红景天提取物对Lewis肺癌小鼠移植瘤中CD4+CD25+Treg的抑制作用

目的： 观察红景天提取物（sachalin rhodiola rhizome extract,SRR）对Lewis肺癌小鼠移植瘤中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞（regulatory T cell,Treg）的抑制作用,初步探讨其抑制肿瘤生长的机制。 方法： 建立小鼠Lewis肺癌移植瘤模型,随机分为3组：SRR组,紫杉醇（paclitaxel,PTX）阳性对照组和PBS组,记录各组小鼠移植瘤体积变化,计算抑瘤率并观察小鼠生存期。流式细胞术检测移植瘤组织中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg的比例,荧光定量PCR 检测移植瘤组织中 Foxp3 和TGF-β mRNA的表达水平。 结果： 在建模第20天,SRR组小鼠移植瘤体积明显小于PBS组\[（719.6±2.4） vs （1030.5±3.1）mm3,P<005\],但与阳性对照PTX组无显著差异（P>0.05）。SRR组小鼠生存期较PBS组显著延长\[（36.0±1.0） vs （22.0± 2.0）d,P<0.01\],而与PTX组无显著差异（P>0.05）。SRR治疗组小鼠移植瘤组织中CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg占CD4+T细胞的比例显著低于PBS组\[（8.5±0.3）% vs （11.2±0.2）%,P<0.01\],但与PTX组无显著差异（P>0.05）。SRR组小鼠移植瘤组织中 Foxp3 mRNA \[（1.2±0.2) vs (2.1±0.2),P<0.05\]、TGF-β mRNA \[（1.2±0.1) vs (2.1±0.2),P<0.05\]表达均明显低于PBS组,而与PTX组无显著差异（P>0.05）。 结论： SRR可能通过下调肿瘤组织中CD4+CD25+Treg比例、 Foxp3 和TGF-β mRNA的表达,增强机体的抗肿瘤免疫应答。     

TLR1/2信号促CD8+T细胞功能及其机制

目的：探讨Toll 受体1/2(Toll like receptor 1/2, TLR1/2)信号对荷瘤小鼠来源的CD8+T细胞功能的影响及其可能机制。方法：利用小鼠Lewis肺癌细胞株3LL建立小鼠肺癌荷瘤模型,MACS分选小鼠脾CD8+T细胞;体外经PBS或TLR1/2激动剂BLP刺激后,Real-time PCR和流式细胞术分别从基因和蛋白水平检测CD8+T细胞的TLR分子表达;用ELISA和流式细胞术检测经PBS或BLP刺激后的CD8+T细胞分泌细胞因子和增殖的能力,并用关键信号分子抑制剂分析可能的分子机制。结果：与PBS对照组相比,TLR1/2激动剂BLP不但有效上调荷瘤机体CD8+T细胞TLR1和TLR2分子的基因水平\[TLR1：（0.353±0.015） vs （0101±0.017）,P<0.01;TLR2：（0.232±0.031） vs （0.080±0.004）,P<0.05\]及蛋白水平（P<0.05）,而且显著促进CD8+T细胞分泌功能性细胞因子\[IFN-γ：（2 375±305） vs （850±50）,P<0.05;IL-2：（1 600±200） vs （350±50）,P<0.05\]和增殖的能力（P<0.05）,这一效应依赖于NF-κB和P38通路。结论： TLR1/2信号直接作用于荷瘤小鼠的CD8+T细胞并促进其功能,该研究既丰富了TLR的作用范围,也为基于TLR激动剂的肿瘤生物治疗提供了实验依据。     

DC-CIK细胞治疗局部晚期和晚期胰腺癌患者的临床疗效

目的： 探讨树突状细胞（dendritic cell,DC）联合细胞因子诱导的杀伤（cytokine-induced killer,CIK）细胞治疗局部晚期和晚期胰腺癌的安全性和有效性。 方法： 采集2011年7月至2012年5月在解放军第81医院生物治疗科治疗的24例Ⅲ～Ⅳ期胰腺癌患者外周血单个核细胞（peripheral blood mononuclear cell,PBMC）,体外诱导培养DC和CIK细胞。DC经胰腺癌细胞株（PANC-1）裂解物致敏后与CIK细胞回输至胰腺癌患者,观察DC-CIK细胞治疗前后患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群、血清肿瘤标志物的改变以及临床疗效。 结果： DC-CIK细胞治疗3个月后,胰腺癌患者外周血CD3+T细胞、CD8+T细胞和CD4+CD25+Treg细胞比例均显著下降（均P<0.05）,CD4+/CD8+比值升高\[（1.1±0.7) vs (1.5±0.9),P<0.05\]。血清肿瘤标志物CA19-9在治疗后1个月\[（382.8±277.7) vs (213.8±214.6),P<0.05\]和治疗后3个月\[（213.8±214.6) vs (1540±118.2),P<001）持续下降。24例患者无1例完全缓解,其中3例部分缓解,4例疾病稳定,17例疾病进展;治疗有效率为125%,疾病控制率为29.2%;中位生存期为5.7个月,6个月生存率为33%,9个月生存率为27%。治疗期间所有患者均未出现 3～4级不良反应。 结论： DC-CIK细胞治疗局部晚期和晚期胰腺癌患者安全可行,可改善患者免疫功能并产生临床获益。     

IL-2+IL-15组合培养方案对乳腺癌患者外周血中NK细胞体外扩增的效果

目的：观察IL-2+IL-15组合体外培养方案对于NK、NKT和T细胞亚群的比例、表型、杀伤肿瘤细胞活性与黏附活性的影响,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法：采集天津医科大学附属肿瘤医院生物治疗科2012年5月至2012年7月期间收治的5例乳腺癌患者的外周血单个核细胞（peripheral blood mononuclear cell,PBMC）,用IL-2+IL-15 联合培养方案进行培养,观察培养15 d后细胞的扩增倍数和淋巴细胞亚群比例变化,流式细胞术检测细胞免疫表型、细胞表面受体的表达,LDH释放法和CD107a释放法检测不同细胞亚群对于HLA匹配或不匹配的靶肿瘤细胞系的杀伤活性,活细胞工作站检测总扩增产物对于不同靶肿瘤细胞系的黏附作用。结果：与扩增前相比,IL-2+IL-15培养方案扩增15 d后,NK细胞\[（36.74±1710）% vs （16.34±3.12）%,P<0.05\]、NKT细胞\[（24.88±12.34）% vs （4.06± 2.05）%,P<0.05\]比例显著增加,CD4+ T细胞和Treg细胞比例显著降低（P<0.05）,CD8+ T细胞比例显著升高（P<0.05）;NK细胞表面活化受体NKp30\[（ 92.38±7.19）% vs（32.14±17.64）%,P<0.05\]、NKp44\[（74.26±16.28）% vs（1.94±1.60）%,P＜0.05\]、NKG2D \[（ 98.58±128）% vs（6650±24.84）%,P<0.05\] 的表达率均显著升高,CD16表达率显著降低\[（ 85.12±7.66）% vs（95.60±253）%,P<0.05\]; NKT细胞、T细胞表面活化受体DNAM-1和NKG2D明显升高（P<0.05）。总扩增产物、NK细胞和NKT细胞对HLA不匹配的靶肿瘤细胞的杀伤率均显著高于HLA匹配靶细胞系的杀伤（P<0.05）;在共孵育至84 min时,与HLA匹配的靶肿瘤细胞系相比,总扩增产物细胞与HLA不匹配的靶细胞系黏附结合数目显著增多\[（ 4.80±0.53） vs （2.25±035）个,P<0.05\]。结论：IL-2+IL-15组合方案在扩增NK细胞的同时,也能够有效扩增NKT细胞,即可以扩增CD56+细胞群。并且,扩增产物主要以不受HLA限制的NK细胞杀伤活性为主来杀伤肿瘤细胞。     

c-FLIP-L影响乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞对TRAIL致凋亡作用的敏感性

目的：观察c-FLIP-L对TRAIL诱导乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞凋亡的影响及其具体机制。方法：构建靶向c-FLIP-L 的 siRNA 质粒,转染乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞, RT-PCR、Weston blotting验证基因抑制效果。实验分空白对照组、TRAIL组、c-FLIP-L siRNA组和c-FLIP-L siRNA+TRAIL组共4组,MTT法检测各组MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖情况,流式细胞术检测MDA-MB-231细胞凋亡率,Transwell实验检测MDA-MB-231细胞侵袭能力,RT-PCR 、Western blotting检测MDA-MB-231细胞中c-FLIP-L、caspase-3、caspase-8、MMP-2、MMP-9的表达。结果：靶向c-FLIP-L的 siRNA 质粒转染至乳腺癌细胞株可有效抑制c-FLIP-L mRNA \[(37.12±3.02) vs (183.21±8.31),(174.65±10.06);P<0.05\]及其蛋白的水平。c-FLIP-L siRNA和TRAIL联合处理MDA-MB-231细胞,与两者单独处理相比,细胞增殖抑制率显著升高\[72 h时,（75.51±2.01)% vs （3375±1.60）%,（34.31±2.01）%;均P<0.05\],凋亡率显著升高\[72 h时,（76.30±4.11）% vs （38.95±214）%,（29.28±166）%;均P<0.05\],对细胞侵袭能力的抑制也显著增强。c-FLIP-L siRNA和TRAIL联合处理后,与两者单独处理相比,乳腺癌细胞中casepase-3、casepase-8的表达显著增强,而MMP-2、MMP-9的表达明显减弱。结论：抑制c-FLIP-L表达能够增强MDA-MB-231细胞对TRAIL的敏感性,从而提高诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡的能力,其机制可能与caspase-3、caspase-8的表达上调和MMP-2、MMP-9的表达下调有关。     

小白菊内酯抑制CD34+ CD38- KG-1a白血病细胞的增殖并增强其被allo-NK细胞杀伤的敏感性

目的：探讨小白菊内酯（parthenolide,PTL）对CD34+CD38- KG-1a白血病细胞的增殖、Bcl-2表达及其被同种异体NK（allo-NK）细胞杀伤敏感性的影响。方法：免疫磁珠法从KG-1a细胞中分离CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞。XTT法检测PTL对CD34+CD38-白血病细胞增殖的影响,Real-time PCR和Western blotting分别检测PTL对CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白表达的影响,LDH释放法观察PTL对CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞被allo-NK细胞杀伤敏感性的影响。结果：PTL对CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞增殖的抑制呈剂量（2.5~80 μmol/L)依赖性。PTL浓度为2.5 μmol/L时,PTL组CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞的增殖抑制率显著高于对照组\[（4.89±1.07）% vs 0,P<0.01\];PTL杀伤CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞的IC50为20 μmol/L;PTL组CD34+CD38-KG-1a细胞Bcl-2 mRNA \[（0.105±0.007）vs（0.307±0.013）,P＜0.01\]与蛋白表达均显著低于对照组。在效靶比为10∶1,20∶1和40∶1时,allo-NK细胞对PTL组CD34+CD38- KG-1a细胞杀伤率逐步升高,且均高于阴性（无PTL处理）对照组\[(19.76±1.01)%,(30.14±0.96)%和(51.48±3.15)% vs (12.50±1.42)%,(16.90±0.93)%和(31.70±1.53)%（均P<0.01）\];效靶比为40∶1时,allo-NK细胞对PTL组细胞的杀伤效率显著高于阳性（Bcl-2抑制剂ABT-737处理）对照组\[（51.48±3.15）% vs （43.08±2.81）%,P<0.05\]。结论：PTL能抑制CD34+CD38-KG-1a细胞的增殖并增强其被allo-NK细胞杀伤的敏感性,这可能与PTL下调Bcl-2的表达有关。     

TLR4信号通过对miR-21的表达调控影响乳腺癌4T1细胞的凋亡和增殖

目的：探讨TLR4信号对乳腺癌4T1细胞株中miR-21表达的影响及调控机制,研究miR-21对乳腺癌细胞凋亡和增殖的影响。方法：体外培养乳腺癌细胞株4T1,以TLR4配体LPS刺激6、12、18、24 h,实时荧光定量PCR检测4T1细胞中miR-21的表达变化。Western blotting 检测TLR4信号活化后4T1细胞中NF-κBp65的表达和磷酸化情况;应用NF-κB抑制剂PDTC预处理30 min,实时荧光定量PCR检测4T1细胞中miR-21的变化。转染miR-21抑制剂和阴性对照后, Annexin-V/PI双标法检测4T1细胞凋亡情况,MTT法检测4T1细胞增殖情况。结果：LPS刺激致TLR4信号活化能够时间依赖性地上调miR-21的表达(18 h时: 207±0.33 vs 1; t=5.61, P=0.03),TLR4信号能够时间依赖性地上调NF-κB的活化,NF-κB抑制剂PDTC能明显抑制TLR4信号诱导的4T1细胞的miR-21上调(0.70±0.10 vs 2.14±0.32; t=-7.357,P=0.002)。与阴性对照组相比,miR-21抑制剂组4T1细胞的凋亡率明显增高\[(24.2±2.4)% vs (14.8±5.1)%; t=2.891, P=0.044\],4T1细胞的增殖能力明显降低(042±0.02 vs 0.55±0.01;t=-8.528, P=0.001)。结论：TLR4信号通路的活化能够上调乳腺癌4T1细胞中miR-21的表达,其机制与NF-κB的活化有关;靶向抑制miR-21能有效促进4T1细胞的凋亡、抑制4T1细胞增殖。     

表达载体的构建及对乳腺癌D2F2细胞小鼠移植瘤的治疗作用

目的：探讨靶向小鼠肝细胞再生磷酸酶-3（mouse phosphatase of regenerating liver-3, mPRL-3 ）的DNA疫苗对小鼠乳腺癌D2F2细胞体内生长的抑制作用。 方法： 构建靶向 mPRL-3 的真核表达载体pVAX1-mPRL-3,并转染至鹌鹑肌成纤维细胞QM7内,Western blotting检测mPRL-3蛋白在QM7细胞中的表达;通过重组慢病毒Lv-mPRL-3或对照载体Lv-Ctrl感染小鼠乳癌D2F2细胞,分别建立高表达 mPRL-3 的mPRL-3-D2F2细胞或对照NC-D2F2细胞,Western blotting检测小鼠乳腺癌D2F2细胞中mPRL-3蛋白的表达。BALB/c小鼠左侧乳腺脂肪垫下分别接种mPRL-3-D2F2和 NC-D2F2细胞后,通过基因枪接种pVAX1-mPRL-3疫苗（mPRL-3-D2F2/pVAX1-mPRL-3）,同时设立疫苗对照组（mPRL-3-D2F2/pVAX1-Ctrl）和细胞对照组（NC-D2F2/pVAX1-mPRL-3）,检测小鼠的肿瘤体积及生存期。 结果： pVAX1-mPRL-3质粒经酶切鉴定及测序验证均正确,并能在QM7细胞中表达。Western blotting检测结果显示,慢病毒感染的mPRL-3-D2F2细胞中mPRL-3蛋白过表达,而NC-D2F2细胞中不表达mPRL-3蛋白。荷瘤小鼠经pVAX1-mPRL-3 DNA疫苗免疫,其肿瘤体积明显低于对照组\[（835.3±509.8） vs (1 5430±578.4) mm3,P<0.01\],且pVAX1-mPRL-3疫苗能显著延长荷瘤小鼠的生存期（中位生存期55.5 vs 38 d,P<005）。 结论: 基因枪接种的靶向 mPRL-3 的DNA疫苗能抑制高表达mPRL-3的小鼠乳腺癌D2F2细胞移植瘤的生长,并延长荷瘤小鼠生存期,提示其对 mPRL-3 阳性肿瘤有潜在的治疗作用。     

米托蒽醌通过诱导钙网蛋白的表达抑制黑素瘤的生长

目的：观察米托蒽醌（mitoxantrone,MIT）对黑素瘤B16细胞钙网蛋白（calreticulin, CRT）表达的影响,探讨高表达CRT的B16细胞膜抗原疫苗的免疫效果及其机制。方法：不同剂量MIT处理B16细胞,免疫荧光法检测B16细胞CRT的表达。以B16细胞建立小鼠荷瘤模型,用不同剂量的MIT治疗荷瘤小鼠,观察MIT对黑素瘤生长及肿瘤组织中CRT表达的影响。制备B16细胞膜蛋白和MIT处理后B16细胞膜蛋白作为疫苗分别免疫小鼠,免疫组化检测小鼠移植瘤组织内免疫细胞的浸润情况,流式细胞术检测荷瘤小鼠脾脏中CD4+、CD8+T细胞比例的变化。结果：MIT可剂量依赖性地上调B16细胞表面CRT的表达,对照组B16细胞表面CRT为（29.40±3.57）%,高剂量MIT处理组为（72.20±2.94）%（P<0.05）;MIT促进移植瘤组织中CRT的表达,对照组为（3.21±1.37）,高剂量MIT组为（9.17±106）（P<0.05）。MIT有效抑制小鼠黑素瘤的生长（P<0.05,P<0.01）。与B16细胞膜蛋白疫苗相比,高表达CRT的MITB16细胞膜蛋白疫苗可明显上调小鼠黑素移植瘤组织中的DCs和T细胞的数量,以及脾脏细胞中CD4+、CD8+T细胞的比例（P<0.05）。结论：MIT能够上调CRT在B16细胞表面的表达,高表达CRT的B16细胞膜蛋白疫苗能够提高肿瘤组织中浸润DCs和T细胞的数量,抑制黑素瘤的生长。     

131I标记CD133单链抗体对人肝癌CD133+HepG2干细胞的抑制作用

目的：研究131I标记CD133单链抗体(single chain rariable fragment, ScFv)在体外对人肝癌CD133+ HepG2干细胞的抑制作用。方法：免疫磁珠分选HepG2细胞,流式细胞术检测分选前后HepG2细胞的CD133表达率,克隆形成实验及体内成瘤实验验证CD133+ HepG2细胞的“干性”。氯胺T法131I标记CD133 ScFv并测定标记率、比活度、放射性浓度。将分选出的CD133+ HepG2细胞分为131I-CD133抗体治疗组、131I治疗组、CD133抗体治疗组和131I+CD133抗体治疗组,MTT法检测各组中对CD133+ HepG2细胞生长抑制的最适剂量和不同药物在12、48、72 h三个时间点对CD133+HepG2干细胞的生长抑制作用,流式细胞术检测各组细胞周期的变化。结果：分选的HepG2细胞的CD133表达率显著高于未分选细胞\[（97.71±113）% vs（1.52±0.78）%,t=1.13、P=0.000\]。CD133+ HepG2细胞相对于CD133- HepG2细胞具有更强的体外成球、克隆形成能力\[（4503±1.35）% vs (74±0.54)% ;t=3.92,P=0.000\]和体内成瘤能力。131I-CD133 ScFv的标记率为88.92%,放射化学纯度为98.63%。当131I为3.7 MBq/100 μl、CD133抗体为1 μg/100 μl时,对CD133+ HepG2细胞的抑制率最高,达（89.58±074）%;在此剂量下131I-CD133 ScFv治疗组对CD133+ HepG2细胞生长抑制率显著高于其余各实验组,且呈时间依赖性。 131I-CD133 ScFv治疗组G0/G1期细胞比例为（27.50±1.12）%,较其余各组均明显减少（P<0.05）。结论：成功制备的131I-CD133 ScFv在体外能有效抑制人肝癌CD133+ HepG2干细胞的生长。     

Cytokine regulation by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor associated skin toxicity in cancer patients

AimEpidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI) induced skin toxicity has a prognostic value suggesting skin toxicity can be a useful surrogate marker for successful epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, improved response and survival. But the pathophysiology of EGFRI induced skin toxicity remains elusive. However the involvement of immunological mechanisms has been speculated. This study investigates the possible underlying mechanism of EGFR inhibition associated cytokine production in keratinocytes as well as in patients after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs).MethodsNormal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were incubated for 2 and 24 h with different concentrations of EGFRI (erlotinib) for Western blot analysis and cytokine expression analysis, respectively. Inhibition of EGFR, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk 1/2) and c-Jun was examined by Western blot analysis. Cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the NHEK cell supernatant and also in the serum of 186 cancer patients who are followed up for EGFRI induced skin rash.ResultsA significant inhibitory effect of EGFRI was seen on EGFR (Y845), Erk 1/2 and c-Jun in a dose dependent manner. Further downstream, increased CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CC-chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) and decreased interleukin-8 (IL-8) or CXCL8 expression was observed in keratinocytes. In EGFRI treated patients, low levels of serum CXCL8 corresponding to stronger EGFR inhibition were associated with a higher grade of skin toxicity (p = 0.0016) and a prolonged overall survival (p = 0.018).ConclusionsThe results obtained in this study indicate that EGFRI can regulate cytokines by modulating EGFR signalling pathway in keratinocytes. Moreover, serum levels of CXCL8 in EGFRI treated patients may be important for individual EGFRI induced skin toxicity and patient’s survival.     

HPV18E6基因沉默对宫颈癌Hela细胞生长和凋亡的影响

目的：观察RNA干扰法沉默HPV18E6基因表达对宫颈癌Hela细胞牛长和凋亡的影响，探索宫颈癌基因治疗的新途径。方法：针对HPV18E6 mRNA序列合成一对60bp的编码siRNA的DNA模板和一对60bp的非特异性对照DNA模板，构建pSUPER—siRNA和pSUPER—com重组质粒，瞬时转染Hela细胞；采用RT—PCR法检测质粒转染后细胞HPV18E6基因表达的变化，用蛋白免疫印迹法检测转染后Hela细胞p53、p21、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达变化，以细胞计数法检测细胞生长情况，Hoechest／PI双荧光活细胞染色法检测细胞凋亡。结果：pSUPER—siRNA质粒转染能有效降低HPV18E6在mRNA水平的表达，转染后48小时，抑制效率达70％以上；转染后细胞053、p21和Bax蛋白表达显著增加，Bcl-2蛋白表达减少。RNA干扰法沉默HPV18E6基因表达后，Hela细胞增殖受到明显抑制，细胞凋亡率明显增加。结论：pSUPER—siRNA质粒转染可有效抑制HPV18E6在人宫颈癌Hela细胞中的表达，抑制Hela细胞生长并促进其凋亡。以HPV18E6为靶点的RNA干扰技术可望成为宫颈癌基因治疗的新途径。     

Correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression with fibroblast growth factor-8 expression and clinico-pathologic parameters in human prostate cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates neo-angiogenesis during tumour progression and is known to cooperate with the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system to facilitate angiogenesis in a synergistic manner. In view of this, we have investigated VEGF expression in 67 cases of prostate cancer previously characterized for fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8) expression. Cytoplasmic VEGF staining was detected in malignant cells in 45 out of 67 cases. Cytoplasmic staining was found in adjacent stromal cells in 32 cases, being particularly strong around nests of invasive tumour. Positive VEGF immunoreactivity in benign glands was restricted to basal epithelium. A significant association was observed between tumour VEGF and FGF-8 expression (P = 0.004). We identified increased VEGF immunoreactivity in both malignant epithelium and adjacent stroma and both were found to be significantly associated with high tumour stage (P = 0.0047 and P = 0.0002, respectively). VEGF expression also correlated with increased serum PSA levels (P = 0.01). Among positively stained tumours, VEGF expression showed a significant association with Gleason score (P = 0.04). Cases showing positive VEGF immunoreactivity in the stroma had a significantly reduced survival rate compared to those with negative staining (P = 0.037). Cases with tumours expressing both FGF-8 in the malignant epithelium and VEGF in the adjacent stroma had a significantly worse survival rate than those with tumours negative for both, or only expressing one of the two growth factors (P = 0.029). Cox multivariate regression analysis of survival demonstrated that stromal VEGF and tumour stage were the most significant independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, we report for the first time a correlation of both tumour and stromal VEGF expression in prostate cancer with clinical parameters as well as its correlation to FGF-8 expression.     

Nitroxoline induces apoptosis and slows glioma growth in vivo

Background

Nitroxoline is an FDA-approved antibiotic with potential antitumor activity. Here we evaluated whether nitroxoline has antiproliferative properties on glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo using glioma cell lines and a genetically engineered PTEN/KRAS mouse glioma model.

Methods

The effect of nitroxoline treatment on U87 and/or U251 glioma cell proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, invasion, and ability to induce an apoptotic cascade was determined in vitro. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure glioma volumes in genetically engineered PTEN/KRAS mice prior to and after nitroxoline therapy. Induction of apoptosis by nitroxoline was evaluated at the end of treatment using terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TDT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL).

Results

Nitroxoline inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Growth inhibition was associated with cell-cycle arrest in G₁/G₀ phase and induction of apoptosis via caspase 3 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In vivo, nitroxoline-treated mice had no increase in tumor volume after 14 days of treatment, whereas tumor volumes doubled in control mice. Histological examination revealed 15%–20% TUNEL-positive cells in nitroxoline-treated mice, compared with ∼5% in the control group.

Conclusion

Nitroxoline induces apoptosis and inhibits glioma growth in vivo and in vitro. As an already FDA-approved treatment for urinary tract infections with a known safety profile, nitroxoline could move quickly into clinical trials pending confirmatory studies.     

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 8 in pancreas tissues and its correlation with epithelial growth factor receptor levels

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8 or TIPE) is a recently identified protein considered to be associated with carcinogenesis. To investigate its expression pattern in pancreatic cancer patients and to analyse its correlation with clinicopathological significance and the expression levels of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the TNFAIP8 and EGFR proteins in pancreatic cancers, pancreatitis tissues, and healthy controls. The results showed stronger staining of TNFAIP8 protein in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal pancreas tissue. Furthermore, in 56 patients with pancreatic cancer, the expression levels of TNFAIP8 in patients with low tumor stage was higher than that with high tumor stage, and correlated with tumor staging and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Furthermore, TNFAIP8 expression positively correlated with EGFR levels (r=0.671135, P<0.05). These results indicate that TNFAIP8 may play important roles in the progression of pancreatic cancer.     

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-secreted IL-8 promotes the angiogenesis and growth of colorectal cancer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been shown to home to tumors and contribute to the formation of the tumor-associated stroma. In addition, MSCs can secrete paracrine factors to facilitate tumor progression. However, the involvement of MSC-derived cytokines in colorectal cancer (CRC) angiogenesis and growth has not been clearly addressed. In this study, we report that interleukin-8 (IL-8) was the most highly upregulated pro-angiogenic factor in MSCs co-cultured with CRC cells and was expressed at substantially higher levels in MSCs than CRC cells. To evaluate the effect of MSC-derived IL-8 on CRC angiogenesis and growth, we used MSCs that expressed small hairpin (interfering) RNAs (shRNA) targeting IL-8 (shIL-8-MSCs). We found that MSC-secreted IL-8 promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration, tube-formation ability and CRC cell proliferation. Additionally, in vivo studies showed that MSCs promoted tumor angiogenesis partially through IL-8. Taken together, these findings suggest that IL-8 secreted by MSCs promotes CRC angiogenesis and growth and can therefore serve as a potential novel therapeutic target.     

Fibroblast growth factor 8 is expressed at higher levels in lactating human breast and in breast cancer

Fibroblast growth factor 8 can transform NIH3T3 cells and its expression has been found to be associated with breast and prostate cancer. Following our finding that fibroblast growth factor 8 mRNA expression is increased in breast cancer, we have undertaken an immunohistochemistry study of fibroblast growth factor 8 expression in a series of human breast tissues and other normal tissues. Our findings confirm increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 8 in malignant breast tissue but also show significant fibroblast growth factor 8 expression in non-malignant breast epithelial cells. No significant difference in fibroblast growth factor 8 expression was found between different grades of ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in-situ or cancer of different oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor or nodal status. The highest levels of fibroblast growth factor 8 expression were found in lactating breast tissues and fibroblast growth factor 8 was also detected in human milk. A survey of other normal tissues showed that fibroblast growth factor 8 is expressed in the proliferative cells of the dermis and epithelial cells in colon, ovary fallopian tube and uterus. Fibroblast growth factor 8 appears to be expressed in several organs in man and appears to have an importance in lactation.