective in a xenograft cancer model and the possible therapeutic use of VT is discussed.
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  • 81
    ISSN: 1573-4935
    Keywords: ceramide glycanase ; cancer cells ; glycosphingolipid ; sphingosine ; ceramide ; apoptosis ; PPMP ; PDMP
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Ceramide glycanase (CGase) activities have been detected in different human tumor cells (colon, carcinoma Colo-205; neuroblastoma, IMR-32; breast cancer lines, SKBr3 and MCF7). However, the level of enzymatic activity is lower in these cells compared to that present in other mammalian tissues reported before (Basu, M., Kelly, P., Girzadas, M. A., Li, Z., and Basu, S. Methods Enzymol. (in press)). The majority of CGase activity was found in the 100,000g soluble supernatant fraction isolated from all these cell lines and tissues. Using the soluble enzyme, the requirement for optimum CGase activity was found to be consistent with previous observations found for rat and rabbit tissues (Basu, M., Dastgheib, S., Girzadas, M. A., O'Donnell, P. H., Westervelt, C. W., Li, Z., Inokuchi, J. I., and Basu, S. (1998) Acta Pol. Biochim. 42:327). The CGase activities from both Colo-205 and IMR-32 cells are optimum at a protein to detergent ratio of one. All the mammalian CGases, including human cancer cells, show an optimum pH between 5.5 and 5.8 in sodium acetate buffer. The CGase activities from cancer cells are found to be cation-independent; however, mercury, zinc, and copper ions seem to inhibit the enzyme activity substantially in both tumor cells lines. The mercury ion inhibition of CGase activities from all different sources indicates a possible structural homology in the CGase proteins. Radiolabeled substrates, labeled at the sphingosine double bond or at the 3-position of sphingosine without modifying double bond of sphingosine were used in this investigation. Both were active substrates with all enzyme preparations isolated from different cancer cells (apparent Km, 500 μM for nLcOse5[3H-DT]Cer and 350 μM for GgOse4[sph-3-3H]Cer with Colo-205 enzyme). Structural analogues of ceramide and sphingosine (L-PPMP, L-PDMP, alkylamines, and Tamoxifen) inhibited cancer cell CGase activities in vitro.
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  • 82
    ISSN: 1573-7403
    Keywords: apoptosis ; corticotroph adenomas ; heat shock proteins ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The pathogenesis of corticotroph adenomas is unknown. In a recent study accumulation of p53 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in a substantial proportion of pituitary corticotroph adenomas, and it has been suggested that it may be causally related to their development. However, other immunohistochemical studies have not confirmed the high incidence of p53 accumulation in this tumor type. Therefore, in the present study, p53 protein accumulation was re-examined in a series of 31 cases of corticotroph adenomas, using different sets of well validated anti-p53 antibodies. Furthermore, in view of the known association of p53 protein with apoptosis, and the known property of p53 to form complexes with heat shock proteins (HSPs), the relationship of p53 accumulation in corticotroph adenomas with apoptosis and HSP-70 was also investigated. Tumor samples staining positively for ACTH from patients with Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome were studied. Accumulation of p53 protein was tested by the standard ABC method using two different sets of clone Pab1801 and DO-7 monoclonal antibodies, applied after incubation of sections in a microwave oven. Using the DO-7 antibody, nuclear accumulation of p53 protein was detected in a total of 15 cases, with cytoplasmic staining observed in only 3 tumors. In contrast, using the Pab1801 antibody nuclear staining was observed in only 5 adenomas, with 11 adenomas demonstrating focal cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Parallel sections of all corticotroph tumors demonstrating cytoplasmic accumulation of p53 protein were tested for the immunohistochemical presence of heat shock protein HSP-70. A striking similar distribution pattern of these two proteins was observed. Apoptosis, identified by the in situ end labeling technique, was detected in a total of 15 out of 28 corticotroph adenomas tested. Calculation of the apoptotic labeling index (ALI) by image analysis showed a significantly lower ALI in those corticotroph adenomas demonstrating nuclear p53 accumulation compared to those with no nuclear p53 immunostaining (p〈0.05). There was no significant difference in the ALI between cytoplasmic p53 positive and negative tumors. It is concluded that depending on the antibody used there is a significant variation of p53 protein detection in corticotroph adenomas. Overall, a significant proportion of corticotroph adenomas studied expressed the p53 protein, which depending on the antibody used, was located either in the nucleus and/or the cytoplasm of tumorous corticotroph cells. Cytoplasmic accumulation of p53, as shown by our colocalization studies with HSP-70, may be due to p53/HSP-70 complex formation. Although such a complex-mediated cytoplasmic exclusion of p53 has no significant effect on apoptosis, nuclear accumulation of p53 protein is associated with a significantly lower apoptotic index indicating a failure of p53 protein to exert its apoptotic action in at least a subset of this tumor type.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Adenosine ; apoptosis ; necrosis ; physiopathological implications.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Adenosine modulates the proliferation, survival and apoptosis of many different cell types, ranging from epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, to cells of the immune and neural lineages. In this review, we critically discuss the available in vitro and in vivo data which support a role for adenosine in both development-associated apoptosis, and in diseases characterized by either pathologically increased cell death (e.g., ischemia, trauma and aging-associated neurodegeneration) or abnormally reduced spontaneous apoptosis (e.g., cancer). Particular emphasis is given to the possible role of extracellular adenosine receptors, since these may represent novel and attractive molecular targets for the pharmacological modulation of apoptosis. In some instances, adenosine-induced cell death has been demonstrated to require entry of the nucleoside inside cells; however, in many other cases, activation of specific adenosine extracellular receptors has been demonstrated. Of the four G protein-coupled adenosine receptors so far identified, the A2A and the A3 receptors have been specifically implicated in modulation of cell death. For the A3 receptor, results obtained by exposing both cardiomyocytes and brain astrocytes to graded concentrations of selective agonists suggest induction of both cell protection and cell death. Such opposite effects, which likely depend on the degree of receptor activation, may have important therapeutic implications in the pharmacological modulation of cardiac and brain ischemia. For the A2A receptor, recent intriguing data suggest a specific role in immune cell death and immunosuppression, which may be relevant to both adenosine-deaminase-immunodeficiency syndrome (a pathology characterized by accumulation of adenosine to toxic levels) and in tumors where induction of apoptosis via activation of specific extracellular receptors may be desirable. Finally, preliminary data suggest that, in a similar way to the adenosine-deaminase-immunodeficiency syndrome, the abnormal accumulation of adenosine in degenerative muscular diseases may contribute to muscle cell death. Although the role of adenosine receptors in this effect still remains to be determined, these data suggest that adenosine-induced apoptosis may also represent a novel pathogenic pathway in muscular dystrophies.
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  • 84
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 317-319 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-tumor therapy ; Apoptin® ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; p53.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptin, a protein encoded by an avian virus, induces apoptosis in various cultured human tumorigenic and/ or transformed cell lines, e.g. derived from breast and lung tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, osteosarcoma melanoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatoma. In such cells, Apoptin induces p53-independent apoptosis, and the proto-oncogene Bcl-2 can accelerate this effect. The latter is surprising for, in general, Bcl-2 is known to inhibit e.g., p53-induced apoptosis. On the other hand, in normal non-transformed human cells, Apoptin is unable to induce apoptosis, even when Bcl-2 is over-expressed. In animal models Apoptin-induced apoptosis appears to be a safe and efficient anti-tumor agent. These data, in continuation with the observations that Apoptin is specifically stimulated by Bcl-2 in tumor cells, does not need p53, and is not inhibited by Bcr-Abl in these cells, imply that Apoptin is a potential anti-tumor therapy.
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  • 85
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 229-234 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Adenovirus ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; p53 ; Rb ; ventricular myocytes.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an important physiologic event crucial for the selective removal of damaged or unwanted cells from body tissues. In the cardiovascular system, apoptosis has been observed in the vasculature and myocardium. Untimely or inappropriate myocardial cell loss through an apoptotic process may contribute to ventricular remodeling and the ultimate demise of ventricular function following injury. Therapeutic interventions designed to modulate or prevent myocardial apoptotic cell loss may therefore prove beneficial in maintaining cardiac function. Incite into the molecular mechanisms that govern apoptosis in mammalian cells has led to the identification of several key factors that promote or prevent the apoptotic process. In this report, we discuss putative regulators of cardiac cell apoptosis with specific reference to the tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and Rb. The interplay between these factors, as well as the anti-apoptotic molecules related to the Bcl-2 the family are discussed in the context of the heart under normal and disease conditions.
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  • 86
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-microtubule agents ; apoptosis ; doxorubicin ; neuroblastoma ; tau ; taxoid
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Paclitaxel and docetaxel are potent anti-microtubule and antimitotic agents that induce apoptosis in bone marrow-derived cells and epithelial cells. This study examined apoptosis induced by anti-microtubule agents in the neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cell line with a special focus on tau protein which is one of the main Microtubule-Associated- Proteins (MAPs) in neuronal cells. In time, treatment with 1 μM paclitaxel successively induced formation of bundles, then pseudo-asters concomitantly with mitotic block and phosphorylation of bcl-2 (48 h), then phosphorylation of tau and externalization of phosphatidylserine at the early phase of apoptosis (72 h) and finally DNA fragmentation (96 h). Similar results were obtained with 0.5 μM vinorelbine. Paclitaxel induced a lower increase in tau phosphorylation in differentiated SK-N-SH/RA+ cells which are less sensitive to apoptosis. Moreover, doxorubicin whose mechanism of action is independent of microtubules also induced immunostaining of tau at 72 h treatment. In conclusion, our results on neuroblastoma cells show that overexpression of hyperphosphorylated tau is involved in the apoptotic process induced by anti-microtubule agents and may be extended to others cytostatic drugs. Thus, tau protein may play a role in the cellular events observed in neuroblastoma cells undergoing apoptosis.
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  • 87
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 71-80 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: abl ; apoptosis ; interleukin-3 ; oncogenes ; ras.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Growth factors promote cell survival and proliferation. Homeostasis is maintained by programmed cell death which occurs when the growth stimulus is withdrawn, in response to negative growth regulators such as interferons, TNF-α and CD95 ligand, or following differentiation. Although acutely-transforming oncogenes often overcome the need for growth factors, growth regulatory cytokines can influence proliferative responses of transformed cells. In this study we investigated the effects of IL-3 on the proliferative responses of parental bone marrow-derived 32D cells and cells transformed with ras and abl oncogenes. We show that treatment of ras-transformed 32D cells with IL-3 reduced proliferative responses and decreased colony-forming ability. These effects were exacerbated in the absence of serum and associated with inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity, down-regulation of RAS and MYC expression, and induction of apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation. In contrast, treatment of parental 32D cells with IL-3, which is obligatory for cell survival and proliferation, increased tyrosine kinase activity, upregulated MYC and RAS expression and maintained DNA integrity. With abl-transformed cells, proliferation and colony-forming ability were also inhibited by IL-3. Tyrosine kinase activity and MYC expression were reduced, but early apoptosis was not evident. Calcium uptake however, was stimulated by IL-3 in both parental and oncogene-transformed cells. These results suggest that threshold levels of tyrosine kinase activity are necessary for cell survival and proliferation and that with ras-transformed cells, IL-3 treatment may result in this threshold being breached. We conclude that in some situations, growth-promoting cytokines can inhibit proliferation of transformed cells and induce cell death by apoptosis.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: ameloblasts ; amelogenesis ; apoptosis ; insulin-like growth factor.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Enamel-producing cells (ameloblasts) pass through several phenotypic and functional stages during enamel formation. In the transition between secretory and maturation stages, about one quarter of the ameloblasts suddenly undergo apoptosis. We have studied this phenomenon using the continuously erupting rat incisor model. A special feature of this model is that all stages of ameloblast differentiation are presented within a single longitudinal section of the developing tooth. This permits investigation of the temporal sequence of gene and growth factor receptor expression during ameloblast differentiation and apoptosis. We describe the light and electron microscopic morphology of ameloblast apoptosis and the pattern of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression by ameloblasts in the continuously erupting rat incisor model. In the developing rat incisor, ameloblast apoptosis is associated with downregulated expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ameloblasts are “hard wired” for apoptosis and that insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression is required to block the default apoptotic pathway. Possible mechanisms of insulin-like growth factor-1 inhibition of ameloblast apoptosis are presented. The rat incisor model may be useful in studies of physiological apoptosis as it presents apoptosis in a predictable pattern in adult tissues.
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  • 89
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: AKR lymphoma malignancy variants ; apoptosis ; apoptosis-related gene expression ; tumor progression
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Resistance to apoptosis may be related to tumor progression, due to the implications it might have on both tumor mass and genetic instability. We compared the tendency to spontaneous apoptosis and the proliferative capacity of metastatic growths of several AKR lymphoma variants (TAU-45, TAU-47, TAU-44, TAU-33, TAU-42 and TAU-46, in the order of increasing metastatic potential). We further compared the expression of several apoptosis-related genes. Cell proliferative capacity did not appear to determine malignant behavior since, on the whole, a decrease in S + G2M fraction was observed with increasing malignancy. Sensitivity to apoptotic cell death decreased with increasing malignancy when comparing the TAU-45, TAU-47, TAU-44 and TAU-33 variants, suggesting a role of reduced apoptosis in this T-cell lymphoma. An increase in Bcl-2 content with increasing aggressiveness among these variants, implicates this protein in this tumor progression-related resistance to apoptosis. However, the two variants of highest malignancy, TAU-42 and TAU-46, did not follow the same trend, since they displayed a relatively high content in apoptotic cells and a low Bcl-2 content. Fas receptor expression did not correlate with tendency to apoptosis, indicating that malignant behavior in the AKR lymphoma does not depend on CD95/Fas/APO1 downregulation. Overexpression of p53 was observed only in one of the variants of lowest malignancy.
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  • 90
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    Apoptosis 4 (1999), S. 419-427 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-oxidant defence ; apoptosis ; ether lipids ; glutathione ; ionising radiation ; stress.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have investigated the mechanisms of induction of apoptosis by the antineoplastic ether lipid ET-18-OCH3 (ALP) in sensitive S49wt mouse lymphoma cells and ALP-resistant S49ar variants, both with wild-type p53, and in related L1210 cells with mutated p53. Ether lipid-resistant S49ar cells were cross-resistant to extracellular stress factors (cold shock, heat shock, H2O2, dimethylsulfoxide) and to radiation-induced apoptosis but not to physiological apoptotic signals (dexamethasone, growth factor deprivation, thapsigargin, C2-ceramide) and expressed similar levels of the apoptosis-regulating proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-X, Bax, Bad and Bak as did the parent S49wt cells. The uptake of [3H]-ALP was strongly reduced in the stress-resistant cells but this was not associated with significant differences in membrane cholesterol:phospholipid content nor in membrane microviscosity. In S49ar cells the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was increased 4-fold and depletion of glutathione with the drug L-buthionine-S-R-sulfoximine (L-BSO) lowered the resistance of S49ar cells to ALP, stress factors and ionising radiation. The results indicate that ether lipids induce apoptosis by imposing a special form of physico-chemical stress, mediated by reactive oxygen species but independent of p53 status. The capacity of glutathione-dependent anti-oxidant defence appeared an important and shared determinant of the sensitivity to ether lipids, several types of extracellular stress and ionising radiation.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Annexin V ; apoptosis ; flow cytometry ; intracellular Ca2+ ; intracellular pH ; mitochondrial membrane potential.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The sequential occurrence of plasma and mitochondrial membrane alterations, intra-cellular pH shifts and changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration after induction of cell death was monitored by flow cytometry in Jurkat and HSB2-cells. Cell death was induced by treatment with anti-Fas antibodies or by irradiation. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and plasma membrane integrity were measured with FITC-Annexin V adhesion and by Propidium Iodide exclusion. Transition of the mitochondrial membrane potential was monitored by the occurrence of decay of DiOC6 fluorescence. Intracellular pH shifts were monitored by changes in the ratio of fluorescence at 575 nm and at 635 nm of SNARF-1-AM. Fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration were established by changes in Fura red quenching. The Jurkat cells were sensitive to anti-Fas treatment, while HSB-2 cells were not. HSB-2 cells appeared more sensitive to radiation damage than Jurkat cells. In all experiments the transition of mitochondrial membrane potential occurred first, almost immediately followed by PS exposure. Fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurred later and were less outspoken. A decrease in intracellular pH occurred not earlier than 24 hours after anti-Fas treatment. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration with BAPTA-AM had no effect on the time sequence of cell death related events.
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  • 92
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: MAPK ; caspases ; chemopreventive agents ; phase II drug metabolizing enzymes ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract In therapeutic response to drugs, the plasma concentration range leads to the establishment of a safe and effective dosage regimen. Our hypothesis is that by studying drug concentration-dependent effect on signal transduction mechanisms, a better understanding of the beneficial pharmacodynamic and adverse toxicodynamic responses elicited by the drug may be achieved. Using two classes of chemopreventive compounds (phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates), we illustrate the potential utility of two signal transduction pathways elicited by these agents to predict the pharmacodynamic effect (induction of Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes) and the potential toxicodynamic response (stimulation of caspase activity and cytotoxic cell death). At lower concentration, phenolic antioxidants and isothiocyanates activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 2, ERK2; and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, JNK1) in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The activation of MAPK by these compounds may lead to the induction of cell survival/protection genes such as c-jun, c-fos, or Phase II drug metabolizing enzymes. However, at higher concentrations, these agents activate another signaling molecule, ICE/Ced3 cysteine protease enzymes (caspases) leading to apoptotic cell death. The activation of these pathways may dictate the fate of the cells/tissues upon exposure to drugs or chemicals. At lower concentrations, these compounds activate MAPK leading to the induction of Phase II genes, which may protect the cells/tissues against toxic insults and therefore may enhance cell survival. On the other hand, at higher concentrations, these agents may activate the caspases, which may lead to apoptotic cell death, and have toxicity. Understanding the activation of these and other signal transduction events elicited by various drugs and chemicals may yield insights into the regulation of gene expression of drug metabolizing enzymes and cytotoxicity. Thus, the study of signaling events in cell survival (hemeostasis) and cell death (cytotoxicity) may have practical application during pharmaceutical drug development.
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  • 93
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    Plant growth regulation 27 (1999), S. 119-123 
    ISSN: 1573-5087
    Keywords: apoptosis ; carrot protoplast ; DNA ladder ; ethrel ; ethylene ; nucleus condensation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract In recent years, apoptosis has been reported to exist in plants during normal development and in response to stress. However, little is known about the relation of hormones to this form of programmed cell death. Here, we report examination of characteristics of apoptosis in carrot protoplasts induced by ethylene evolved from ethrel (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid). Nucleus condensation and DNA ladders were observed, and neutral comet assay, which detects DNA cleavage, also provided evidence that ethrel treatment resulted in nuclear DNA fragmentation. Strikingly, a close correlation between the incidence of DNA comets and the percentage of apoptotic protoplasts was shown in ethrel-treated carrot protoplasts. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ethylene is an active inducer of apoptosis in carrot protoplasts, and that ethylene-induced plant cell death showed characteristics similar to those of apoptosis in animals.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Ethanol ; apoptosis ; gangliosides ; LIGA20 ; cerebellar granule cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Ethanol significantly enhances cell death of differentiated rat cerebellar granule neurons on culture in a serum-free medium containing a depolarizing concentration of KCl (25 mM), 5 μM MK-801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist), and 20–200 mM ethanol for 1–4 days. Cell death augmented by ethanol was concentration- and time-dependent with neurons displaying hallmark apoptotic morphology and DNA fragmentation that correlated with the activation of cytosolic caspase-3. Inclusion of 5 μM MK-801 or 100 μM glycine in culture media did not alter rates of cell death indicating ethanol toxicity is mediated via an NMDA receptor-independent pathway. Preincubation with 50 μM gangliosides GM1, GD1a, GD1b or GT1b for 2 h, or preincubation with 10 μM LIGA20 (a semisynthetic GM1 with N-dichloroacetylsphingosine) for 10 min, attenuated caspase-3 activity and ethanol-induced cell death. Data show native gangliosides and a synthetic derivative are potently neuroprotective in this model of ethanol toxicity, and potentially serve as useful probes to further unravel the mechanisms relevant to neuronal apoptosis.
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  • 95
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    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 31 (1999), S. 291-304 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Cell death ; aging ; necrosis ; apoptosis ; mitochondria ; oxidative phosphorylation ; electron transport chain ; ATP synthase ; cytochrome c ; mitochondrial DNA ; reactive oxygen species (ROS)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract Traditionally, mitochondria have been viewed as the “powerhouse” of the cell, i.e., the site of theoxidative phosphorylation machinery involved in ATP production. Consequently, much of theresearch conducted on mitochondria over the past 4 decades has focused on elucidating both thosemolecular events involved in ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation and those involved inthe biogenesis of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. While monumental achievements havebeen made, and continue to be made, in the study of these remarkable but extremely complexprocesses essential for the life of most animal cells, it has been only in recent years that a largebody of biological and biomedical scientists have come to recognize that mitochondria participatein other important processes. Two of these are cell death and aging which, not surprisingly, are relatedprocesses both involving, in part, the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. This new awareness hassparked a new and growing area of mitochondrial research, that has become of great interest to awide variety of scientists ranging from those involved in elucidating the role of mitochondria incell death and aging to those interested in either suppressing or facilitating these processes as itrelates to identifying new therapies or drugs for human disease. It is the purpose of this briefintroductory review to provide an overview of those mitochondrial events involved in the life anddeath of animal cells and to indicate how these events might relate to the human aging process.Much more is known, much remains controversial, and even more remains to be learned as indicatedin the excellent set of minireviews that follow.
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  • 96
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    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 31 (1999), S. 321-326 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Mitochondria ; apoptosis ; caspases ; cytochrome c ; Fas ; bcl-2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract In the past few years, it has become widely appreciated that apoptotic cell death generallyinvolves activation of a family of proteases, the caspases, which undermine the integrity ofthe cell by cleavage of critical intracellular substrates. Caspases, which are synthesized asinactive zymogens, are themselves caspase substrates and this cleavage leads to their activation.Hence, the potential exists for cascades of caspases leading to cell death. However, it has beenrecently recognized that another, perhaps more prominent route to caspase activation, involvesthe mitochondria. Upon receipt of apoptotic stimuli, either externally or internally generated,cells initiate signaling pathways which converge upon the mitochondria to promote release ofcytochrome C to the cytoplasm; cytochrome c, thus released, acts as a potent cofactor incaspase activation. Even cell surface “death receptors” such as Fas, which can trigger directcaspase activation (and potentially a caspase cascade), appear to utilize mitochondria as partof an amplification mechanism; it has been recently demonstrated that activated caspases cancleave key substrates to trigger mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, thereby inducing furthercaspase activation and amplifying the apoptotic signal. Therefore, mitochondria play a centralrole in apoptotic cell death, serving as a repository for cytochrome c.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Energy expenditure ; reactive oxygen species ; cellular viability ; apoptosis ; necrosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract Uncoupling proteins, a subgroup of the mitochondrial anion transporter superfamily, have beenidentified in prokaryotes, plants, and mammalian cells. Evolutionary conservation of thesemolecules reflects their importance as regulators of two critical mitochondrial functions, i.e.,ATP synthesis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the amino acidsequences of the three mammalian uncoupling proteins, UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3, are verysimilar, each homolog is the product of a unique gene and important differences have beendemonstrated in their tissue-specific expression and regulation. UCP1 and UCP3 appear to bekey regulators of energy expenditure, and hence, nonshivering thermogenesis, either in brownadipose tissue (UCP1) or skeletal muscle (UCP3). UCP2 is expressed more ubiquitously,although generally at low levels, in many tissues. There is conflicting evidence about itsimportance as a regulator of resting metabolic rate. However, evidence suggests that thishomolog might modulate the mitochondrial generation of ROS in some cell types, includingmacrophages and hepatocytes. While the induction of various uncoupling protein homologsprovides adaptive advantages, both to the organism (e.g., thermogenesis) and to individual cells(e.g., reduced ROS), increased uncoupling protein activity also increases cellular vulnerability tonecrosis by compromising the mitochondrial membrane potential. This narrow “risk—benefit”margin necessitates tight control of uncoupling protein activity in order to preserve cellularviability and much remains to be learned about the regulatory mechanisms involved.
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  • 98
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    Cell biology and toxicology 15 (1999), S. 367-373 
    ISSN: 1573-6822
    Keywords: apoptosis ; drugs ; hepatitis ; mitochondria ; steatosis ; steatohepatitis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Mitochondria are involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, which provide most of the cell energy. Mitochondria are also the main source of reactive oxygen species in the cell and are involved in cell demise through opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. It was therefore to be expected that mitochondrial dysfunction could be a major mechanism of drug-induced liver disease. Microvesicular steatosis (which may cause liver failure, coma, and death) is the consequence of severe impairment of mitochondrial β-oxidation. Endogenous compounds (such as cytokines or female sex hormones) or xenobiotics (including toxins such as ethanol and drugs such as aspirin, valproic acid, ibuprofen, or zidovudine) can inhibit β-oxidation directly or through a primary effect on the mitochondrial genome or the respiratory chain itself. In some patients, infections and cytokines, or inborn errors of β-oxidation enzymes or the mitochondrial genome, may favor the appearance of drug-induced microvesicular steatosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may develop under conditions causing prolonged, microvesicular, and/or macrovacuolar steatosis. In this condition, chronic impairment of mitochondrial β-oxidation (causing steatosis) and the respiratory chain (increasing the production of ROS) lead to lipid peroxidation, which, in turn, may cause the diverse lesions of steatohepatitis, namely, necrosis, inflammation, Mallory's bodies, and fibrosis. Finally, mitochondria are involved in several forms of drug-induced cytolytic hepatitis, through inhibition or uncoupling of respiration or through a drug-induced or reactive metabolite-induced mitochondrial permeability transition. The latter effect commits hepatocytes to either apoptosis or necrosis, depending on the number of organelles that have undergone the permeability transition.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 99
    ISSN: 1573-6830
    Keywords: Parkinson's disease ; catecholamines ; oxidative metabolites ; phosphorylation ; DNA damage ; apoptosis ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract 1. The pathogenesis of the selective degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease is still enigmatic. Recently we have shown that dopamine can induce apoptosis in postmitotic neuronal cells, as well as in other cellular systems, thus suggesting a role for this endogenous neurotransmitter and associated oxidative stress in the neuronal death process. 2. Dopamine has been shown to be capable of inducing DNA damage through its oxidative metabolites. p53 is a transcription factor that has a major role in determining cell fate in response to DNA damage. We therefore examined the possible correlation between dopamine-triggered apoptosis, DNA damage and levels of total phosphorylated p53 protein in cultured mouse cerebellar granule neurons. 3. Marked DNA damage and apoptotic nuclear condensation and fragmentation were detected within several hours of exposure to dopamine. An associated marked threefold increase in p53 phosphorylation was observed within this time window. Using a temperature-sensitive p53 activation system in leukemia LTR6 cells, were found that p53 inactivation dramatically attenuated dopamine toxicity. 4. We therefore conclude that DNA damage and p53 activation may have a role in mediating dopamine-induced apoptosis. Modulation of the p53 system may therefore have a protective role against the toxicity of this endogenous neurotransmitter and associated oxidative stress.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 100
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; microsatellites ; prognostic factors ; 17q21 region ; 13q12‐13 region
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in loci of the 17q21 and 13q12‐13 regions can collaborate in the inactivation of BRCA1, BRCA2, and possibly other genes implicated in the pathogenesis of breast carcinomas. We investigate allelic losses in microsatellites of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 regions, and their correlations with seven pathologic parameters in 140 breast carcinomas. Those cases showing LOH in the region of the RB gene, 13q14, were excluded from the study. The LOH analysis was performed by amplifying DNA by PCR, using four markers of the 17q21 region (D17S856, D17S855, D17S1323, and D17S1327) and four markers of the 13q12‐13 region (D13S290, D13S260, D13S310, and D13S267). LOH in the BRCA1 region was found in 47% of tumors, correlating significantly with estrogen receptor content (p = 0.025), progesterone receptors (p = 0.004), higher grade (p = 0.0008), peritumoral vessel invasion (p = 0.001), and lymph node metastases (p = 0.002). When we excluded the cases with LOH in the BRCA2 region and those not informative for it, the significance disappeared. In the BRCA2 region, a rate of LOH of 51% was found; it correlated significantly with estrogen receptor content (p = 0.002), progesterone receptors (p =0.03), peritumoral vessel invasion (p = 0.005), higher grade (p =0.002), and lymph node metastases (p = 0.001). When cases with BRCA1 losses and those not informative were excluded, again the significance disappeared. Concomitant losses in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 regions were found in 32% of cases, correlating significantly with lymph node metastases (p = 0.0002), estrogen receptor content (p = 0.003), progesterone receptors (p = 0.001), histologic grade (p =0.01), and peritumoral vessel invasion (p = 0.0004). These results suggest that concomitant losses in both regions could have a functional effect, influencing the presence of a poor tumor pathophenotype in breast carcinomas.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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