Role of TGFβ in the anti-estrogen response/resistance of human breast cancer

Transforming growth factor (TGF) has potent inhibitory effects upon epithelial proliferation and malignant progression may be associated with breakdown of the autocrine and paracrine inhibitory loops in which TGF participates. The therapeutic effects of anti-estrogens may be partially attributable to boosting of local endogenous levels of TGF. This article reviews the evidence in support of TGF being a proximate effector in mediation of the anti-neoplastic effects of anti-estrogens. Both the conventional estrogen receptor (ER)³ dependent and ER independent mechanisms of action are likely to be involved. Evidence for preferential stromal induction of TGF by anti-estrogens is emphasized, together with the therapeutic potential of this strategy for improving outcome in early breast cancer irrespective of ER status.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

MHC class I and II antigen expression and interferon α treatment of human midgut carcinoid tumors

Cryosections of 28 primary and metastatic midgut carcinoid tumors from 12 patients with carcinoid syndrome were investigated immunohistochemically with antibodies that recognize human MHC class I (HLA-ABC) and class II (HLA-DR) antigens. The tumor parenchyma of all six patients treated with interferon (IFN-) during a mean 8.6 months (3x10⁶ to 5x10⁶ U three times weekly) exhibited unequivocal HLA-ABC immunoreactivity, with only minor discrepancies between primary lesions and metastases in mesenteric lymph nodes and liver. Class I staining was absent on the tumor cells of all 14 specimens from the patients without IFN therapy but was induced by culturing freshly dispersed tumor cells in vitro for 48 hours in the presence of recombinant IFN-. The stroma of all neoplasms displayed class I and II immunostaining, as did usually a few CD4-expressing cells. The carcinoid specimens lacked parenchymal HLA-DR immunoreactivity, which is interesting considering suggestions on improved prognosis for bowel carcinomas lacking the class II expression. The study supports the idea that induction of MHC class I antigens could contribute to the beneficial clinical effects of IFN- treatment in patients with midgut carcinoid tumors.

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Resumen Las criosecciones de 28 tumores carcinoides primarios y metastásicos del intestino medio provenientes de 12 pacientes con el síndrome carcinoide fueron investigados inmunohisto-químicamente con anticuerpos reconocedores de los antígenos humanos MHC clase I (HLA-ABC) y clase II (HLA-DR).El parenquima tumoral de todos los 6 pacientes tratados con interferón alfa (IFN-) durante un tiempo medio de 8.6 meses (3–5x10⁶ U 3x/semana) exhibieron inequívoca inmuno-reactividad HLA-ABC con sólo discrepancias menores entre las lesiones primarias y las metástasis en el hígado y los ganglios mesentéricos.La coloración de clase I estuvo ausente en las células tumorales de todos los 14 especímenes de los pacientes que no recibieron terapia con IFN, pero se indujo mediante el cultivo de células de dispersión fresca invitro por 48 horas en presencia de IFN- recombinante. El estroma de todos los neoplasmas demostró coloración clase I y II, así como unas pocas células de expresión CD4. Los especímenes carcinoides estuvieron desprovistos de inmuno-reactividad HLA-DR, lo cual es interesante si se considera la sugerencia de mejor pronóstico en los carcinomas del colon desprovistos de expresión clase II.Este estudio da apoyo a que la inducción de antígenos MHC clase I puede contribuir a beneficio clínico en el tratamiento con IFN- de pacientes con tumores carcinoides del intestino medio.

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Résumé On a recherché la présence d'antigènes MHC classe I (HLA-ABC) et classe II (HLA-DR) par des anticorps correspondants dans la cryosection de 28 tumeurs primitives ou métastatiques carcinoïdes de l'intestin moyen provenant de 12 patients ayant un syndrome carcinoïde. La tumeur parenchymateuse des 6 patients ayant été traités par l'alpha interféron (IFN-a) pendant une moyenne de 8.6 mois (3.5x10⁶ U 3/semaine) avaient une immunoréactivité non équivoque avec seulement des différences mineures entre les lésions primaires et métastatiques au niveau des adénopathies envahies et le foie. La coloration histologique était négative pour les lésions classe I dans les 14 pièces anatomiques provenant des patients n'ayant pas eu de traitement par l'IFN, mais celle-ci a pu être induite, après culture in vitro de cellules tumorales fraîches pendant 48 heures en la présence d'un recombinant IFN-a. Le stroma de tous les néoplasmes présentait une immunocoloration classe I et classe II ainsi qu'une expression CD4 peu prononcée. Les pièces anatomiques de tumeurs carcinoides n'avaient pas d'immunoactivité HLA-DR, ce qui est intéressant compte tenu des hypothèses suggérant un meilleur pronostic pour les patients ayant un cancer du gros intestin sans expression classe II. Cette étude est en faveur d'une action positive complémentaire par l'induction d'antigènes MHC classe I chez les patients porteurs d'une tumeur carcinoïde de l'intestin moyen, traités par l'interféron IFN-a.

     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

The expression of β-adrenoceptors in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and their roles in cell invasiveness

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-adrenoceptors on norepi-nephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods The expression of β-adrenocep-tors mRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 was detected by using RT-PCR. The cells were randomly divided into control group.10 mol/L NE intervention group, 1 mol/L propranolol intervention group and NE + propranolol intervention group. After 48 h , transwell invasiveness test was used to examine the changes in invasive ability of MiaPaCa-2. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VECF proteins were assayed by immunocytochemistry. Results Both MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC3 expressed β1-and β2-adrenocep-tors. The absorbance ( A) values of invasive cells in NE, NE + propranolol, propranolol and control groups were 0.78±0.02 ,0.32±0.03 ,0.26±0.01 and 0.28±0.02 , respectively, and those in NE intervention group were significantly higher than in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P <0.05) . There was no sig-nificant difference in the number of invasive cells between propranolol and control groups ( P > 0. 05) . In NE group , the expression index of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA was 0. 87±0.02 , 1.04±0.02 and 0. 92±0. 01 , and the gray value of the protein expression was 131.20±2.34,105.32±7.21 and 115.60 ±5. 03 , respectively, which were higher than those in control and NE + propranolol groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression levels of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF mRNA and pro-tein between propranolol and control groups ( P>0.05 ) . Conclusion β-adrenoceptors play an important role in the process of norepinephrine-induced invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. NE can promote the invasiveness of MiaPaCa-2 through up-regulating the expression of MMP-2 , MMP-9 and VEGF via β-adre-noceptors.     

Post-acute response of 9L gliosarcoma to Photofrin™-mediated PDT in athymic nude mice

The objective of this study is to measure the chronic responses of 9L glioma and normal brain to photodynamic therapy (PDT). Tumor size, proliferation activity of glioma cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in both the tumor area and the brain adjacent to tumor (BAT) were observed 7 days after clinically relevant doses of PDT treatment. 9L Gliosarcoma cells were implanted into the brain of 20 athymic nude mice. Fifteen mice were injected intraperitoneally with Photofrin™ at a dose of 2 mg/kg on day 6 after tumor implantation and were treated with laser at different optical doses of 40 J/cm² (n = 5), 80 J/cm² (n = 5), and 120 J/cm² (n = 5) at 24 h after Photofrin injection, respectively. The remaining five tumor-bearing mice served as a tumor-only control. All animals were killed 14 days after tumor implantation. Hematoxylin and eosin and immunostaining were performed to assess tumor volume, VEGF expression in the tumor and the BAT, as well as Ki67 expression in the tumor area. The tumor volume of the mice receiving 80 or 120 J/cm² group was significantly smaller than the control group (p < 0.01). VEGF immunoreactivity in the BAT was significantly increased in the 120 J/cm² PDT-treated mice (p < 0.001), compared with the immunoreactivity seen in untreated mice and those receiving Photofrin and lower optical doses. No significant differences were detected in the proliferation of glioma cells and VEGF expression in the tumor area between these groups. These data indicate that PDT can shrink tumor, especially at the high light dose, and that PDT induces expression of VEGF in the BAT, which is associated with tumor recurrence. Therefore, PDT combined with anti-angiogenic agents may be an effective treatment strategy for glioma.     

Targeted expression of human FSH receptor Asp567Gly mutant mRNA in testis of transgenic mice： role of human FSH receptor promoter

Aim:To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function.Methods:We produced transgenic mice overexpressing the Asp567Gly human FSHR under the control of a 1.5kb 5’-flanking region fragment of its promoter.Results: Mice were phenotypically normal and fertile.In males,mRNA could be detected in the testis and the brain, indicating that the 1.5kb promoter fragment drives expression not only in the gonads. The testis weight/body weight ratio and the testosterone levels in transgenic and non-transgenic littermates were similar. By in situ hybridisation we found that the transgenic FSHR was highly expressed in Sertoli cells,spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, a radioligand receptor assay failed to show a significant difference in total FSHR binding sites in testis homogenates of transgenic and wild type animals, suggesting that the transgenic FSHR is probably not translated into functional receptor protein. Conclusion: A 1.5kb 5“-region of the human FSHR drives mRNA expression of the transgene in the testis but leads to ectopic expression in germ cells and in the brain. No phenotypic consequences could be documented due to the lack of protein expression.     

Reduced expression of α-tocopherol-associated protein is associated with tumor cell proliferation and the-increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence

Aim： To examine the impact and prognostic significance of α-tocopherol associated protein （TAP） expression in a series of prostate cancer patients. Methods： Tissues from 87 patients underwent radical prostatectomy were examined for TAP expression by immunohistochemistry. The relationships of the staining results, the clinic pathological characteristics and the recurrence times were analyzed. Results： Compared with the adjacent areas of normal and benign glands, immunoreactivity of TAP was reduced in areas of prostate cancer. A lower TAP-positive cell number per mm^2 of the largest cancer area （defined as TAP-PN） was associated with higher clinical stage （r = -0.248, P = 0.0322）. Inverse associations were found among the TAP-PN and positive lymph nodes （r = -0.231, P = 0.0325）, preoperative prostatespecific antigen （PSA） levels （r = -0.423, P = 0.0043）, tumor size （r = -0.315, P = 0.0210） and elevated tumor cell proliferation, which was indicated by the staining of Ki-67 （r = -0.308, P = 0.0026）. TAP-PN was a significant predictor of recurrence univariately （P = 0.0006）, as well as multivariately, adjusted for known markers including preoperative PSA, clinical stage, Gleason score, surgical margin, extra-prostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node metastasis （P = 0.0012）. Conclusion： Reduced expression of TAP was associated with the cell proliferation status of prostate cancer, adverse pathological parameters and the increased risk of recurrence.     

The relative importance of treatment outcomes to surgeons’ recommendations for low-risk thyroid cancer

BackgroundThe treatment of low-risk thyroid cancer is controversial. We evaluated the importance of treatment outcomes to surgeons’ recommendations.MethodsA cross-sectional survey asked thyroid surgeons for their treatment recommendations for a healthy 45-year-old patient with a solitary, low-risk, 2-cm papillary thyroid cancer. The importance of the 10 treatment outcomes (survival, recurrence, etc.) to their recommendation was evaluated using constant sum scaling, a method where 100 points are allocated among the treatment outcomes; more points indicate higher importance. The distribution of points was compared between surgeons recommending total thyroidectomy and surgeons recommending lobectomy using Hottelling’s T² test.ResultsOf 165 respondents (74.3% response rate), 35.8% (n = 59) recommended total thyroidectomy and 64.2% (n = 106) lobectomy. The importance of the 10 treatment outcomes was significantly different between groups (P < .05). Surgeons recommending total thyroidectomy were most influenced by the risk of recurrence (19.1 points; standard deviation 16.5) and rated this 1.6-times more important than those recommending lobectomy. Conversely, surgeons recommending lobectomy placed high emphasis on need for hormone replacement (14.3 points; standard deviation 15.4), rating this 3.1-times more important than those recommending total thyroidectomy.ConclusionSurgeons who recommend total thyroidectomy and those who recommend lobectomy differently prioritize the importance of cancer recurrence and thyroid hormone replacement. Understanding how surgeons’ beliefs influence their recommendations is important for ensuring patients receive treatment aligned with their values.     

Quantitative analysis of distribution and fate of human lung cancer emboli labeled with 125I-5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine in nude mice

The chemical and radio toxicity of ¹²⁵-5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (¹²⁵IUDR) on 870127T human lung cancer (HLC) cells grown in tissue cultures and the quantitative analysis of the distribution and fate of ¹²⁵IUDR-labeled 870127T HLC cells in nude mice were evaluated. After 870127T HLC cells were plated and ¹²⁵IUDR was added to the dishes at levels ranging from 0.1 µCi/ml to 5.0 µCi/ml of media, the growth rate of the cells for 24h was similar to that of non-labeled cells. Nude mice were given intravenous injections of ¹²⁵IUDR labeled 870127T HLC cells and killed at various intervals ranging from 5 min to 24 h after injection. Organs were collected, processed, and monitored. The lung contained most of the tumor cells at all intervals and the number of tumor cells in the lung decreased gradually post-injection. The tumor cells died rapidly, and only about 1.5% of all cell survived after 24 h post-injection. This study confirmed that very few surviving tumor cells are needed to cause metastasis.