Library

Your email was sent successfully. Check your inbox.

An error occurred while sending the email. Please try again.

Proceed reservation?

Export
Filter
  • 2000-2004  (146)
  • 1985-1989  (526)
  • 1920-1924
  • Genetics  (552)
  • apoptosis
  • 1
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Cluster headache ; Familial occurrence ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A Danish genetic study showed increased risk of cluster headache (CH) among relatives of CH patients. We studied the families of 191 CH patients (118 males, 73 females; mean age 45.9 years) attending the Milan Headache Center. Information on 3589 relatives was collected by direct interview of the probands (n = 118) or by mailed questionnaire (n = 73). The diagnostic criteria of the IHS were used. A positive family history was found in 19% (37 of 191) of the families. A total of 32 first-degree (32 of 1036, 3.1%) and 15 second-degree (15 of 2553, 0.6%) relatives were affected. The relative risk of CH was 26.89 (95% CI, 17.57–36.21) in the first-degree relatives and 4.35 (95% CI, 2.13–5.21) in second-degree relatives. This study shows increased familial risk of cluster headache in an Italian population and confirms that cluster headache is, in some families, and inherited disorder.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 2
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    The journal of headache and pain 1 (2000), S. S135 
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Migraine ; Headache ; Genetics ; Serotonin ; Dopamine ; Mitochondria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Migraine carries a significant hereditary determination. Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) has been recently linked to mutations in the CACNA1A gene on chromosome 19. CACNA1A codes for a subunit of a neural calcium channel. Other linkage loci on chromosome 1q21-23 and 1q31 have been reported. Several linkage and association studies have been performed to determine the role of the CACNA1A gene, and of other candidate genes implicated in the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine, in the more common types of migraine. Co-morbidity of migraine with vascular events has been analysed versus genetic prothrombotic factors and mitochondrial DNA, and genes involved in the inflammatory cascade have been explored. Though no definite conclusions have emerged from these studies as yet, molecular genetics of migraine can be expected to unravel the complex aetiologies of these fascinating diseases.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    The journal of headache and pain 1 (2000), S. S147 
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Dopamine ; Migraine ; Genetics ; DRD2
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Molecular genetics offers a novel approach to the understanding and management of migraine since the disorder is known to have a strong genetic component. In recent studies, polymorphisms in the genes for dopamine receptors have been evaluated. Both positive and negative association studies have been reported. In particular, these data suggest that activation of the DRD2 receptor plays a modifying role in the pathophysiology of migraine. As a result, existing data provide a molecular rationale for the documented efficacy of dopamine D2 receptor antagonists in the treatment of migraine. Therefore, at the present time, molecular genetic data provide support for the hypothesis that susceptibility to migraine may be modified, in part, by variations in dopamine DRD2 receptor function.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 4
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    The journal of headache and pain 1 (2000), S. S157 
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Migraine ; Chronic tension type headache ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Pathophysiological studies have dominated migraine research for several years. However, these studies are difficult to interpret because it is difficult to decide whether the observed phenomena are primary or secondary to the migraine attack. For that reason it is important that future migraine research focus on studies that concern migrain etiology. Migraine is a paroxysmal disorder. It is most likely and ion-channel disorder like familial hemiplegic migraine. The present paper focuses on genetic factors in migraine and chronic tension-type headache.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 5
    ISSN: 1437-2320
    Keywords: Key words Von Hippel-Lindau disease ; Hemangioblastoma ; Endolymphatic sac tumor ; Angiogenesis ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations of the VHL tumor suppressor gene. Major progress has been made in the last decade in both clinical and fundamental aspects of VHL. The VHL gene product, pVHL, has major and multiple functions: pVHL regulates not only first angiogenesis but also extracellular matrix formation and the cell cycle. A molecular diagnosis of VHL is now available, leading to a transformation in clinical management of patients and their families. Diagnosis of VHL has to be suspected in patients with a VHL-related tumor without familial history and especially in case of hemangioblastoma or endolymphatic sac tumors. Such patients should be systematically investigated for clinical and molecular evidence of VHL disease. Treatment of symptomatic hemangioblastomas remains mainly neurosurgical, often in emergency, but stereotactic radiosurgery is emerging as an alternative therapeutic procedure. In the future, antiangiogenic drugs could represent a potential medical treatment of CNS hemangioblastomas in view of their highly vascular structure. Lastly, visceral manifestations of VHL disease are also of critical importance and require early detection for effective treatment.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    The journal of headache and pain 1 (2000), S. S153 
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Migraine ; Genetics ; Dopamine ; Hypersensitivity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Migraine is a common chronic disorder with an etiology still mostly unknown. Several neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and the study of their systems is crucial in the understanding of migraine. Dopaminergic receptors are variously represented in human CNS and periphery. The hypothesis that a hypersensitivity of the dopaminergic system may have a role in migraine is based on clinical and genetic data. Genetic data are represented by association studies using dopaminergic genes as candidate genes which show that the D2 receptor gene appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 7
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    The journal of headache and pain 1 (2000), S. S141 
    ISSN: 1129-2377
    Keywords: Key words Migraine ; Genetics ; Human leukocyte antigens ; Heredity ; Susceptibility
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Human leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are encoded by genes located on chromosome 6p21. Genes important in migraine are being recognized in two basic ways: association studies and linkage analysis. One of the strongest associations is with the HLA region. Actually, genome scan studies suggest that multiple genes are involved in both migraine without aura (MWoA) and migraine with aura (MWA). However, both MWoA and MWA are disorders in which multiple factors, including environmental and genetic factors, confer disease susceptibility. Linkage analysis is identifying new candidate genes that will help to explain the etiology of migraine. In this review previous studies regarding genetic susceptibility to migraine are analyzed, particularly those related to the HLA region. I discuss evidence that HLA shared-hyplotypes in MWoA-affected pairs in different than that expected, that HLA-DR2 antigen provides additional basis for the proposed genetic heterogeneity between MWoA and MWA, and lastly that TNFB gene studies seem to play an important role in the susceptibility to MWoA. In the past years, major advances hae been made in understanding the genetic foundation of MWoA and MWA. Our reported genome-scan studies support the concept that MWoA/MWA are coinherited with a particular HLA region. However, the examination of candidate genes (Ca2+ channel, vascular, CNS, etc.) in a large migraine population seems to be the correct direction in which we have to move. More MWoA/MWa gene studies are needed to test this developing hypothesis and to further establish the complete genetic scenario of migraine.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 8
    ISSN: 1364-6753
    Keywords: Key words Parkinson's disease ; Familial Parkinson's disease ; Synuclein ; Parkin ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: ABSTRACT¶Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with clinical features resulting from deficiency of dopamine in the nigrostriatal system. Most PD cases are sporadic and the primary cause of the disease is still unknown. Recently, familial PD and parkinsonism have received much attention because these forms of the disease might provide clues to the genetic risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic PD. To date, two causative genes, α-synuclein and the parkin gene, have been identified. α-Synuclein is involved in the pathogenesis of an autosomal dominant form of PD and constitutes a major component of the Lewy body, which is a pathological hallmark of idiopathic PD. In addition, mutations in the parkin gene have been identified as the cause of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR-JP). AR-JP manifests itself as a highly selective degeneration of the substantia nigra and the locus coeruleus, but without Lewy body formation. In addition to these two genes, four chromosomal loci have been linked to other forms of familial PD. Furthermore, there are a number of other pedigrees of familial PD in which linkage to known genetic loci has been excluded. Molecular cloning of these disease genes and elucidation of the function of their gene products will greatly contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of idiopathic PD.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 9
    ISSN: 1432-1211
    Keywords: Key words Skin ; Genetics ; TNFA ; ¶Inflammation ; PCR-RFLP
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Mechanisms underlying susceptibility to skin irritants are not clearly understood. Cytokines play a key role in inflammation, and functional polymorphisms in cytokine genes may affect responses to irritants. We investigated the relationship between polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α-chain gene and responses to irritants. Volunteers (n=221) tested with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and benzalkonium chloride (BKC) were divided into responders and nonresponders and high and low irritant-threshold groups. DNA was assayed for the TNF-308 polymorphism by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There was a significant increase in the A allele (P=0.030) and AA genotype (P=0.023) in both the SDS low irritant-threshold group and in SDS responders (A allele P=0.022, AA genotype P=0.048). In the BKC low irritant-threshold group, we found a significant increase in the A allele (P=0.002) and AA genotype (P=0.016). Individuals with a low threshold to both irritants demonstrated a significant increase (P=0.002) in the A allele. This is the first description of a nonatopic genetic marker for irritant susceptibility in normal individuals. Genotyping for theTNF-308 polymorphism may thus contribute to screening of individuals deemed at risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Intensive care medicine 26 (2000), S. S057 
    ISSN: 1432-1238
    Keywords: Key words Critical illness ; Intensive care ; Severity of illness ; Scoring systems ; Genetics ; Susceptibility ; Education
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Risk of critical illness is determined both by genetic and environmental influences, particularly those relating to infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Physiologically-based scoring systems cannot measure prior risk because they do not quantify physiological reserve independently of the acute illness. Genetic profiling could be useful for risk assessment. Early detection of critical illness involves identifying physiological ’triggers' for referral; this requires the education of nursing and medical staff in their significance. Analysis of the relationship between risk factors and interventions may need complex modelling techniques. Therapeutic strategies depend on the nature of the underlying problem: the most useful are likely to be those which enhance tissue oxygen delivery and resistance to infection.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 11
    ISSN: 1432-198X
    Keywords: Key words Glomerulocystic kidney disease ; Oligohydramnion ; Renal failure-neonate ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Two newborns with glomerulocystic kidney disease manifesting as late onset oligohydramnion and neonatal anuria, yet without severe respiratory distress, are presented. They had a similar perinatal course and associated clinical manifestations. No associated congenital or inherited malformation syndrome could be defined. Both infants’ parents were first degree cousins and belonged to the same small Bedouin tribe, and neither they nor the infants’ siblings had polycystic kidneys or renal insufficiency, pointing to either a possible genetic etiology or a common external toxic exposure.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 12
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    European journal of pediatrics 159 (2000), S. S183 
    ISSN: 1432-1076
    Keywords: Key words Database ; Genetics ; Information services ; Internet ; Mutation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Thanks to the World Wide Web, most results of research in genetics are made available in public databases. At the present time there are resources on genetic diseases, genes and their location, mutations of already cloned genes and on laboratories performing the mutation analysis. The main resources on phenotypes are On-line Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pedbase, GeneClinics, London Dysmorphology Database (LDDB) and Orphanet. The main resources on human genes are, in addition to OMIM, the Genome Database, Genatlas and Genecard. There are also two major sequence databases. All of them can be queried using the OMIM number of the disease. Central databases of mutations, as well as locus specific databases have been created. Their list is maintained at the Human Genome Organisation mutation database initiative website. Several initiative have been taken to integrate all these data and help the clinician to find out quickly what he/she needs. The website of the National Center for Biotechnology Information is the best example of such an effort with sections on diseases, a genome guide, and locus links. Several databases of genetic testing resources have been established. GeneTests is an on-line genetics resource that contains a directory of North American laboratories providing testing for heritable disorders. Orphanet is a similar database on French services which is in the process of becoming a European database. Conclusion Even if clinicians do not have as many services at their disposal as the molecular geneticists, various useful databases already exist and should no longer be ignored in practice.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 13
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    European journal of pediatrics 159 (2000), S. S208 
    ISSN: 1432-1076
    Keywords: Key words Cardiovascular disease ; Cystathionine β-synthase ; Genetics ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ; Mild hyperhomocysteinaemia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Over the last decade mild hyperhomocysteinaemia has widely been recognised as a new risk factor for arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. Main regulating enzymes of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism are cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), methionine synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Early studies on patients with vascular disease described elevated Hcy concentrations after methionine loading and decreased CBS activity, resembling heterozygotes for CBS deficiency. Therefore, heterozygosity for CBS deficiency was proposed as the main cause of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia. However, more recent enzymatic and molecular genetic studies have demonstrated that heterozygosity for CBS deficiency is not or only a very minor cause of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia in vascular disease. We discovered two common genetic causes of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia, the 677C 〉 T and the 1298A 〉 C mutations in the coding region of MTHFR. The 677C 〉 T mutation causes reduced enzyme activity with thermolabile protein properties, elevated Hcy and low-normal or decreased plasma folate levels. The 1298A 〉 C mutation relates also to decreased enzyme activity, but not to thermolabile protein, and Hcy and folate levels are not influenced. However, compound heterozygosity for these two mutations, i.e. individuals with the 677CT/1298AC genotype, have elevated Hcy and decreased plasma folate levels. Gene-enviroment interactions between 677C 〉 T and folate is demonstrated in individuals with the 677TT genotype. Those with low-normal folate have elevated Hcy, whereas those with high-normal folate have normal Hcy concentrations. The elevated Hcy levels due to these mutations can be normalised by administration of folate, but whether folate reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease remains to be established. Conclusion Heterozygosity for cystathionine β-synthase deficiency is a minor cause of hyperhomocysteinaemia. The current data on mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene do not tell us whether elevated plasma homocysteine plays a causal role in vascular disease. Low cellular vitamin status may be a possible cause and homocysteine may just be a marker for this situation.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 14
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    European journal of pediatrics 159 (2000), S. S35 
    ISSN: 1432-1076
    Keywords: Key words Obesity ; Genetics ; Child ; Nutrient balance ; Energy balance ; Environment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The epidemic diffusion of obesity in industrialised countries has promoted research on the aetiopathogenesis of this disorder. The purpose of this review is to focus mainly on the contribution that European research has made to this field. Available evidence suggests that obesity results from multiple interactions between genes and environment. Parents obesity is the most important risk factor for childhood obesity. Twin, adoption, and family studies indicated that inheritance is able to account for 25% to 40% of inter-individual difference in adiposity. Single gene defects leading to obesity have been discovered in animals and, in some cases, confirmed in humans as congenital leptin deficiency or congenital leptin receptor deficiency. However, in most cases, genes involved in weight gain do not directly cause obesity but they increase the susceptibility to fat gain in subjects exposed to a specific environment. Both genetic and environmental factors promote a positive energy balance which cause obesity. The relative inefficiency of self-adapting energy intake to energy requirements is responsible for fat gain in predisposed individuals. The role of the environment in the development of obesity is suggested by the rapid increase of the prevalence of obesity accompanying the rapid changes in the lifestyle of the population in the second half of this century. Early experiences with food, feeding practices and family food choices affect children's nutritional habits. In particular, the parents are responsible for food availability and accessibility in the home and they affect food preferences of their children. Diet composition, in particular fat intake, influences the development of obesity. The high energy density and palatability of fatty foods as well as their less satiating properties promotes food consumption. TV viewing, an inactivity and food intake promoter, was identified as a relevant risk factor for obesity in children. Sedentarity, i.e. a low physical activity level, is accompanied by a low fat oxidation rate in muscle and a low fat oxidation rate is a risk factor of fat gain or fat re-gain after weight loss. Conclusion Further research is needed to identify new risk factors of childhood obesity, both in the genetic and environmental areas, which may help to develop more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 15
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ; Genetics ; Presenilin-1 intron 8 polymorphism ; Apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that apoptosis is involved in the abnormal neural death that occurs in this devastating disease. Presenilin-1, a transmembrane protein, seems to be implicated in apoptosis. To determine whether presenilin-1 intron 8 polymorphism has an influence in the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we examined this polymorphism genotypes in a large group of patients (n=72) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in a random sample of 213 healthy individuals. The results showed a significant difference in genotype (P 〈 0.04) and allele (P 〈 0.03) distribution between patients and controls. These results suggest a possible intervention of presenilin-1 in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 16
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neurology 247 (2000), S. 81-87 
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Dementia ; Vascular ¶dementia ; Alzheimer’s disease ; Risk factors, stroke ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This review describes differing profiles of vascular risk factors in different types of dementia. Although vascular risk factors are related to various types of strokes, their independent effect on the occurrence of poststroke dementia appears to be small. Various risk factors have been identified for microangiopathy-related cerebral abnormalities, such as white matter changes and lacunae, which are the core lesions for the development of a vascular dementia syndrome without stroke symptoms. Most consistently, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus have been found to be associated with such brain abnormalities. Diastolic blood pressure seems to be of particular importance as recent investigations demonstrate that this factor is related to the course of multiple lacunar strokes and the progression of white matter disease. Epidemiological studies report that various vascular risk factors including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation may also be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. There is also evidence of a direct relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and general atherosclerosis. Further investigations are needed to determine whether these associations are due to the weakness of diagnostic criteria, or whether vascular risk factors indeed modulate the clinical expression of primary degenerative dementia. Common susceptibility genes leading to shared risk factors may be one of the reasons for a higher coincidence of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia than can be expected by chance. A modulatory effect of vascular risk factors in the development of primary degenerative dementia may extend treatment options.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 17
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Parkinson’s disease ; Monoamine oxidase B ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) metabolises dopamine and activates neurotoxins known to induce parkinsonism in humans and primates. Therefore the MAOB gene (MAOB; Xp15.21–4) is a candidate gene for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Longer length dinucleotide repeat sequences in a highly polymorphic GT repeat region of intron 2 of this gene showed an association with PD in an Australian cohort. We repeated this allele-association study in a population of 176 Chinese PD patients ¶(90 men, 86 women) and 203 age-matched controls (99 men, 104 women). Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood and the polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the appropriate regions of the MAOB gene. The length of each (GT) repeat sequence was determined by 5% polyacrylamide denaturing gel electrophoresis. There was no significant difference in allele frequencies of the (GT) repeat allelic variation between patients and controls (χ2 = 2.48; df = 5, P 〈 0.75). Therefore the longer length GT repeat alleles are not associated with PD in this Chinese population. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between Chinese and Australian populations include a different interaction between this genetic factor and environmental factors in the two populations and the possibility that the long length GT repeat alleles may represent a marker mutation, genetically linked to another susceptibility allele in whites but not in Chinese. Methodological differences in the ascertainment of cases and controls in this cohort could also explain the observed differences. Further study is required to determine whether the longer length GT repeat alleles are true susceptibility alleles in PD.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 18
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Progressive ¶supranuclear palsy ; Genetics ; Clinical characteristics ; Parkinsonism
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Genetic studies have detected an association between the presence of the τ gene A0 allele and patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This study examined whether patients with this polymorphism exhibit distinct demographic or clinical characteristics. We studied 26 patients who fulfilled clinical criteria for the diagnosis of PSP, 20 who had the A0/A0 genotype and 6 who had other genotypes. A questionnaire on demographic data, past medical history, familial history, and initial symptoms was completed as part of the consultation. A complete neurological examination was performed and PSP symptoms were quantified following Golbe’s PSP disability scale. We found a significant difference in the age at onset of PSP symptoms, which was 65.9 ± 5.3 years in the A0/A0 group and 71.2 ± 5.6 in the non-A0/A0 group (P = 0.016). There were no significant differences in the years from disease onset between the two groups. Symptom severity did not differ significantly in patients with the different A0/A0 genotypes. The detection of significantly lower age at onset with the A0/A0 alleles is consistent with the known association of this genotype as a risk factor for PSP. No significant differences were detected in symptom severity between the two groups of patients.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 19
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Multiple sclerosis ; Siblings ; Genetics ; Oligoclonal bands ; Measles
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We found that 19% (9/47) of healthy siblings of patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis had an intrathecal immunological reaction with two or more 2 CSF-enriched oligoclonal bands (OCBs), in contrast to (4%) (2/50) unrelated healthy controls. Furthermore, in this group of nine healthy sibs the measles CSF IgG antibody titers were higher than that of the other sibs and that of controls. There were also differences in the serum titers for measles IgG antibody, which were higher in the group of all healthy sibs than in healthy volunteers, and (as with CSF titers) higher in the subgroup of healthy sibs with two or more 2 CSF-enriched OCBs than the other sibs. Thus a significant proportion of healthy siblings to MS patients have a partially hyperimmune condition similar to that occurring in MS, which in 19% manifested itself as an OCB reaction, in 9% as increased CSF measles IgG antibody titers, and in 21% as increased serum measles IgG antibody titers, these phenomena tending to occur in the same individuals. This condition is characterized by CSF-enriched OCBs with undefined specificity, although some increased antiviral reactivity is found both in the serum and CSF. While it needs further characterization, a genetic trait interacting with common infections is suggested. The recurrence risk of this condition is approximately five times higher than the 3–4% recurrence risk for manifest MS reported for sibs.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 20
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Child's nervous system 16 (2000), S. 809-820 
    ISSN: 1433-0350
    Keywords: Keywords Pediatric neurosurgery ; Molecular biology ; Genetics ; Novel therapeutics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  The new millennium beckons for novel advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric neurosurgical conditions. Almost every aspect of pediatric neurosurgery has changed over the last decade. Undoubtedly with the application of knowledge in molecular biology to human disease many aspects of neurosurgery, especially neuro-oncology and the field of neuro-developmental anomalies, will change appreciably over the next decade. Overall, the trend in surgery in general and neurosurgery in particular is toward less invasive procedures and possibly non-surgical interventions. This review will briefly cover many of the important areas of pediatric neurosurgery. We will describe the state-of-the-art of our subspecialty and discuss possible future directions.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 21
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Theoretical and applied genetics 101 (2000), S. 234-240 
    ISSN: 1432-2242
    Keywords: Key words Cherry ; Genetics ; Compatibility ; Incompatibility ; Isoelectric focusing ; Prunus avium ; Ribonuclease
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The (in)compatibility genotypes of two self-compatible sweet cherry selections, JI 2420 and JI 2434, originating from the John Innes Institute were re-examined. The selections and seedlings derived from them were analysed for stylar ribonucleases, which are known to correlate with S alleles, and the outcome of test crosses was recorded. JI 2420, which had been reported previously as S 3 S 4 ", where " indicates loss of pollen activity, was deduced to have the genotype S 4 S 4 ’. For JI 2434, which had been reported previously as S 3 S 4 0 , S 3 S 3 0 or S 3 S 3 ", where 0 indicates loss of pollen and stylar activity, two different clones were identified. One, at East Malling, was deduced to be S 3 "S 4 ; the other, at Ahrensburg, appeared to be S 3 S 3 " or S 3 S 3 0 .
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 22
    ISSN: 1432-2242
    Keywords: Key words Avicennia marina ; Microsatellite ; Mangrove ; Genetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  An enriched microsatellite library of the mangrove species Avicennia marina was constructed, in which 85.8% of the clones contained microsatellite sequences. Of the microsatellite repeat sequences isolated, 55.0% were di-nucleotides, 34.2% were tri-nucleotides, 50.0% were perfect, 24.2% were imperfect, and 15.0% were compound. Four different di-nucleotide repeats were isolated with repeat lengths ranging from 5 to 33; ten different tri-nucleotide repeats were isolated with repeat lengths ranging from 3 to 25. The most common di-nucleotide was the AC/TG repeat; the most common tri-nucleotide was the CCG/GGC repeat. Sixteen microsatellite sequences were selected for primer design, and 6 primers were selected to investigate the polymorphism detected among 15 individuals of A. marina from three natural populations in Australia. A total of 40 alleles were detected at 6 microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per microsatellite locus ranged from 5 to 13. On average, 7 alleles were detected per locus. All microsatellite loci showed high levels of gene diversity (heterozygosity), with values ranging from 0.53 to 0.88; the mean value of gene diversity was 0.70. Microsatellite loci were also tested for conservation across Avicennia species. There was a decline in amplification success with increasing divergence between Avicennia species. The results indicate that microsatellites are abundant in the Avicennia genome and can be valuable genetic markers for assessing the effects of deforestation and forest fragmentation in mangrove communities, which is an important issue for mangrove conservation and afforestation schemes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 23
    ISSN: 1433-8491
    Keywords: Key words Pharmacogenetics ; Genetics ; Risk factor ; Choreoathetotic movements
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the search for genetic factors contributing to tardive dyskinesia, dopamine receptor genes are considered major candidates. The dopamine D3 receptor is of primary interest as dopamine D3 receptor knock-out mice show locomotor hyperactivation resembling extrapyramidal side-effects of neuroleptic treatment. Furthermore, Steen and colleagues (1997) recently reported an association between tardive dyskinesia and a dopamine D3 receptor gene variant. In the present study we tried to replicate this finding. We investigated 157 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving long-term neuroleptic medication who never or persistently displayed tardive dyskinesia. As advanced age is a main risk factor for tardive dyskinesia, we also compared older patients with a long duration of schizophrenia not displaying tardive dyskinesia to younger patients with a shorter duration of the illness displaying tardive dyskinesia. However, we found no evidence that the dopamine D3 receptor gene is likely to confer susceptibility to the development of tardive dyskinesia.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 24
    ISSN: 1433-8491
    Keywords: Key words Dopamine receptor D4 ; Genetics ; Personality inventory ; Polymorphism ; Excitement-Seeking
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract An association between long alleles of a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the dopamine receptor D4 gene and the extraversion related personality traits Excitement and Novelty Seeking has been reported in healthy subjects. In an attempt to replicate the previous findings, 256 healthy Caucasian volunteers were analysed for a potential relationship between the dopamine receptor D4 exon III VNTR polymorphism and Extraversion as assessed by the Revised Neo Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). The present study did not yield evidence for an association between Extraversion and the dopamine receptor D4 polymorphism.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 25
    ISSN: 1432-2013
    Keywords: Key words vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) ; apoptosis ; human articular chondrocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Chondrocytes present in articular cartilage survive as a resident cell population throughout the lifespan of the individual organism. However, articular chondrocytes as other cells also undergo apoptosis and there is an ever increasing list of diverse stimuli that can induce this phenomenon in vitro. Our main interest was to investigate potential cytotoxic effects of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) on human articular chondrocytes. The present study suggests that vitamin C can induce apoptosis in a cell culture of chondrocytes after 18 h of cultivation. Apoptosis-inducing activity of L-ascorbic acid is dose dependent and significantly affected by the presence of serum. The increased number of vitamin C induced apoptotic cells was associated with DNA fragmentation and morphological changes of the cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 26
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Multiple sclerosis ; Genetics ; ICAM-1 gene
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract An increased amount of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 molecule has been found in the blood of actively relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but is unclear whether this enhanced expression is partially causative of the MS process, or whether it is merely an epiphenomenon of the inflammatory-immunological reaction. Using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), we studied exon 4 and exon 6 polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene from 157 families with both parents, one affected and one healthy sib coming from Sardinia, an Italian island having a high incidence and prevalence of MS. TDT did not show variation in the expected 50:50 frequency in transmission in either healthy or affected sibs, using phenotypic or genotypic analysis. Moreover, independence from the predisposing HLA-DRB1-DQA1-DQB1 haplotype was confirmed by TDT analysis performed on the patients stratified according to the presence or absence of the HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 Sardinian predisposing haplotypes. Our data suggest that the increased expression of the ICAM-1 molecule observed in both blood and periplaque microvessels may be considered a consequence of the inflammatory process rather than the result of a genetic variation.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 27
    ISSN: 1569-8041
    Keywords: 5-fluorouracil ; antifolates ; apoptosis ; DNA repair ; p53 ; thymidylate synthase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Thymidylate synthase (TS) is an essential enzyme for the de novo synthesis of thymidylate and subsequently DNA synthesis. TS has been usedas a target for cancer chemotherapy in the development of fluoropyrimidinessuch as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine and of novelfolate-based TS inhibitors such as ZD1694 (Tomudex, Raltitrexed), ZD9331,LY231514 (ALIMTA, Pemetrexed), AG337 (Thymitaq, Nolatrexed) and AG331.Although TS has been considered as a target for chemotherapy, the precisemechanism by which TS inhibition leads to cell death is still not completelyresolved. TS inhibition results in depletion of dTTP, an essential precursorfor DNA, and an increase in dUTP. This results in the so-called thymine-lessdeath due to misincorporation of dUTP into DNA; its excision, catalysed byuracil-DNA glycosylase, results in DNA damage. Both this imbalance indTTP/dUTP and DNA damage can result in induction of downstream events, leadingto apoptosis. On the other hand a specific interaction exists betweenoncogenes and TS, by binding of TS protein to the p53and c-mycRNA, while wt p53can also inhibit TS promotor activity. TSinhibition by either 5-FU or antifolates can also result in a depression ofTS protein mediated inhibition of TS mRNA translation leading to induction ofmore TS protein synthesis, and p53protein may further deregulatethis process. These complex indirect and direct interactions between oncogenesand TS may have as yet unclear clinical implications, since most data arebased on in vitroor in vivo studies and some results arecontradictive. In some preliminary clinical studies evidence was postulatedfor a combined prognostic role for TS and p53.This knowledge shouldbe used to design clinical studies with the aim to deliver effective treatmentto potentially sensitive patients both in the adjuvant setting and in advancedstage disease.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 28
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: endosulfan ; cytotoxicity ; mitochondria ; apoptosis ; Jurkat cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Several organochlorinated pesticides including DDT, PCBs and dieldrin have been reported to cause immune suppression and increase susceptibility to infection in animals. Often this manifestation is accompanied by atrophy of major lymphoid organs. It has been suggested that increased apoptotic cell death leading to altered T-B cell ratios, and loss of regulatory cells in critical numbers leads to perturbations in immune function. The major objective of our study was to define the mechanism by which endosulfan, an organochlorinated pesticide, induces human T-cell death using Jurkat, a human T-cell leukemic cell line, as an in vitro model. We exposed Jurkat cells to varying concentrations of endosulfan for 0-48 h and analyzed biochemical and molecular features characteristic of T-cell apoptosis. Endosulfan lowered cell viability and inhibited cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DAPI staining was used to enumerate apoptotic cells and we observed that endosulfan at 10-200 μM induced a significant percentage of cells to undergo apoptotic cell death. At 48 h, more than 90% cells were apoptotic with 50 μM of endosulfan. We confirmed these observations using both DNA fragmentation and annexin-V binding assays. It is now widely being accepted that mitochondria undergo major changes early during the apoptotic process. We examined mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) in endosulfan treated cells to understand the role of the mitochondria in T-cell apoptosis. Within 30 min of chemical exposure, a significant percentage of cells exhibited a decreased incorporation of DiOC6(3), a cationic lipophilic dye into mitochondria indicating the disruption of ΔΨm. This drop in ΔΨm was both dose- and time-dependent and correlated well with other parameters of apoptosis. We also examined whether this occurred by the down regulation of bcl-2 protein expression that is likely to increase the susceptibility of Jurkat cells to endosulfan toxicity. Paradoxically, the intracellular expression of bcl-2 protein was elevated in a dose dependent manner suggesting endosulfan-induced apoptosis occurred by a non-bcl-2 pathway. Based on these data, as well as those reported elsewhere, we propose the following sequence of events to account for T-cell apoptosis induced by endosulfan: uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation → excess ROS production → GSH depletion → oxidative stress → disruption of ΔΨm → release of cytochrome C and other apoptosis related proteins to cytosol → apoptosis. This study reports for the first time that endosulfan can induce apoptosis in a human T-cell leukemic cell line which may have direct relevance to loss of T cells and thymocytes in vivo. Furthermore, our data strongly support a role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in endosulfan toxicity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 29
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 204 (2000), S. 83-88 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: FHIT ; cell cycle ; ecdysone ; tumor suppressor ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The mechanism of tumor suppressor action of the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is unknown. Disruption of cell cycle regulation leads to the tumor formation and many tumor suppressor genes suppress tumorigenesis through their effect on cell cycle regulation. We examined the expression of FHIT during the cell cycle, and determined whether overexpression of FHIT affects cell cycle kinetics and apoptosis. The FHIT cDNA was cloned into the ecdysone-inducible expression vector in both the sense and antisense orientations. Overexpression of the sense or antisense construct did not affect cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution or apoptosis in human 293T cells. Analysis of the FHIT expression in 293T cells collected at various cell cycle phases showed that the expression of FHIT is not under cell cycle regulation. These results indicate that the tumor suppressor activity of the FHIT gene may be independent of an effect on the cell cycle and apoptosis mechanisms.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 30
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 212 (2000), S. 19-28 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: melanoma ; transcription factors ; CREB ; invasion ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the role of CREB and its associated proteins in melanoma progression. We used MeWo human melanoma cells transfected with a dominant negative construct of CREB, KCREB. KCREB has a mutation in its DNA-binding domain and can not bind the CRE element. Expression of KCREB yields proper heterodimerization with CREB and its associated proteins, but the proteins associated with KCREB do not confer the same degree of transcriptional activity as they would in the case of wild-type CREB. Here, we demonstrate that expression of KCREB in MeWo melanoma cells leads to a decrease in their tumorigenicity and metastatic potential in nude mice. We identified two mechanisms that explain at least partially this effect of KCREB. The first, is one in which CREB and its associated proteins play an essential role in invasion. We showed that the invasive properties of KCREB-transfected MeWo cells were reduced due to the downregulation of the CRE-dependent expression of the type IV collagenase MMP-2 and the adhesion molecule MCAM/MUC18. In the second mechanism, CREB and its associated proteins act as survival factors for human melanoma cells. Here we demonstrated that expression of KCREB in MeWo cells rendered them susceptible to apoptosis induced by thapsigargin, which in turn increased the intracellular level of Ca2+. Thapsigargin induced CREB and ATF-1 phosphorylation and activated CRE-dependent transcription in MeWo cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that CREB and its associated proteins play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis of human melanoma.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 31
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: T-type Ca2+ channel ; polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor ; CAG trinucleotide repeats ; spinobulbar muscular atrophy ; apoptosis ; motorneuron ; cell lines ; neuroblastoma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have analyzed Ca2+ currents in two neuroblastoma-motor neuron hybrid cell lines that expressed normal or glutamine-expanded human androgen receptors (polyGln-expanded AR) either transiently or stably. The cell lines express a unique, low-threshold, transient type of Ca2+ current that is not affected by L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (PN 200-110), N-type Ca2+ channel blocker (ω-conotoxin GVIA) or P-type Ca2+ channel blocker (Agatoxin IVA) but is blocked by either Cd2+ or Ni2+. This pharmacological profile most closely resembles that of T-type Ca2+ channels [1-3]. Exposure to androgen had no effect on control cell lines or cells transfected with normal AR but significantly changed the steady-state activation in cells transfected with expanded AR. The observed negative shift in steady-state activation results in a large increase in the T-type Ca2+ channel window current. We suggest that Ca2+ overload due to abnormal voltage-dependence of transient Ca2+ channel activation may contribute to motor neuron toxicity in spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). This hypothesis is supported by the additional finding that, at concentrations that selectively block T-type Ca2+ channel currents, Ni2+ significantly reduced cell death in cell lines transfected with polyGln-expanded AR.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 32
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: retinoic acid ; RARβ ; protein kinase A ; apoptosis ; caspase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Both cAMP and retinoids play a role in cell differentiation and the control of cell growth. A site-selective cAMP analog, 8-Cl-cAMP and retinoic acid synergistically inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in certain cancer cells. In advanced or recurrent malignant diseases, retinoic acid (RA) is not effective even at doses that are toxic to the host. The objective of our present study was to examine the mechanism(s) of synergistic effects of retinoic acid (9-cis, 13-cis or all-trans RA) and 8-Cl-cAMP on apoptosis in human ovarian cancer NIH: OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-8 cells. RA induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-8 cells. 8-Cl-cAMP acted synergistically with RA in inducing and activating retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ) which correlates with growth inhibition and apoptosis in both cell types. In addition, induction of apoptosis by RA plus 8-Cl-cAMP requires caspase-3 activation followed by cleavage of anti-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, mutations in CRE-related motif within the RARβ promoter resulted in loss of both transcriptional activation of RARβ and synergy between RA and 8-Cl-cAMP. RARβ expression appears to be associated with induction of apoptosis. Introduction of the RARβ gene into OVCAR-3 cells resulted in gain of RA sensitivity. Loss of RARβ expression, therefore, may contribute to the tumorigenicity of human ovarian cancer cells. Thus, combined treatment with RA and 8-Cl-cAMP may provide an effective means for inducing RARβ expression leading to apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 33
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 203 (2000), S. 59-71 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: PTEN tumor suppressor ; cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors ; apoptosis ; chemosensitivity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The recently discovered tumor suppressor gene PTEN has been found mutated in many types of advanced tumors. When introduced into tumor cells that lack the wild-type allele of the gene, PTEN was able to suppress the growth of these cells. Here, we have analyzed how PTEN might alter cell cycle-regulatory controls to achieve this growth-inhibitory effect. We found that overexpression of PTEN stimulates the synthesis of three inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, p21WAF1, p27KIP1, and p57,KIP2. This effect is very specific, as the expression of other components of the cell cycle engine, various cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, is not affected. For p21WAF1 we show that this induction is due to the p53-independent transcriptional activation of its promoter. In addition, increased expression of PTEN rendered the cells more sensitive to apoptotic cell death. Therefore, our data suggest a two-fold mechanism of growth inhibition by PTEN: one that acts via the increased expression of CKIs such as p21WAF1, and another that augments the cellular propensity for apoptotic cell death.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 34
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: tumour necrosis factor ; receptors ; subtypes ; calcium ; apoptosis ; cancer
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF) receptors mediate a variety of effects dependent on cell type. A role for Ca2+ in TNF-induced death remains uncertain. Here we investigated restricting intracellular/extracellular Ca2+ in HeLa epithelial carcinoma cells expressing low and high levels of p75TNFR receptor subtype and KYM-1 rhabdomyosarcoma cells, models of rapid TNF-induced apoptosis. Ca2+-chelators EGTA and BAPTA-AM as well as microsomal Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, did not alter TNF-induced death. TNF was also unable to alter resting [Ca2+]i levels which remained 〈 200 nM even during times when these cells were undergoing apoptotic cell death. These findings indicate no role for modulated Ca2+ concentrations in TNF-induced apoptotic cell death.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 35
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of clinical immunology 20 (2000), S. 229-239 
    ISSN: 1573-2592
    Keywords: Aging ; apoptosis ; TNF receptor ; Fas ; Fas ligand ; mitochondria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The cellular and molecular basis of immune senescence is unclear. A number of mechanisms have been proposed. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Immunology, some of the mechanisms for various immunologic abnormalities in aging are presented. In this article, various molecular steps of both death receptor and mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis in general are reviewed. In particular, the role of apoptosis in T-cell immune senescence is discussed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 36
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: etoposide ; Bcl-XL ; Bax ; apoptosis ; K562 cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Etoposide is a potent anticancer agent that is used to treat various tumors. We have investigated the dose-dependent effect of etoposide on apoptosis using chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells treated with low (5 μM) or high (100 μM) concentrations of the drug. At a low concentration, etoposide induced little apoptosis at 24 h, while about 20% of the cells showed apoptosis morphologically at a high concentration. Processing of caspase-3 was slightly detected from 12 h and became obvious at 24 h with 100 μM etoposide. Caspase-3-like protease activity was detected at 24 h with a high concentration. Moreover, these changes were accompanied by cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). Changes of the mRNA levels of most apoptosis-regulating genes were not prominent at both concentrations, except for the rapid induction of c-IAP-2/HIAP-1 and the down-regulation of Bcl-XL by 100 μM etoposide. The downregulation of Bcl-XL protein occurred from 6 h, while Bax protein conversely showed a slight increase from 6 h. Taken together, the present findings show that the dose-dependent apoptotic effect of etoposide is based on a change in the balance between Bcl-XL and Bax, which precedes the activation of caspase-3.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 37
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 207 (2000), S. 19-27 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: PKC ; apoptosis ; bile acid ; hepatocyte
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The effect of GCDC-induced apoptosis on PKC activity and PKC's role in GCDC-induced hepatocyte apoptosis is unclear. The specific aims of this study were to determine if GCDC-induced apoptosis changed intracellular PKC activity and if modulation of PKC activity affected GCDC-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Apoptosis was induced in isolated hepatocytes using GCDC. PKC activity was measured and specific PKC and calpain inhibitors were used to study the effects of PKC and calpain modulation on GCDC-induced apoptosis. After 4 h exposure, 50 μM GCDC induced apoptosis in 42% of hepatocytes. Intracellular PKC activity decreased to 44% of controls 2 h after exposure of hepatocytes to GCDC (p 〈 0.001). Pre-incubation of hepatocytes with the calpain protease inhibitor restored PKC activity in GCDC exposed hepatocytes to 91± 5% of control cells. Pre-incubation of hepatocytes with a calpain inhibitor decreased GCDC-induced apoptosis as did pre-incubation with the PKC activating phorbol ester, PMA. The combination of calpain inhibition and PMA further reduced GCDC-induced apoptosis but caused low level hepatic apoptosis. Inhibition of PKC with chelerythrine also substantially reduced GCDC-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. GCDC-induced apoptosis is associated with decreases in total cellular PKC activity, which appear to be dependent on intracellular calpain-like protease activity. The combination of protease inhibition and phorbol ester pretreatment preserved total cellular PKC activity and decreased GCDC-induced apoptosis but induced low level apoptosis in the absence of GCDC exposure. PKC inhibition also decreased GCDC-induced hepatocyte apoptosis highlighting the complex interactions of PKC and proteases during GCDC-induced apoptosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 38
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: phosphatidylserine ; base exchange ; apoptosis ; thymocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The exposure of phosphatidylserine toward the external surface of the membrane is a well-established event of programmed cell death. The possibility that an apoptotic stimulus influences the metabolism of this phospholipid could be relevant not only in relation to the previously mentioned event but also in relation to the capability of membrane phosphatidylserine to influence PKC activity. The present investigation demonstrates that treatment of mouse thymocytes with the apoptotic stimulus dexamethasone, enhances the incorporation of [3H]serine into phosphatidylserine. Cell treatment with dexamethasone also enhanced the activity of serine base exchange enzyme, assayed in thymocyte lysate. Both the effects were observed at periods of treatment preceding DNA fragmentation. The addition of unlabelled ethanolamine, together with [3H]serine to the medium containing dexamethasone-treated thymocytes lowered the radioactivity into phosphatidylserine. Serine base exchange enzyme activity was influenced by the procedure used to prepare thymocyte lysate and was lowered by the addition of fluoroaluminate, that is widely used as a G-protein activator. The increase of serine base exchange enzyme activity induced by dexamethasone treatment was observed independently by the procedure used to prepare cell lysate and by the presence or absence of fluoroaluminate.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 39
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular and cellular biochemistry 212 (2000), S. 35-43 
    ISSN: 1573-4919
    Keywords: cAMP ; CRE ; Cox-2 ; NO ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Previous studies revealed that expression and activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) conveyed a protective principle in murine macrophages, thus attenuating pro-apoptotic actions of chemotherapeutic agents or programmed cell death as a result of massive nitric oxide (NO) generation. Expression of Cox-2 was achieved by treatment of cells with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ or nontoxic doses of NO releasing agents. We reasoned E-type prostanoid formation, and in turn an intracellular cAMP increase as the underlying protective mechanism. To prove our hypothesis, we analyzed the effects of lipophilic cAMP-analogs on NO, cisplatin, or etoposide induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Selected apoptotic parameters comprised DNA fragmentation (diphenylamine assay), annexin V staining of phosphatidylserine, caspase activity (quantitated by the cleavage of a fluorogenic caspase-3-like substrate Ac-DEVD-AMC), and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation (ΔΨ). Western blots detected accumulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53, relocation of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL. Prestimulation with lipophilic cAMP-analogs attenuated apoptosis with the notion that cell death parameters were basically absent. To verify gene induction by cAMP in association with protection we established activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) by gel-shift analysis and moreover, treated macrophages with oligonucleotides containing a cAMP-responsive element (CRE) in order to scavenge CREB. Decoy oligonucleotides, but not control oligonucleotides, attenuated cAMP-evoked protection and reestablished pro-apoptotic parameters. We conclude that gene induction by cAMP protects macrophages towards apoptosis that occurs as a result of excessive NO formation or addition of chemotherapeutica. Attenuating programmed cell death by the cAMP-signaling system may be found in association with Cox-2 expression and tumor formation.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 40
    ISSN: 1573-4978
    Keywords: apoptosis ; CD95 ; human hepatoma cell ; hydrogen peroxide ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in cell death induced by many different stimuli. Direct exposure of human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7221 to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can induce apoptosis characterized by morphological evidence and fragmentation of DNA assayed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay (TUNEL assay). Analysis of flow cytometry indicated that H2O2 can decrease the level of CD95(APO-1/Fas), and it is confirmed that H2O2 can also activate the differential expression of some specific gene such as p53 by means of RT-PCR technique. The results indicated that CD95 signal transduction system may be involved in the H2O2-induced apoptosis, and can regulate some specific genes associated with apoptosis in transcription and translation levels such as p53.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 41
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Theoretical and applied genetics 100 (2000), S. 401-408 
    ISSN: 1432-2242
    Keywords: Key words Complementary genes ; Extreme virus resistance ; Genetics ; Necrotic tubers ; Restricted virus distribution ; Solanum tuberosum
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract  The potato cultivar ’Shepody’ is susceptible to a number of potato viruses including potato virus Y (PVY, potyvirus) but was found to possess extreme resistance to another potyvirus, potato virus A (PVA). ’Shepody’ plants were resistant to PVA infection in manual and graft inoculations. PVA replication was not detected in any of the inoculated plants by ELISA, an infectivity assay and RT-PCR. However, ’Shepody’ plants grafted with shoots containing PVA developed a novel symptomology which resembled a virus infection in appearance and in rate of translocation to the entire plant. Efforts to transmit the symptom-inducing agent manually failed. Graft-inoculation to potato virus indicator plants and PVA-susceptible potato plants showed that the symptom inducer was PVA at an extremely low concentration, detected using RT-PCR followed by Southern blot assay. Tubers from grafted but resistant ’Shepody’ plants had necrotic surfaces and internal spots. PVA was detected from necrotic areas but not from the non-necrotic ones. However, plants resulting from necrotic tubers were free from aerial leaf symptoms observed in grafted plants and produced non-necrotic normal tubers. A trace-back of the parental lineage of ’Shepody’ indicated that the resistance had been introgressed from the cultivar ’Bake King’. Analysis of progeny of a cross of resistant ’Shepody’ to the susceptible ’Goldrus’ indicated that this resistance is controlled by two independent dominant complementary genes in contrast to monogenic resistance reported for other potato viruses.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 42
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Molecular biology 34 (2000), S. 875-887 
    ISSN: 1608-3245
    Keywords: antisense oligonucleotides ; oncogenesis ; therapy of cancer ; apoptosis ; bcl family
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Members of the bcl-2 family genes are thought to be central regulators of apoptosis. Overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, contributes not only to the development of cancer but also to its resistance against a wide variety of anticancer agents. Thus, downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL can potentially be used to improve therapeutic approaches to advanced cancer. The use of antisense biotechnology to downregulate antiapoptotic bcl family members in diverse cancers in vitro and in vivo is reviewed. The effects and potential limitations of antisense strategies are also discussed in the context of a critical view of recent research in the field.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 43
    ISSN: 1618-2545
    Keywords: apoptosis ; caspase-3 ; E2F factor ; Lentinula edodes ; mycelial culture broth
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Extracts fromshiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycelial culture broth, by an organic solvent ethyl acetate, inhibited the proliferation of cultured cells. At lower concentrations (1.25–15 μg/ml), this inhibition, measured by the MTT assay, was dose- and cell line-dependent. Inhibition of tumor cells, such as Caski, SiHa, HeLa, HP-1 and A375, byL. edodes-436 extracts was stronger than inhibition of normal cells (3T3). At 20 μg/ml, the extracts induced changes in cell shape, DNA-fragmentation and the activation of caspase-3. The extracts also inhibited the binding of E2F protein to its promoter. The results suggest that extracts ofL. edodes culture broth contain substances that have the ability to induce apoptosis in the cultured cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 44
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Cytotechnology 34 (2000), S. 131-139 
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: apoptosis ; bcl-xL ; cell growth ; cell viability ; hybridoma ; myeloma
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract While the ectopic expression of the anti-apoptoticprotein Bcl-2 has been shown to significantly increaseboth cell viability and antibody production in batchculture, some cell lines are refractory to thesemanipulations. For example, the NS/O and theP3x63Ag8.653 murine myelomas, which express highendogenous levels of the Bcl-2 homologue Bcl-xL, areboth resistant to the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2.This indicates that, in these cells, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xLmay be functionally redundant. In order to define therole which Bcl-xL plays in hybridoma cultures, we usedthe Sp2/0-Ag14 cell line. This murine hybridomaexpresses low levels of Bcl-xL and is highly sensitiveto apoptosis induction by cycloheximide (CHX) and byamino acid depletion. Bcl-xL-transfected Sp2/0-Ag14cells were more resistant than the wild type and theplasmid-containing cells to apoptosis induced by CHXand by glutamine depletion. Moreover, when compared tothe vector-transfected control, Bcl-xL-Sp2/0 cellsexhibited a substantial increase in viability instationary batch culture. Interestingly, Sp2/0-Ag14cells overexpressing Bcl-xL showed a growth behaviourthat was similar to the parent myeloma cell lineP3x63Ag8.653. Our results suggest that Bcl-xLexpression levels are sufficient to account for therelative robustness of some hybridoma cell lines instationary batch cultures.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 45
    ISSN: 1573-0778
    Keywords: antisense ; apoptosis ; cell cycle ; c-jun ; protein production
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine , Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
    Notes: Abstract Expression of c-jun gene induces apoptosis ofcells cultured in serum-free medium. It also promotescell-cycling in serum-containing medium, leading cellsto die by overgrowth. Previously, we established anapoptosis-suppressible, cell-cycle arrestable cellline, c-jun AS, by transfecting Friend murineerythroleukemia (F-MEL) cells with adexamethasone-inducible antisense c-jun gene.Induction of the antisense c-jun transcriptionwith dexamethasone suppressed c-jun expression.As a result, c-jun AS cells survived inserum-free medium containing dexamethasone for a longtime, while F-MEL cells died quickly in the presenceor absence of dexamethasone. In serum-containingmedium, the growth of c-jun AS cells was viablyblocked by inducing antisense c-juntranscription, and the cells survived at thenon-growth state avoiding overgrowth. In the presentstudy, protein productivity of c-jun AS cellswas examined in comparison with that of wild typeF-MEL cells. C-jun AS and F-MEL cells werefurther transfected with a vector for expressingalkaline phosphatase as a protein to be produced, andnamed c-jun AS-SEAP and F-MEL-SEAP cells,respectively. In the serum-free medium withdexamethasone, c-jun AS-SEAP cells produced theprotein for up to 6 days, while F-MEL-SEAP cellsstopped production on day 3 due to cell death causedby serum deprivation. In the serum-containing mediumwith dexamethasone, c-jun AS-SEAP cells wereviably arrested in the cell cycle, and cell death dueto overgrowth was avoided. As the result, they couldproduce the protein for up to 18 days, whileF-MEL-SEAP cells stopped production within 7 days dueto cell death caused by overgrowth.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 46
    ISSN: 1573-4986
    Keywords: sialidase ; sialyltransferase ; apoptosis ; Jurkat cells ; etoposide
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract The present study investigated the mechanism underlying alterations of cell surface sugar chains of Jurkat cells by inducing apoptosis with etoposide, an inhibitor of topoisomerase II. Within 3[emsp4 ]h of etoposide treatment, flowcytometric analysis revealed a decrease in Maackia amurensis agglutinin recognized α2,3-linked sialic acid moieties and an increase in Ricinus communis agglutinin recognized galactose. The results suggested that asialo-sugar chains on glycoconjugates were rapidly induced on the etoposide-treated cell surface. To clarify the desialylation mechanism, we studied α2,3-sialyltransferase mRNA expression and the activity of sialidase on the cell surface during etoposide-induced apoptosis. The expression of hST3Gal III and hST3Gal IV mRNAs were down-regulated and sialidase activity on the cell surface increased threefold within 2[emsp4 ]h of etoposide treatment. Moreover, the decrease in α2,3-linked sialic acid levels was significantly suppressed in the presence of 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid, an inhibitor of sialidase. These results suggested that activation or exposure of sialidase on the cell surface was induced by etoposide treatment and was the main cause of the decrease in sialic acids.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 47
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; cell cycle ; invasion ; metastasis ; mobility ; melanoma B16-BL6 cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Quercetin has been known to have anti-tumor and anti-oxidation activities. In the present study, we have investigated its in vitro anti-metastatic activity. Quercetin inhibited the invasion and mobility of murine melanoma B16-BL6 cells in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect their adhesion to either laminin, fibronectin, or type VI collagen. Moreover, quercetin significantly inhibited the proliferation of B16-BL6 cells only in the case of time incubation longer than 48 h. Quercetin dose-dependently decreased the cell rates in S and G2–M phases of cell cycle. The effect of quercetin to cause a remarkable apoptosis of B16-BL6 cells was also demonstrated by flow cytometric assay as well as DNA fragmentation with a typical 180-bp ladder band in agarose electrophoresis and a quantitative analysis. Furthermore, quercetin markedly inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 but hardly influenced Bcl-XL. These results suggest that the inhibition of quercetin on invasiveness and migration of B16-BL6 cells are closely associated with the arrest of cell cycle as well as the induction of apoptosis by decreasing the Bcl-2 expression.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 48
    ISSN: 1573-7276
    Keywords: apoptosis ; butyrate ; cell cycle ; cholesteryl butyrate ; drug delivery ; melanoma ; solid lipid nanospheres
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Literature data show that butyric acid derivatives bear a dose-dependent differentiative anti-proliferative activity on cancer cell lines and that apoptosis induction may play a major role. Although it was recently shown that solid lipid nanospheres (SLNs) are a suitable tool for several in vivo drug administration routes, there is little available information on melanoma cell lines. This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-proliferative and apoptotic in vitro effects of cholesteryl butyrate (chol-but) SLNs on melanoma cells. Increasing concentrations of chol-but SLNs were used to test two melanoma cell lines. Both cell lines were treated with Na-butyrate (Na-but) and chol-but SLNs for viability. Those tested with chol-but SLNs were more effective than Na-butirate (3 to 72 h). The apoptotic effects of chol-but SLNs were evaluated between 3 and 72 h by annexin-V (ANX-V)/propidium iodide (PI) staining and the antiproliferative effect by PI staining. Apoptosis anti-proliferative-regulatory proteins as bcl-2, Fas/APO1 (CD95) and PCNA (PC10) were also investigated. Flow cytometric analyses evidenced a G0/1-S transition block and a `sub-G0/1' apoptotic peak from 0.5 to 1.0 mM butyric acid. In ANX-V/PI flow cytometric staining, a dose- and time-dependent increase in the apoptotic cell percentage (ANX-V+) coupled with a down-regulation of PC10 and bcl-2 and a parallel up-regulation of Fas/APO1 (CD95) were found in both lines started after 3 to 24 h of chol-but SLNs treatment. Results show that chol-but SLNs exerts a dose/time-dependent effect in melanoma cell apoptosis induction between 3 and 24 h and a dose but not time-dependent effect after 24 h of treatment.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 49
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; DNA ; glioma ; estramustine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The drug effect of estramustine phosphate (EMP), an anti-microtubule agent on human glioma cells has been studied with the focus being mainly its cytotoxity or its targeting of organelles. However, the pharmacological knowledge of estramustine with respect to its cytotoxity and mechanism is limited. To acquire such knowledge, the present study investigates the ability of EMP to induce apoptosis in a human malignant glioma cell line. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images were examined to monitor periodic changes. Agarose gel electrophoresis was also examined. Cellular DNA fragmentation ELISA was performed to investigate the DNA fragmentation rates and an MTT assay was studied to evaluate the ID50. A TEM study revealed condensing and fragmentation of the chromatin. Laddering of the bands was observed in all EMP exposure groups in agarose gel electrophoresis. DNA fragmentation in all EMP groups began at 0.5 h following an exposure with EMP and increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner as revealed by DNA ELISA fragmentation. ID50 at 24 h was 5.0 µM according to the MTT assay, a value close to 4.8 µM of ID50 was revealed by the DNA fragmentation assay. None of the above mentioned changes was observed in the control group. These results indicated that EMP caused a drug-induced apoptosis in the human malignant glioma cell line, U87MG.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 50
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: selenium ; human glioma cells ; mitochondria ; apoptosis ; fibroblasts ; ultrastructure ; MTT
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We examined the effect of the trace element selenium on human glioma cell lines: T98G, U373MG, and U87MG, in addition to dermal fibroblast cells. Cultures were incubated with sodium selenite, and the following parameters were studied: cell growth, mitochondrial function, and ultrastructure. Cell growth was assayed by counting the number of viable cells after treatment with selenium. Mitochondrial function was analyzed using the MTT (tetrazolium salt reduction) assay. Apoptosis was determined by evaluating nuclear chromatin condensation by electron microscopy. The results indicated that selenium had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of the tumor cells but had little effect upon dermal fibroblasts which had been passaged numerous times. Selenium also induced mitochondrial damage as shown by MTT assay in two brain tumor cell lines and in minimally passaged fibroblasts, but it had little effect upon the high-passage fibroblasts. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria had electron-dense inclusions resulting from selenium treatment. High rates of apoptosis were induced by selenium in the tumor cell lines and in the minimally passaged fibroblasts, whereas the fibroblasts with a high number of passages had some resistance to selenium treatment. This study correlates the adverse effects of selenium on mitochondrial function, inhibition of cell growth, and apoptosis and shows that selenium similarly affects three different brain tumor cell lines and minimally passaged fibroblasts. Further, the results with fibroblasts show that some types of cells after repeated passages can develop resistance to selenium damage.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 51
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neuro-oncology 47 (2000), S. 31-38 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: glioma ; apoptosis ; vitamin K ; reactive oxygen intermediates ; Fas/APO-1 ; flow cytometry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Congeners of vitamin K have been found to inhibit growth in various rodent and human tumor cells, but the mechanisms of the inhibitory action are still not well understood. To investigate the modes of actions of vitamin K, we used several vitamin K analogs and examined their cytotoxic effect for human glioma cell lines RBR17T and U251. The analogs included vitamin K1 (VK1), vitamin K2 (VK2), vitamin K3 (VK3), and geranylgeraniol (GGO) which form an unsaturated side chain of VK2. Cell viability was estimated by MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was demonstrated by gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. In order to study the mechanism of apoptosis, we measured the changes of intracellular reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and Fas/APO-1 expression by flow cytometry. The results showed: (1) VK2, VK3, and GGO inhibited cell growth; (2) VK3 had a more potent cytotoxic effect than VK2, and VK3 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of antitumor agents (ACNU and IFN-beta) in RBR17T cells; (3) VK2, VK3, and GGO induce apoptosis; (4) VK3 increased the expression of Fas/APO-1 although VK2 and GGO did not increase its expression in glioma cells; (5) VK3 increased the production of intracellular ROI. Catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) inhibited production of intracellular ROI and antagonized inhibition of cell-growth induced by VK2, but failed to antagonize that of VK2 and GGO. We hypothesize that VK3 induces apoptosis by promoting the generation of intracellular ROI and Fas/APO-1 expression. On the other hand, VK2 and GGO induce apoptosis but most likely by some other unknown pathway.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 52
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neuro-oncology 47 (2000), S. 153-160 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: tumour ; apoptosis ; incidence ; p53 ; bax ; immunohistochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We sought to determine the relative incidence of meningiomas compared to other central nervous system tumours in an Asian surgical series, as well as the demographic and biological characteristics of these meningiomas. A review of 655 consecutive cases of central nervous system tumours from 583 patients representing the last five years admissions to one hospital in Singapore was undertaken. A total of 33 malignant/atypical tumours from 19 patients and 196 benign meningiomas from 187 patients were identified. Twenty malignant/atypical and 20 benign tumours were selected at random and subjected to histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies directed against p53, bax and 3′-DNA hydroxy groups (TUNEL). Meningiomas comprised some 35.2% of all central nervous system tumours with malignant/atypical meningiomas representing 9.2% of meningiomas. Histochemically, necrosis was the predominant finding. However, peri-necrotic areas displayed p53 positivity in 10% of cases and bax positivity in 25% of cases. Apoptotic cells were detected in the peri-necrotic areas in 90% of benign and 75% of malignant/atypical meningiomas. Meningiomas represent the predominant form of central nervous system tumour in the Singaporean population, and aberration of p53 expression is not associated with tumour formation or progression. There was a slight but non-significant reduction in apoptosis in the progression from benign to malignant meningioma, suggesting that in contrast to many other tumour types disruption of cellular apoptosis is not a predominant driving force in Asian meningioma tumourigenesis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 53
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neuro-oncology 46 (2000), S. 135-144 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cRGDfV ; human gliomas ; integrin αVβ3 ; mouse glioma model
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in adults and is invariably fatal. We have investigated the effect of cyclo-(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val) (cRGDfV) peptide on survival of human malignant glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescent analyses revealed the presence of αVβ3 integrin on U-87MG and U-373MG cells, but minimal expression on U-251MG cells. Treatment of U-87MG and U-373MG cells in vitro with cRGDfV (20 µg/ml), but not the linear peptide, resulted in the appearance of rounded and loosely attached cells with subsequent cell death. By comparison, neither this cyclic peptide nor its linear homolog had any significant effect on growth and morphology of U-251MG cells. The death of cRGDfV-treated (20 µg/ml) glioma cells was blocked by pretreatment (10 µM) of cells with DEVD-FMK and LEHD-FMK, inhibitors of caspase-3 and caspase-9, respectively. Moreover, when glioma cells grown as spheroids were treated with cRGDfV (50 µg/ml), spheroid formation was markedly reduced. Further, treatment of intracranial U-87MG tumors in scid mice with cyclic peptide significantly (p〈0.001) prolonged their survival. These results indicated (i) that cRGDfV induced apoptosis of human glioma cells by binding αVβ3 integrin expressed on their cell surfaces and (ii) that cRGDfV may be an effective and non-toxic direct anti-tumor therapy for αVβ3-expressing GBMs.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 54
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; proliferation ; p53 ; Bcl-2 ; transglutaminase ; immunohistochemistry
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Several protocols for the adjuvant treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are currently being evaluated. In this context, little is known about the influence of radiochemotherapy on apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in vivo. We have analyzed the incidence of apoptosis using in situ nick translation (ISNT) and expression of Ki-67 (MIB-1), p53 (DO-1 and DO-7), Bcl-2 and transglutaminase II (TGase II) by immunohistochemistry in 41 patients with GBM and their matched relapses. Sixteen patients received radiochemotherapy, 18 irradiation and 7 no treatment. Radiochemotherapy resulted in an increase in Bcl-2+ cells (p=0.013). Irradiation caused the reduction of MIB-1+ (p=0.0015), DO-7+ (p=0.0043) and the increase of Bcl-2+ cells (p=0.016). We calculated a positive correlation between high TGase II scores in patients preceding radiochemotherapy (p=0.0186) and no treatment (p=0.0158), low ISNT scores (p=0.0018) and high DO-1 scores (p=0.0233) in patients preceding irradiation and short time to progression. These data show that distinct postsurgical radiochemotherapy protocols differentially alter cellular proliferation and expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in GBM relapses. Furthermore, we show that ISNT, DO-1 and TGase II labeling scores are therapy-specific predictors of time to progression in GBM patients.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 55
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of neuro-oncology 49 (2000), S. 117-129 
    ISSN: 1573-7373
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy resistance ; bcl-2 ; bax ; glioma ; nucleolus
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract To investigate the role of apoptosis suppression in glioma chemotherapy resistance, protein levels and subcellular localization of bcl-2 family members were investigated in 2 pairs of sensitive cell lines and their in vitro generated resistant derivatives. The alkylating agent, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), induced apoptosis in both sensitive cell strains and apoptosis was suppressed in both resistant derivatives. Both resistant cell lines contained altered regulation of a bcl-2 related protein consistent with the suppression of apoptosis. Independent of which bcl-2 family member was dysregulated, resistance was associated with altered regulation in the subcellular localization of bax protein. Following BCNU treatment, bax accumulated in nucleoli and a nuclei containing fraction of sensitive cells but not their resistant derivatives. Nuclear accumulation was an early event in apotosis induction. These data indicates altered subcellular localization of bax may play a role in resistance. In addition, the association between an early, nucleolar localization of bax and the induction of apoptosis suggests that localization of bax to nucleoli may play a role in apoptosis-induction of glioma cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 56
    ISSN: 1573-8469
    Keywords: apoptosis ; bacteria ; chromatin condensation ; DNA degradation analysis ; plant ; programmed cell death
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Ultrastructural details of the hypersensitive reaction induced by infiltration with avirulent race 2 Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria in pepper ‘Early Calwonder-10R’ leaves (incompatible interaction) are reported. Affected cells displayed plasmalemma undulations and disruption, lysis of the chloroplast membrane, degeneration of other organelles, general cytoplasm disorganisation and, often, protoplast shrinkage. The nuclei contained large masses of electron-dense material, apparently formed by chromatin aggregation. In many cases a single chromatin-like layer was deposited on the inner side of the nuclear envelope leaving a finely granular matrix in the centre of the nucleus; the nucleolus usually disappeared. The nuclear envelope was sometimes ruptured and the internal matrix leaked into the cytoplasm. The content of many affected cells eventually coagulated and became very electron-dense. The walls often collapsed. All these alterations were especially visible in spongy mesophyll cells at sites where bacteria occurred in the intercellular spaces. Although some of the nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations recall certain aspects of apoptotic cell death, molecular determinations did not reveal any DNA degradation in hypersensitively reacting tissues. The first cell alterations in leaves infected with the virulent bacterial race 1 (compatible interaction) were observed only 27 h after inoculation, when the cytoplasm of some cells showed limited internal disorganisation and plasmolysis at sites where bacterial colonies developed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 57
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Cancer and metastasis reviews 19 (2000), S. 97-107 
    ISSN: 1573-7233
    Keywords: angiogenesis ; angiostatin ; cancer biology ; cancer therapy ; proteolysis ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The study of angiogenesis, and the promise of angiogenesis inhibition as a means of cancer therapy, has dramatically accelerated in the last several years. The discovery and publication of angiostatin by O'Reilly and colleagues in Judah Folkman's lab in 1994 has greatly contributed to this progress. Angiostatin is a kringle-containing fragment of plasminogen, which is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in-vivo, and selectively inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration in-vitro. There have been a number of proposed proteolytic mechanisms by which plasminogen is cleaved to form angiostatin, and the resulting cleavage products contain different NH2 and COOH termini of the angiostatin. Therefore, it is possible that there are more than one angiostatin isoforms (or angiostatin-related proteins) which occur in one or more normal or pathophysiological situations. It is also possible that some of the proteolytic processes which can convert plasminogen to angiostatin-like proteins are simply laboratory artifacts. Angiostatin-related proteins exert potent endothelial cell inhibitory activity, including the induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of migration, and the intact kringle structures are believed to be necessary for the antiangiogenic activity. Efforts are now underway to translate the understanding of the biology of angiostatin to clinical practice, which includes phase 1 clinical trials with recombinant angiostatin K1–3 (kringles 1–3) as well as phase 1 trials of an Angiostatin Cocktail, which induces the direct in vivo conversion of plasminogen to angiostatin 4.5 (kringles 1–4, plus most of kringle 5). The translation of the basic science of angiostatin and angiostatin-related proteins to clinical trial promises to provide an important new tool in the treatment of cancer by inhibition of angiogenesis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 58
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 203-209 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; lens development ; organelle loss ; denucleation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The lens represents an ideal model system for studying many of the cellular and molecular events of differentiation. It is composed of two ectodermally-derived cell types: the lens epithelial cells and the lens fibre cells, which are derived from the lens epithelial cells by differentiation. Programmed removal of nuclei and other organelles from the lens fibre cells ensures that an optically clear structure is created, while the morphology of the degenerating nuclei is similar to that observed during apoptosis and is accompanied by DNA fragmentation. These observations suggest the existence of biochemical parallels between the process of lens fibre cell organelle loss and classical apoptosis. For example, proteins encoded by the bcl-2 and caspase gene families are expressed in developing lenses and nuclear degeneration in lens fibre cells can be inhibited in vivo by overexpression of bcl-2 and in vitro by incubation of differentiating lens epithelial cell cultures with caspase inhibitors. Thus, the developing lens may represent a particularly useful model system for researchers interested in apoptosis. In this review, the recent literature pertaining to lens fibre cell organelle loss and its relationship to apoptosis is reviewed and possible future research directions are suggested.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 59
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 217-220 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Daxx ; apoptosis ; Fas ; PML ; ND10
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Several reports describing Daxx and its putative role have emerged without a unifying theme. While Daxx has been implicated in apoptosis, it remains unclear whether Daxx is pro- or anti-apoptotic, and whether its role in apoptosis is direct or indirect. Moreover, whether Daxx plays alternative or additional roles in regulating transcription, centromere binding or any number of other activities within the cell, is uncertain. The ability of Daxx to interact with a wide variety of molecules in yeast-interaction trap systems (Table 1) has allowed for this range of speculation. The fact that Daxx contains no significant homology to other known proteins has rendered its study all the more challenging.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 60
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cyclin B1/CDC 2 ; G2/M arrest ; MAD 2 ; paclitaxel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Paclitaxel (Taxol™) is a microtubule-interfering agent that induced persistent and transient G2/M arrest before apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells at high and low concentrations, respectively. In this study, we intended to explore the underlying molecular events and found that cellular cyclin B1/CDC 2 kinase activity was increased and persisted for 〉6 h upon paclitaxel treatment both at high and low concentrations. Furthermore, activation of MAD 2 checkprotein could account for the loss of cyclin B1 ubiquitination and the persistence of cyclin B1/CDC 2 activation in the cases. To investigate the involvement of cyclin B1 and MAD 2 activation in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, we introduced affinity-purified anti-cyclin B1 and MAD 2 antibodies into NPC cells by electroporation before the further paclitaxel treatment. The antibodies against cyclin B1 and MAD 2 indeed attenuated paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation. Our study suggests that activation of cyclin B1/CDC 2 and MAD 2 were the M-phase events required for paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in NPC cells. The dys-regulated cyclin B1/CDC 2 activation could enhance the prometaphase progression, but activation of MAD 2 rendered cells inable to exit from the metaphase. Under this circumstance, cells were probably going to “mitotic catastrophe” and ultimately, destined to apoptosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 61
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 211-215 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: adenovirus ; E4orf4 ; apoptosis ; protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) ; caspases ; cancer ; gene therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Adenovirus E4orf4 protein is a multifunctional viral regulator that induces p53-independent apoptosis in transformed cells, but not in normal cells. E4orf4-induced apoptosis can occur without activation of known caspases, although E4orf4 induces caspase activity in some cell lines. The interaction of E4orf4 with a specific subpopulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) molecules that contain B subunits, but not with those that contain B′ subunits, is required for induction of apoptosis. This review suggests the potential use of E4orf4 in cancer therapy, and discusses whether E4orf4-induced apoptosis plays a role in the viral life cycle. Future research directions are also highlighted.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 62
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Amphibia ; apoptosis ; cancer ; cell cycle
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Spontaneous and induced cancers are rare in non-isogeneic or inbred amphibians. Neoplastic cells become immortalized through loss of a normal capacity to die by apoptosis. Mature lymphocytes of mammals require activation and entry into the cell cycle in order to become susceptible to apoptosis. Whether Xenopus lymphocytes differ from mammalian lymphocytes in this regard is examined. In vitro exposure of PMA, or its analogue, MPMA, to adult splenocytes of Xenopus laevis was used to affect apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis of FITC-Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence (apoptosis) and BrdU uptake (DNA synthesis) were assayed concurrently in the same lymphocyte population over time. Significant increases in apoptotic levels were induced throughout a 72 hour period in PMA-treated cells only. Lymphocytes were also separated by size for analysis. Several sub-populations of lymphocytes were identified, the most interesting of which was small and apoptotic within 4 hours, after PMA exposure. PMA-induced DNA synthesis did not become elevated until after 24 hours. “Direct” apoptosis, i.e. without cell cycle entry, was found only in these small, mature lymphocytes. Since small lymphocytes make up the vast majority of those being analyzed, “direct” apoptosis may be a determining mechanism in the resistance to neoplasia observed in Amphibia. Cells that die more readily are less likely to transform into neoplastic cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 63
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; caspase-3 ; nuclease ; endo-exonuclease
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Single-strand DNase and poly rAase, activities characteristic of endo-exonuclease, were co-activated in nuclear fractions of HL-60 cells by caspase-3. Activation was accompanied by cleavages of large soluble polypeptides (130–185 kDa) and a 65 kDa inactive chromatin-associated polypeptide related to the endo-exonuclease of Neurospora crassa as detected on immunoblots. The major products seen in vitro were a 77 kDa soluble polypeptide and an active chromatin-associated 34 kDa polypeptide. When HL-60 cells were induced to undergo apoptosis by treating with 50 μM etoposide (VP-16) for 4 hours, 77 kDa and 40 kDa polypeptides accumulated in nuclear fractions. Chromatin DNA fragmentation activity was also activated in cytosol and nuclear extract either by pre-treating the cells in vivo with VP-16 or by treating the cytosol in vitro with caspase-3 or dATP and cytochrome c. Endo-exonuclease activated by caspase-3 in cytosol-derived fractions augmented chromatin DNA fragmentation activity in vitro. Endo-exonuclease is proposed to act in vivo in conjunction with the caspase-activated DNase (CAD) to degrade chromatin DNA during apoptosis of HL-60 cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 64
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 307-314 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cancer ; cross-priming ; cross-tolerance ; dendritic cells ; T lymphocytes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Induction of cell death by apoptosis, also called programmed cell death, and clearance of apoptotic bodies by scavenger cells has long thought to be an efficient means to dispose of unwanted cells without causing inflammatory responses able to mediate specific reactions. However, a number of evidences have been accumulated suggesting that apoptotic cell death is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic and organ specific autoimmune diseases. In addition, recognition and engulfement of apoptotic cells by professional antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, and their interaction with effector immune cells have been recently described to result in apoptotic cell-derived antigen specific tolerance. This review will summarise the most recent findings on the immunogenic potential of cells undergoing programmed death.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 65
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Angiogenesis ; angiopoietins ; apoptosis ; integrins ; vascular endothelial growth factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. The balance of endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and apoptosis is a major determinant in tumor angiogenesis. Recently, several studies demonstrated that numerous angiogenic factors not only induce angiogenesis but also function as EC survival factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is also an EC survival factor in embryonic vasculogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. VEGF activates specific intracellular survival pathways in ECs including Bcl-2, A1, IAP, Akt, and Erk. Integrins may function as EC survival factors by preventing anoikis by enhancing binding to the extracellular matrix. In addition, integrins may function in concert with VEGF to promote EC survival. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) has recently been shown to stabilize EC networks by binding to the EC-specific tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2. Pericytes also function as EC survival factors, by cell-cell contact, secretion of survival factors, or both. Targeting any of the above mechanisms for EC survival may provide novel antineoplastic strategies.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 66
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; antimicrotubule agent ; cell cycle ; dolastatin 10 ; TZT-1027
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract TZT-1027, a newly synthesized dolastatin 10 derivative, is a potent antitumor agent which inhibits microtubule polymerization and perturbs microtubule dynamics. In this report, we investigated whether TZT-1027 inhibited the growth of various human cancer cells, and the cell death caused by TZT-1027 was due to apoptosis. In addition, we elucidated the apoptosis machinery induced by treatment with TZT-1027. The 50% growth-inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) of TZT-1027 on cancer cells derived from various sources were not more than 5.9 ng/ml. TZT-1027 showed superior cytotoxicity than any other antitumor agents. Next, we evaluated morphological nuclear change, namely, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. We used three cancer cell lines derived from different types in view of having apoptosis related protein, human leukemia HL-60 (in the presence of both Caspase-3 and Bcl-2), human breast cancer MCF-7 (in the absence of Caspase-3), and human prostate cancer DU145 (in the absence of Bcl-2). TZT-1027 induced DNA fragmentation in the presence but not absence of Caspase-3. Nevertheless, apoptic chromatin condensation was observed in all cancer cells even if there was no Caspase-3. Furthermore, we examined whether TZT-1027, microtubule-disrupting agent, influenced cell cycle progression. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the cells treated with TZT-1027, and with the other antimicrotubule agents, to be arrested at the G2/M phase and subsequently to show fragmented DNA smaller than that of G1 phase cells. Moreover, we tested TZT-1027 for its ability to induce Bcl-2 phosphorylation in human cancer cell lines. TZT-1027 and other agents which interacted with microtubules induced Bcl-2 phosphorylation, whereas DNA-damaging agents did not. The present results suggested an association of the growth-inhibitory effect of TZT-1027 with the induction of apoptosis and indicated that the apoptosis induced by TZT-1027 was followed by G2/M arrest even if there was no Caspase-3 or Bcl-2.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 67
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; chemotherapy resistance ; clonogenicity ; ras
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Mutationally activated Ras is involved in tumor progression and likely also in drug resistance. Using survival, viability and apoptosis assays, we have here compared the cisplatin sensitivities of FR3T3 rat fibroblasts and a 12V-H-ras transformed subline (Ras2:3). Around 24 h after cisplatin treatment Ras2:3 cells showed higher apoptosis levels and lower viability than FR3T3. This increased sensitivity correlated with weaker cisplatin-induced activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In contrast to apoptosis assays, colony formation assays showed that Ras2:3 were more resistant to cisplatin than were FR3T3. This was partly due to the increased cisplatin sensitivity of FR3T3 seeded at low densities, as required in colony formation assays. In addition, Ras2:3 cisplatin survivors had a higher relative proliferative capacity. Cell cycle analyses showed that FR3T3 cells initially responded with a dose-dependent G2 arrest, while Ras2:3 accumulated in S-phase. Experiments with an anti-apoptotic mutant of MEKK1 suggested that the apoptotic response of Ras2:3 cells is not specific to the S-phase fraction. In summary, the cisplatin response of ras-transformed fibroblasts is distinct from that of parental cells, in that they show increased apoptosis, a different cell cycle response and increased post-treatment proliferative capacity. The results illustrate the need to carefully consider methods and protocols for in vitro studies on chemotherapy sensitivity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 68
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 415-418 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; death receptors ; inflammation ; reactive oxygen species (ROS)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondria play an important role in apoptosis induction under both physiologic and pathologic conditions. Interestingly, mitochondria are both source and target of ROS. Cytochrome c release from mitochondria, that triggers caspase activation, appears to be largely mediated by direct or indirect ROS action. On the other hand, ROS have also anti-apoptotic effects. This review focuses on the role of ROS in the regulation of apoptosis, especially in inflammatory cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 69
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 419-424 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; diabetes ; Fas ; organ-specific auto-immunity ; thyroiditis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) is a broadly expressed death receptor involved in a variety of physiological and pathological apoptotic processes. Since its discovery, defects in CD95/CD95L system have been proposed as major pathogenic factors responsible for impaired immunological tolerance to self antigens and autoimmunity. Later, analysis of altered sensitivity to CD95-induced apoptosis in cells targeted by the immune response has revealed an unexpected role for CD95 and CD95L in organ-specific autoimmunity. CD95 has been shown to be expressed and functional in virtually all cell types that are target of the organ-specific autoimmune response. Here we review some of the major findings concerning the role of CD95 in autoimmunity, in dysfunctions due to increased or decreased CD95-induced apoptosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 70
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 443-449 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; autoimmunity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis is a physiological form of cell death required to ensure that the rate of cell division is balanced by the rate of cell death in multicellular organisms. Dysregulation of apoptosis is associated with the pathogenesis of a wide array of diseases: cancer, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity, heart disease and others. In this review we collect arguments supporting a hypothesis of a dysregulated apoptosis leading to development of autoimmunity like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This notion is supported by occurence of known autoantigens in apoptotic blebs, in vitro findings of an increased rate of apoptotic lymphoblasts despite optimal cytokine stimulation combined with a defective in vitro clearance of apoptotic bodies by SLE phagocytes. Moreover, we and others could generate histone-specific lymphocytic cell lines from cells after activation with autologous apoptotic material. These lymphocytes could stimulate autologous B-lymphocytes to produce of anti-dsDNA antibodies, a diagnostic hallmark for SLE. Finally, antibodies against phospholipids like phosphatidylserine are often associated with systemic autoimmunopathies like SLE and others. Phosphatidylserine is exposed on apoptotic cells as early sign of programmed cell death and serves as phagocyte recognition molecule for apoptotic cells. Formation of immune complexes and deposition in tissues might lead to organ damage and disease. This scenario will be discussed in this review in detail.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 71
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 9-16 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Aging ; Alzheimer's disease ; amyloid precursor protein ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; caspase ; presenilin ; transcription factor ; β amyloid.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common human neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognition and memory in association with the presence of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and massive loss of neurons. Most cases of AD are late-onset and sporadic, but in some cases the disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Four different genes, the amyloid precursor protein, apolipoprotein E, and presenilins 1 and 2 have been implicated in the etiology of familial AD. It is now generally accepted that massive neuronal death due to apoptosis is a commmon characteristic in the brains of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, and apoptotic cell death has been found in neurons and glial cells in AD. This review summarizes the current findings regarding the evidence for apoptosis in AD and discusses the possible involvement of apoptosis-regulating factors in the pathology of AD. Modification of the apoptotic cascade could be considered as a primary therapeutic strategy for the disease.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 72
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-tumor drugs ; apoptosis ; cancer ; caspases ; necrosis.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The majority of current anticancer therapies induce tumor cell death through the induction of apoptosis. Alterations in the apoptotic pathways may determine tumor resistance to these therapies. Activation of the proteolytic cascade involving caspase family members is a critical component of the execution of cell death in apoptotic cells. However, recent studies suggest that cell death can proceed in the absence of caspases. In this review we describe the role of caspase-dependent and -independent pathways as targets for anticancer treatment; better understanding of diverse modes of tumor cell death will help to avoid ineffective treatment and provide a molecular basis for the new strategies targeting caspase-independent death pathways in apoptosis-resistant forms of cancer.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 73
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: Anti-Fas antibody ; antisense homology box-derived peptide ; apoptosis ; Fas ligand ; ovarian cancer.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We found that a short synthetic peptide corresponding to the “antisense homology box” of Fas ligand induced apoptotic cell death of Fas-expressing human ovarian cancer cell lines. The peptide was deduced from residues 256–265 of human Fas ligand, based on the hypothesis that it should contain a specific binding site to the corresponding Fas. Interestingly, the ovarian cancer cell line NOS4, which was sensitive to anti-Fas antibody induced apoptosis, was not affected by the peptide, whereas another cell line, SKOV-3, which was insensitive to anti-Fas antibody, was killed by the peptide. Thus, this short peptide was shown to have a unique activity to induce apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells in a manner different from anti-Fas antibody.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 74
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bax ; ceramide ; mitochondria ; pH
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Ceramide can induce apoptosis through a caspase independent pathway. Bax has been described as able to kill cells in the absence of caspase activity, therefore we measured Bax in situ during ceramide-induced apoptosis using anti-Bax antibodies and flow cytometry analysis. An early (〈30 min) increase in Bax labeling was observed after the addition of several ceramide species to several hemopoietic-related cell types. On U937, this increase was not due to antigens synthesis or processing, but rather an increased accessibility or reactivity of Bax antigens for antibodies. This increased immuno-reactivity of Bax was not inhibited by Z-VAD-fmk nor leupeptin, and preceded nuclear fragmentation by several hours. Such an increase in immuno-reactivity was also observed after Fas ligation, but it occurred later (〉2 h) accompanying nuclear apoptosis, and was inhibited by Z-VAD-fmk. Bax immuno-reactivity was found to be related to intracellular pH (pHi), and C2-Ceramide (C2-Cer) induced a very early (〈10 min) transitory increase in pHi. Both Bax immuno-reactivity and pHi increases were dependent on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) status. It was concluded from these results that C2-Cer induced a transitory increase in pHi in relation to the PTP. This rise in pHi led to conformational changes in Bax which could be responsible for further apoptosis in the C2-Cer pathway while it was a consequence of caspase activation in the Fas pathway.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 75
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; macrophages ; Chagas disease ; Trypanosoma cruzi ; T lymphocytes ; vitronectin receptor ; transforming growth factor-beta ; prostaglandins
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 76
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: anesthetics ; apoptosis ; barbiturates ; benzodiazepines ; ethanol ; GABAA receptors ; ketamine ; NMDA receptors ; phencyclidine ; synaptogenesis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract It has been known for three decades that ethanol, the most widely abused drug in the world, has deleterious effects on the developing human brain, but progress has been slow in developing animal models for studying this problem, and the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Recently, we have shown that during the synaptogenesis period, also known as the brain growth spurt period, ethanol has the potential to trigger massive neuronal suicide in the in vivo mammalian brain. The brain growth spurt period in humans spans the last trimester of pregnancy and first several years after birth. The NMDA antagonist and GABAmimetic properties of ethanol may be responsible for its apoptogenic action, in that other drugs with either NMDA antagonist or GABAmimetic actions also trigger apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain. Our findings provide a likely explanation for the reduced brain mass and neurobehavioral disturbances associated with the human fetal alcohol syndrome. Furthermore, since NMDA antagonist and GABAmimetic drugs are sometimes abused by pregnant women and also are used as anticonvulsants, sedatives or anesthetics in pediatric medicine, our findings raise several complex drug safety issues. In addition, the observation that ethanol and several other drugs trigger massive neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain provides an unprecedented opportunity to study both neuropathological aspects and molecular mechanisms of apoptotic neurodegeneration in the in vivo mammalian brain.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 77
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 379-388 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; ATP depletion ; cell acidification and shrinkage ; CpG-specific megabase fragmentations ; DCNP (2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol) ; housekeeping genes ; microarray (genechip) ; zVAD-fmk
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Previous suggestions of CpG-specific apoptotic commitment implied critical epigenetic modulation of house-keeping genes which have canonical CpG islands at 5′ promoter regions. Differential housekeeping gene activity however has not been shown. Using a focussed microarray (genechip) of 22 housekeeping genes we show this in apoptosis induced in human Chang liver cells by DCNP (2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol), a non-genotoxic inhibitor of sulfate detoxification. 3–7 folds downregulation of 9 genes in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and the respiratory electron transport chain suggested gene-directed energy depletion which was correlated with observed ATP depletion. 4 folds downregulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenease gene suggested gene-directed metabolic acidosis which was correlated with observed cell acidification. Other differential housekeeping gene activity, including 4 folds upregulation of microtubular alpha-tubulin gene, and 2 folds upregulation of ubiquitin, also had a bearing on apoptosis. Broadspectrum zVAD-fmk caspase inhibition abolished 200 bp DNA ladder fragmentations but not the CpG-specific megabase fragmentations and other hallmarks of cell destruction, suggesting a caspase-independent cell death. Death appeared committed at gene-level.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 78
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; concanavalin A ; cytochrome c release ; mitochondria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Concanavalin A (ConA), normally a mitogen of T-lymphocytes, was found to be a cell cycle-independent apoptosis-inducing agent in cultured murine macrophage PU5-1.8 cells. This assertion is based on the following observations: (1) ConA increased the number of cells with hypo-diploid DNA in a dose dependent manner as revealed by flow cytometry; (2) ConA elicited DNA fragmentation and the cytotoxicity of ConA was suppressed by α-D-methylmannoside which blocks the lectin site of ConA; (3) ConA was able to release cytochrome c (cyto c) into the cytosol of PU5-1.8 cells. When isolated mitochondria were incubated with ConA, release of cyto c was observed too. Interestingly, clustering of mitochondria was found in the cytosol under a confocal microscope after ConA treatment. When cells were incubated with ConA-FITC and subsequently with mitotracker red (a probe for mitochondria), co-localization of fluorescence signals was observed. These results suggest that ConA was delivered to the mitochondria, induced mitochondrial clustering and released cyto c. Our results also show that introduction of exogenous cyto c electroporationally into ConA-untreated cells elicited DNA fragmentation. On the other hand, introduction of specific antibody against cyto c into PU5-1.8 cells suppressed the ConA-mediated cell death. Taken together, our results indicate that ConA induced apoptosis in PU5-1.8 cells through mitochondrial clustering and release of cyto c and the release of cyto c was sufficient to elicit apoptosis in PU5-1.8 cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 79
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 435-441 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: activation ; apoptosis ; death receptors ; glucocorticosteroids ; mast cells ; survival factors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis is a physiological process of cell death that occurs in all multicellular organisms. Its dysregulation has been postulated as one of the main causes in the development of diseases such as cancer, AIDS, autoimmune diseases and allergy. Apoptosis has been mainly studied in the inflammatory cells that participate in the late and chronic stages of allergy (eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages) as a new way to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. Nevertheless, much less it is known about the regulation of apoptosis in the “initiators” of the allergic process: The Mast Cells. In normal conditions, mast cells are described as long-living cells that keep a constant number of cells in tissues. However, increased numbers of mast cells are observed in the late phase of asthma and in both the inflammatory and in the repair/remodeling stage of various inflammatory/fibrotic disorders. In this report, we discuss the possible mechanisms that regulate the apoptotic process in normal conditions and disease, such as survival factors and death receptors. A link between mast cell activation, during the early stages of the allergic process, and triggering of anti-apoptotic signaling pathways is also suggested as an important contributor to the extended life of mast cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 80
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; asthma ; inflammation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Asthma is a disease characterized by a chronic inflammation of the airways and by structural alterations of bron-chial tissues, often referred to as airway remodelling. The development of chronic airway inflammation in asthma depends upon the continuous recruitment of inflammatory cells from the bloodstream towards the bronchial mucosa and by their subsequent activation. It is however increasingly accepted that mechanisms involved in the regulation of the survival and apoptosis of inflammatory cells may play a central role in the persistent inflammatory process characterizing this disease. Increased cellular recruitment and activation, enhanced cell survival and cell:cell interactions are therefore the key steps in the development of chronic airway inflammation in asthma, and represent the major causes for tissue damge, repair and remodelling.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 81
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 491-507 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; Bcl-2 ; caspases ; death receptors ; DNA damage ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Because of the singular importance of DNA for genetic inheritance, all organisms have evolved mechanisms to recognize and respond to DNA damage. In metazoans, cells can respond to DNA damage either by undergoing cell cycle arrest, to facilitate DNA repair, or by undergoing cell suicide. Cell death can either occur by activation of the apoptotic machinery or simply be a consequence of irreparable damage that prevents further cell division. In germ cells, mechanisms for limiting alterations to the genome are required for faithful propagation of the species whereas in somatic cells, responses to DNA damage prevent the accumulation of mutations that might lead to aberrant cell proliferation or behavior. Several of the genes that regulate cellular responses to DNA damage function as tumor suppressors. The clinical use of DNA damaging agents in the treatment of cancer can activate these tumor suppressors and exploits the cellular suicide and growth arrest mechanisms that they regulate. It appears that in some but not all types of tumors the propensity to undergo apoptosis is a critical determinant of their sensitivity to anti-cancer therapy. This review describes current understanding of the molecular control of DNA damage-induced apoptosis with particular attention to its role in tumor suppression and cancer therapy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 82
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; protection ; protein A ; pro- and anti-apoptotic factor
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The word “Apoptosis” or pragrammed cell death is described as the ultimate end of multiple cellular events converging from numerous initiating events to the ultimate death of a cell or organism. Several processes, such as initiation of death signals at the plasma membrane, expression of pro-apoptotic oncoproteins, activation of death proteases, endonucleases etc., that ultimately coalesce to a common irreversible execution phase, lead to cell demise. Counteracting the death signals are cell survival factors. A balance between the cell death and cell survival factors plays a major role in the decision making process as to whether a cell should die or must live. It is, therefore, hypothesized that if the balance can be shifted in favor of cell survival, one might be able to arrest the aging process, save the injured cells or else if the balance is shifted toward cell-kill it might help destroy tumors and other undesirable cells. Protein A (PA) of Staphylococcus aureus has been found to have multifarious biological response modifying properties. It has been shown to possess anti-tumor, anti-toxic, anti-parasitic and antifungal activities. It also acts as a potent immunostimulator. PA can protect bone marrow progenitor cells from zidovudin(AZT)-induced apoptosis and can stimulate immunocyte proliferation, thereby helping to replenish/restore the depleted hematopoietic cell pool. Such ability to replenish hematopoietic cells is a common property of PA observed against a number of toxic drugs/chemicals, such as cyclophosphamide, benzene, aflatoxin, salmonella endotoxin, etc. Interestingly, it was further demonstrated in our laboratory that PA can selectively kill tumor cells without affecting normal cells of the host. A search for the mechanisms of PA action revealed that this bacterial protein could shift the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in favor of survival in normal cells, but in favor of cell death in tumor cells at a particular dose level. This unique property of PA suggests that controlled use of such type of Biological Response Modifier might help in controlling both cell growth and death phenomena.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 83
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 523-529 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; ATM ; DNA damage ; ionizing radiation ; p53
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Ataxia-telangiectasia is a human syndrome resulting from mutations of the ATM protein kinase that is characterized by radiation sensitivity and neurodegeneration. Although neuroprotective, the molecular details of ATM function in the nervous system are uncertain. However, in the mouse, Atm is essential for ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis in select postmitotic populations of the developing nervous system. Atm-dependent apoptosis in the nervous system also requires p53, consistent with the well-established link of p53 as a major substrate of ATM. Furthermore, the proapoptotic effector Bax is also required for most, but not all, Atm-dependent apoptosis. Therefore, after DNA damage in the developing nervous system, Atm initiates a p53-dependent apoptotic cascade in differentiating neural cells. Together, these data suggest ATM-dependent apoptosis may be important for elimination of neural cells that have accumulated genomic damage during development, thus preventing dysfunction of these cells later in life.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 84
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Apoptosis 5 (2000), S. 265-275 
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; DNA fragmentation ; necrosis ; phosphorylation ; protease inhibitors
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The objective of this study was to establish whether apoptosis in 5123tc rat hepatoma cells required the caspase-3 dependent pathway. Apoptosis was induced by either growth factor deprivation or treatment with a topoisomerase II inhibitor, VM26, in the absence or presence of caspase inhibitors (DEVD-fmk, z-VAD-fmk and BAF). The results indicated that, although these inhibitors at 10 μM concentration completely blocked caspase-3 activity, they had no effect on either the rate of cell death or on any other apoptotic features, e.g., chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, protein cleavage, suggesting that caspase-3 was not required to mediate nuclear destruction in these hepatoma cells. At higher concentrations, up to 100 μM, z-VAD-fmk and BAF, but not DEVD-fmk, did block apoptosis, however, they also caused cell swelling and membrane permeabilization, which are the hallmarks of necrotic cell death. Clearly, high concentrations of these inhibitors must have interfered non-specifically with other metabolic pathways, e.g., z-VAD-fmk at a high concentration blocked protein phosphorylation, and caused cell death by a different mechanism.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 85
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; atherosclerosis ; cell culture ; endothelial function ; mitochondria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective. Cell death is generally classified into two large categories: apoptosis, which represents active, physiological programmed cell death, and necrosis, which represents passive cell death without underlying regulatory mechanisms. Apoptosis plays an important role in tissue homeostasis and its role in endothelium integrity can be influenced by the functional status of endothelial cells. Homocysteine, a sulfated amino-acid product of methionine demethylation, is an independent risk factor for vascular disease (arterial and venous thombosis). Our goal was to investigate the thiol-derivatives effect on the endothelial cell apoptosis. Methods. Three parameters were measured: mitochondrial membrane potential using DiOC6(3) as the probe, DEVDase activation, and phosphatidylserine exposure on the cell surface with fluorosceinated annexin V labeling which allows apoptosis to be distinguished from necrosis. Results. Homocysteine-thiolactone induced endothelial cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner (range: 50–200 μ M), independently of the caspase pathway. Only homocysteine-thiolactone, among the thiol derivatives tested, induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was not influenced by the serum concentration in culture medium, suggesting that the observed apoptotic process could occur in vivo. None of the inhibitors used (e.g., leupeptin, fumosinin Bl, catalase, or z-VAD-fmk) was able to prevent homocysteine-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Conclusion. The apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by high concentration of homocysteine-thiolactone might be one step atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and contribute to its complication.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 86
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; inflammation ; neutrophil ; PI-3-kinase ; PKC ; T-cell
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Neutrophils play a central role in host defense and are recruited in vast numbers to sites of infection where they phagocytose and kill invading bacterial pathogens. Neutrophils have a short half-life that is extended at the inflamed site by pro-inflammatory cytokines and contact with bacterial cell walls. Normal resolution of inflammation involves the removal of neutrophils and other inflammatory cells by the induction of apoptosis. Spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis does not require Fas ligation, but is mediated by caspases 3, 8 and possibly caspase 9 and also involves activation of protein kinase C-δ. With chronic inflammatory disease, neutrophil apoptosis is delayed by pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to persistence of neutrophils at the inflamed site and non-specific tissue damage. Here we discuss the evidence for inhibition of neutrophil apoptosis via signaling though PI-3-kinase and downstream pathways, including PDK-1 and PKB. Therapeutic strategies to resolve chronic inflammation could therefore usefully target neutrophil apoptosis and the PI-3-kinase or PKC-δ signaling pathways.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 87
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: adenocarcinoma cells ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 family proteins ; chimeric proteins ; GnRH-binding site ; targeting
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In recent years chimeric proteins carrying bacterial toxins as their killing moiety, have been developed to selectively recognize and kill cell populations expressing speciific receptors. The involvement of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) has been demonstrated in several adenocarcinomas and a GnRH-bacterial toxin chimeric protein (GnRH-PE66) was thus developed and found to specifically target and kill adenocarcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Because of the immunogenicity and the non-specific toxicity of the bacterial toxins, we have developed new chimeric proteins, introducing apoptosis inducing proteins of the Bcl-2 family as novel killing components. Sequences encoding the human Bik, Bak or Bax proteins were fused to the GnRH coding sequence at the DNA level and were expressed in E. coli. GnRH-Bik, GnRH-Bak and GnRH-Bax new chimeric proteins efficiently and specifically inhibited the cell growth of adenocarcinoma cell lines and eventually led to cell death. All three Bcl2-proteins-based chimeric proteins seem to induce apoptosis within the target cells, without any additional cell death stimulus. Apoptosis-inducing-proteins of the Bcl-2 family targeted by the GnRH are novel potential therapeutic reagents for adenocarcinoma treatment in humans. This novel approach could be widely applied, using any molecule that binds a specific cell type, fused to an apoptosis-inducing protein.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 88
    ISSN: 1573-675X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; CDK ; cell cycle ; cell death gene ; drosophila ; reaper
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The present study was aimed to investigate whether or not cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) participate in different cascades leading to apoptosis. We examined the effects of two CDK inhibitors, olomoucine (OLM) and buty-rolactone-I (BL-I), on apoptosis induced in two kinds of Drosophila cell lines. Increases of caspase activity induced by actinomycin D, cycloheximide, H-7 or A23187 in a Drosophila neuronal cell line, ML-DmBG2-c2, and induced by excessive expression of a Drosophila cell death gene, reaper, in Drosophila S2 cells were suppressed by 24-h pretreatment of each CDK inhibitor. Concomitant with the suppression of the caspase activity, fragmentations of cells and DNA, representatives of apoptosis, were also inhibited. These results suggest that CDK(s) participates in progression of apoptosis. However, these effects of the CDK inhibitors were also observed even at lower doses which did not affect cell proliferation. Therefore, it was shown that apoptosis is not always related to cell cycle in Drosophila cells. It was also suggested that the target(s) of the CDK inhibitors locates upstream of caspase in the cascade(s) of apoptosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 89
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Pharmaceutical research 17 (2000), S. 515-520 
    ISSN: 1573-904X
    Keywords: apoptosis ; cationic liposome ; B cell ; WEHI 231 ; reactive oxygen species
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Purpose. Liposomes are of considerable interest as drug carriers andimmunoadjuvants. However, few investigators have studied thechanges exerted by liposomes in the cells with which they interact.The purpose of this study was to investigate whether liposomes induceapoptosis in B cells. Methods. The mouse immature B cell line WEHI 231 cells and mousesplenic B cells were treated with liposomes, and the induction ofapoptosis was evaluated by monitoring changes in DNA content, DNAfragmentation and chromatin condensation by flow cytometry, agarosegel electrophoresis and by morphological investigation. Results. Cationic liposomes induced apoptosis in WEHI 231 cells, butneutral and anionic liposomes did not. A contact time of 30 minbetween WEHI 231 cells and cationic liposomes was sufficient toinduce apoptosis, and 80% of the cells showed hypodiploid DNAcontent. Apoptosis induced by cationic liposomes composed ofstearylamine was inhibited by addition of the oxidant scavenger,N-acetyl-cysteine. Conclusions. Cationic liposomes induced apoptosis in WEHI 231 cells,and the production of reactive oxygen species is important in theregulation of apoptosis induced by cationic liposomes. It is well knownthat cationic liposomes show cytotoxicity, and apoptosis may be oneof the causes of this toxicity.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 90
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Plant molecular biology 44 (2000), S. 255-266 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: abscisic acid ; apoptosis ; gibberellic acid ; nuclease ; programmed cell death ; protease
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Progress in understanding programmed cell death (PCD) in the cereal aleurone is described. Cereal aleurone cells are specialized endosperm cells that function to synthesize and secrete hydrolytic enzymes that break down reserves in the starchy endosperm. Unlike the cells of the starchy endosperm, aleurone cells are viable in mature grain but undergo PCD when germination is triggered or when isolated aleurone layers or protoplasts are incubated in gibberellic acid (GA). Abscisic acid (ABA) slows down the process of aleurone cell death and isolated aleurone protoplasts can be kept alive in media containing ABA for up to 6 months. Cell death in barley aleurone occurs only after cells become highly vacuolated and is manifested in an abrupt loss of plasma membrane integrity. Aleurone cell death does not follow the apoptotic pathway found in many animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis, including internucleosomal DNA cleavage, plasma membrane and nuclear blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies, are not observed in dying aleurone cells. PCD in barley aleurone cells is accompanied by the accumulation of a spectrum of nuclease and protease activities and the loss of organelles as a result of cellular autolysis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 91
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Plant molecular biology 44 (2000), S. 417-428 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: apoptosis ; baculovirus p35 ; Bcl-2-like proteins ; caspases ; cell death ; hypersensitive response ; mitochondria
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Cell death as a highly regulated process has now been recognized to be an important, if not essential, pathway that is ubiquitous in all multicellular eukaryotes. In addition to playing key roles in the morphogenesis and sculpting of the organs to give rise to highly specialized forms and shapes, cell death also participates in the programmed creation of specialized cell types for essential functions such as the selection of B cells in the immune system of mammals and the formation of tracheids in the xylem of vascular plants. Studies of apoptosis, the most well-characterized form of animal programmed cell death, have culminated in the identification of a central tripartite death switch the enzymatic component of which is a conserved family of cysteine proteases called caspases. Studies in invertebrates and other animal models suggest that caspases are conserved regulators of apoptotic cell death in all metazoans. In plant systems, the identities of the main executioners that orchestrate cell death remain elusive. Recent evidence from inhibitor studies and biochemical approaches suggests that caspase-like proteases may also be involved in cell death control in higher plants. Furthermore, the mitochondrion and reactive oxygen species may well constitute a common pathway for cell death activation in both animal and plant cells. Cloning of plant caspase-like proteases and elucidation of the mechanisms through which mitochondria may regulate cell death in both systems should shed light on the evolution of cell death control in eukaryotes and may help to identify essential components that are highly conserved in eukaryotes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 92
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 32 (2000), S. 15-25 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Mitochondria ; endoplasmic reticulum ; Ca2+ ; IP3 ; local signaling ; energy metabolism ; apoptosis ; necrosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract Many agonists bring about their effects on cellular functions through a rise incytosolic [Ca2+]([Ca2+]c) mediated by the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Imaging studiesof single cells have demonstrated that [Ca2+]c signals display cell specific spatiotemporalorganization that is established by coordinated activation of IP3 receptor Ca2+ channels.Evidence emerges that cytosolic calcium signals elicited by activation of the IP3 receptors areefficiently transmitted to the mitochondria. An important function of mitochondrial calciumsignals is to activate the Ca2+-sensitive mitochondrial dehydrogenases, and thereby to meetdemands for increased energy in stimulated cells. Activation of the permeability transitionpore (PTP) by mitochondrial calcium signals may also be involved in the control of cell death.Furthermore, mitochondrial Ca2+ transport appears to modulate the spatiotemporal organizationof [Ca2+]c responses evoked by IP3 and so mitochondria may be important in cytosolic calciumsignaling as well. This paper summarizes recent research to elucidate the mechanisms andsignificance of IP3-dependent mitochondrial calcium signaling.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 93
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 32 (2000), S. 35-46 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: Ca2+ signaling ; inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor ; mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake ; mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux ; permeability transition ; apoptosis ; Bcl-2 family
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract Cellular Ca2+ signals are crucial in the control of most physiological processes, cell injuryand programmed cell death; mitochondria play a pivotal role in the regulation of such cytosolicCa2+ ([Ca2+]c) signals. Mitochondria are endowed with multiple Ca2+ transport mechanismsby which they take up and release Ca2+ across their inner membrane. These transport processesfunction to regulate local and global [Ca2+]c, thereby regulating a number of Ca2+-sensitivecellular mechanisms. The permeability transition pore (PTP) forms the major Ca2+ effluxpathway from mitochondria. In addition, Ca2+ efflux from the mitochondrial matrix occursby the reversal of the uniporter and through the inner membrane Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Duringcellular Ca2+ overload, mitochondria take up [Ca2+]c, which, in turn, induces opening of PTP,disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and cell death. In apoptosis signaling,collapse of ΔΨ;m and cytochrome c release from mitochondria occur followed by activationof caspases, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. Translocation of Bax, an apoptotic signalingprotein from the cytosol to the mitochondrial membrane, is another step during thisapoptosis-signaling pathway. The role of permeability transition in the context of cell death in relationto Bcl-2 family of proteins is discussed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 94
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Neurochemical research 25 (2000), S. 71-76 
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Arginylation ; post-translational modification ; apoptosis ; PC12 cells
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the N-terminal post-translational incorporation of arginine into cytosolic proteins from cultured cells and the in vitro incorporation of arginine into soluble proteins of PC12 cells after serum deprivation. Arginine incorporation was measured in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors. None of the inhibitors used affected significantly the arginylation reaction while the novo synthesis of protein was reduced by 98%. Under these conditions, we found that of the total [14C]arginine incorporated into the proteins, around 20% to 40% was incorporated into the N-terminal position of soluble proteins by a post-translational mechanism. These results suggest that this post-translational aminoacylation may be a widespread reaction in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. We also found that in PC12 cells, the in vitro post-translational arginylation was 60% higher in apoptotic cells with respect to control cells. These findings suggest that the post-translational arginylation of proteins may be involved in programmed cell death.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 95
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Neurochemical research 25 (2000), S. 1161-1172 
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Proteases ; cathepsin D ; apoptosis ; β-amyloid ; amyloid precursor protein
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract A prominent feature of brain pathology in Alzheimer's disease is a robust activation of the neuronal lysosomal system and major cellular pathways converging on the lysosome, namely, endocytosis and autophagy. Recent studies that identify a disturbance of the endocytic pathway as one of the earliest known manifestation of Alzheimer's disease provide insight into how β-amyloidogenesis might be promoted in sporadic Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent and least well understood form of the disease. Primary lysosomal dysfunction has historically been linked to neurodegeneration. New data now directly implicate cathepsins as proteases capable of initiating, as well as executing, cell death programs in certain pathologic states. These and other studies support the view that the progressive alterations of lysosomal function observed during aging and Alzheimer's disease contribute importantly to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 96
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Neurochemical research 25 (2000), S. 341-347 
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Neuronal survival ; apoptosis ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; HSP-70 ; NMDA
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Cerebellar granule cells (CGC) die apoptotically after five days in culture (DIV) at physiological concentrations of potassium (5 mM; K5). When CGC are depolarized (K25) or treated with NMDA (150 μM) cell survival is increased. CGC changed from K25 to K5 die after 24–48 h. It is known that heat shock protein (HSP) may protect from cell death. Here, we found that cells in K5 showed an increase in HSP-70 levels after 3 DIV. Similarly, in cells changed from K25 to K5, HSP-70 levels were increased after 6 h. Neither NMDA nor K25 treatment affected HSP-70 levels from 2–7 DIV. Ethanol or thermal stress induced HSP-70, but cell survival was not affected in K5 medium. These results suggest that HSP, particularly HSP-70, are not involved in the mechanisms by which NMDA and KCl promote cell survival.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 97
    ISSN: 1573-6903
    Keywords: Granule cells ; oligodendrocytes ; thyroid hormones ; apoptosis ; ubiquitin ; proteasome
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract We have recently shown that sustained neonatal hyperthyroidism in the rat activates apoptosis of oligodendroglial cells (OLGc) and that inhibition of the proteasome-ubiquitin (Ub) pathway by lactacystin produces increased apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells (CGC). In the present study we have analyzed the relationship between the activation of the Ub-dependent pathway, the expression of the Ub genes and programmed cell death in neurons of the rat cerebellum and cerebral cortex and in OLGc. This study was carried out in normal animals, in rats submitted to sustained neonatal hyperthyroidism and in cell cultures treated with an excess of thyroid hormones. In neurons of the cerebral cortex, thyroid hormone produces an increase of Ub-protein conjugates, an enhancement in the expression of the Ub genes and an increase in apoptosis, while the opposite results are obtained in CGC. These results indicate that in neurons, the changes in the cell death program produced by thyroid hormone run in parallel with those occurring in the Ub-dependent pathway. In OLGc, thyroid hormone increases apoptosis but does not produce changes in the Ub pathway. Preliminary studies indicate that in coincidence with what occurs in optic nerves, the sciatic nerves both in controls and in hyperthyroid animals are unable to form Ub-protein conjugates. These results indicate that in cells of the CNS such as neurons, in which the Ub-dependent pathway is actively expressed, it appears to be closely correlated with apoptosis.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 98
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: apoptosis ; breast cancer ; continuous variables statistical analysis ; cytokeratins ; multiple correspondence analysis ; prognosis ; tissue cytosol ; tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Apoptosis is associated with caspase-mediated proteolysis of Type I (K18 and K19) cytokeratins. We previously showed a positive association between the levels of tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), that recognizes cytokeratins K8, K18, and K19 fragments, and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interrelationships between TPA, steroid receptors, and p53, and their joint prognostic role in node-negative breast cancer patients not treated with adjuvant therapies. Age and pT were also considered since they are known prognostic factors. Five hundred and ninety-nine cases with N- breast cancer were evaluated (median follow-up: 60 months). TPA was measured by an immunoradiometric assay and p53 by an immuno-chemiluminescent assay in tumor cytosol. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to study the associations among variables. Their prognostic role (univariate analysis) and their joint effect (multivariate analysis) on RFS were investigated with Cox regression models. TPA showed a direct association with ER and PgR. Higher p53 values were weakly associated to low values of ER, PgR, and TPA. Younger age was related to low and intermediate values of ER and PgR and to low p53 values, while older age was related to high values of ER. Multivariate analysis showed a significant prognostic impact for pT, age, ER, and TPA. Among the interactions considered clinically relevant, only that between ER and age was found. RFS estimated values were poorer in cases with lower than in those with higher TPA values, both in patients expected to have a poor (pT2, young age, low ER) and a better prognosis (pT1, older age, high ER). From the findings of the present study we can draw the following conclusions: The relationship of TPA with prognosis gives an additional contribution to pT, age, and steroid receptors in N- breast cancer; TPA may be considered the first marker of apoptosis measured with a fully standardized quantitative method in tumor cytosol and could be evaluated in prognostic indexes including markers related to different biological mechanisms.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 99
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: reversal ; paclitaxel ; resistance ; P-glycoprotein ; breast cancer ; valspodar ; apoptosis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Paclitaxel (Taxol®) kills tumor cells by inducing both cellular necrosis and apoptosis. A major impediment to paclitaxel cytotoxicity is the establishment of multidrug resistance whereby exposure to one chemotherapeutic agent results in cross-resistance to a wide variety of other drugs. For example, selection of MCF-7 breast cancer cells for resistance to doxorubicin (MCF-7ADR cells) results in cross-resistance to paclitaxel. This appears to involve the overexpression of the drug transporter P-glycoprotein which can efflux both drugs from tumor cells. However, MCF-7ADR cells possess a deletion mutation in p53 and have considerably reduced levels of the Fas receptor, Fas ligand, caspase-2, caspase-6, and caspase-8, suggesting that paclitaxel resistance may also stem from a bona fide block in paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in these cells. To address this issue, we examined the ability of the P-glycoprotein inhibitor valspodar to restore paclitaxel accumulation, paclitaxel cytotoxicity, and paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Compared to drug sensitive MCF-7 cells, MCF-7ADR cells accumulated 〉6-fold less paclitaxel, were approximately 100-fold more resistant to killing by the drug, and were highly resistant to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. In contrast, MCF-7ADR cells pretreated with valspodar were indistinguishable from drug-sensitive cells in their ability to accumulate paclitaxel, in their chemosensitivity to the drug, and in their ability to undergo paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Valspodar, by itself, did not affect these parameters. This suggests that the enhancement of paclitaxel toxicity in MCF-7ADR cells involves a restoration of apoptosis and not solely through enhanced drug-induced necrosis. Morever, it appears that changes in the levels/activity of p53, the Fas receptor, Fas ligand, caspase-2, caspase-6, or caspase-8 activity have little effect on paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
  • 100
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Breast cancer research and treatment 62 (2000), S. 223-235 
    ISSN: 1573-7217
    Keywords: adriamycin ; apoptosis ; DNA damage ; growth arrest ; ionizing radiation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Breast tumor cells are relatively refractory to apoptosis in response to modalities which induce DNA damage such as ionizing radiation and the topoisomerase II inhibitor, adriamycin. Various factors which may modulate the apoptotic response to DNA damage include the p53 status of the cell, levels and activity of the Bax and Bcl-2 families of proteins, activation of NF-kappa B, relative levels of insulin like growth factor and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, activation of MAP kinases and PI3/Akt kinases, (the absence of) ceramide generation and the CD95 (APO1/Fas) signaling pathway. Prolonged growth arrest associated with replicative senescence may represent an alternative and reciprocal response to DNA-damage induced apoptosis that is p53 and/or p21waf1/cip1 dependent while delayed apoptosis may occur in p53 mutant breast tumor cells which fail to maintain the growth-arrested state. Clearly, the absence of animmediate apoptotic response to DNA damage does not eliminate other avenues leading to cell death and loss of self-renewal capacity in the breast tumor cell. Nevertheless, prolonged growth arrest (even if ultimately succeeded by apoptotic or necrotic cell death) could provide an opportunity for subpopulations of breast tumor cells to recover proliferative capacity and to develop resistance to subsequent clinical intervention.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
    Library Location Call Number Volume/Issue/Year Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
Close ⊗
This website uses cookies and the analysis tool Matomo. More information can be found here...