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  • 2005-2009
  • 1995-1999  (230)
  • 1999  (230)
  • breast cancer  (126)
  • apoptosis  (112)
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Years
  • 2005-2009
  • 1995-1999  (230)
Year
  • 1
    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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  • 2
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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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  • 3
    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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  • 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.
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  • 5
    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.
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  • 6
    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.
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  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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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  • 9
    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.
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  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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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  • 11
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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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  • 12
    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.
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  • 13
    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.
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  • 14
    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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  • 15
    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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  • 16
    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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  • 17
    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
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  • 18
    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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  • 19
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    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
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 20
    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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  • 21
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    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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  • 22
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    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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  • 23
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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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  • 24
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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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  • 25
    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.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: GL331 ; VP-16 ; apoptosis ; cytotoxicity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. GL331 is a new homolog of VP-16, and has demonstrated more efficacious anti-cancer activity in both the in vitro and in vivo lymphoma systems. To extensively explore GL331's clinical value, we furthermore evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of GL331 in several human cell lines from cancers that are not normally treated with VP-16. Methods. By MTT and clonogenic survival assays, the cytotoxicities of GL331 and VP-16 were evaluated in a variety of cell lines including nasopharyngeal, hepatocellular, gastric, colon, cervical, and neuro-blastoma cancer types. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the MDR-1 level in these cell lines. By Annexin V-staining flow cytometry and detection of DNA ladders, the apoptosis-inducing activities of GL331 and VP-16 were also evaluated. Results. GL331 showed more efficacy than its congener VP-16 in killing cancer cells. The estimated ID50 of GL331 were 2.5 to 17-fold lower than those of VP-16. GL331 possessed more cell-killing activity even in MDR-1-overexpressing cell lines such as HCC36 and SW620. Its higher cytotoxicity could be attributed by the elevated ability to induce apoptotic cell death. Conclusions. GL331's overriding drug resistance and higher cancer cell-killing activity suggest its superiority in clinical cancer therapy.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1573-8221
    Keywords: tumors ; apoptosis ; soluble Fas antigen
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Blood concentration of soluble Fas antigen is higher in patients with benign and malignant tumors in comparison with healthy subjects, which probably suggests its involvement into tumorigenesis.
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  • 28
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    Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine 128 (1999), S. 991-993 
    ISSN: 1573-8221
    Keywords: apoptosis ; necrosis ; intracellular pH ; Na/H-exchange ; lymphocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Dynamics of intracellular pH during apoptotic and necrotic death of lymphocytes was studied with the help of fluorescent pH-sensitive probe BCECF. Change in intracellular pH is an early differential marker of apoptotic and necrotic types of death in thymus lymphocytes.
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  • 29
    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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  • 30
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; Cowden disease ; Lhermitte Duclos
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 31
    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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  • 32
    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.
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  • 33
    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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  • 34
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    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.
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  • 35
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: breast cancer ; high-dose chemotherapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
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  • 36
    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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  • 37
    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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  • 38
    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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  • 39
    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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  • 40
    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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  • 41
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    Journal of clinical immunology 19 (1999), S. 35-44 
    ISSN: 1573-2592
    Keywords: Dietary n-6 and n-3 PUFA ; treadmill exercise ; lipid peroxides ; splenocytes ; antioxidant enzymes ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The current experiments were designed to study the effect of dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on antioxidant enzyme activity and dexamethasone (DEX)-induced apoptosis in spleen cells of sedentary (Sed) and treadmill-exercised (Ex) ICR male mice. Two-month-old mice maintained on AIN 76 formula diet, supplemented with either 5% corn oil (CO) or 5% fish oil (FO) diets, were trained on a treadmill to run from 45 to 50 min 1 km/day, 6 days a week for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of exercise, both Sed and Ex groups were sacrificed. Blood and various tissues, including spleen, were collected asceptically. Increased serum and spleen homogenate peroxide [malondialdehyde (MDA)] levels were observed in mice fed FO (n-3 PUFA) diets, compared to mice fed CO (n-6 PUFA). However, exercise did not alter MDA levels in either CO- or FO-fed mice. Feeding n-3 PUFA significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity of spleen homogenates. Exercise also significantly increased SOD and peroxidase in CO-fed animals, whereas catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase were higher in FO-fed mice, compared to the Sed group. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantitated in splenocytes incubated with or without 1 μM Dex in RPMI medium for 8 and 24 hr. Cells were stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) for apoptotic and necrotic cells. FO-fed mice showed higher apoptosis (64 vs 50%) and necrosis (40 vs 22%) in spleen cells than CO-fed mice. Cells from FO-fed mice, incubated in medium alone, showed increased apoptosis (112%) 24 hr after incubation, and necrosis (37 and 70%) at 8 and 24 hr of incubation, compared to CO-fed mice. In Ex group, apoptosis was increased in both CO- and FO-fed mice only at 24 hr after incubation. In summary, these results indicate that FO (n-3 PUFA-enriched) diets increase apoptosis and antioxidant enzyme activity in spleen cells, probably due to elevated lipid peroxides.
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  • 42
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    Journal of clinical immunology 19 (1999), S. 350-364 
    ISSN: 1573-2592
    Keywords: Tumor necrosis factor ; signaling ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Out of the almost 17 members of the TNF superfamily, TNF is probably the most potent inducer of apoptosis. TNF activates both cell-survival and cell-death mechanisms simultaneously. Activation of NF-kB-dependent genes regulates the survival and proliferative effects pf TNF, whereas activation of caspases regulates the apoptotic effects. TNF-induced apoptosis is mediated primarily through the activation of type I receptors, the death domain of which recruits more than a dozen different signaling proteins, which together are considered part of an apoptotic cascade. This cascade does not, however, account for the role of reactive oxygen intermediates, ceramide, phospholipases, and serine proteases which are also inplicated in TNF-induced apoptosis. This cascade also does not explain how type II TNF receptors which lack the death domain, induce apoptosis. Nevertheless, this review of apoptosis signaling will be limited to those proteins that makeup the cascade.
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  • 43
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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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  • 44
    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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  • 45
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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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  • 46
    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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  • 47
    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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  • 48
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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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  • 49
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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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  • 50
    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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  • 51
    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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  • 52
    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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  • 53
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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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  • 54
    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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  • 55
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    Journal of clinical immunology 19 (1999), S. 365-377 
    ISSN: 1573-2592
    Keywords: Bcl-2 family of proteins ; apoptosis ; cancer ; autoimmunity ; infection
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The Bcl-2 family of proteins are important regulators of cell death. They are comprised of two opposing factions, the proapoptotic versus the antiapoptotic members. Both are required for normal development and cellular homeostasis of the immune system and other tissues. However, in certain circumstances they may participate in the development of disease.
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  • 56
    ISSN: 1573-2592
    Keywords: Dementia ; tumor necrosis factor-α ; apoptosis ; tau protein
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The local pattern of proinflammatory cytokine release was studied in Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VAD), by measuring intrathecal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and its naturally occurring antagonists, soluble TNF receptors I and II. The cytokine levels were related to neuronal damage, as measured by the intrathecal tau concentration, to cerebral apoptosis assessed by levels of Fas/APO-1 and bcl-2, and to clinical variables. In vitro analysis was performed to study the effect of TNF-α on the production of bcl-2, an antiapoptotic factor, by human neuronal cells. Patients with both AD and VAD displayed significantly higher intrathecal levels of TNF-α compared to controls. In addition, patients with AD showed significantly negative correlations between the intrathecal levels of TNF-α and the levels of Fas/APO-1 as well as of tau protein. The level of bcl-2 in supernatants of TNF-α-exposed cultures of human neuronal cells was up to three times higher than in control supernatants. Our study demonstrates intrathecal production of TNF-α in patients with dementias, suggesting that this cytokine may have a neuroprotective role in these neurodegenerative conditions as evidenced by negative correlations between this cytokine and (i) levels of intrathecal Fas/APO-1 and (ii) levels of tau protein, both parameters closely related to brain damage. Our in vitro data suggest that TNF-α exerts its neuroprotective effect by stimulating neuronal cells to express bcl-2, a molecule which downregulates apoptosis.
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  • 57
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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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  • 58
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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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  • 59
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    Cancer and metastasis reviews 18 (1999), S. 91-100 
    ISSN: 1573-7233
    Keywords: micrometastases ; immunohistochemistry ; minimal residual cancer ; marrow disease ; lymph node metastases ; breast cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract With the advent of new therapeutic modalities, the treatment options for oncologists can vary greatly depending upon the aggressiveness of the patient's cancer. Patients may receive no therapy, adjuvant therapy, aggressive adjuvant therapy (taxane based), monoclonal antibody therapy (e.g. Herceptin) or bone marrow transplantation. It is now mandatory to determine accurate prognostic patient profiles at diagnosis and during therapy to determine who would benefit most from a particular therapeutic regimen or to determine who should be shifted into more aggressive therapy. We now have ultra-sensitive methods of tumor cell detection that can determine the presence of minimal residual cancer (MRC) in marrow, stem cell product (SCP) and lymph node to help create these prognostic profiles. The author has conducted a critical review of the literature regarding the type of testing used to detect MRC, the incidence of MRC in marrow, SCP, and lymph node, and the clinical significance of MRC at diagnosis and during therapy. To date it is now clear that immunohistochemistry is a very useful diagnostic tool with adequate sensitivity to detect MRC. The presence of MRC at diagnosis in marrow and/or lymph node is associated with a poor prognosis for a number of disorders including breast cancer, neuroblastoma, gastrointestinal tumors, and lung cancer. In addition, the presence of MRC during therapy in marrow and/or SCP is associated with a very poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. The use of testing for MRC in the patient provides prognostic information that may be of use to the oncologist.
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  • 60
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    Clinical & experimental metastasis 17 (1999), S. 323-330 
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: breast cancer ; integrins ; metastasis ; progression ; xenograft model
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Integrins play an important role in interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix, and thus have a potential role in metastasis. Expression levels of α6, β1 and β4 integrin sub-units were measured in a panel of human breast cancer cell lines by RT/PCR, immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry. All the lines expressed α6, with the highest levels in the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cells. These grew the most aggressively and were metastastic in nude mice. Low levels of α6 protein were measured in breast cancer cells that were poorly tumorigenic and non-metastatic in nude mice, and there was an inverse relationship between ER and α6 expression. RT/PCR revealed that all lines expressed the 2 isoforms of α6, with the α6A isoform generally more abundant than α6B isoform. Clones of MDA-MB-435 were isolated by sterile sorting for cells with high or low α6 expression, and two variants established from metastases in nude mice were found to differ in α6 expression. When injected into nude mice, the α6-high variants produced significantly more lung metastases than the α6-low variants. β1 was abundant in all lines, while β4 was not detected in MDA-MB-134 cells, and in the MDA-MB-435 cells an alternately spliced variant of β4 was identified. Sequencing of the alternate variant revealed a novel sequence from a splicing event in the cytoplasmic tail of β4. None of the cells with this variant mRNA expressed detectable levels of β4 protein. Our results suggest that high α6 expression in human breast cancer cells is associated with tumorigenicity and metastatic potential.
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  • 61
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: breast cancer ; chemokine ; integrin ; metastasis ; migration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We previously reported that chemotactic cytokines (chemokines) induce the directional migration of cells derived from the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro, however it was apparent that only a small percentage of cells displayed the ability to migrate upon stimulation. In the present study three sub-lines derived from the parental MCF-7 cell line were selected for their ability to migrate in response to MIP-1α, MIP-1β or RANTES across Transwell filters of 8 μm pore size. The first round selection of migratory cells resulted in sub-populations which demonstrated an increased chemotactic response compared with parental cells. Cells migrating to MIP-1β were subjected to four further rounds of positive or negative selection, resulting in two sub-lines, MCF-7L4 and MCF-7U4 which displayed an increased and decreased chemotactic response respectively to MIP-1α MIP-1β and RANTES. No difference in chemokine receptor RNA message expression between these sub-lines and the parental MCF-7 line were detected, although increased levels of α3, α6 and αv integrin sub-units were shown for MCF-7L4 (positively selected sub-line) compared with MCF-7U4 cells. Moreover, the in vivo growth of cells derived from the two MCF-7 sub-lines was inversely correlated with their chemotactic response. The results of this study depict further the inherent heterogeneity in cancer, suggesting that the chemotactic response may influence the migratory traits of sub-populations within the tumour and potentially contribute to their in vivo behavior, growth and survival.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: breast cancer ; carbohydrate ; glycosylation ; invasion ; metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Studies using metastatic variant selected in vivo from a cloned parental cell line demonstrate that the expression of β1-6 branched, N-linked carbohydrates and sialic acid were positively associated with in vitro invasiveness and inversely associated with metastatic potential, adherence, and in vivo growth rate. These results suggest that at least within one tumor model, a negative association occurs between metastatic potential and β1-6 branched oligosaccharide expression. In these studies two metastatic variants, Cl-66M1 and Cl-66M2, were selected following serial in vivo passage of Cl-66, a clonal cell line obtained from a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. The parent cell line and the two metastatic variants were approximately equal in their adherence to fibronectin, laminin, and collagen type IV coated plastic. In contrast, both Cl-66M1 and Cl-66M2 had a significantly increased ability to invade through matrigel invasion chambers and expressed significantly increased levels of β1-6 branched, N-linked carbohydrates, and sialic acid compared to the clonal parental cell line, Cl-66. Furthermore, the in vivo tumor growth rates of these selected variants were decreased compared to Cl-66 with the longest tumor volume doubling time observed with Cl-66M2.
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  • 63
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    Heart failure reviews 4 (1999), S. 361-378 
    ISSN: 1573-7322
    Keywords: gene expression ; heart failure ; hypertrophy ; cell signaling ; E-C coupling ; extracellular matrix ; neurohormones ; growth factors ; cytokines ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract With the advancement in molecular techniques for characterizing genes and the use of animal models as tools to study heart failure, considerable progress has been made in improving our understanding of the regulation and function of genes associated with heart failure. Studies now indicate that autocrine/paracrine factors including neurohormones such as norepinephrine, angiotensin II, proinflammatory cytokines and peptide growth factors produced locally in the heart may affect myocyte growth and function through intricate signaling mechanisms. While changes in gene expression for the proteins involved in cell signaling may lead to myocyte hypertrophy and/or apoptosis, alteration in calcium homeostasis, excitation-contraction coupling and the extracellular matrix also contribute to systolic and diastolic dysfunction leading to heart failure. Thus, heart failure is a complex process, which involves changes in expression of multiple genes. With the advent of new techniques involving microarray and gene chip technology, it is now possible to define and/or identify sets of genes involved in heart failure. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of molecular signals, intracellular signaling mechanisms and the changes in gene expression associated with the transition from compensated hypertrophy to failure.
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  • 64
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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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  • 65
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    Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics 16 (1999), S. 443-449 
    ISSN: 1573-7330
    Keywords: apoptosis ; immunology ; antisperm antibodies ; spermatozoa ; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: Our purpose was to assess sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity after exposure to antisperm antibodies. Methods: Donor semen were divided and exposed to sera containing IgG, IgA, and IgM antisperm antibodies. Untreated portions served as the control. After incubation (1 hr, 23°C), the sperm were centrifuge-washed, resuspended, and incubated (23°C) for 2, 5, 7, or 9 days. Acridine orange staining and kinematic parameters were measured. The sentinel (17q21 from D17S855) and β-globin genes were amplified and analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: Sperm preexposed to antisperm antibodies had deleted sentinel gene on days 7 and 9. The β-globin gene was intact. There were no differences in acridine orange staining. Conclusions: Sperm artificially exposed to antisperm antibodies resulted in a subtle deletion of genetic material. The DNA alteration process was slow and was undetectable at the gross level. More studies are needed to confirm the findings and determine whether DNA repair mechanisms can reverse the damage.
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  • 66
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: bone metastasis ; breast cancer ; model ; PTHrP
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Breast cancer affects approximately one woman in twelve and kills more women than any other cancer. If detected early, patients have a five year survival rate of 66%, but once metastatic disease has developed, there is no effective treatment. About 70% of patients with metastatic disease have bone involvement, while lungs and liver are the other common targets. Bone metastases cause severe pain, pathological fractures and hypercalcaemia and thus are a significant clinical problem. The development of new therapies for metastatic breast carcinoma depends on a better understanding of the mechanism of homing of the tumour cells to bone, liver and lungs and the factors required for their growth in these organs. Research on mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis, particularly to bone, has relied on in vitro studies or on tumour models in which the inoculation route is designed to promote delivery of tumour cells to a specific organ. Metastases in bone are achieved by inoculation into the right ventricle of the heart. To our knowledge there has been no report of a model of metastatic spread from the mammary gland to distant sites which reliably includes bone. In this paper, we describe our recent development of a novel murine model of metastatic breast carcinoma. The new model is unique in that the pattern of metastatic spread closely resembles that observed in human breast cancer. In particular, these murine breast tumours metastasise to bone from the primary breast site and cause hypercalcaemia, characteristics not normally found in murine tumours, but common in human disease. Furthermore, in a preliminary characterisation of this model, we show that secretion of parathyroid hormone-related protein, a role for which has been implicated in breast cancer spread to bone, correlates with metastasis to bone. This model therefore provides an excellent experimental system in which to investigate the factors that control metastatic spread of breast cancer to specific sites, particularly bone. The special advantage of this system is that it involves the whole metastasis process, beginning from the primary site. Existing models consider mechanisms that pertain to growth of tumour once the site has been reached. An understanding of the regulation of these factors by potential therapeutic agents could lead to improvement in therapies designed to combat metastatic disease. For the first time, this development will allow exploration of the molecular basis of site-specific metastasis of breast cancer to bone in a clinically relevant model.
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  • 67
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    Heart failure reviews 4 (1999), S. 1-12 
    ISSN: 1573-7322
    Keywords: free radicals ; antioxidants ; heart failure ; apoptosis ; ischemia ; reperfusion injury
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Congestive heart failure (CHF) is defined by inability of the heart to provide adequate blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to tissues and organs. There is now overwhelming evidence suggesting that oxygen-derived free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of CHF. In vitro studies suggest that the highly toxic radical species damage sub-cellular membranes leading to the disruption in excitation-contractile coupling and eventually the dysfunction of the myocardium. In addition, these radicals destroy nitric oxide, a potent signaling molecule responsible for maintaining cardiovascular tone. Antioxidants hold great promise in minimizing the damage occurring as a result of the excessive generation of the free radicals during ischemia/reperfusion injury and CHF.
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  • 68
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    Heart failure reviews 4 (1999), S. 1-7 
    ISSN: 1573-7322
    Keywords: apoptosis ; p53 ; adenovirus ; Bcl-2 ; ventricular myocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract One of the most compelling issues to impact on contemporary cardiology to date is undoubtedly the concept of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Apoptosis, while crucial for normal embryonic development has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of cardiac pathologies including ischemia, oxidative stress injury, infarction and more recently heart failure. The loss of functional cardiac myocytes through activation of an apoptotic program may ultimately contribute to ventricular remodeling and the demise of ventricular function incompatible with the body's needs. The molecular mechanisms that underlie cardiac cell apoptosis remain poorly defined, however, there is increasing awareness that external as well as internal factors such tumor suppressor protein p53, cytokines including TNFα and mitochondria are potential triggers of cardiac apoptosis. Therefore, a better understanding of the role played by these factors would facilitate the advent of therapeutic agents to modulate inappropriate cardiac cell loss as a means to preserve cardiac function and prevent heart failure.
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  • 69
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    Heart failure reviews 4 (1999), S. 1-9 
    ISSN: 1573-7322
    Keywords: apoptosis ; heart failure ; ischemia/reperfusion ; free radicals ; antioxidants ; phospholipids
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Cardiomyocytes die by apoptosis in addition to necrosis under a variety of pathological conditions including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and ischemia/reperfusion. This review summarizes current status of the literature demonstrating evidence of apoptotic cell death in heart failure and ischemic heart disease. Apoptotic cells have been detected in failing hearts of human and dog. Ischemia up to 2 hr does not induce apoptosis, but reperefusion of ischemic heart can trigger apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis appears to occur in a varity of animal species including mouse, rat, rabbit, swine, dog and human suggesting that this is not species-specific. Striking similarities exist between the mechanisms of reperfusion injury and apoptosis: both involve free radicals, Ca2+ and phospholipids. Evidence exists in the literature to indicate role of oxygen free radicals and phospholipids in apoptotic cell death induced by ischemia and reperfusion. Apoptotic cell death in rat heart was inhibited by free radical scavengers or antioxidants.
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  • 70
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    Heart failure reviews 4 (1999), S. 229-244 
    ISSN: 1573-7322
    Keywords: heart failure ; mitochondria ; energy metabolism ; ageing ; adenine nucleotide ; translocator ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Experimental and clinical studies have detected an impaired respiratory function of cardiomyocyte mitochondria in heart failure. Since the reasons for heart failure are manifold, so is mitochondrial involvement. Characteristics of mitochondrial participation in heart failure are as follows: (1) Inherited or acquired mutations of the mitochondrial or nuclear genome cause defects in different mitochondrial components, eventually resulting in cardiomyopathy. (2a) Oxidative stress depresses mitochondrial function. This occurs slowly and inevitably in the 'physiological' process of ageing, but rapidly in “pathophysiologic” conditions such as post-ischemic reperfusion. (2b) Free radicals damage mitochondrial DNA, proteins, and membrane lipids. Interactions between altered membrane lipids, respiratory chain components, and carrier proteins further enhance mitochondrial dysfunction. (3) Mitochondrial energy transfer via the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and the mitochondrial creatine kinase is disturbed in heart failure. Especially an altered expression and a functional impairment of the ANT seems to be involved in the disturbed energy metabolism of dilated and inflammatory cardiomyopathy. (4) Mitochondria are mainly involved in the initiation and modulation of the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis). (5) Triggered by a variety of conditions during cellular dysfunction mitochondrial membrane permeability suddenly increases, followed by the collapse of the membrane potential, thus abolishing energy production and further aggravating cellular damage. (6a) Increased levels of cytokines, in particular TNF-α, in heart failure and cardiomyopathy modulate mitochondrial function. (6b) Cytokines activate the generation of nitric oxide and heat shock proteins, thus further depressing or preserving mitochondrial activity. These main mechanisms of active and passive participation of mitochondria in heart failure are reviewed in this article. At present, most of them are not completely resolved and some are still hypothetical.
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  • 71
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    Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics 16 (1999), S. 512-519 
    ISSN: 1573-7330
    Keywords: apoptosis ; gametogenesis ; embryogenesis ; maldevelopment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a widespread biological phenomenon. Apoptosis is characterized by typical cell features such as membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. It involves a number of membrane receptors (e.g., Fas, TNFR) and a cascade of signal transduction steps resulting in the activation of a number of cysteine proteases known as caspases. Disordered apoptosis may lead to carcinogenesis and participates in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, or AIDS. Programmed cell death plays an important role in the processes of gamete maturation as well as in embryo development, contributing to the appropriate formation of various organs and structures. Apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of action of various cytotoxic agents and teratogens. Teratogen-induced excessive death of embryonic cells is undoubtedly one of the most important events preceding the occurrence of structural abnormalities, regardless of their nature. Therefore understanding the mechanisms involved in physiological as well as in disturbed or dysregulated apoptosis may lead to the development of new methods of preventive treatment of various developmental abnormalities. The present review summarizes data on the mechanisms of programmed cell death and concentrates on apoptosis involved in normal or disturbed gametogenesis and in normal and abnormal embryonic development.
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  • 72
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    Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics 16 (1999), S. 546-550 
    ISSN: 1573-7330
    Keywords: breast cancer ; mycoplasma ; Ureaplasma urealyticum ; foreign DNA ; gene transfer ; transgenic
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: Biological vectors for cell transfection are mainly viral in origin, with inherent shortcomings. Mycoplasmas are ubiquitous organisms that traverse cells easily. The objective was to determine if Ureaplasma urealyticum (T-mycoplasma) would vector exogenous BRCA1 DNA into blastocysts. Methods: Hatching mouse blastocysts (N = 70) were incubated in the presence of either viable or dead Ureaplasma urealyticum at 37°C for 1 hr. The blastocysts were exposed to human BRCA1 DNA lacking homology in the mouse genome for 2 hr, followed by DNase-I treatment and wash. Polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis of amplified products were performed. Results: The BRCA1 gene was detected in the blastocysts only when viable Ureaplasma was present. PCR analyses of control Ureaplasma and untreated blastocysts were negative. Conclusion: Viable Ureaplasma organisms were shown to mediate the uptake of DNA fragments into blastocysts, resulting in transgenic mouse blastocysts with a normal human BRCA1 exon 11 gene.
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  • 73
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Calpain ; caspases ; maitotoxin ; necrosis ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Maitotoxin is a potent toxin that activates voltage and receptor-mediated Ca2+ channels, resulting in Ca2+ overload and rapid cell death. We report that maitotoxin-induced cell death is associated with activation of calpain but not caspase-3 proteases in septo-hippocampal cell cultures. Calpain and caspase-3 activation were examined by accumulation of protease-specific breakdown products to α-spectrin. Cell death manifested exclusively necrotic-like characteristics including round, shrunken nuclei, even distribution of chromatin, absence of DNA fragmentation and failure of protein synthesis inhibition to reduce cell death. Necrotic cell death was observed in neurons and astroglia. Calpain inhibitor II inhibited calpain-specific processing of α-spectrin and significantly reduced cell death. The pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-D-DCB, nominally attenuated cell death. Results suggest that: (1) calpain, but not caspase-3, is activated as a result of maitotoxin-induced Ca2+ influx; (2) necrotic cell death caused by maitotoxin exposure is partially mediated by calpain activation; (3) maitotoxin is a useful tool to investigate pathological mechanisms of necrosis.
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  • 74
    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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  • 75
    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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  • 76
    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.
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  • 77
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: adjuvant chemotherapy ; breast cancer ; cure ; early recurrences ; late recurrences ; recurrence risk pattern
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Purpose: To comparatively analyse the risk of recurrence at given times after surgery for breast cancer patients receiving or not receiving adjuvant CMF. Patients and methods: A total of 1452 node positive patients, who entered controlled clinical trials carried out at the Milan Cancer Institute and underwent radical or modified radical mastectomy for operable breast cancer, were examined. In 575 cases no further treatment was performed, whereas 877 pts were given 6 or 12 courses of adjuvant Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil (CMF). The recurrence risk was estimated by the event-specific hazard rate for first failure and distant metastases, and, following Efron, hazard rates were fitted by logistic regression models. Results: The hazard rate for first failure and distant metastases showed a double peaked pattern for both treated patients and controls, with a first major peak at about 18–24 months from surgery (early metastases), a second minor peak at the 5th–6th year, and a tapered plateau-like tail extending over 10 years from surgery (late metastases). As expected, the recurrence risk of CMF treated patients was lower than the corresponding risk of patients undergoing surgery only. However, the difference was highly evident for early recurrences, while it declined and disappeared afterwards. Conclusion: Our findings confirm previous reports on patients not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, suggesting that the recurrence risk for operable breast cancer has a multipeak pattern. As far as CMF treated patients are concerned, the unchanged peak timing together with the early recurrence risk reduction in comparison to controls are much more consistent with the real nonappearance of some early recurrences (putatively ‘cured’ patients) than with the delay in their manifestation. As late relapsing patients seem to have at most marginal benefits from adjuvant CMF, ways to recognize patients doomed to have late recurrence and new ways for treating micrometastases resulting in late recurrences are required.
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  • 78
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; multivariate analysis ; multistate model ; prognostic factors ; risk ; survival analysis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In breast cancer clinical research, an important goal is to analyze how factors are seen to affect the disease process. Meanwhile, the disease progression is not fully modelled using standard analysis since transitions between intermediate events such as local-regional recurrences (LRR) or metachronous contralateral breast cancer (MCBC) are not considered. In the present study, the progression of disease was modelled using a multistate model. By this approach, we assessed transitions during the course of the disease and studied prognostic factors for each transition. The model was applied to 6,185 patients with unilateral ductal invasive breast cancer, clinical stage I through III, treated between 1981 and 1988 at the Curie Institute. At first diagnosis, high clinical stage, high histological grade, positive lymph nodes, and age less than 40 years were associated with increased risks of LRR, metastases, or death. Except age, the same factors remained predictive for metastases or death following LRR. Chemotherapy for the first cancer was associated with a decreased risk for developing MCBC. As the time interval from diagnosis of the primary tumor to that of a local or contralateral recurrence increased, the risk of metastases or death decreased. Nodal status for the first tumor and clinical stage for the contralateral tumor increased the risk of metastases or death following MCBC. Conversely, the risk decreased for patients who received adjuvant hormone therapy following MCBC. In conclusion, the multistate model offers us a much more appropriate way to study prognostic factors for each transition in breast cancer disease.
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  • 79
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 54 (1999), S. 31-38 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; high-dose chemotherapy ; randomized trials ; stem-cell transplantation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the past ten years high-dose chemotherapy with autologous haematopoetic stem-cell support (HD-CT) has increasingly been used for breast cancer. But the vast majority of trials are small phase I/II studies showing until now not enough evidence that HD-CT is superior to conventional-dose chemotherapy (CD-CT). In contrast to this, the public perception of this treatment is different. Patients as well as physicians often uncritically believe in reports contrasting the positive results obtained in case series treated by HD-CT with those of historical control groups. This leads to the problem that many patients and also clinicians are not willing to participate in randomized trials on this topic. A critical assessment of current knowledge on the effectiveness of HD-CT in breast cancer is given. The problems related to the use of historical controls, in general, and especially in the setting of HD-CT are demonstrated. Using data of patients treated with CD-CT within trials of the German Breast Cancer Study Group (GBSG) it will be shown that results similarly favorable to those reported from patients treated with a high-dose regimen may be produced using quite simple selection mechanisms. Comparisons of patients treated with HD-CT with historical control groups of patients treated with CD-CT may be misleading. A valid treatment comparison is only possible by means of large randomized trials. Clinicians should participate in the ongoing trials and enter all eligible patients.
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  • 80
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: aneuploidy ; breast cancer ; genomic instability ; metastasis ; prognostic markers ; telomeres
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Telomere shortening leads to genomic instability and has been correlated with poor outcome in several types of cancer. A recently described, robust titration assay was used to quantify telomere DNA content in frozen and paraffin-embedded specimens of 49 invasive human breast carcinomas, including tumors with normal or abnormal contents of genomic DNA, which produced regional, distant, or local disease. Telomere DNA contents ranged from 53% to 370% of the content in a reference DNA purified from normal placenta. Tumors were divided into three groups of approximately equal size based on increasing telomere DNA content. All of 16 tumors in the group with the least telomere DNA (Group I), were aneuploid compared to 9/17 tumors in the group with the most telomere DNA (Group III). The Chi-square test for trend indicated that tumors with the least telomere DNA were significantly more likely to be aneuploid than tumors with the most telomere DNA (p〈0.002). Twelve of 14 tumors in Group I also produced metastatic disease compared to 8/15 tumors in Group III. The Fischer Exact Test indicated that tumors with the least telomere DNA were significantly more likely to be metastatic than tumors with the most telomere DNA (p〈0.05). There was no association between telomere DNA content and patients’ age, tumors’ size, grade, stage, or fraction of cells in S-phase. The correlation of reduced telomere DNA content with aneuploidy and metastasis, both of which are associated with poor outcome in invasive breast carcinoma, implies that telomere DNA content also could have prognostic value.
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  • 81
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 53 (1999), S. 1-8 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; histopathological grade ; Nottingham Prognostic Index ; prognosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of histopathological grading according to the protocol of Elston/Ellis and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) to a defined breast cancer population. The NPI is the sum of the individual scores concerning grade, tumour size, and lymph node status, each weighted according to regression coefficients of a Cox proportional hazard analysis and calculated for each individual breast cancer patient. 630 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer diagnosed 1988–91 were retrospectively followed up and their tumours reviewed and graded. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed. Grade, lymph node status, and tumour size were statistically significant predictors of survival within the follow up period (median 7.2 years). Similar to NPI, a temporary index (Kalmar Prognostic Index, KPI) was derived and normalised to NPI for comparison (KPI(norm)). NPI and KPI(norm) gave similar prognostic power in spite of the differences of the patient populations from which the 2 indices were derived. Patients with NPI 4 or less had 0.66% breast cancer specific mortality during the follow up time. 14% of the patients with NPI 4.1–5 and 32% of those with an index sum 5.1–6 died from breast cancer during this time. Younger patients tended to have higher grade tumours. We advocate the common use of grade and the NPI in order to increase the comparability of groups of patients receiving different therapies.
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  • 82
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; microsatellite instability ; TGF‐β RII gene ; clinicopathological features ; prognosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To determine the incidence of microsatellite instability (MSI) and its relationship with both clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival, 101 cases of breast cancer were investigated. In addition, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) receptor type II (RII) gene mutation was also examined to clarify the relation to MSI in breast cancer development. MSI and RII gene mutation were screened by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The mutations of the RII gene were confirmed by a direct sequence. An association between the MSI status and the clinicopathological features was examined to assess the potential of the MSI status as a prognostic indicator in sporadic breast cancer cases. MSI was detected in 12 of 101 (11.9%) breast cancer cases. The positive MSI breast cancer cases showed relatively more advanced disease than negative MSI cases, and also exhibited relatively poorer prognoses. No RII gene mutations were observed in any of the breast cancer cases. Our data suggest that the MSI status may thus be a useful indicator for the prognosis of sporadic breast cancer cases. However, the breast seems to be an infrequent target organ for cancer development through RII gene mutations. As a result, tumor progression through this pathway appears to be related to organ specificity. For positive MSI breast cancers, other target genes therefore still need to be identified.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; endocrine therapy ; FACT‐B ; FACT‐ES ; quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Existing quality of life instruments do not include adequate items to measure the side effects and putative benefits of hormonal treatments given in breast cancer. We report the development and validation of an 18 item endocrine subscale (ES) to accompany a standardised breast cancer quality of life measure, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT‐B) [1]. The FACT‐ES (FACT‐B plus ES) was tested initially on 268 women with breast cancer receiving endocrine treatments. Alpha coefficients for all subscales demonstrated good internal consistency (range α = 0.65–0.87). Test‐retest reliability of the ES indicated good stability (r = 0.93, p 〈 0.001). Advanced breast cancer patients' quality of life was high, showing the efficacy of endocrine therapy, but women with primary disease reported better physical, social, and functional well‐being and fewer breast cancer concerns. Most frequently reported symptoms were loss of sexual interest (31%), weight gain (25%), and hot flushes (24%). Significant differences were found between treatment groups for hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Two assessments of the instrument's responsiveness to change were made; 32 women in a clinical trial of endocrine therapy and 18 women without breast cancer taking HRT completed the FACT‐ES at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Trial patients reported significantly more symptoms at 8 and 12 weeks than at baseline. Women taking HRT reported significantly fewer or less severe symptoms than at baseline. In conclusion the FACT‐ES has acceptable validity and reliability and is sensitive to clinically significant change, making it suitable for clinical trials of endocrine therapy.
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: apoptosis ; breast cancer ; doxorubicin ; IGF‐I ; paclitaxel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I protects many cell types from apoptosis. As a result, it is possible that IGF‐I‐responsive cancer cells may be resistant to apoptosis‐inducing chemotherapies. Therefore, we examined the effects of IGF‐I on paclitaxel and doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in the IGF‐I‐responsive breast cancer cell line MCF‐7. Both drugs caused DNA laddering in a dose‐dependent fashion, and IGF‐I reduced the formation of ladders. We next examined the effects of IGF‐I and estradiol on cell survival following drug treatment in monolayer culture. IGF‐I, but not estradiol, increased survival of MCF‐7 cells in the presence of either drug. Cell cycle progression and counting of trypan‐blue stained cells showed that IGF‐I was inducing proliferation in paclitaxel‐treated but not doxorubicin‐treated cells. However, IGF‐I decreased the fraction of apoptotic cells in doxorubicin‐ but not paclitaxel‐treated cells. Recent work has shown that mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphotidylinositol‐3 (PI‐3) kinase are activated by IGF‐I in these cells. PI‐3 kinase activation has been linked to anti‐apoptotic functions while MAPK activation is associated with proliferation. We found that IGF‐I rescue of doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis required PI‐3 kinase but not MAPK function, suggesting that IGF‐I inhibited apoptosis. In contrast, IGF‐I rescue of paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis required both PI‐3 kinase and MAPK, suggesting that IGF‐I‐mediated protection was due to enhancement of proliferation. Therefore, IGF‐I attenuated the response of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin and paclitaxel by at least two mechanisms: induction of proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, inhibition of IGF‐I action could be a useful adjuvant to cytotoxic chemotherapy in breast cancer.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; CpG island ; DNA hypermethylation ; Wilms' tumor suppressor gene
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract CpG island hypermethylation is known to be associated with transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes in neoplasia. We have previously detected aberrantly methylated sites in the first intron of the Wilms' tumor suppressor (WT1) gene in breast cancer. In the present study, we extended the investigation to a CpG island located in the promoter and first exon regions of WT1. Methylation of this CpG island was found to be extensive in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells, as well as in 25% (five of 20 patients) of primary breast tumors. While levels of the known 3.0‐kb WT1 mRNAs were decreased or not detected in these cell lines, the expression could be partially restored following treatment with a demethylation agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. Surprisingly, a novel 2.5‐kb WT1 transcript was expressed at high levels in both untreated and treated MDA‐MB‐231 cells. This novel transcript was likely a WT1 variant missing the first exon, and therefore escaped the methylation control present in the normal transcript. Our study implicates the future need to investigate the significance of this aberrant transcript as well as the role of WT1 CpG island hypermethylation in breast neoplasia.
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  • 86
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 56 (1999), S. 103-110 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: cell cycle ; cyclins ; p16 ; p27 ; retinoblastoma protein ; breast cancer ; survival
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Cell cycle deregulation is frequently observed in tumors and has moreover been proposed to be a requirement for tumor development. By analyzing the expression of p27 by immunohistochemistry in 100 primary breast tumors and combining the analyses with our earlier characterization of cyclin E, D1, p16, and the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), we have been able to cover the majority of potential G1–S transition defects and observed that 90% of the tumors had alterations in one or several cell cycle regulatory proteins. Considerable variations in protein levels were found among tumors, with low p16 expression as the most common alteration followed by cyclin E or cyclin D1 overexpression, low p27 expression or pRB inactivation in decreasing prevalence. Tumors were grouped according to observed combinations of defects and the proliferative capacity was determined for each group by analyzing Ki–67 labeling index. Low proliferation was observed in tumors with: low p16; high cyclin Dl with normal or high p16 expression; and in tumors without cell cycle defects. Tumors with high cyclin E/low p27 or pRB defects showed higher proliferation. The survival differed noticeably for patients with various combinations of cell cycle defects, and four distinctive clusters were identified showing significantly different breast cancer specific survival (p 〈 0.0001) for both node-positive (p=0.0006) and node-negative patients (p 〈 0.0001). In summary, we have shown that G1-S transition defects are nearly obligatory in breast tumors and that the specific type of cell cycle defect influences the clinical behavior of the tumor.
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  • 87
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: apoptosis ; breast cancer ; doxorubicin ; hsp27 ; topoisomerase II
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Previously we demonstrated that heat shock protein 27 (hsp27) overexpression confers resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin in MDA–MB–231 breast cancer cells. Since induction of apoptosis is one underlying mechanism of chemotherapeutic drug action, we investigated the effect of hsp27 overexpression on doxorubicin–induced apoptosis, finding that hsp27 protects MDA–MB–231 cells from apoptosis. We also examined expression of the doxorubicin target, topoisomerase II (topo II), in control and hsp27–overexpressing stable transfectants, as topo II expression is important for both drug sensitivity and the initiation of apoptosis by doxorubicin. The relative levels of both topo IIα and β were higher in the controls than the hsp27–overexpressing clones, suggesting that the apoptotic protective effect of hsp27 overexpression in MDA–MB–231 cells is associated with altered topo II expression.abstract
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  • 88
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 56 (1999), S. 251-263 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; mRNA ; pS2 ; prognostic marker ; RT–PCR ; TFF1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The expression of pS2 (TFF1) has been previously shown to identify patients with improved response to anti–hormonal therapy and more favorable outcome. In the current study, 100 human breast carcinoma samples obtained from the Manitoba Breast Tumor Bank were analyzed for pS2 mRNA using a quantitative, competitive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (qcRT–PCR) assay. A pS2/ß–actin cut–off criterion of 0.010 was established to classify tumors as either pS2 positive or pS2 negative. pS2 mRNA levels were positively associated with both ER and PR, with the majority of ER+ (59) and PR+ (60) tumors also being positive for pS2. In addition, a significant linear correlation was observed between the amount of pS2 mRNA and ER (p〈0.0001) and PR (p〈0.0001) protein. pS2 mRNA levels also exhibited an inverse association with tumor size and histological grade, consistent with the observation that pS2 is primarily expressed in small (T 〈 2.0 cm), but well differentiated tumors (Grades I and II). No associations were observed with tumor cell type, patient age, or lymph node status. The strong correlation displayed between pS2 and a number of currently used breast cancer prognostic markers supports the clinical use of pS2 to further assess tumor status and patient outcome.
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  • 89
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cathepsin D ; PAI‐1 ; prognosis ; S‐phase fraction ; uPA
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In 1991, our group was the first to report the prognostic strength of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) in primary breast cancer. The prognostic impact of invasion markers PAI‐1 and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) on disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer has since been independently confirmed. We now report on the prognostic impact of PAI‐1 and uPA after long‐term median follow‐up of 77 months for our cohort (n=316). Levels of uPA, PAI‐1, and cathepsin D were determined in tumor tissue extracts by immunoenzymatic methods. S‐phase fraction (SPF) was measured flowcytometrically in paraffin sections. Using log‐rank statistics, optimized cutoffs were found for PAI‐1 (14 ng/mg), uPA (3 ng/mg), cathepsin D (41 pmol/mg), and SPF (6%). In all patients, various factors (PAI‐1, uPA, nodal status, SPF, cathepsin D, grading, tumor size, hormone receptor status) showed significant univariate impact on DFS. In Cox analysis, only nodal status (p 〈 0.001, RR: 3.1) and PAI‐1 (p 〈 0.001, RR: 2.7) remained significant. In node‐negative patients (n = 147), PAI‐1, uPA, and SPF had significant univariate impact on DFS, whereas in Cox analysis, only PAI‐1 was significant. PAI‐1 was also significant for DFS within subgroups defined by established factors. In CART analysis, uPA enhanced the prognostic value of PAI‐1 and nodal status for determination of a very‐low‐risk subgroup. For OS, only lymph node status and PAI‐1 were significant in multivariate analysis. PAI‐1 levels in the primary tumor were also a significant prognostic marker for survival after first relapse in both univariate and multivariate analysis.
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  • 90
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; endometrial cancer ; tamoxifen
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A retrospective cohort‐study in 4109 breast cancer patients was undertaken to determine how tamoxifen affected the risk of endometrial cancer. Data on 1701 tamoxifen‐treated women were analysed. Two thousand four hundred and eight non‐tamoxifen users served as control group. The occurrence of new primary uterine cancers was assessed by computerized linkage to the Austrian Cancer Registry. Twenty‐five women who subsequently developed endometrial cancer were identified. Eight uterine cancers occurred in the tamoxifen group, whereas 17 uterine cancers were found in the control group. The estimate of the relative risk (RR) showed an increased risk to develop endometrial cancer for the tamoxifen group RR 1.136 (95% CI 0.71; 1.80). Analysis of relevant confounding variables did not show any differences in the two groups. In conclusion, this retrospective study demonstrated a non‐significant increased risk of endometrial cancer in women receiving tamoxifen as treatment for breast cancer. However, the magnitude of RR and the absolute number of endometrial cancer cases in this long term observation demonstrate clearly that the clinical benefit of tamoxifen therapy greatly outweighs the risk.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cell culture ; cell growth ; TIMP‐1
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the present paper, we have examined whether human tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease‐1 (hTIMP‐1) is able to exert a growth factor‐like effect on two clonal cell lines (BC‐3A and BC‐61), isolated from a parental line of human breast carcinoma cells (8701‐BC), and endowed with different growth and invasive behaviour ‘in vitro’ and in nude mouse. The data obtained indicate that only the more tumorigenic clonal cell line (BC‐61) is responsive to hTIMP‐1 treatment by increasing its proliferative rate in a dose‐dependent manner. It was also found that BC‐61 cells selectively express a transmembrane protein of about 80 kDa able to bind hTIMP‐1 ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ with high affinity (Kd of 0.07 ± 0.004   nM), and that treatment of BC‐61 cells with a proliferation‐promoting concentration of hTIMP‐1 is able to stimulate tyrosine‐targeted phosphorylation. The cumulative results obtained strongly support the hypothesis that hTIMP‐1, ‘classically’ regarded as a collagenase inhibitor, may be a crucial element of the extracellular signalling network during breast cancer development by controlling cell growth phenotype in autocrine and paracrine manner, and that intratumoural heterogeneity for the biological response to TIMP‐1 may exist within the composite cell population of the primary tumour site.
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  • 92
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 55 (1999), S. 41-49 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: α2‐adrenergic agonists ; α2‐adrenergic antagonists ; α2‐adrenoceptor ; breast cancer ; catecholamines ; human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract (-)Epinephrine (Epi) and –Norepinephrine (NEpi) significantly stimulated tritiated Thymidine incorporation in MCF‐7 cells at concentrations 10–30 pM to 10 nM, with an EC50 of 10 pM for Epi and 14.2 pM for NEpi. To characterize this action, cells were incubated in the presence of NEpi or Epi and different antagonists. The β‐adrenergic antagonist Propanolol showed no effect on the agonist's stimulation, whereas the α‐adrenergic antagonist Phentolamine, reverted it completely at high concentrations (100 μM). The α1‐adrenergic antagonist Prazosin (Pra) acted only at high concentrations, while the α2‐adrenergic antagonist Yohimbine (Yo) reverted the stimulation at an EC50 of 0.11μM. Likewise, when the cells were incubated in the presence of the specific α2‐adrenergic agonist Clonidine (Clo), Thymidine incorporation was significantly stimulated at an EC50 of 0.298 pM. Again, the incubation of the cells in the presence of the α1‐adrenergic antagonist Pra exerted its action at high concentrations, whereas the α2‐adrenergic antagonist Yo showed a clear reversal of the agonist's enhancement at an EC50 of 0.136 μM. Moreover, Clo caused a clear and significant inhibition of stimulated cAMP levels both in the intracellular and the extracellular fractions. Yo showed a complete reversion of cAMP levels to control values in the presence of Clo, while Pra had the opposite effect. These data suggest that the stimulation provoked in Thymidine incorporation by the agonists Epi, NEpi, and Clo is, at least in part, due to an α2‐adrenergic mechanism directly on tumoral cells, and that the effect is coupled with inhibition of cAMP levels, as described for this kind of receptors.
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  • 93
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    Breast cancer research and treatment 55 (1999), S. 73-83 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bax ; Bcl‐2 ; breast ; chemotherapy ; estradiol
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The present study explored the effects of three commonly used chemotherapeutic agents on the Bcl‐2/Bax apoptosis pathway and the interaction of these chemotherapeutic drugs with the estradiol‐mediated regulation of this pathway. Our results showed that: (1) Treatment of MCF‐7 cells with Adriamycin resulted in time‐ and concentration‐dependent decreases in Bcl‐2 and increases in Bax mRNA and protein levels. (2) Camptothecin elicited similar trends on Bcl‐2 and Bax as Adriamycin, while etoposide, at 50–100 fold (1–5 μM) the effective concentration of Adriamycin and camptothecin, only resulted in an increase in Bax mRNA levels. (3) Adriamycin and camptothecin, but not etoposide, were effective in suppressing estradiol‐stimulated increases in Bcl‐2 mRNA levels. Our study provides evidence that the Bcl‐2/Bax apoptosis pathway may be differentially regulated by chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, interaction between these agents and estradiol on the Bcl‐2/Bax apoptosis pathway may also exist.
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; differential display ; gene expression ; invasion ; metastasis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have previously shown that human breast carcinoma cells demonstrating an interconverted phenotype, where keratin (epithelial marker) and vimentin (mesenchymal marker) intermediate filaments are both expressed, have an increased ability to invade a basement membrane matrix in vitro. This increase in invasive potential has been demonstrated in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, which constitutively express keratins and vimentin, and in MCF‐7 cells transfected with the mouse vimentin gene (MoVi). However, vimentin expression alone is not sufficient to confer the complete metastatic phenotype in MoVi cells, as determined by orthotopic administration. Thus, in the present study, differential display analysis was utilized to identify genes that are associated with the invasive and/or metastatic phenotype of several human breast cancer cell lines. Forty‐four of 84 PCR fragments were differentially expressed as assessed by Northern hybridization analysis of RNA isolated from MCF‐7, MoVi, and MB‐231 cell lines. Polyadenylated RNA from a panel of poorly invasive, invasive/non‐metastatic, and invasive/metastatic breast carcinoma cell lines was used to differentiate between cell‐specific gene expression and genes associated with the invasive and/or metastatic phenotype(s). We observed that lysyl oxidase and a zinc finger transcription factor were expressed only in the invasive and/or metastatic cell line; whereas, a thiol‐specific antioxidant and a heterochromatin protein were down‐regulated in these cells. In contrast, tissue factor was expressed only in breast carcinoma cell lines having the highest invasive potential. These results suggest that specific genes involved in breast cancer invasion and metastasis can be separated by differential display methodology to elucidate the molecular basis of tumor cell progression.
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  • 95
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; cell cycle ; cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor ; differentiation ; p27Kip1 ; prognosis ; proliferation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 is a negative regulator of cell proliferation. Its expression is known to be altered in a proteasome‐dependent manner without changes in DNA level. Reduced expression of p27Kip1 is associated with aggressive behavior in a variety of human cancers. We investigated expression of p27Kip1 protein in human breast cancer using immunohistochemistry to assess its biologic implication along with cell‐cycle analysis by flow cytometry. A total of 68 patients with invasive ductal cancer received adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5‐FU every 3 weeks for six cycles. In epithelial cells of normal and benign breast disease, expression of p27Kip1 was well preserved while its expression markedly decreased in breast cancer (45 of 68). Expression of p27Kip1 is significantly reduced in poorly differentiated cancers and in the advanced stage of the disease. Levels of p27Kip1 expression correlated with cell populations in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. In survival analysis, p27Kip1 was useful to predict disease free survival but not overall survival of the patients after adjuvant chemotherapy. In summary, p27Kip1 seems to have a role in the cell proliferation and differentiation process during carcinogenesis of breast cancer. The results of the present study suggest that p27Kip1 can be used in predicting response to systemic chemotherapy in a subset of patients with breast cancer.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; menstrual cycle phase ; premenopausal ; prognosis ; surgery
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the present report, we retrospectively analyzed the impact of the timing of surgery during menstrual cycle on disease‐free and overall survival of 248 premenopausal patients with stage I/Il breast cancer who underwent surgery followed by anthracycline‐containing adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, no statistically significant differences were observed in disease‐free or overall survival between women operated upon during the follicular (days 0–14) and the luteal (days 15–32) phase of the menstrual cycle. The impact on disease‐free and overall survival of lymph‐node status, tumor size and hormone receptor expression, but not of the phase of the menstrual cycle at the time of surgery, was confirmed by univariate and multivariate analysis. However, when combined with hormone receptor status, the phase of the menstrual cycle at the time of surgery proved useful to better define the prognosis of primary breast cancer patients, with significantly longer disease‐free and overall survival for patients operated upon during the follicular phase and with positive hormone receptors.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: body mass index ; breast cancer ; menopause ; smoking
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To investigate the relationship between age at menopause, body mass index, and breast cancer risk, we used data from a prospective cohort study (DOM cohort) in the Netherlands. Participants in this breast cancer‐screening project included 10,591 women living in Utrecht, aged 49–66 years at enrolment. During a median follow‐up period of 19 years, women attended screening rounds at which anthropometric measurements were taken and questions were asked about menopausal status, age at menopause, medication use and other risk factors for breast cancer. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between age at menopause and subsequent breast cancer risk. Breast cancer incidence decreased with an earlier age at menopause. Women with a menopausal age of 44 years or younger had a 34% lower risk of breast cancer, than women with a menopausal age over 54 years (hazard ratio is 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.43–0.91)). The annual hazard of breast cancer incidence decreased by 2.6% per year reduction in age at menopause. The protective effect of an early age at menopause was stronger for women with a low body mass index (≤27 kg/m2; reduction of 44%) than for women with a high body mass index (〉27 kg/m2; reduction of 24%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P for interaction = 0.58). This difference was most pronounced in women who had ever smoked. Adjustment for known breast cancer risk factors did not alter the crude risk estimates significantly. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the protective effect of lower age at menopause on subsequent breast cancer risk. This protective effect may be even stronger in leaner women.
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  • 98
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: androgen receptor ; bone metastasis ; breast cancer ; medroxyprogesterone acetate ; parathyroid hormone‐related protein ; progesterone receptor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The level of parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) expressed in breast cancer tissue is closely related to the incidence of bone metastasis. We examined the PTHrP mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues by coamplification polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in mole ratio to internal standard β‐actin mRNA. The PTHrP expression was higher in premenopausal patients than in postmenopausal patients (P〈0.05). More pronounced difference by menopause found in estrogen receptor (ER) positive groups (P〈0.001) indicated that the PTHrP expression in breast cancer tissue is hormonally regulated and might be altered by endocrine agents. To clarify the changes of PTHrP expression by endocrine therapy of breast cancer, we measured PTHrP expression in the breast cancer tissue incubated for 24 h with 1 × 10−8 M of estradiol (E2), 1 × 10−6 M of tamoxifen (TAM) and 1 × 10−5 M of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The PTHrP expression was decreased significantly by MPA (P〈0.005), while E2 and TAM did not change the PTHrP expression. Progesterone receptor (PgR) mRNA expression was also examined to confirm that the breast cancer tissue responds to E2 and TAM. The results were well compatible with the better therapeutic effect of MPA reported for the treatment of breast cancer with bone metastases. As a potential candidate for the receptor that mediates the suppressive effect of MPA, androgen receptor (AR) is suggested most probable. Present results also demonstrated that the clinical response of individual tumors is closely associated with the early in vitro changes of gene expression detected in the cancer specimen.
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  • 99
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: breast cancer ; psychological distress ; quality of life ; rehabilitation needs
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background. Although mortality rates from breast cancer are declining, many breast cancer survivors will experience physical and psychological sequelae that affect their everyday lives. Few prospective studies have examined the rehabilitation needs of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and little is known about the predictors of health‐related quality of life (QOL) in this population. Methods. Between 1987 and 1990, 227 women with early stage breast cancer participated in a prospective longitudinal study in which detailed information was collected through interviews, standardized measures of QOL and psychological distress, and clinical evaluation. Comparisons of physical and treatment‐related problems were made according to type of surgical treatment. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the predictors of QOL at one year after surgery. Results. Physical and treatment‐related problems were reported frequently one month after breast cancer surgery, and occurred with equal frequency in women receiving modified radical mastectomy or breast conservation treatment. There were no significant differences in problems reported at one year by type of surgery; however, frequently reported problems include ‘numbness in the chest wall or axilla,’ ‘tightness, pulling or stretching in the arm or axilla,’ ‘less energy or fatigue,’ ‘difficulty in sleeping,’ and ‘hot flashes’. There was no relationship between the type of surgery and mood or QOL. Poorer QOL one year after surgery was significantly associated with greater mood disturbance and body image discomfort one month after surgery, as well as positive lymph node involvement. Although the majority of patients experienced substantial disruptions in the physical and psychosocial dimensions of QOL post‐operatively, most women recovered during the year after surgery, with only a minority (〈10%) significantly worsening during that time. Conclusions. At one year after surgery, most women report high levels of functioning and QOL, with no relationship between the type of surgery and QOL. Women who reported lower levels of QOL at one year after diagnosis had greater mood disturbance and poorer body image one month after surgery, as well as lower income and positive axillary nodes.
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  • 100
    ISSN: 1573-7225
    Keywords: anthropometry ; breast cancer ; breast size ; case-control study ; risk factors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: Breast size has been hypothesized to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer although studies in the main have not supported an association. In a large, population-based case-control study we examined whether breast size might emerge as a significant risk factor among very lean women in whom breast size might be a truer reflection of the volume of gland mass at risk for malignant change. Methods: The data derive from a population-based case- control study of women aged 50 to 79 years conducted in several New England states and Wisconsin. Incident cases of invasive breast cancer (n=2015) were identified through state tumor registries and controls (n=2556) were selected at random within age strata from population lists. Telephone interviews were conducted to obtain information on known and suspected risk factors which included bra dimensions (cup and back size) prior to a first birth, or at the age of 20 for nulliparous women. Results: We observed a significant positive association for cup size which was limited to women who were the most lean as young adults based on chest circumference. Among those reporting a chest size under 34 inches multivariate-adjusted relative risks were 1.34 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.74) for cup size B, and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.04 to 3.01) for cup size C and larger, compared to a cup size smaller than B, and the trend for increasing cup size was statistically significant (P=0.005). There was no relation with breast size among women reporting an average or larger back circumference (34 inches or larger). Conclusion: Breast size before a pregnancy is a positive predictor of postmenopausal breast cancer, but this association is limited to those who were especially lean as young women.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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