Comparative Phenotypic Studies of Duct Epithelial Cell Lines Derived from Normal Human Pancreas and Pancreatic Carcinoma

We have investigated the mRNA/protein expression of several tyrosine kinase receptors, growth factors, and p16^INK4A cyclin inhibitor in cell lines derived from normal human pancreatic duct epithelium (HPDE) and compared them with those of five pancreatic ductal carcinoma cell lines. Cultured HPDE cells express low levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erbB2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). They also expressed high levels of amphiregulin but did not express EGF and cripto. The expression levels were similar in primary normal HPDE cells and those expressing transfected E6E7 genes of human papilloma virus-16, but their immortalization appeared to enhance the expression of EGFR and Met/HGFR. In comparison, pancreatic carcinoma cell lines commonly demonstrated overexpression of EGFR, erbB2, TGF-α, Met/HGFR, VEGF, and KGF, but they consistently showed marked down-regulation of amphiregulin mRNA expression. In contrast to all carcinoma cell lines that showed deletions of the p16 gene, HPDE cells consistently demonstrated normal p16 genotype and its mRNA expression. This is the first report that compares the phenotypic expression of cultured pancreatic ductal carcinoma cells with epithelial cell lines derived from normal human pancreatic ducts. The findings confirm that malignant transformation of human pancreatic duct cells commonly results in a deregulation of expression of various growth factors and receptors.     

Effect of EGF and bFGF on Fibroblast Proliferation and Angiogenic Cytokine Production from Cultured Dermal Substitutes

Abstract

Growth factors accelerate wound healing but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on fibroblast proliferation and production of angiogenic factors from cultured dermal substitutes (CDS). In the first experiment, fibroblasts were seeded into a flask at a density of 1 × 10⁴ cells/cm².Cell proliferation was assessed after culturing in media containing EGF or bFGF at concentrations ranging from 2 to 50 μg. The number of fibroblasts increased significantly in the presence of EGF or bFGF, but fibroblasts detached from the flasks in the presence of 50 μg bFGF. In the second experiment, CDS were prepared by incorporating fibroblasts into collagen gels. To make a wound surface model, the CDS was elevated to the air–liquid interface, on which a spongy sheet of hyaluronic acid (HA) containing EGF or bFGF was placed. The amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) released from the CDS after 1 week of cultivation was measured by ELISA. When the CDS was covered with a HA sponge containing EGF (Group 1), fibroblasts released 3.5-times more VEGF compared with a HA-alone sponge (control group). When covered with a HA sponge containing bFGF (Group 2), 8.7-times more VEGF was released compared with the control group. Fibroblasts in Groups 1 and 2 released 9.6- and 9.3-times more HGF, respectively, compared with the control group. Thus, EGF stimulates fibroblasts to produce VEGF and HGF, in addition to its ability to enhance epidermal cell proliferation.     

Keratinocyte Growth Factor Stimulates Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3α and Keratinocyte‐derived Chemokine Secretion by Mouse Uterine Epithelial Cells

Citation Haddad SN, Wira CR. Keratinocyte growth factor stimulates macrophage inflammatory protein 3α and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine secretion by mouse uterine epithelial cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 197–211 Problem Communication between uterine epithelial cells and the underlying stromal fibroblasts is critical for proper endometrial function. Stromal fibroblast‐derived growth factors have been shown to regulate epithelial immune functions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) regulates uterine epithelial cell chemokine and antimicrobial secretion. Method of study Uterine epithelial cells were isolated from Balb/c mice and cultured in either 96‐well plates or transwell inserts. Epithelial cells were treated with KGF, epidermal growth factor (EGF), or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Macrophage inflammatory protein 3α (MIP3α) and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) levels were measured by ELISA. Results Keratinocyte growth factor stimulated the secretion of MIP3α and KC. The effects on MIP3α by KGF were specific because EGF and HGF had no effect. In contrast, KGF, EGF, and HGF had similar effects on KC. Furthermore, KGF administered to the apical side of epithelial cells had no effect on MIP3α or KC secretion, indicating that the KGF receptor is located on the basolateral surface of uterine epithelial cells. Conclusion We demonstrate that KGF plays a role in uterine epithelial cell secretion of MIP3α and KC, key immune mediators involved in the protection of mucosal surfaces in the female reproductive tract.     

Molecular circuits shared by placental and cancer cells, and their implications in the proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities of trophoblasts

Trophoblast research over the past decades has underlined the striking similarities between the proliferative, migratory and invasive properties of placental cells and those of cancer cells. This review recapitulates the numerous key molecules, proto-oncogenes, growth factors, receptors, enzymes, hormones, peptides and tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) expressed by both trophoblastic and cancer cells in an attempt to evaluate the genes and proteins forming molecular circuits and regulating the similar behaviours of these cells. Among the autocrine and paracrine loops that might be involved in the strong proliferative capacity of trophoblastic and cancer cells, epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGF receptor (EGFR), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/HGF receptor (HGFR) (Met) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) loops may play a predominant role. Similar mechanisms of migration and invasion displayed by trophoblastic and malignant cells comprise alterations in the adhesion molecule phenotype, including the increased expression of alpha1beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrin receptors, whereas another critical molecular event is the down-regulation of the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. Among proteases that may play an active role in the invasive capacities of these cells, accumulating evidence suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression/activation is a prerequisite. Finally, an overview of molecular circuitries shared by trophoblast and cancer cells reveals that the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)/AKT axis has recently emerged as a central feature of signalling pathways used by these cells to achieve their proliferative, migratory and invasive processes.     

Selective cyclooxygenase-2 blocker delays healing of esophageal ulcers in rats and inhibits ulceration-triggered c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor induction and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 activation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both nonselective and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective, delay gastric ulcer healing. Whether they affect esophageal ulcer healing remains unexplored. We studied the effects of the COX-2 selective inhibitor, celecoxib, on esophageal ulcer healing as well as on the cellular and molecular events involved in the healing process. Esophageal ulcers were induced in rats by focal application of acetic acid. Rats with esophageal ulcers were treated intragastrically with either celecoxib (10 mg/kg, once daily) or vehicle for 2 or 4 days. Esophageal ulceration triggered increases in: esophageal epithelial cell proliferation; expression of COX-2 (but not COX-1); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met; and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). Treatment with celecoxib significantly delayed esophageal ulcer healing and suppressed ulceration-triggered increases in esophageal epithelial cell proliferation, c-Met mRNA and protein expression, and ERK2 activity. In an ex vivo organ-culture system, exogenous HGF significantly increased ERK2 phosphorylation levels in esophageal mucosa. A structural analog of celecoxib, SC-236, completely prevented this effect. These findings indicate that celecoxib delays esophageal ulcer healing by reducing ulceration-induced esophageal epithelial cell proliferation. These actions are associated with, and likely mediated by, down-regulation of the HGF/c-Met-ERK2 signaling pathway.     

藏红花素促进颈动脉损伤小鼠体内EPCs动员及损伤血管的再内皮化

目的:研究藏红花素对颈动脉损伤小鼠外周血中内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)动员的影响及其作用机制。方法:利用导丝损伤的方法构建C57BL/6小鼠颈动脉损伤模型,动物分为假手术组(sham组)、生理盐水处理模型组(model组)和藏红花素低、中、高剂量(10、50和100μmol·kg~(-1)·L~(-1))处理组。在3 d时,利用流式细胞术检测各组颈动脉损伤小鼠体内外周血中EPCs动员情况;7 d时,利用酶联免疫吸附法检测各组颈动脉损伤小鼠外周血血清中促血管修复因子——血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)、基质细胞衍生因子1(stromal-derived factor-1,SDF-1)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(basic fibroblast growth factor,bFGF)、表皮生长因子(epidermal growth factor,EGF)和基质金属蛋白酶9(matrix metalloproteinase-9,MMP-9)的含量变化;14 d时,利用依文思蓝和苏木精-伊红染色分别检测各组颈动脉损伤小鼠损伤血管再内皮化和内膜增生情况;同时采用real-time PCR检测各组颈动脉损伤小鼠损伤段血管中促修复因子相关受体——血管内皮生长因子受体2(vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2,VEGFR-2)、CXC趋化因子受体4(CXC chemokine receptor-4,CXCR4)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子受体(basic fibroblast growth factor receptor,bFGFR)和表皮生长因子受体(epidermal growth factor receptor,EGFR)的mRNA表达水平。结果:与sham组相比,model组颈动脉损伤小鼠外周血中EPCs动员量和促血管修复因子VEGF、SDF-1、bFGF、EGF、MMP-9的含量上升(P0.05);损伤血管再内皮化面积下降而增生内膜面积和增生内膜与中层膜面积比显著升高(P0.05);损伤段血管中促修复因子相关受体VEGFR-2、CXCR4、bFGFR和EGFR的表达水平亦上升(P0.05)。而与model组相比,不同浓度藏红花素处理组颈动脉损伤小鼠外周血中EPCs动员量和促血管修复因子VEGF、SDF-1、bFGF、EGF、MMP-9含量均显著上升(P0.05);损伤血管再内皮化面积逐渐上升而增生内膜面积和增生内膜与中层膜面积比逐渐下降(P0.05);损伤段血管中促修复因子相关受体基因VEGFR-2、CXCR4、bFGF-R和EGFR的表达水平随之逐渐上升(P0.05)。结论:藏红花素能够促进颈动脉损伤小鼠体内EPCs细胞动员及损伤血管的再内皮化,从而对损伤血管发挥修复作用。     

食管鳞状细胞癌组织中核干细胞因子、表皮生长因子和表皮生长因子受体mRNA的表达

目的 探讨食管鳞状细胞癌组织中核干细胞因子(NS),表皮生长因子(EGF)和表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)mRNA的表达及其相互关系. 方法 采用原位杂交技术检测62例食管鳞状细胞癌组织,31例癌旁不典型增生组织及62例正常食管黏膜组织中NS、EGF和EGFR mRNA的表达阳性率,并分析食管鳞状细胞癌患者不同临床病理参数间NS、EGF和EGFR mRNA的表达阳性率及三者之间的相关性. 结果 正常食管黏膜组织、癌旁不典型增生组织及食管鳞状细胞癌组织中NS mRNA的阳性表达率分别为21.0%(13/62)、25.8%(8/31)和69.4%(43/62);EGF mRNA阳性表达率分别是40.3%(25/62)、48.4%(15/31)和77.4%(48/62);EGFR mRNA阳性表达率分别是30.6%(19/62),45.2%(14/31)和75.8%(47/62).食管鳞状细胞癌组织中NS、EGF和EGFR mRNA的阳性表达率与肿瘤的组织学分级,浸润深度及淋巴结转移有关(均P<0.05).食管鳞状细胞癌组织中NS mRNA表达与EGFmRNA和EGFR mRNA的表达呈正相关(分别为r=0.394,r=0.604,P<0.05). 结论 食管鳞状细胞癌组织中NS mRNA与EGF mRNA和EGFR mRNA的表达呈正相关,NS mRNA、EGF mRNA和EGFR mRNA在食管癌的发生、发展过程中可能起重要作用.     

VEGF as a predictor for response to definitive chemoradiotherapy and COX-2 as a prognosticator for survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

We investigated the patterns of pretreatment expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by immunohistochemical staining and determined their correlation with treatment response and survival in 44 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The definitive CCRT consisted of a median dose of 54 Gy (range: 40.0-68.4 Gy) and two cycles of concurrent administration of mostly 5-fluorouracil + cisplatinum. High expression of EGFR, VEGF, and COX-2 was found in 79.5%, 31.8%, and 38.6%, respectively. The Cox regression analysis for overall survival (OS) showed that both the treatment response and COX-2 expression were significant. The 3-yr OS rates of patients that achieved a complete response and those that did not were 46.7% and 5.3%, respectively (P = 0.006). The logistic regression analysis for treatment response with various parameters showed that only a high expression of VEGF was significantly associated with a complete response. Unlike other well-known studies, higher expression of VEGF was significantly correlated with a complete response to CCRT in this study. However, higher expression of COX-2 was significantly associated with shorter survival. These results suggest that VEGF might be a predictive factor for treatment response and COX-2 a prognostic factor for OS in patients with ESCC after definitive CCRT.     

胃泌素对大鼠胃粘膜环氧合酶及生长因子表达的影响

目的：探讨胃泌素对大鼠胃粘膜环氧合酶（COX）及生长因子表达的影响。方法：雄性SD大鼠皮下注射胃泌素1 μg/kg、10 μg/kg或100 μg/kg，Western blot和免疫组化检查胃粘膜COX-1、COX-2、肝细胞生长因子（HGF）和肝素结合表皮生长因子样生长因子（HB-EGF）表达。评价胃泌素受体拮抗剂YM022对COX-1、COX-2、HGF和HB-EGF表达的影响。结果：胃泌素剂量依赖性地增加大鼠胃粘膜COX-2和HB-EGF表达，而对COX-1和HGF表达无明显影响；YM022阻断胃泌素诱导的COX-2和HB-EGF表达。 结论： 胃泌素调节大鼠胃粘膜COX-2和HB-EGF蛋白表达，提示COX-2和HB-EGF参与与胃泌素相关联的胃粘膜增生和胃癌等的发病过程。     

Dual Inhibition of Met Kinase and Angiogenesis to Overcome HGF-Induced EGFR-TKI Resistance in EGFR Mutant Lung Cancer

Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is a serious problem in the management of EGFR mutant lung cancer. We recently reported that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces resistance to EGFR-TKIs by activating the Met/PI3K pathway. HGF is also known to induce angiogenesis in cooperation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is an important therapeutic target in lung cancer. Therefore, we hypothesized that dual inhibition of HGF and VEGF may be therapeutically useful for controlling HGF-induced EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer. We found that a dual Met/VEGF receptor 2 kinase inhibitor, E7050, circumvented HGF-induced EGFR-TKI resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer cell lines by inhibiting the Met/Gab1/PI3K/Akt pathway in vitro. HGF stimulated VEGF production by activation of the Met/Gab1 signaling pathway in EGFR mutant lung cancer cell lines, and E7050 showed an inhibitory effect. In a xenograft model, tumors produced by HGF-transfected Ma-1 (Ma-1/HGF) cells were more angiogenic than vector control tumors and showed resistance to gefitinib. E7050 alone inhibited angiogenesis and retarded growth of Ma-1/HGF tumors. E7050 combined with gefitinib induced marked regression of tumor growth. Moreover, dual inhibition of HGF and VEGF by neutralizing antibodies combined with gefitinib also markedly regressed tumor growth. These results indicate the therapeutic rationale of dual targeting of HGF-Met and VEGF-VEGF receptor 2 for overcoming HGF-induced EGFR-TKI resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer.     

Oral fibroblasts produce more HGF and KGF than skin fibroblasts in response to co-culture with keratinocytes

The production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in subepithelial fibroblasts from buccal mucosa, periodontal ligament, and skin was determined after co-culture with keratinocytes. The purpose was to detect differences between the fibroblast subpopulations that could explain regional variation in epithelial growth and wound healing. Normal human fibroblasts were cultured on polystyrene or maintained in collagen matrix and stimulated with keratinocytes cultured on membranes. The amount of HGF and KGF protein in the culture medium was determined every 24 h for 5 days by ELISA. When cultured on polystyrene, the constitutive level of KGF and HGF in periodontal fibroblasts was higher than the level in buccal and skin fibroblasts. In the presence of keratinocytes, all three types of fibroblasts in general increased their HGF and KGF production 2-3 times. When cells were maintained in collagen, the level of HGF and KGF was decreased mainly in skin cultures. However, in oral fibroblasts, induction after stimulation was at a similar level in collagen compared to on polystyrene. Skin fibroblasts maintained in collagen produced almost no HGF whether with or without stimulation. The results demonstrate that the secretion of KGF and HGF in both unstimulated fibroblasts and in fibroblasts co-cultured with keratinocytes is dependent on the type of fibroblasts. In general, the periodontal fibroblasts had the highest level of cytokine production. This high level of growth factor production may influence the proliferation and the migration of junctional epithelium and thereby influence the development of periodontal disease.     

支气管哮喘患者血清中VEGF、 EGF等相关生长因子表达及与临床表型、肺功能以及病情程度相关性研究

目的 研究支气管哮喘患者血清中表皮生长因子(EGF)、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)、血小板衍生生长因子(PDGF)以及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达特征及其与BA发生、BA患者肺功能、病情程度以及临床表型间的相关性.方法 选取本院2016年1月至2017年1月间收治的72例支气管哮喘患者纳入研究组,以同期在本院接受健康体检的72例健康受检者作为对照组,对比两组各项生长因子的表达水平;分别根据临床表型、肺功能以及病情程度将研究组患者划分为相应亚组,对比各亚组间各项生长因子的表达水平,以明确支气管哮喘患者血清中各项相关生长因子的表达特征;分析各项生长因子表达水平与各亚组间的相关性.结果 研究组患者VEGF、EGF、bFGF、PDGF-AA、PDGF-BB表达水平与对照组受检者间差异均具有统计学意义,P＜0.05;研究组中嗜酸粒细胞表型患者的VEGF、EGF、bFGF、PDGF-AA、PDGF-BB表达水平与中性粒细胞表达患者差异均具有统计学意义,P＜0.05;研究组中FEV1＜50％患者的VEGF、EGF、bFGF、PDGF-AA、PDGF-BB表达水平与FEV1≥50％患者差异均具有统计学意义,P＜0.05;轻度亚组、中度亚组与重度亚组间VEGF、EGF、bFGF、PDGF-AA、PDGF-BB表达水平差异均具有统计学意义,P＜O.05.VEGF、EGF、PDGF-AA表达水平与BA疾病发生间具有高度相关性,P＜0.05;VEGF、EGF、bFGF、PDGF-AA、PDGF-BB与BA临床不同表型、肺功能及病情程度间均具有相关性,P＜0.05.结论 支气管哮喘患者血清中EGF、b FGF、PDGF、VEGF表达水平与健康者比较具有明显特征,并且各项生长因子的表达水平与患者的临床表型、肺功能以及病情程度具有明确的相关性.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体阻滞剂对小鼠全层皮肤缺损创面愈合的影响

 目的： 观察阻断血管紧张素II （Ang II）及其2型受体（AT2R）对创面愈合过程的创面愈合率、上皮爬行、肉芽组织形成以及创伤局部生长因子表达的影响,探讨Ang II及AT2R影响创伤愈合的机制。方法：建立小鼠背部全层皮肤缺损创面模型,直径6 mm,在创面模型建立同时腹腔注射给予特异性AT2R阻断剂PD123319（每天10 mg/kg）,于创面形成后第3、5、7、9、11、13和15天切取创面组织标本,采用HE染色观察PD123319对创面愈合过程中创面愈合率、上皮爬行和肉芽组织生长的影响;采用ELISA法检测PD123319对创面内与创伤愈合密切相关的表皮生长因子（EGF）、血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）表达的影响。结果：对照组在创面形成后第5天和第7天的愈合率分别为(63.55±2.57)%和(80.78±4.65)%。PD123319处理组在创面形成后第5天和第7天分别为(79.89±4.56)%和(88.98±3.83)%,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在伤后第5天和第7天, 对照组创面上皮爬行距离分别为(1.22±0.15)mm和(1.93±0.17)mm,PD123319处理组创面上皮爬行距离分别为(1.65±0.12)mm和(2.36±0.18) mm,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在伤后第5天和第7天对照组创面肉芽组织的面积分别为(9.37±0.53)mm2和(7.15±0.42)mm2,PD123319处理组创面肉芽组织面积分别为(11.51±0.98) mm2和(9.32±0.67) mm2,两组差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在伤后第5天和第7天,PD123319处理组创面局部EGF、 VEGF和bFGF的含量明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论：AT2R阻滞剂PD123319能够促进创面愈合。PD123319促进创面愈合可能与其促进创面内上皮爬行、肉芽组织形成及EGF、VEGF、bFGF等生长因子的表达有关。     

Coexpression of hepatocyte growth factor and receptor (Met) in human breast carcinoma.

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and HGF receptor (HGFR, product of the met proto-oncogene) mRNA were examined by nonisotopic in situ hybridization in a spectrum of benign and malignant human breast tissues. mRNA for both HGFR and HGF was detected in benign ductal epithelium. Epithelial expression of HGF mRNA was particularly intense in regions of ductal epithelial hyperplasia. Positive expression of HGF (but not HGFR) mRNA was also found in adipocytes, endothelial cells, and to varying degrees in stromal fibroblasts. In 12 of 12 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ and infiltrating ductal carcinoma, carcinoma cells showed a heterogeneous pattern of expression for both HGFR and HGF mRNA. In infiltrating ductal carcinomas, intense expression of HGFR mRNA was not restricted to ductular structures but as also seen in non-duct-forming carcinoma cells. The same zones of the tumors (most commonly at the advancing margins) that expressed strongly HGFR mRNA often were also strongly positive for HGF mRNA, suggesting a possible autocrine effect. The expression pattern of HGFR protein in 25 cases including the same series of tissues used for in situ hybridization analysis was similar to that of HGFR mRNA, as determined by an immunoperoxidase technique. The finding that HGFR is expressed by both benign and malignant epithelium, and its not restricted to duct-forming structures, suggests that, although the potential for HGF/HGFR binding is maintained in malignancy, the response to ligand binding at the level of the receptor or the cellular response to receptor activation may change at some point during progression.     

Immunohistochemical expression of growth factors in subacute thyroiditis and their effects on thyroid folliculogenesis and angiogenesis in collagen gel matrix culture

The inflammatory-mechanistic basis of subacute thyroiditis remains unclear. To elucidate the roles of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the inflammatory process, their immunoexpression was examined in biopsy specimens of ten cases. At the granulomatous stage, all cases expressed VEGF, bFGF, PDGF, and TGF-β1 in monocytes/macrophages infiltrating into follicle lumina, and in both epithelioid histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells of the granulomas. In fibroblasts and endothelial cells around the granulomas, all cases displayed VEGF, bFGF, and PDGF, but TGF-β1 was detected only in fibroblasts in two cases. No cases expressed EGF in any of the above cell types. At the regenerative stage, all cases expressed VEGF, bFGF, and EGF in regenerating thyrocytes, whereas three and no cases displayed PDGF and TGF-β1, respectively. Ten, seven and six cases expressed PDGF in fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and monocytes, respectively. In these cell types, all cases expressed VEGF and bFGF, whereas no cases displayed TGF-β1 and EGF. To estimate the roles of these growth factors in thyroid tissue regeneration, their effects on thyroid folliculogenesis and angiogenesis were examined using collagen gel culture of thyrocytes and endothelial cells, respectively. Cell proliferation was also studied by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake. EGF decreased follicle formation and TGF-β1 drastically inhibited it, but the others had no effect. VEGF showed the greatest effect on vessel formation, although all of the others promoted it. EGF and VEGF or bFGF caused the highest BrdU uptake in thyrocytes and endothelial cells, respectively. The data suggest firstly, that at the granulomatous stage of subacute thyroiditis, growth factor-rich monocytes/macrophages infiltrating into follicle lumina trigger the granulomatous reaction, and VEGF, bFGF, PDGF, and TGF-β1 produced by the stromal cell types tested mediate the reaction; secondly, that at the regenerative stage, EGF serves follicle regeneration through its mitogenic effect on thyrocytes, although some cofactors with EGF are involved in folliculogenesis and the decreased expression of TGF-β1, a fibrogenic factor, contributes to thyroid tissue repair; and thirdly, that VEGF and bFGF are more responsible for the angiogenesis at both stages than the other factors studied. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Expression of growth factors,growth inhibiting factors,and their receptors in invasive breast cancer. I: An inventory in search of autocrine and paracrine loops

The aim of the present study was to investigate which growth factors, receptors, and growth inhibiting factors are expressed in invasive breast cancer. Five (angiogenic) growth factors and their receptors: platelet-derived growth factor A chain (PDGF-AA) and PDGF receptor alpha (PDGFαR), PDGF-BB and PDGF beta receptor, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) and its receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors vascular endothelial growth factor receptor I (Flt-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor II (Flk-1/KDR); two growth inhibiting factors: transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) and TGFβ2) and their receptor couple transforming growth factor beta receptor I (TGFβR-I) and TGFβR-II; and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were stained by standard immunohistochemistry on frozen sections in 45 cases of invasive carcinoma of the breast. Staining was scored as negative or positive in tumour epithelium, stroma, and blood vessels. TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 were expressed in the tumour cells in 67 per cent and 76 per cent of cases, respectively, whereas PDGFβR and TGFβR-II were expressed in 0 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively. The other factors showed variable expression in tumour cells. All factors were expressed in the stroma in most cases, except Flt-1, Flk-1/KDR, TGFβ2, and TGFβR-II, which showed variable expression, and EGFR, which showed no expression. The endothelium was in most cases positive for bFGF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, VEGF, PDGFαR, PDGFβR, and TGFβ1 but TGFβ2 was negative in most cases and TGFα, EGFR, Flt-1, Flk-1/KDR, TGFβR-I, and TGFβR-II were variably expressed. The most interesting possible auto/paracrine loops, as demonstrated on serial sections and by fluorescence double staining, were the TGFα/EGFR, TGFβs/TGFβR, VEGF/Flt-1, and the VEGF/Flk-1 combinations. In conclusion, growth factors, growth inhibiting factors, and their receptors are frequently expressed in invasive breast cancer. Indications for some possible auto-and paracrine loops have been found, which should encourage further study on the role of these factors in breast cancer proliferation and angiogenesis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The impact of Helicobacter pylori on EGF,EGF receptor,and the c-erb-B2 expression

PurposeIncreased expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), its receptor (EGFR), and c-erb-B2 protein, which is homological with the EGF receptor, in gastric mucosa, may play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. We assessed if the infection and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) affects the gastric expression of growth factors and serum gastrin concentrations.Patients/methodsWe examined immunohistochemically gastric EGF and both receptors’ expression in: gastric cancer (GC; n = 29), chronic gastritis with H. pylori infection (GHp+; n = 40) before and after eradication and in patients without H. pylori infection (GHp−; n = 42).ResultsBefore the eradication therapy, gastric mucosal EGF and both receptor's expressions in GHp+ patients were increased compared to GHp− (p < 0.05), but were similar to GC. After eradication, EGF and the receptor's expression significantly decreased in the gastric body. Both EGFR and c-erb-B2 expression in the antrum were still higher than in GHp− (p < 0.05), and remained comparable to GC.ConclusionsIn patients with H. pylori infection the gastric mucosal EGF, EGFR, and c-erb-B2 expressions are similar to those observed in gastric cancer. The persistence of the antral expression of receptors after eradication, at a level comparable to the gastric cancer group, suggests their eventual role in the progression of changes initiated by H. pylori toward carcinogenesis.     

Selected angiogenic cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

The objective of this study was to determine the serum concentration of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; transforming growth factor beta, TGF-β1; hepatic growth factor, HGF; basic fibroblast growth factor, bFGF; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, sVEGF-R1; soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, sVEGF-R2), the relationships among them and to assess the relation of their levels with the applied therapy in 48 females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; 37 long-term treated +11 newly diagnosed). The control group consisted of 24 healthy women. A statistically significant increase of sVEGF-R2 and significant decrease of sVEGF-R1 were observed in the subgroup of newly diagnosed SLE patients as compared to the control subjects. No significant differences were found between serum angiogenic factors in the long-term treated subgroup and the control, the long-term treated subgroup and the newly diagnosed SLE patients after a 3-month treatment, and the subgroup of newly diagnosed SLE patients before therapy and after a 3-month treatment. The significant decrease in the serum of sVEGF-R2 was revealed in the subgroup treated for a long-time as compared to the subgroup of newly diagnosed untreated SLE patients. The analysis of relationships between serum concentration of sVEGF-R1 and other cytokines levels revealed positive correlation with concentration of VEGF and TNF-α in the total group of patients. In the newly diagnosed untreated subgroup, a strong positive correlation between concentration of sVEGF-R1 and bFGF was observed. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation between concentration of sVEGF-R1 and the level of VEGF was revealed in the long-term treated patients. The association between sVEGF-R2 and HGF was also noted in this subgroup. The obtained data suggest the necessity of further investigations to determine the importance of angiogenic factors in pathogenesis and therapy of SLE.