Selective inhibition of endothelin receptor A as an anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative strategy for human pancreatic cancer

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a major role in tumor proliferation and angiogenesis of various types of cancer acting through endothelin receptors A and B (ETRA and ETRB). The aim of this study was to analyze theET-1/ETRsystem inhumanpancreatic cancer cell linesandto evaluate the effect of a selective endothelin A inhibitor in vitro and in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model. Three different human pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa-2, AsPC-1, and Panc-1, were studied. We found that proliferation of human pancreatic carcinoma cells expressing ETRA was significantly reduced with a selective antagonist. Hypoxic conditions led to improved results compared to a normoxic environment (MiaPaCa-2: -53% vs. -18%; AsPC-1: -54% vs. -46%). Proliferation of ETRA negative Panc-1 cells was not decreased. In vivo, the selective ETRA inhibition resulted in reduced angiogenesis as measured by lower microvessel densities (MiaPaCa-2: -47%; AsPC-1: -55%). The blockade of ETRA decreased the volume (MiaPaCa-2: -87%; AsPC-1: -28%) and metastatic spread (MiaPaCa-2: -95.5%; AsPC-1: -27%) of receptorpositive tumors, thereby increasing survival in experimental pancreatic cancer. ETRA blockade did not show an effect on ETRA negative Panc-1 tumors. Therefore, targeting ETRA with a selective antagonist might provide a new approach to reducing proliferation and angiogenesis in human pancreatic cancer. Presented in part at the Forty-Fourth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Orlando, Florida, May 18–21, 2003. This work was supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant HO 1843/2-1).     

Angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 reduces human pancreatic cancer growth

In this study we investigated the effects of the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 on human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The action of TNP-470 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also assessed. In vitro human pancreatic cancer cells (MIAPaCa-2, AsPC-1, and Capan-1), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to increasing concentrations (1 pg/ml to 100 (μg/ml) of TNP-470. Cell proliferation was assessed after 3 days by cell count and MTT assay. In vivo, 5 Χ 10⁶ pancreatic cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Four weeks later, 1 mm³ fragments of the resulting tumors were implanted into the pancreas of other mice. Animals received either TNP-470 (30 mg/kg every other day) or vehicle subcutaneously for 14 weeks. The volume of the primary tumor and metastatic spread were determined at autopsy. Concentrations of VEGF were determined in serum (VEGF_S) and ascites (VEGF_A) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Microvessel density was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in CD31 -stained tumor sections. In vitro, proliferation and viability of the human pancreatic cancer cell lines were significantly inhibited at high concentrations of TNP-470 (>1 μg/ml). In contrast, TNP-470 effectively decreased the growth of HUVEC at 100 pg/ml. In vivo, tumor volume and dissemination scores were significantly lower in all three pancreatic cancer cell lines. VEGF_S and VEGF_A were not different between treated groups. Treatment with TNP-470 significantly reduced neoangiogenesis in tumors of all three human pancreatic cancer cell lines: MIAPaCa-2 = 74.8 ±7.8/0.74 mm² vs. 24.8 ±3.7/0.74 mm²; AsPC-1 = 65.3 ±5.0/0.74 mm² vs. 26.0 ±3.4/0.74 mm²; and Capan-1 = 82.2 ±5.8/0.74 mm² vs. 26.9 ±2.5/0.74 mm² (P <0.001). However, survival was not statistically different between groups. TNP-470 reduced tumor growth and metastatic spread of pancreatic cancer in vivo. This was probably due to the antiproliferative effect of the agent on endothelial cells rather than to the direct inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell growth. TNP-470 activity was not associated with alteration of VEGF secretion. Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843-1). Presented at the Forty-First Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, Calif., May 21–24, 2000.     

Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor blockade and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition as a combination therapy for experimental human pancreatic cancer

Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are promising therapies for cancer. This study assessed the effects of a neutralizing anti-VEGF antibody (A4.6.1) and an MMP inhibitor (BB-94) on pancreatic cancer (PaCa) in vivo. Five million cells of two human PaCa cell lines (AsPC-1 and HPAF-2) were injected subcutaneously into nude mice; 1 mm³ fragments of the resulting tumors were implanted into the pancreas of other mice. Animals were randomized into a control group and three treatment groups: A4.6.1 (100 Μg intraperitoneally twice weekly); BB-94 (50 mg/kg every other day); and combination (A4.6.1 plus BB-94). Treatment was started after 3 days and continued for 14 weeks. Tumor volume, local and distant spread (score), and ascites were determined at autopsy. Microvessel density as a parameter of neoangiogenesis was analyzed in CD31-stained tumor sections. Both monotherapies reduced tumor volume (HPAF-2: −89% by A4.6.1 and −75% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −48% by A4.6.1 and −72% by BB-94), spread (HPAF-2: -−76% by A4.6.1 and -58% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −32% by A4.6.1 and −54% by BB-94), and microvessel density (HPAF-2: −75% by A4.6.1 and −30% by BB-94; AsPC-1: −59% by A4.6.1 and −30% by BB-94), resulting in a tendency toward increased survival (HPAF-2: 8 of 8 animals by A4.6.1 or BB-94 vs. 4 of 8; AsPC-1: 3 of 8 by A4.6.1, 4 of 8 by BB-94 vs. 1 of 8). Combination therapy yielded additional effects in the HPAF-2 group with regard to tumor volume (−95%) and development of ascites (0 of 8 vs. 2 of 8 by A4.6.1 or BB-94 vs. 5 of 8 control mice). Both VEGF blockade and MMP inhibition reduce primary tumor size, metastasis, and angiogenesis, thereby increasing survival in experimental pancreatic cancer. Combination treatment results in additive effects in moderately differentiated HPAF-2 tumors. Presented at the Forty-Third Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Francisco, California, May 19–22, 2002 (oral presentation). Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843-1).     

Specific targeting of tumor vasculature by diphtheria toxin-vascular endothelial growth factor fusion protein reduces angiogenesis and growth of pancreatic cancer

Tumor vessels abundantly express receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a mediator of neoangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to specifically target and damage the vasculature of pancreatic cancer (PaCa) by fusing VEGF to diphtheria toxin (DT), which inhibits protein synthesis of target cells. DT-VEGF fusion protein was produced in vector pGEX-KG and expressed in E. coli SG12036. Human PaCa cell lines (HPAF-2 and AsPC-1) and human endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to DT-VEGF (10 ng/ml – 10,000 ng/ml). Proliferation was assessed after 3 days. One mm3 fragments of subcutaneous PaCa donor tumors were implanted into the pancreas of nude mice that received either DT-VEGF (200 ώg/kg) every other day) or phosphate-buffered saline intraperitoneally for 14 weeks. Tumor volume, metastatic spread, and animal weight were determined at autopsy. Microvessel density was analyzed in CD31 -stained tumor sections. Proliferation of PaCa cells was inhibited at high concentrations of DT-VEGF (≥1000 ng/ml). DT-VEGF decreased the growth of HUVEC at 10 ng/ml. In vivo, DT-VEGF reduced tumor volume (HPAF-2, 76%; AsPC-1, 53%), microvessel density (HPAF-2, 54%; AsPC-1, 62%), and tumor spread (HPAF-2, 89%; AsPC-1, 50%). Survival was increased (HPAF-2, 7/8 vs. 4/8 animals; AsPC-1, 6/8 vs. 1/8 animals). Weight was not influenced by DT-VEGF. The DT-VEGF effect is due to its toxic action on the tumor vasculature rather than to direct inhibition of PaCa cell growth. DT-VEGF therapy was not associated with systemic side effects. Presented at the Forty-Second Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Atlanta, Georgia, May 20–23, 2001. Supported by the R.S. Hirshberg Foundation and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (grant HO 1843–1).     

VEGF antisense therapy inhibits tumor growth and improves survival in experimental pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key mediator of angiogenesis, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. This study evaluated VEGF production in pancreatic cancer cells and the effect of VEGF antisense on growth and angiogenesis of human pancreatic cancer in a nude mouse model. METHODS: In vitro: VEGF in cell culture supernatant of pancreatic cancer cells (AsPC-1, poorly differentiated; HPAF-2, moderately differentiated) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo: A VEGF antisense oligonucleotide (AS-3) was synthesized. One-mm(3) fragments of subcutaneous pancreatic cancer donor tumors were implanted into the pancreas of nude mice also receiving AS-3 (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle intraperitoneally for 14 weeks. Primary tumor volume, metastasis, and VEGF in plasma and ascites were determined at autopsy. Microvessel density was analyzed in CD31-stained tumors. RESULTS: In vitro: Both pancreatic cancer cell lines secreted VEGF protein (AsPC-1, 4200 +/- 40 pg/10(6) cells; HPAF-2, 8120 +/- 60 pg/10(6) cells). In vivo: AS-3 reduced tumor volume in the HPAF-2 group (860 +/- 140 vs 3830 +/- 590 mm(3)) and metastatic spread in both groups (AsPC-1, 6.5 +/- 0.8 vs 16.7 +/- 0.9 points; HPAF-2, 2.5 +/- 0.2 vs 8.3 +/- 1.5 points). Tumor volume was not different in the AsPC-1 group (1050 +/- 80 vs 1400 +/- 150 mm(3)). Survival was increased in the AsPC-1 group. Plasma levels of VEGF and microvessel density in tumors were significantly reduced in treated animals. Only control animals (50%) developed ascites with high VEGF concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Human pancreatic cancer cells secrete VEGF at biologically relevant high levels. AS-3 therapy normalizes plasma VEGF and decreases neoangiogenesis, thereby reducing tumor growth and metastasis and improving survival. AS-3-treated animals developed no ascites, suggesting decreased vascular permeability by reducing VEGF expression in pancreatic cancer cells.     

CaSm/gemcitabine chemo-gene therapy leads to prolonged survival in a murine model of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: CaSm, the cancer-associated Sm-like oncogene, is overexpressed in greater than 80% of pancreatic tumors. We previously reported that an adenovirus expressing antisense RNA to CaSm (Ad-alpha CaSm) can decrease pancreatic tumor growth in vivo but is not curative. In the current study we investigated the mechanism of Ad-alpha CaSm's antitumor effect to rationally approach combinatorial therapy for improved efficacy. METHODS: AsPC-1 and Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cells were treated with Ad-alpha CaSm and examined by MTT assay for in vitro proliferation changes. Flow cytometry determined the effect of CaSm down-regulation on the cell cycle, and then cells treated with Ad-alpha CaSm in combination with cisplatin, etoposide, or gemcitabine chemotherapies were reexamined by MTT assay. SCID-Bg mice bearing subcutaneous AsPC-1 tumors were treated with Ad-alpha CaSm, gemcitabine, or the combination and monitored for tumor growth and survival. RESULTS: Treatment with Ad-alpha CaSm reduced the proliferation of AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cells (59% and 44%, respectively; P <.05). The cell cycle revealed a cytostatic block with decreased G(1) phase and increased DNA content in treated cells. The combination of Ad-alpha CaSm with gemcitabine significantly reduced in vitro proliferation (66% vs 39% and 48% for controls), decreased in vivo AsPC-1 tumor growth by 71% (n = 10), and extended survival time from 57 to 100 days. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of CaSm reduces the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by altering the cell cycle in a cytostatic manner. The combination of Ad-alpha CaSm with gemcitabine is more effective than either agent used separately.     

Butyrate inhibits pancreatic cancer invasion

Pancreatic cancer is the most deadly gastrointestinal malignancy because of its propensity for local invasion and early metastasis. Integrin chains, in particular β4, can promote invasion in other cancers. The effect of sodium butyrate (NaBT), which induces differentiation in transformed cells, on integrin expression is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine patterns of integrin expression in pancreatic cancer cells and investigate the effect of NaBT on integrin expression and invasion. Integrin expression was assessed in the less invasive MIA-PaCa-2 and PANC-1 and more invasive L3.6, AsPC-1, and SUIT-2 human pancreatic cancer cell lines by ribonuclease (RNase) protection assay. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining for β4 expression was determined after NaBT treatment. Matrigel invasion chambers were used to assess pancreatic cancer cell invasion. β4 and β7 integrin expression was highest in L3.6, AsPC-1, and SUIT-2 cells. NaBT reduced the expression of β4 integrin in AsPC-1 cells including less cell surface β4. Invasion of AsPC-1 cells was also reduced by NaBT. Expression of β4 is higher in more aggressive pancreatic cancer cells; NaBT inhibits β4 expression and invasion. NaBT may represent a novel strategy to inhibit pancreatic cancer invasion and improve the prognosis of this deadly disease. Presented at the Forty-Fourth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Orlando, Florida, May 18–22, 2003 (poster presentation). Supported by grants RO1 DK48498, PO1 DK35608, and T32 DK07639 from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Farrow is the recipient of a Jeane B. Kempner award.     

Type I interferons in the treatment of pancreatic cancer: mechanisms of action and role of related receptors

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the role of type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN receptors in the regulation of cell growth in 3 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, and Panc-1). BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have a marginal role in the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The addition of IFN-alpha showed promising results in early clinical trials. METHODS: Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by DNA measurement and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Type I IFN receptor (IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2 subunits) was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Cell cycle distribution was evaluated by propidium iodide staining and flow-cytometric analysis. RESULTS: The incubation with IFN-beta for 6 days showed a potent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BxPC-3 (IC(50), 14 IU/mL) and MiaPaCa-2 (IC(50), 64 IU/mL). The inhibitory effect of IFN-beta was stronger than IFN-alpha in all 3 cell lines and mainly modulated by the stimulation of apoptosis, although cell cycle arrest was induced as well. The expression of the type I IFN receptors was significantly higher in BxPC-3 (the most sensitive cell line to IFN) and mainly localized on the membrane, whereas in Panc-1 (the most resistant cell line) about 60% to 70% of cells were negative for IFNAR-2c with a mainly cytoplasmic staining for IFNAR-2c. CONCLUSION: The antitumor activity of IFN-beta is more potent than IFN-alpha in pancreatic cancer cell lines through the induction of apoptosis. Further studies should investigate in vivo whether the intensity and distribution of IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2c may predict the response to therapy with IFN-alpha and IFN-beta in pancreatic cancer.     

Pim-3 promotes the growth of human pancreatic cancer in the orthotopic nude mouse model through vascular endothelium growth factor

Background

As one of the most lethal cancers, pancreatic cancer presents poor prognosis with an overall 5-y survival of less than 5%. We previously reported that Pim-3, a member of the proto-oncogene Pim family that encodes serine/threonine kinases, is aberrantly expressed in human pancreatic cancer lesions. In the current study, we investigated the role of Pim-3 in promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis in an orthotopic nude mouse model of human pancreatic cancer.

Methods

We constructed retroviral vectors for human Pim-3 and a kinase-dead mutant of human Pim-3 (K69M); the retroviral supernatants generated from these vectors were then used to infect the human pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2 to establish stable cell lines. We assessed cell proliferation using CCK-8, tumor growth, and angiogenesis in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. While tumor size was measured using magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor tissues were excised for protein extraction and histological analysis to detect vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) expression and vessel density.

Results

We established an orthotopic nude mouse model of human pancreatic cancer. We observed that Pim-3 promoted the proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Pim-3 is required for vasculogenesis of primary human pancreatic tumors in vivo and promotion of angiogenesis through the induction of VEGF expression.

Conclusions

Pim-3 can promote tumor growth and angiogenesis by stimulating the VEGF pathway.     

血管生成因子VEGF、bFGF、endostatin在胰腺癌细胞中的表达

目的 探讨胰腺癌细胞血管生成因子表达水平与其恶性生物学行为的关系.方法 通过RT-PCR及ELISA检测胰腺癌细胞株SW1990、Capan-1、Aspc-1、MiaPaCa-2、Panc-1及PCT-3中血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、碱性成纤维生长因子(bFGF)和内皮素(endostatin)的表达水平,同时通过Boyden Chamber趋化小室及CCK-8法进行6株胰腺癌细胞株的侵袭性及增殖检测. 结果 VEGF在6株细胞中均有表达,但是表达量存在显著差异,以侵袭性最强的Panc-1表达最强.bFGF在6株细胞中均有表达,但是表达量存在显著差异,增殖及侵袭性较强的Panc-1和PCT-3中的表达水平高于其他细胞株.6株胰腺癌细胞endostatin表达差异显著,在侵袭性最强的Panc-1中表达水平最高,其他细胞株不表达或表达量很低.胰腺癌细胞株胞外的VEGF及endostatin表达显著高于细胞内,bFGF细胞内表达显著高于细胞外.结论 血管生成因子VEGF、bFGF和endostatin的表达水平可能与胰腺癌细胞增殖与侵袭密切相关.     

Hypermethylation of HIC1 Promoter and Aberrant Expression of HIC1/SIRT1 Might Contribute to the Carcinogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer

Background

DNA hypermethylation is proved to be involved in carcinogenesis. Because chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a consistent risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the possible alteration and tumor contribute effects of hypermethylated in cancer-1 (HIC1) promoter methylation in CP was investigated.

Methods

Methylation of HIC1 promoter HIC1 and SIRT1 expression were detected in human normal pancreas (NP), CP and pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues. Furthermore, HIC1/SIRT1 pathway was regulated by demethylating reagent and exogenous expression in PANC-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1 cell lines, cell biology behavior including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and senescence were detected.

Results

The methylation of HIC1 promoter was demonstrated in 70.3 % pancreatic carcinoma (45 of 64), 47.5 % CP (19 of 40) and 11.4 % NP tissues (4 of 35). Moreover, hypermethylation of HIC1 promoter and deregulation of HIC1 expression in pancreatic cancer were significantly related to high-stage tumor and older patient age. HIC1 promoter hypermethylation was also observed in pancreatic cancer cell lines including PANC-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1. Restoration of HIC1 function with 5-aza-dC treatment or pCDNA3FlagHIC1 plasmid transfection leaded to a reduction in cell proliferation, obvious cell senescence, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanied with acetylated p53 and p21^{WAF1 of Cip1} upregulation. While after further transfected with pCDNA3FlagSIRT1 plasmid, the growth inhibition, senescence and cycle arrest without apoptosis were partially rescued with deregulated acetylated p53 and p21^{WAF1 of Cip1}.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that hypermethylation of HIC1 promoter in CP may contribute to the aberrant expression of HIC1/SIRT1 pathway and then involve in the pancreatic carcinogenesis.

     

The cancer-associated Sm-like oncogene: a novel target for the gene therapy of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for pancreatic cancer (PC) remains dismal, providing a clear need for the development of novel therapies. We have previously shown that the cancer-associated Sm-like (CaSm) oncogene is overexpressed in the great majority of pancreatic tumors and is required to maintain the transformed phenotype. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of CaSm antisense gene therapy would generate a significant antitumor effect against PC. METHODS: An adenoviral vector (Ad-alphaCaSm) expressing a 900-base pair antisense RNA to CaSm was created. The PC cell lines AsPC-1 and Capan-1 were infected with this vector and examined for changes in in vitro proliferation by using methyl thiazol tetrazolium and soft agar assays. SCID-Bg mice bearing subcutaneous AsPC-1 tumors were treated with Ad-alphaCaSm (1 x 10(9) plaque-forming units) as a single intratumor injection with tumor growth and survival monitored. RESULTS: AsPC-1 and Capan-1 cells showed decreased in vitro proliferation (93%, P =.0041, and 70%, P =. 0038, respectively) and anchorage independent growth (55%, P =.02, and 45%, P =.03, respectively) after treatment. Ad-alphaCaSm reduced in vivo AsPC-1 tumor growth by 40% (n = 10), extending median survival time from 35 to 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: Ad-alphaCaSm demonstrates a significant antitumor effect against pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These results support the role of CaSm as a significant gene involved in the neoplastic transformation of pancreatic tumors. Thus CaSm represents a novel gene target in PC and holds potential as a new treatment approach either alone or in combination with existing therapies.     

大黄酸对胰腺癌细胞增殖和迁移的影响及机制研究

目的:研究大黄酸对人胰腺癌细胞增殖和迁移的影响,并探讨其作用机制.方法:用不同浓度的大黄酸处理人胰腺癌MiaPaCa-2细胞,CCK8法检测大黄酸对MiaPaCa-2细胞增殖的影响;于常氧和缺氧条件下培养MiaPaCa-2细胞,Transwell法检测大黄酸对胰腺癌细胞迁移的影响,并用Western blot法检测细胞...     

β受体在人胰腺癌细胞株中的表达及其在细胞侵袭中的作用

目的 探讨β受体在经典神经递质去甲肾上腺素(NE)诱导人胰腺癌细胞株Mia-PaCa-2侵袭能力增强过程中的作用及其机制.方法 逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测人胰腺癌细胞株β受体的表达.实验分为对照组、NE干预组、普萘洛尔(Propranolol)干预组、普萘洛尔和NE共同干预组(NE&Propranolol).采用Transwell侵袭实验检测细胞侵袭能力的变化;RT-PCR法和免疫细胞化学法分别检测细胞中基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2、MMP-9、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA和蛋白的表达.结果 人胰腺癌细胞株MiaPaCa-2和BxPC3均表达β1和β2受体.NE组、NE&Pmpranolol组、Propranolol组和对照组穿膜细胞的吸光度值分别为0.78±0.02、0.32±0.03、0.26±0.01、0.28±0.02,NE组显著高于对照组和NE&Pmpranolol组(P<0.05),而Propranolol组穿膜细胞数与对照组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);NE组中MMP-2、MMP-9和VEGF mRNA表达指数为0.87±0.02、1.04±0.02和0.92±0.01,蛋白表达灰度值为131.20±2.34、105.32±7.21和115.60±5.03,显著高于对照组和NE&Propranolol组(P<0.05),Propranolol组与对照组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 β受体在NE诱导胰腺癌细胞侵袭能力增强的发展过程中发挥重要作用,NE通过β受体介导上调MMP-2、MMP-9和VEGF的表达进而增强胰腺癌细胞的侵袭能力.     

人胰腺癌细胞株放射敏感性的体外研究

目的通过体外实验探讨人胰腺癌细胞株的放射敏感性。方法培养人胰腺癌细胞株SW1990、Capan-1、AsPC-1、MIAPaCa-2、PANC-1、P3，应用集落形成实验测定胰腺癌细胞在6MVX线不同剂量照射后的存活分数，计算各株细胞的放射生物学参数。结果胰腺癌细胞株MIAPaCa-2对放射治疗最敏感，SF2为0．388，而Capan-1对放射治疗最不敏感，SF2为0．758，MIAPaCa-2与As-PC-1、AsPC-1与SW1990之间的放射敏感性无显著差异，其余各株胰腺癌细胞之间存在显著差异。结论不同胰腺癌细胞株的放射敏感性存在差异。     

COX-2特异性抑制剂NS-398对胰腺癌生长及肿瘤血管 生成影响

目的:探讨COX-2特异性抑制剂NS-398对胰腺癌生长的影响及其机制。方法:分别用q RT-PCR与Western blot检测不同人胰腺癌细胞株(Bx PC-3、SWl990、Capan-2、Aspc-1、PANC-1)中COX-2及VEGF表达,并用MTT法检测NS-398在体外对人胰腺癌细胞增殖抑制作用;用体外实验最敏感细胞株建立裸鼠胰腺癌原位移植瘤模型,并随机将荷瘤鼠分为实验组和对照组,分别用NS-398与生理盐水处理,比较两组移植瘤的生长情况,并检测肿瘤组织中COX-2、VEGF蛋白表达及肿瘤微血管密度(MVD)。结果:各胰腺癌细胞中均有COX-2及VEGF表达,NS-398呈时间与浓度依赖性抑制各胰腺癌细胞的体外增殖,其中Bxpc-3细胞COX-2与VEGF表达量最高,且对NS-398最敏感。用Bxpc-3细胞建立原位移植瘤的实验组与对照组裸鼠比较,平均肿瘤体积明显减小(20.215 2 mm~3 vs.204.444 4 mm~3),瘤组织中COX-2与VEGF表达及MVD均明显降低(均P0.05)。结论:NS-398对胰腺癌的生长有抑制作用,其机制可能是通过COX-2途径降低VEGF基因表达从而抑制肿瘤血管生成有关。     

A structurally optimized celecoxib derivative inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell growth

Deregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)/PDK-l/Akt signaling cascade is associated with pancreatic cancer tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. As such, it has been postulated that PDK-1/Akt signaling inhibitors may hold promise as novel therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer. Disadvantages of currently available Akt inhibitors include tumor resistance, poor specificity, potential toxicity, and poor bioavailability. Previous studies have demonstrated that OSU-03012, a celecoxib derivative, specifically inhibits PDK-1 mediated phosphorylation of Akt with IC₅₀ values in the low mM range. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Mia-PaCa 2, and PANC-1 were cultured in media containing varying concentrations of OSU-03012, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and gemcitabine, and changes in Akt phosphorylation and cell viability were evaluated using western blotting and a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, respectively. Treatment with OSU-03012 resulted in decreased PDK-1-mediated Akt phosphorylation and cell growth inhibition for all cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging between 1.0 and 2.5 μM. Resistance to 5-FU and gemcitabine was observed in cell lines AsPC-1 and BxPC-3. Further analyses indicate that OSU-03012 induces both proapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in these cells. Taken together, these data suggest that OSU-03012 has potential value as a novel therapy for pancreatic cancer. Presented at the 2005 American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Congress, Hollywood Florida, April 14–17, 2005.     

Hypermethylation of HIC1 Promoter and Aberrant Expression of HIC1/SIRT1 Might Contribute to the Carcinogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer

Background

DNA hypermethylation is proved to be involved in carcinogenesis. Because chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a consistent risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the possible alteration and tumor contribute effects of hypermethylated in cancer-1 (HIC1) promoter methylation in CP was investigated.

Methods

Methylation of HIC1 promoter HIC1 and SIRT1 expression were detected in human normal pancreas (NP), CP and pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues. Furthermore, HIC1/SIRT1 pathway was regulated by demethylating reagent and exogenous expression in PANC-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1 cell lines, cell biology behavior including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and senescence were detected.

Results

The methylation of HIC1 promoter was demonstrated in 70.3 % pancreatic carcinoma (45 of 64), 47.5 % CP (19 of 40) and 11.4 % NP tissues (4 of 35). Moreover, hypermethylation of HIC1 promoter and deregulation of HIC1 expression in pancreatic cancer were significantly related to high-stage tumor and older patient age. HIC1 promoter hypermethylation was also observed in pancreatic cancer cell lines including PANC-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1. Restoration of HIC1 function with 5-aza-dC treatment or pCDNA3FlagHIC1 plasmid transfection leaded to a reduction in cell proliferation, obvious cell senescence, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, accompanied with acetylated p53 and p21^{WAF1 of Cip1} upregulation. While after further transfected with pCDNA3FlagSIRT1 plasmid, the growth inhibition, senescence and cycle arrest without apoptosis were partially rescued with deregulated acetylated p53 and p21^{WAF1 of Cip1}.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that hypermethylation of HIC1 promoter in CP may contribute to the aberrant expression of HIC1/SIRT1 pathway and then involve in the pancreatic carcinogenesis.