Effect of inhibition of multiple steps of angiogenesis in syngeneic murine pleural mesothelioma

Background

Angiogenesis is a multistep process in which the endothelial cell plays a pivotal role. We hypothesized that the combination of two antiangiogenic agents with distinct mechanisms of action would more effectively inhibit tumor growth than either agent alone in a murine mesothelioma model.

Methods

A syngeneic murine mesothelioma flank tumor model (AB-12) was established in BALB/c mice. Separate adenovirus vectors expressing the cDNAs for human pigment epithelium-derived factor (AdPEDF) and a soluble form of the human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (Adsflt-1) were administered intratumorally. End points measured included tumor size, animal survival, and microvessel density using CD31 immunohistochemistry. An orthotopic model of mesothelioma was established by implanting AB-12 cells into the murine pleural cavity. Simultaneously, AdPEDF and Adsflt-1 were instilled intrapleurally and tumor burden and survival were recorded. The development of pulmonary emphysema was also assessed by calculating the mean linear intercept (a measure of interalveolar septal distance) in histologic lung sections from tumor-free mice after vector administration.

Results

In the flank tumor model, the combination of AdPEDF and Adsflt-1 inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and decreased microvessel density more profoundly compared with either AdPEDF or Adsflt-1 alone. In the orthotopic model, the combination was also more effective in prolonging survival. Intrapleural AdPEDF or Adsflt-1 did not increase the mean linear intercept compared with controls in tumor-free mice.

Conclusions

In this murine model, inhibiting multiple mechanisms of angiogenesis using two agents is a more effective antineoplastic strategy than using either agent alone. In addition, instillation of antiangiogenic gene transfer vectors into the pleural space does not result in histologic evidence of pulmonary emphysema.     

Adeno-associated virus vector-mediated delivery of pigment epithelium-derived factor restricts neuroblastoma angiogenesis and growth

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to inhibit neuroblastoma (NB) xenograft growth. Pigment epithelium-derived factor was chosen for this study because, in addition to being a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, it is capable of inducing neuronal differentiation.

Methods

Cohorts of mice received either recombinant AAV encoding human PEDF (rAAV-hPEDF) at a range of doses or control vector via tail vein. Subsequent hPEDF expression was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay. After 6 weeks, the mice were given human NB cells by retroperitoneal injection and then killed 5 weeks later. Tumor weight, microvessel density, tumor differentiation, apoptosis, and levels of intratumoral vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were determined at that time. In subsequent cohorts of mice, AAV-mediated murine PEDF expression was tested against both human NB xenografts and murine tumors.

Results

In a series of in vitro studies, PEDF was shown to inhibit endothelial cell activation and to stimulate differentiation of NB cell lines. After tail vein injection of rAAV-hPEDF, stable transgene expression was generated and correlated with levels of vector administration. Human NB xenograft growth was restricted by hPEDF in a dose-dependent fashion. Intratumoral VEGF expression and microvessel density were decreased, and tumor cell apoptosis was increased in PEDF-treated mice.

Conclusions

Treatment with PEDF had a significant impact on NB growth in mice when delivered continuously using a gene therapy-mediated approach. The activity of PEDF appears to be mediated in part by inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis through down-regulation of tumor-elaborated VEGF, with subsequent intratumoral apoptosis. Furthermore, hPEDF was able to induce NB differentiation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, antitumor efficacy was seen when mouse PEDF was used to treat syngeneic murine tumors. In our murine models, gene therapy-mediated delivery of PEDF appears promising for the treatment of neuroblastoma.     

血管内皮生长相关因子在胰腺癌组织中的表达

目的 观察胰腺癌组织中的血管内皮生长相关因子:色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达以及胰腺癌中PEDF和VEGF平衡关系的变化与其预后的关系.方法 用SP免疫组织化学方法检测51例胰腺癌标本,观察PEDF和VEGF在胰腺癌中的表达以及相应的微血管密度(MVD),并和肿瘤血管密度、肿瘤浸润深度、肿瘤大小、血管侵犯、肿瘤病理TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移等临床病理指标作单因素和多因素COX回归分析.结果 PEDF/VEGF与MVD之间明显关系(P<0.01),PEDF/VEGF值大小与肿瘤病理TNM分期(P<0.01)、淋巴结转移(P<0.01)、远处转移(P<0.05)有密切关系.Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析,51例患者根据PEDF/VEGF值是否大于0.5分为两组,其中PEDF/VEGF≥0.5组生存曲线明显高于PEDF/VEGF<0.5组(log-rank test,P<0.01).PEDF/VEGF比值(风险系数0.390;P<0.05)、淋巴结转移(风险系数3.38;P<0.01)、远处转移(风险系数3.447;P<0.01)是胰腺癌独立的预后指标.结论 PEDF/VEGF比值可较好反映胰腺癌中的血管增生;它与胰腺癌患者的临床分期、淋巴结转移及远处转移相关,是胰腺癌重要的预后因子之一.     

血管内皮生长相关因子在胰腺癌组织中的表达

目的 观察胰腺癌组织中的血管内皮生长相关因子:色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达以及胰腺癌中PEDF和VEGF平衡关系的变化与其预后的关系.方法 用SP免疫组织化学方法检测51例胰腺癌标本,观察PEDF和VEGF在胰腺癌中的表达以及相应的微血管密度(MVD),并和肿瘤血管密度、肿瘤浸润深度、肿瘤大小、血管侵犯、肿瘤病理TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移等临床病理指标作单因素和多因素COX回归分析.结果 PEDF/VEGF与MVD之间明显关系(P<0.01),PEDF/VEGF值大小与肿瘤病理TNM分期(P<0.01)、淋巴结转移(P<0.01)、远处转移(P<0.05)有密切关系.Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析,51例患者根据PEDF/VEGF值是否大于0.5分为两组,其中PEDF/VEGF≥0.5组生存曲线明显高于PEDF/VEGF<0.5组(log-rank test,P<0.01).PEDF/VEGF比值(风险系数0.390;P<0.05)、淋巴结转移(风险系数3.38;P<0.01)、远处转移(风险系数3.447;P<0.01)是胰腺癌独立的预后指标.结论 PEDF/VEGF比值可较好反映胰腺癌中的血管增生;它与胰腺癌患者的临床分期、淋巴结转移及远处转移相关,是胰腺癌重要的预后因子之一.     

血管内皮生长相关因子在胰腺癌组织中的表达

目的 观察胰腺癌组织中的血管内皮生长相关因子:色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达以及胰腺癌中PEDF和VEGF平衡关系的变化与其预后的关系.方法 用SP免疫组织化学方法检测51例胰腺癌标本,观察PEDF和VEGF在胰腺癌中的表达以及相应的微血管密度(MVD),并和肿瘤血管密度、肿瘤浸润深度、肿瘤大小、血管侵犯、肿瘤病理TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移等临床病理指标作单因素和多因素COX回归分析.结果 PEDF/VEGF与MVD之间明显关系(P<0.01),PEDF/VEGF值大小与肿瘤病理TNM分期(P<0.01)、淋巴结转移(P<0.01)、远处转移(P<0.05)有密切关系.Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析,51例患者根据PEDF/VEGF值是否大于0.5分为两组,其中PEDF/VEGF≥0.5组生存曲线明显高于PEDF/VEGF<0.5组(log-rank test,P<0.01).PEDF/VEGF比值(风险系数0.390;P<0.05)、淋巴结转移(风险系数3.38;P<0.01)、远处转移(风险系数3.447;P<0.01)是胰腺癌独立的预后指标.结论 PEDF/VEGF比值可较好反映胰腺癌中的血管增生;它与胰腺癌患者的临床分期、淋巴结转移及远处转移相关,是胰腺癌重要的预后因子之一.     

Immuno-gene therapy with interferon-beta before surgical debulking delays recurrence and improves survival in a murine model of malignant mesothelioma

OBJECTIVES: Immuno-gene therapy of mesothelioma with an adenovirus encoding interferon-beta mediated strong antitumor responses in murine models with low but not high tumor burden. Our goals were to determine the mechanisms responsible for this loss of efficacy and to test the hypothesis that the combination of preoperative adenovirus encoding interferon-beta and surgical resection would be effective in treating bulky tumors. METHODS: Flank tumors of a mouse mesothelioma cell line were treated with adenovirus encoding interferon-beta or adenoviral vector encoding the bacterial protein beta-galactosidase. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and tumor infiltration by T lymphocytes were measured. Tumors were surgically excised 72 hours later and tumor cells were injected in the contralateral flank to create a model of a metastatic focus. Tumor-free survival and distant metastatic disease were assessed. RESULTS: Immuno-gene therapy effectively treated small tumors (<200 mm(3)) but did not reduce the size of large (>800 mm(3)) flank tumors. Although treatment with adenovirus encoding interferon-beta resulted in the generation of tumor-neutralizing splenocytes in large tumors, the number of T cells visualized within the tumors was minimal. Tumors treated with adenovirus encoding interferon-beta (versus adenoviral vector encoding the bacterial protein beta-galactosidase or phosphate-buffered saline solution) prior to debulking increased long-term tumor-free survival and resulted in two- to sixfold smaller foci of implanted tumor cells at 2 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of adenovirus encoding interferon-beta or surgical debulking alone is ineffective in treating large tumors, but combining preoperative adenovirus encoding interferon-beta and surgical debulking significantly reduces tumor recurrence and improves long-term tumor-free survival. We postulate that adenovirus encoding interferon-beta amplifies the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antitumor response, allowing elimination of residual tumor cells.     

Tumor angiogenesis as an independent prognostic factor after extended radical esophagectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is only limited information regarding tumor angiogenesis and its clinical implications in cases of esophageal carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to clarify which clinicopathologic parameters correlate with tumor angiogenesis; furthermore, the study was conducted to evaluate whether tumor angiogenesis is an independent prognostic factor in cases of esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) expression were immunohistochemically studied after extended radical esophagectomy in 103 cases of esophageal carcinoma. RESULTS: Increased MVD significantly correlated with the depth of tumor invasion, the frequency of intramural metastasis, and the stage of tumor advancement (P <.05). dThdPase expression status significantly correlated with the size and depth of primary tumors (P <.02). A significant correlation was present between MVD and the expression status of dThdPase (P <.01). Furthermore, increased MVD correlated with increased tumor recurrence after esophagectomy and with poorer survival curves (P <.01 and P <.05, respectively). A multivariate analysis revealed MVD to be an independent predictor of unfavorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor angiogenesis expressed as MVD correlates with clinicopathologic parameters regarding tumor progression and is an independent prognostic indicator in patients undergoing extended radical esophagectomy for invasive esophageal carcinoma.     

Adenovirus vector-mediated transfer of the vascular endothelial growth factor cDNA to healing abdominal fascia enhances vascularity and bursting strength in mice with normal and impaired wound healing

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that adenovirus-mediated transfer of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF121) complementary DNA (cDNA) to murine laparotomy fascial wounds would enhance vascularity and bursting strength. METHODS: Microfibrillar collagen sponges saturated with adenovirus (Ad) vectors encoding for the human VEGF121 cDNA (Ad(CU)VEGF121.1), a control marker gene (Ad beta gal, AdLuc) or no transgene (AdNull) were sutured to fascial edges during laparotomy closure in normal mice and mice treated with dexamethasone. Endpoints addressed included transgene expression in the fascia and surrounding tissue, the number of blood vessels in the healing wound determined using immunostaining, and wound bursting strength using a calibrated tensinometer. RESULTS: Transgene expression was detected readily in the fascial edges, but only marginally detectable in neighboring tissues. In normal mice and mice treated with dexamethasone, no differences were observed at 7 days. Strikingly, however, 21 days after wound closure/therapy, significantly more blood vessels were present in the wounds that received the VEGF121 vector compared with controls (normal: AdNull: 4.2 +/- 1.8; Ad(CU)VEGF121.1: 11.2 +/- 1.2; P <.05; dexamethasone: AdNull: 1.4 +/- 0.8; Ad(CU)VEGF121.1: 5.4 +/- 1.2; P <.05), and bursting strength was significantly higher in VEGF121-treated wounds (normal: AdNull: 665 +/- 68 mN/mm; Ad(CU)VEGF121.1: 956 +/- 82 mN/mm; P <.0005; dexamethasone: AdNull: 234 +/- 111 mN/mm; Ad(CU)VEGF121.1: 592 +/- 121 mN/mm; P <.03). CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to healing fascial wounds is achieved readily using a microfibrillar collagen sponge, with transfer of the human VEGF121 cDNA significantly enhancing wound vascularity and bursting strength in normal mice, as well as in mice treated with dexamethasone.     

Recipient intramuscular cotransfection of naked plasmid transforming growth factor beta1 and interleukin 10 ameliorates lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE: Multiple gene transfer might permit modulation of concurrent biochemical pathways involved in lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study we analyzed whether recipient intramuscular naked plasmid cotransfection of transforming growth factor beta(1) and interleukin 10 would result in amelioration of lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Forty-eight hours before transplantation, 6 groups (n = 6) of F344 rats received intramuscular injection of naked plasmid encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plus beta-galactosidase, transforming growth factor beta(1), interleukin 10, or transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 or were not treated. Donor lungs were flushed and stored for 18 hours at 4 degrees C before transplantation. Twenty-four hours later, grafts were assessed immediately before the animals were killed. Arterial oxygenation, wet/dry ratio, myeloperoxidase, and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukin 2) were measured, and immunohistochemistry was performed. RESULTS: For lung graft function, the arterial oxygenation was considerably higher in the cotransfected group receiving transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 compared with that in all other groups (P < or =.03). The wet/dry ratio, reflecting lung edema, was reduced in the cotransfected group compared with that in control animals (nontreated, P <.02; chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, P <.03; chloramphenicol acetyltransferase plus beta-galactosidase, P <.01). Myeloperoxidase, which measures neutrophil sequestration, was also reduced with cotransfection compared with that seen in control animals (P < or =.03). All proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in the cotransfected group compared with those in all other groups (interleukin 1beta, P <.04; tumor necrosis factor alpha, P <.002; interferon gamma, P <.0001; interleukin 2, P <.03). These results indicate that cotransfection provides a synergistic benefit in graft function versus either cytokine alone, neutrophil sequestration, or inflammatory cytokine expression. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of transforming growth factor beta(1) plus interleukin 10 in type I and II pneumocytes and localized edema fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Recipient intramuscular naked plasmid cotransfection of transforming growth factor beta(1) and interleukin 10 provides a synergistic effect in ameliorating lung reperfusion injury after prolonged ischemia.     

Adenovirus encoding soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin prolongs gene expression of a cotransfected reporter gene in rat lung

OBJECTIVE: Because almost all pulmonary diseases are not caused by one gene, multiple gene transfection is required for current gene therapy. Adenovirus is an important gene therapy vector, but a short duration and the inability of repeated administration remain limitations. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether adenoviral vector encoding soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin and beta-galactosidase cotransfection prolongs gene expression and facilitates repeated vector administration to investigate the feasibility of a cotransfection strategy. METHODS: F344 rats received intratracheal administration of 1 x 10(9) plaque-forming units of adenoviral vector encoding beta-galactosidase or both adenoviral vector encoding beta-galactosidase and adenoviral vector encoding soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin. In the expression study beta-galactosidase gene expression in the lung was examined by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on days 2, 7, 14, 28, and 56 (n = 4/day). In the repeated transfection study, soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin and beta-galactosidase were readministered once (7 days after the first adenovirus administration) or twice (on days 7 and 14; n = 4/day). A 2-way factorial analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin and beta-galactosidase cotransfection prolonged the duration of beta-galactosidase expression. However, antiadenovirus antibody production was significantly increased in the cotransfection group. In addition, there was no increase in beta-galactosidase expression after readministration of soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin and beta-galactosidase. CONCLUSION: Adenoviral vector encoding soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor immunoglobulin and beta-galactosidase cotransfection prolongs beta-galactosidase expression but does not increase beta-galactosidase expression after repeated administration. These results suggest that tumor necrosis factor alpha is one of the most important factors in regulating the duration of gene expression. The cotransfection approach is feasible, but the increase of antiadenovirus antibodies might make repeated cotransfection unfeasible.     

Specific organ gene transfer in vivo by regional organ perfusion with herpes viral amplicon vectors: implications for local gene therapy

BACKGROUND: Many gene therapy strategies would benefit from efficient, regional organ delivery of therapeutic genes. METHODS: Regional perfusions of lung, liver, or bladder were performed to determine if rapid and efficient gene transfer can be accomplished in vivo, and to determine if in vivo gene transfer can be limited to the organ of interest. In addition, herpes simplex virus tumor necrosis factor (HSVtnf), carrying the human tumor necrosis factoralpha gene was used as a treatment for methylcholanthrene sarcoma in a syngeneic lung metastases model in Fisher rats. RESULTS: A 20-minute perfusion using HSV carrying beta-galactosidase (HSVlac) produced significant expression of this marker gene isolated to the target organs, without organ-specific tissue injury or inflammation. Regional perfusion of organs with HSV carrying the cytokine gene tumor necrosis factor alpha also resulted in high-level local organ production of this cytokine (2851 +/- 53 pg/g tissue in perfused lung versus 0 for the contralateral lung). For the current vector construct, expression of the gene of interest peaked between 2 and 4 days and was undetectable by 2 weeks after perfusion. In animals undergoing perfusion as treatment for pulmonary sarcoma, there was no difference between tumor counts in lungs perfused with HSVlac (17 +/- 6) or HSVtnf (22 +/- 8), but either treatment resulted in lower tumor counts than controls (111 +/- 24 nodules per lung, P <.02). CONCLUSIONS: Regional organ perfusion using herpes viral vectors is an effective and well-tolerated in vivo method of transiently delivering potentially toxic gene products to target organs in directing gene therapy. Regional lung perfusion with HSV amplicons reduces tumor burden in a rat model of pulmonary metastases, though HSVtnf cannot be demonstrated to augment the cytopathic effect of the HSV amplicon alone in the current model.     

Adenoviral vector expressing hepatocyte growth factor promotes liver regeneration by preoperative injection: the advantages of performing selective injection to the remnant lobe

BACKGROUND: In a cirrhotic liver, the regenerative ability is impaired and liver failure may occur after a hepatectomy. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulates liver regeneration and adenoviral vector expressing hepatocyte growth factor (AdHGF) allows hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to be persistently expressed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of the selective and preoperative injection of AdHGF to the remnant lobes to regenerate the liver. METHODS: A 70% partial hepatectomy was performed in dimethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rats with a preoperative injection of AdHGF, adenoviral vector carrying beta-galactosidase (AdLacZ), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The morphologic, histologic, and biochemical changes in the remnant liver and survival rates were then assessed. RESULTS: Portal injection with clamping the portal branches of the resected lobes for 5 min made it possible to effectively transduce the adenoviral vector into the remnant lobes. On day 7 after hepatectomy, the survival rates were 87% in the AdHGF group, 53% in the AdLacZ group, and 40% in the PBS group (P < .05). The ratio of the remnant liver weight/body weight (%) was 2.0 +/- 0.1 in the AdHGF group, 1.5 +/- 0.3 in the AdLacZ group, and 1.6 +/- 0.04 in the PBS group (P < .01). The 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling index significantly increased in the AdHGF group on day 1, and the fibrous status significantly decreased in the AdHGF group on day 7 after hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperatively, the selective injection of AdHGF into the remnant lobes may be an effective treatment prior to a major hepatectomy in a cirrhotic liver.     

靶向存活素基因短发卡RNA对人脑胶质母细胞瘤U251细胞在裸鼠体内生长的影响

目的观察靶向存活素基因的特异性短发卡RNA（shRNA）对人脑胶质母细胞瘤U251细胞裸鼠体内肿瘤生长和血管形成的影响。方法将U251细胞、稳定转染存活素基因shRNA真核表达载体pWH1-SR的U251细胞（U251-SR细胞）、稳定转染空载体pWH1的U251细胞（U251-P细胞）,分别接种于15只裸鼠背部皮下,每组5只,观测肿瘤生长情况。采用免疫组化SABC方法检测存活素、增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）以及第八因子相关抗原（FⅧRAg）在各组肿瘤标本中的表达;采用TUNEL方法检测凋亡细胞,分别计算各组肿瘤标本的增殖指数（PI）、凋亡指数（AI）以及微血管密度（MVD）。结果与U251、U251-P组相比,U251-SR组裸鼠肿瘤形成时间延迟,肿瘤生长缓慢,肿瘤体积及重量均明显减小（P均〈0.01）;肿瘤标本存活素蛋白表达明显下调;PI和MVD明显减少,AI明显升高（P均〈0．01）。结论靶向存活素基因的shRNA能够在裸鼠体内明显抑制U251细胞的肿瘤生长和血管形成。     

Improvement in efficacy of chemoradiotherapy by addition of an antiangiogenic agent in a murine tumor model

BACKGROUND: Chemoradiotherapy improves survival for some cancer patients. Methods of enhancing treatment response would further enhance survival rates. The effect of the addition of an antiangiogenic agent to a chemoradiotherapy regime has not previously been examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57B16 mice were inoculated with 1 x 10(6) Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the flank and randomized to 1 of 10 treatment groups when tumor volume approached 1000 mm(3). Animals received combinations of standard doses of intraperitoneal cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and the antiangiogenic agent genistein, together with 10 or 20 Gy of external beam radiotherapy. Animals were sacrificed at day 6 when tumor volume, microvessel density, and serum VEGF were determined. RESULTS: Mean (SEM) tumor volume in the chemoradiotherapy group was 762 (212) mm(3) versus 565 (79) mm(3) in the chemoradiotherapy plus genistein group (P = 0.04, unpaired t-test). The addition of genistein produced a significant reduction in tumor microvessel density (P = 0.01) as well as serum VEGF levels (P < 0.05) compared to those animals receiving chemoradiation alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides proof of principle that chemoradiation can be enhanced by the addition of an antiangiogenic agent to the regime and suggests that further examination of such regimes is warranted.     

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor gene transfer ameliorates lung graft ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor is an important mediator of lung transplant ischemia-reperfusion injury, and soluble type I tumor necrosis factor receptor binds to tumor necrosis factor and works as a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that gene transfer of type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein reduces lung isograft ischemia-reperfusion injury and to compare donor endobronchial versus recipient intramuscular transfection strategies. METHODS: Three donor groups of Fischer rats (n = 6/group) underwent endobronchial transfection with either saline, 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of control adenovirus encoding beta-galactosidase, or 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of adenovirus encoding type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein. Left lungs were harvested 24 hours later. Two recipient groups (n = 6/group) underwent intramuscular transfection with 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units or 1 x 10(10) plaque-forming units of adenovirus encoding type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein 24 hours before transplantation. All donor lung grafts were stored for 18 hours before orthotopic lung transplantation. Graft function was assessed 24 hours after reperfusion. Transgene expression was evaluated by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry of type I tumor necrosis factor receptor. RESULTS: Endobronchial transfection of donor lung grafts with 2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of adenovirus encoding type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein significantly improved arterial oxygenation compared with the saline and beta-galactosidase donor groups (366.6 +/- 137.9 vs 138.8 +/- 159.9 and 140.6 +/- 131.4 mm Hg, P =.009 and.010, respectively). Recipient intramuscular transfection with 1 x 10(10) plaque-forming units of adenovirus encoding type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein improved lung graft oxygenation compared with that seen in the low-dose intramuscular group (2 x 10(7); 320.3 +/- 188.6 vs 143.6 +/- 20.2 mm Hg, P =.038). Type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein was expressed in endobronchial transfected grafts. In addition, intramuscular type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein expression was dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Donor endobronchial and recipient intramuscular adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of type I tumor necrosis factor receptor-IgG fusion protein improved experimental lung graft oxygenation after prolonged ischemia. However, donor endobronchial transfection required 500-fold less vector. Furthermore, at low vector doses, it does not create significant graft inflammation.     

Cisplatin augments cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated antitumor immunity in poorly immunogenic murine lung cancer

OBJECTIVE: Many tumors are poorly immunogenic and resistant to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated cell lysis. Because cisplatin has been demonstrated to increase tumor cell Fas receptor expression, we hypothesized that cisplatin will enhance cytotoxic T-lymphocyte tumor cell killing and augment the antitumor effect of an active immunotherapy strategy in a poorly immunogenic murine lung cancer model. METHODS: Lewis lung carcinoma cells were exposed to cisplatin in vitro, and Fas receptor expression and apoptosis in response to an agonistic anti-Fas antibody were quantified using flow cytometry. Wild-type and Fas ligand-deficient mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma flank tumors were then treated with intraperitoneal cisplatin as well as an intratumoral injection of an adenovirus gene transfer vector encoding CD40 ligand. End points included tumor size, animal survival, and Fas expression (determined using immunofluorescence). Cytotoxicity assays were performed using splenocytes from adenovirus gene transfer vector encoding CD40 ligand-treated animals as effectors and cisplatin-treated Lewis lung carcinoma cells as targets. RESULTS: Cisplatin induced heightened expression of Fas receptor on Lewis lung carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo and enhanced apoptosis in cells exposed to an agonistic anti-Fas antibody. In vivo, the combination of 1 dose of intraperitoneal cisplatin and intratumoral adenovirus gene transfer vector encoding CD40 ligand inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with adenovirus gene transfer vector encoding CD40 ligand alone, resulting in a higher cure rate. This effect was lost in Fas ligand-deficient mice. Splenocytes from adenovirus gene transfer vector encoding CD40 ligand-treated wild-type mice lysed cisplatin-treated Lewis lung carcinoma cells more efficiently than untreated Lewis lung carcinoma cells, an effect lost in splenocytes from Fas ligand-deficient mice. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin augments the antitumor effect of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated immunotherapy strategy, resulting in a higher cure rate than seen with immunotherapy alone. This effect is associated with the enhanced ability of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to lyse tumor cells that have been exposed to cisplatin through Fas/Fas ligand interactions.     

色素上皮衍生因子和血管上皮生长因子在良性前列腺增生组织中的表达及意义

目的:探讨色素上皮衍生因子(PEDF)和血管上皮生长因子(VEGF)在BPH组织中的表达特点和意义.方法:对35例手术切除的BPH组织(BPH组),21例正常前列腺组织(对照组)行免疫组织化学法检测PEDF和VEGF的表达水平和微血管密度(MVD)计数,统计学分析两组标本表达水平的差异以及各因素之间的相关性.结果:BPH组中VEGF和MVD表达明显高于对照组(P＜0.01),PEDF表达明显低于对照组(P＜0.01);MVD与VEGF表达呈显著正相关(P＜0.05),与PEDF表达呈显著负相关(P＜0.05);VEGF与PEDF表达呈显著负相关(P＜0.01).结论:PEDF表达水平降低和VEGF表达水平增加,促进前列腺组织的血管生成作用,导致前列腺组织增生.PEDF和VEGF的不平衡表达可能是BPH组织血管生成的分子基础,是促进BPH发生和发展的因素.     

大肠癌组织中血管内皮生长因子D表达与预后的关系

目的研究血管内皮生长因子D（VEGF-D）在大肠癌中的表达,探讨其表达水平与大肠癌临床病理特征、微血管密度（MVD）及预后的关系.方法抽取1996年1月至1998年1月于瑞金医院外科行结直肠癌根治术且接受正规随访的大肠癌病例69例;所有病例术后第1、2年每3个月、第3年每6个月、第4年后每年1次接受门诊随访,包括体格检查、血清癌胚抗原（CEA）检测、胸片、肝脏B超、腹部CT等.采用免疫组织化学技术检测VEGF-D在69例大肠癌及20例正常大肠组织的表达;采用抗CD34免疫组织化学技术评价大肠癌MVD;采用Axioplan 2 imaging显微图像分析系统对免疫组织化学染色结果进行定量.结果所有（69/69）大肠癌组织和25%（5/20）正常大肠组织检测到VEGF-D表达,染色定位于肿瘤细胞浆.VEGF-D表达显著高于相应正常大肠组织（P＜0.01）;VEGF-D表达与大肠癌患者年龄（≤68岁;＞68岁）、淋巴结转移及肿瘤浸润深度显著相关（P＜0.05）;VEGF-D表达与大肠癌患者性别、远处转移、临床分期、分化程度及肿瘤部位相关性均无统计学意义.VEGF-D表达与大肠癌MVD显著相关（P＜0.05）;VEGF-D高表达的大肠癌患者组总生存期和无瘤生存期显著低于VEGF-D低表达患者组（P＜0.05）.结论VEGF-D在大肠癌中有异常高表达,且与无瘤生存与总生存率显著相关,可用于判断大肠癌预后.     

Carcinoembryonic antigen directed herpes viral oncolysis improves selectivity and activity in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: G207 is an oncolytic herpes virus whose replicative cycle requires cellular ribonucleotide reductase (RR) for viral DNA synthesis. We attempt to enhance viral cytotoxicity in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-producing colorectal cancer (CRC) cells through CEA-driven RR production. METHODS: CEA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on LS174T and HCT-8 human CRC cells. The CEA enhancer-promoter (CEA E-P) was functionally assessed by luciferase assay. CEA E-P was cloned upstream of UL39, the gene encoding the large subunit of RR. Cells were transfected with CEA E-P/UL39 and infected with G207 for cytotoxicity assays. LS174T, with or without CEA E-P/UL39, were implanted into athymic mouse flanks (n = 28) and treated with G207. RESULTS: CEA levels were 7-fold higher in LS174T versus HCT-8 ( P <.00001). CEA E-P increased luciferase expression 7.5-fold in LS174T ( P <.01), with no increase in HCT-8. G207 cytotoxicity of'CEA E-P/UL39-transfected LS174T cells increased 69% by day 10 versus nontransfected cells ( P <.001), with no significant increase in HCT-8. Combining CEA E-P/UL39 with G207 in LS174T flank tumors resulted in a 65% decrease in tumor volume versus G207, phosphate-buffered saline, or'CEA E-P/UL39 alone ( P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: CEA-driven RR production by CEA-secreting CRC cells significantly improves oncolytic viral cytotoxicity and specificity in vitro, and reduces tumor burden in vivo.     

Highly efficient ex vivo gene transfer to the transplanted heart by means of hypothermic perfusion with a low dose of adenoviral vector

BACKGROUND: Hypothermic conditions required for donor heart preservation may reduce gene-transfer efficiency. Experiments were designed to determine whether a perfusion technique could improve the efficiency of gene transfer to donor hearts. METHODS: An adenoviral vector encoding beta-galactosidase (3.5 x 10(8) plaque-forming units) was infused into explanted rat hearts under 4 conditions (each n = 6): (1) the virus was diluted in 350 microL of University of Wisconsin solution and infused as a high-pressure bolus into the coronary arteries of donor hearts through the aortic root; (2) the virus was diluted in 5 mL of University of Wisconsin solution and circulated by means of a peristaltic pump (flow, 0.75 mL/min) through the vasculature of the donor heart for 30 minutes; (3) 5 mL of viral solution was circulated as for group 2 for 15 minutes; and (4) 5 mL of viral solution was circulated for 5 minutes at a flow rate of 2.4 mL/min. Transduced hearts were transplanted into the abdomen of syngeneic rats, and transgene expression was assessed by means of immunoassay 4 days later. RESULTS: The median beta-galactosidase content was (1) 45.0 ng/mg protein (25th-75th percentile, 33-73 ng/mg), (2) 640 ng/mg protein (25th-75th percentile, 614-878 ng/mg), (3) 493.8 ng/mg protein (25th-75th percentile, 456-527 ng/mg), and (4) 503.3 ng/mg protein (25th-75th percentile, 475-562 ng/mg; P <.01 for group 2 vs group 1, and P <.05 for groups 3 and 4 vs group 1). Transgene expression was predominantly in myocytes and favored the subepicardial region of the right ventricle. CONCLUSION: Hypothermic perfusion of the donor heart with an adenoviral vector resulted in efficient transgene expression compared with that induced by a single bolus injection.