Alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) as a potent arginase activity inhibitor in human colon carcinoma cells

Alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is commonly used as a specific ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC4.1.1.17) irreversible inhibitor. ODC is the enzyme responsible for polyamine biosynthesis, which has been shown to be strictly necessary for cell proliferation. In HT-29 Glc-/+ cells, L-arginine is the major precursor of these molecules through the sequential actions of arginase, which leads to L-ornithine generation and ODC. L-ornithine, a substrate for ODC, retroinhibits arginase. Since DFMO is an ornithine analogue, we searched for a direct effect of this agent upon arginase. The flux of L-arginine through arginase in intact cells was inhibited by 51+/-11% by 10 mM of DFMO whereas 10 mM of L-valine, a known potent arginase inhibitor, inhibited this flux by 73+/-6%. DFMO equilibrated between extracellular and intercellular spaces and, when used at 10-mM concentration, was without effect on L-arginine net uptake. Measurement of arginase activity in HT-29 cell homogenates with increasing concentrations of DFMO and L-arginine led to an inhibition with a calculated Ki (inhibitory constant) equal to 3.9+/-1.0 mM. L-ornithine was less effective than DFMO in inhibiting arginase activity. Bovine liver arginase, used as another source of the enzyme, was also severely inhibited by DFMO. The inhibitory effect of DFMO upon arginase, one step upstream of the ODC reaction in the metabolic conversion of L-arginine to polyamines, is of potential physiological importance, since it could alter the production of ornithine and thus its metabolism in pathways other than the ODC pathway.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor as a marker of human colon carcinoma cell line differentiation and growth inhibition

The antiproliferative action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in osteosarcoma, breast carcinoma, and colon carcinoma cell lines has been described. In this study, the level of vitamin D receptor was analyzed in a panel of colon adenoma and adenocarcinoma cell lines and the receptor level was correlated with the response to treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Ribonuclease protection and ligand-binding assays quantitated the level of vitamin D receptor mRNA expression and the level of functional receptors, respectively. The more well-differentiated cell lines, such as VACO 330, showed higher levels of vitamin D receptor than less-differentiated cell lines, such as SW620. Proliferation assay, clonogenic assay, and growth curve study in HT29 and SW620 cell lines assessed the antiproliferative effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 at concentrations ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-6) M. HT29 showed significant (P < 0.05) growth inhibition at 10(-9) to 10(-6) M concentrations, but growth of SW620 remained unchanged. The amount of vitamin D receptor in 12 malignant colonic tumors was compared with that of adjacent normal tissue, and in 9 cases, the tumor expressed a lower vitamin D receptor level. Our results suggest that the level of vitamin D receptor correlates with the degree of differentiation in human colon cancer cell lines and may serve as a useful biological marker in predicting clinical outcome in patients.     

7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) induces apoptosis in human colon carcinoma and leukemia cells independently of p53

7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) is a more selective protein kinase C inhibitor than staurosporine. UCN-01 exhibits antitumor activity in experimental tumor models and is presently in clinical trials. Our study reveals that human myeloblastic leukemia HL60 and K562 and colon carcinoma HT29 cells undergo internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis after UCN-01 treatment. These three cell lines lack functional p53, and K562 and HT29 cells are usually resistant to apoptosis. DNA fragmentation in HT29 and K562 cells occurred after 1 day of treatment while it took less than 4 h in HL60 cells. Cycloheximide prevented UCN-01-induced DNA fragmentation in HT-29 cells, but not in HL60 and K562 cells, suggesting that macromolecular synthesis is selectively required for apoptotic DNA fragmentation in HT29 cells. UCN-01-induced DNA fragmentation was preceded by activation of cyclin B1/cdc2 kinase. Further studies in HL60 cells showed that UCN-01-induced apoptosis was associated with degradation of CPP32, PARP, and lamin B and that the inhibitor of caspases (ICE/CED-3 cysteine proteases), Z-VAD-FMK, and the serine protease inhibitor, DCI, protected HL60 cells from UCN-01-induced DNA fragmentation. However, only DCI and TPCK, but not Z-VAD-FMK, inhibited DNA fragmentation in the HL60 cell-free system, suggesting that serine protease(s) may play a role in the execution phase of apoptosis in HL60 cells treated with UCN-01. Z-VAD-FMK and DCI also inhibited apoptosis in HT29 cells. These data demonstrate that the protein kinase C inhibitor and antitumor agent, UCN-01 is a potent apoptosis inducer in cell lines that are usually resistant to apoptosis and lack p53 and that caspases and probably serine proteases are activated during UCN-01-induced apoptosis.     

Fibroblast-mediated differentiation in human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) grown as nodules in vitro

The growth of cells in 3-dimensional form as nodules in vitro facilitates studies of in vivo cellular interactions. Taking advantage of this technique, human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) were co-cultured with stromal fibroblasts isolated from either normal or tumorous breast tissue to study the influence of such fibroblasts on tumor-cell growth and differentiation. Ten days after co-culture of carcinoma cells with fibroblasts from normal tissue at a 1:10 ratio, the size of nodules began to increase and stabilize by day 30 while the fibroblast number decreased and finally disappeared. Concurrently, the carcinoma cells underwent a progressive redifferentiation process which histologically resulted in the appearance of highly developed papillar and tubular structures after 2 months in culture. The production of mucins was further evidence that these cells had undergone differentiation. By contrast, when MCF-7 cells were grown alone or with fibroblasts isolated from a breast carcinoma, the nodules continued to exhibit their characteristic histodedifferentiation properties and did not grow. The re-establishment of a normal epithelial state of differentiation in MCF-7 carcinoma nodules indicates that the phenotypic characteristics of tumor cells are reversible and are influenced or controlled by the stromal environment by which these tumor cells are surrounded or in contact with. Overall, our results open the possibility of exploiting the effects that connective tissue cells have on tumor-cell differentiation for use in prevention and treatment of cancer.     

The cellular interaction of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in a human colon carcinoma cell line

The combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) has been shown to have synergistic cytotoxicity in human tumours, but the biochemical mechanism for this interaction remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of 5-FU and CDDP in a human colon carcinoma cell line, NCI H548. A 24 h exposure to 5-FU resulted in a 5-FU IC50 value of 24.2 +/- 4.5 microM, Dm 22.6 microM; exposure to CDDP for 2 h resulted in a IC50 value of 20.8 +/- 8.0 microM, Dm 21.9 microM. When cells were exposed simultaneously to 5-FU for 24 h and CDDP for the initial 2 h, or when cells were treated with CDDP for 2 h followed by various concentrations of 5-FU for 24 h, no greater than additive cytotoxicity was observed. In contrast, when cells were treated with 5-FU for 24 h prior to CDDP for 2 h, a greater than additive interaction was noted (5-FU IC50 1.2 +/- 0.6 microM, Dm 1.3 microM, CI 0.45). Thymidine 10 microM partially reversed the growth inhibitory effects of the 5-FU/ CDDP combination. Using both immunological and biochemical assays, no notable differences in the total amount of TS enzyme or the fraction of bound TS enzyme could be detected in the absence or presence of CDDP. No notable differences could be detected in intracellular reduced folate pools, FdUMP or FUTP pools, or 5-FU incorporation into RNA or DNA with the addition of CDDP to 5-FU. DNA fragmentation studies revealed that the combination of 5-FU followed by CDDP demonstrated a greater degree of single-stranded DNA fragments in parental (P = 0.024) and newly synthesised DNA (P = 0.025) compared with the administration of CDDP prior to 5-FU or either drug alone. The increase in smaller DNA fragment size was reversed with the addition of thymidine (10 microM). These findings suggest that the interaction of 5-FU and CDDP is associated with a greater degree of fragmentation of both nascent and parental DNA.     

Identification of a major carbohydrate capping group of the L-selectin ligand on high endothelial venules in human lymph nodes as 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X

We investigated the molecular species of sulfated sialyl Lewis X determinants, the putative L-selectin ligand, expressed on high endothelial venules (HEV) in human lymph nodes. Comparison of the reactivity pattern of HEV with the reactivity of the pure 6-sulfo, 6'-sulfo, or 6,6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X determinant with hitherto known anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies strongly suggested 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X to be the best candidate for the major sulfated sialyl Lewis X determinant on HEV, followed by 6,6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X, whereas 6'-sulfo sialyl Lewis X was unlikely. We newly generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) G152 and G72 directed against 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X, which intensely labeled HEV in immunohistochemical examination and inhibited binding of recombinant L-selectin-IgG to HEV, suggesting that the determinant serves as a ligand for L-selectin. To test the concomitant expression of 6, 6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X, specific mAbs (G2706, G27011, G27037, and G27039) were generated, but all antibodies failed to react to HEV. Next, we established mAbs (AG97 and AG273) directed against 6-sulfo Lewis X, the asialo form of 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X. The antibodies were not reactive to untreated HEV, but strongly reacted to sialidase-treated HEV. This indicated the predominance of the sialylated form of 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X and minimal expression of its asialo form, corroborating that it was synthesized by fucosyltransferase VII, the isoenzyme that preferentially produces the sialylated form of the determinant.     

Radiation-induced apoptosis in human ovarian carcinoma cells growing as a monolayer and as multicell spheroids

Response to external gamma irradiation was studied in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (OVCAR 3) growing as a monolayer and as multicell spheroids. Necrosis and apoptosis were documented using Trypan-blue uptake and acridine-orange staining, respectively, and apoptosis was quantified using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay. Exposure of OVCAR 3 cells growing as a monolayer to 137Cs gamma radiation at a dose of 10 Gy produced 30-40% apoptosis 72 hr after irradiation. Cell-cycle analysis of irradiated cells showed an accumulation of cells in G2/M phase 24 hr after irradiation and then a decline at 48 hr in conjunction with apoptosis onset. The loss of G0/G1 cells in irradiated cultures suggested a preferential entry into apoptosis. No increase in apoptotic cell number was observed in OVCAR 3 spheroids after irradiation, and the cells probably died as a result of necrosis. When spheroids were disrupted immediately after irradiation to obtain a cell suspension, minor apoptosis was observed in association with a marked increase in TB-positive cell number after 96 hr of incubation following irradiation. Thus, a relationship was found between radiation-induced apoptosis and the cell cycle. Results with spheroids suggested the possible involvement of cell-to-cell interactions in apoptosis regulation.     

The telobox, a Myb-related telomeric DNA binding motif found in proteins from yeast, plants and human

The yeast TTAGGG binding factor 1 (Tbf1) was identified and cloned through its ability to interact with vertebrate telomeric repeats in vitro. We show here that a sequence of 60 amino acids located in its C-terminus is critical for DNA binding. This sequence exhibits homologies with Myb repeats and is conserved among five proteins from plants, two of which are known to bind telomeric-related sequences, and two proteins from human, including the telomeric repeat binding factor (TRF) and the predicted C-terminal polypeptide, called orf2, from a yet unknown protein. We demonstrate that the 111 C-terminal residues of TRF and the 64 orf2 residues are able to bind the human telomeric repeats specifically. We propose to call the particular Myb-related motif found in these proteins the 'telobox'. Antibodies directed against the Tbf1 telobox detect two proteins in nuclear and mitotic chromosome extracts from human cell lines. Moreover, both proteins bind specifically to telomeric repeats in vitro. TRF is likely to correspond to one of them. Based on their high affinity for the telomeric repeat, we predict that TRF and orf2 play an important role at human telomeres.     

Regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes by aryl hydrocarbon receptor in human cells: CYP1A2 expression in the LS180 colon carcinoma cell line after treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or 3-methylcholanthrene

The Food Research and Action Center estimates that approximately 12% of all families with children younger than 12 years old experience food insufficiency in the United States. The authors conducted 16 focus groups with 141 participants, who were either at risk or experienced food insufficiency, to learn about coping strategies. Individual and network-level coping mechanisms were used to manage insufficient food supply. Social networks included family, friends, and neighbors. The assistance provided included food aid, information, and emotional support. Not all networks were relied on or accessed by everyone. Most participants reported that they relied on family members first, followed by friends, and then neighbors. Parents found reliance on anyone as stressful and often threatening. In conclusion, as the social welfare system becomes constrained, more and more households may experience food insufficiency. Responsive policies are therefore needed to assist low-income families.     

Interleukin 6 acts as a paracrine growth factor in human mammary carcinoma cell lines

The effect of interleukin 6 (IL-6) on normal and human mammary carcinoma epithelial cells was studied. IL-6 inhibited the growth of estrogen receptor-positive [ER(+)] breast cancer cell lines, which underwent apoptosis with prolonged treatment. In contrast, ER(-) breast cancer cell lines were resistant to IL-6-mediated growth inhibition. By examining the components of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) system, we found that ER(+) breast cancer cells expressed predominantly soluble IL-6Ralpha, whereas the ER(-) breast cancer cells expressed primarily the transmembrane form of the IL-6R, gp130. In addition, detectable levels of IL-6 were secreted into the medium by ER(-) but not ER(+) breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the supernatant obtained from IL-6-secreting, ER(-) cells suppressed the growth of IL-6-sensitive, ER(+) breast cancer cells in a paracrine fashion. Although IL-6 is secreted by ER(-) breast cancer cells, this cytokine does not seem to stimulate the proliferation of these cells in an autocrine fashion. These studies indicate that IL-6 can regulate the growth of normal and transformed human mammary epithelial cells differentially, and that IL-6 secretion by some ER(-) breast cancer cells can function as a paracrine growth factor, suppressing the growth of ER(+) breast cancer cells in vitro.     

Autocrine actions of endothelin-1 as a growth factor in human ovarian carcinoma cells

The production of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and its receptor-mediated actions on calcium signaling and growth responses were analyzed in human ovarian carcinoma cells. Immuno-reactive ET-1 was released from three of four ovarian tumor cell lines as a function of time in amounts ranging from 56 to 74 fmol/10(6) cells. Reverse-phase HPLC and radioimmuno-assay of conditioned media from tumor cells revealed a single peak coeluting with authentic ET-1. Radioligand binding studies showed that the ET-1-producing cell lines also expressed high-affinity ETA receptors (Kd < 0.1 nM) that ranged in abundance from 2,600 to 43,600 sites/cell. In fura-2-loaded ovarian carcinoma cells, ET-1 induced dose-dependent increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. ET-1 also stimulated thymidine incorporation in the three cell lines that expressed ET receptors. In OVCA 433 cells, BQ 123 inhibited the stimulatory actions of ET-1 on thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation, and substantially reduced the basal growth rate of unstimulated ovarian tumor cells. These results demonstrate that ET-1 is produced in ovarian cancer cells and acts as an autocrine growth factor on ETA receptors to stimulate calcium signaling and proliferative responses. Such findings suggest that ET-1 participates in the progression of neoplastic growth in certain ovarian tumors.     

Effect of cisplatin and c-myb antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides combination on a human colon carcinoma cell line in vitro and in vivo

We investigated the effect of c-myb antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides [(S)ODNs] and cisplatin (CDDP) combination on the human colon carcinoma cell line LoVo Dx both in vitro and in nude mice bearing LoVo Dx solid tumour. We show that antisense (S)ODN treatment decreases c-myb mRNA and protein expression, induces growth arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and inhibits cell proliferation. In vivo treatment with c-myb antisense (S)ODNs results in a reduction in tumour growth. A greater inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro and a higher increase of tumour growth inhibition and growth delay in vivo were obtained with the combination of (S)ODNs and CDDP than when the two agents were administered separately. This comparative study, using the same tumour cell line in vitro and in vivo, suggests that c-myb antisense (S)ODNs might be useful in the therapy of colon cancer in combination with antineoplastic drugs.     

Analysis of particle size and lipid composition as determinants of the metabolic clearance of human high density lipoproteins in a rabbit model

Hypertriglyceridemia is commonly associated with triglyceride (TG) enrichment of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduction in HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels. We have recently reported that lipolytic modification of TG-rich HDL, which reduces particle size, enhances its clearance from the circulation. In the present study, we examined the role of particle size and lipid composition in determining the metabolic clearance of human HDL, in the absence of substantial in vivo modification of the particle by hepatic lipase. The rabbit, which has a very low hepatic lipase activity, was used for this purpose. Plasma fractions d < 1.21 g/ml were first isolated by ultracentrifugation from fasting humans with normal (NTG, n=6, mean plasma TG concentration=1.26+/-0.21 (SEM) mmol/l) or elevated plasma TG levels (HTG, n=5, TG=4.49+/-0.65 mmol/l). Small and large HDL particles were separated by gel filtration chromatography and were labeled with either 125I or (131)I. Large HDL were cleared more rapidly than small HDL in 10 out of 11 studies (P=0.006). There was, however, no difference in the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of large HDL isolated from NTG versus from HTG subjects or in the FCR of small HDL from NTG versus HTG individuals. There was also no correlation between the TG content of HDL and its FCR. In summary, large, lipid-rich human high density lipoproteins (HDL) are cleared more rapidly than small human HDL in rabbits. These results, combined with our previous observation, also support the hypothesis that triglyceride enrichment of HDL, in the absence of substantial lipolytic modification, is not sufficient to enhance its clearance from the circulation.     

Long circulating half-life and high tumor selectivity of the photosensitizer meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin conjugated to polyethylene glycol in nude mice grafted with a human colon carcinoma

In a mode of nude mice bearing a human colon carcinoma xenograft, the biodistribution and tumor localization of metatetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (m-THPC) coupled to polyethylene glycol (PEG) were compared with those of the free form of this photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). At different times after i.v. injection of both forms of 125I-labeled photosensitizer, m-THPC-PEG gave on average a 2-fold higher tumor uptake than free m-THPC. In addition, at early times after injection, m-THPC-PEG showed a 2-fold longer blood circulating half-life and a 4-fold lower liver uptake than free m-THPC. The tumor to normal tissue ratios of radioactivity concentrations were always higher for m-THPC-PEG than for free m-THPC at any time point studied from 2 to 96 hr post-injection. Significant coefficients of correlation between direct fluorescence measurements and radioactivity counting were obtained within each organ tested. Fluorescence microscopy studies showed that m-THPC-PEG was preferentially localized near the tumor vessels, whereas m-THPC was more diffusely distributed inside the tumor tissue. To verify whether m-THPC-PEG conjugate remained phototoxic in vivo, PDT experiments were performed 72 hr after injection and showed that m-THPC-PEG was as potent as free m-THPC in the induction of tumor regression provided that the irradiation does for m-THPC-PEG conjugate was adapted to a well-tolerated 2-fold higher level. The overall results demonstrate first the possibility of improving the in vivo tumor localization of a hydrophobic dye used for PDT by coupling it to PEG and second that a photosensitizer conjugated to a macromolecule can remain phototoxic in vivo.     

Cyclin D1 overexpression related to retinoblastoma protein expression as a prognostic marker in human oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aspergillus sp. sinusitis is not uncommon in immunocompromised patients but is unusual in patients who are not immunocompromised. The disease may occur as a saprophytic condition, as an allergic sinusitis or as a potentially lethal invasive disease. The differentiation between non-invasive and invasive Aspergillus sp. sinusitis is crucial and this distinction is fully discussed. The treatment options are also considered. Invasive disease requires aggressive treatment with long-term antifungal agents in sufficient doses combined with wide surgical excision. We present a patient who presented with invasive Aspergillus fumigatus sinusitis and subsequently developed cranial neuropathies and skull base osteitis. She was initially treated with oral itraconazole (400 mg daily) for 18 months but due to lack of response this was changed to a new experimental oral azole (voriconazole) which was continued for a further 14 months. She has since remained well for the last five years.