Prognostic relevance of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 in gastric cancer

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) was evaluated in 125 surgically resected gastric cancers by immunohistochemical analysis. Tissue was stained immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody against human uPA and monoclonal antibodies against human PAI-1 and PAI-2. In addition, DNA ploidy patterns were determined by cytofluorometer after staining with propidium iodide. We found that 82 (66%) of the 125 gastric cancers expressed uPA as diffuse cytoplasmic staining, as intensely outlined luminal borders. PAI-1 expression was observed in 62 (50%) of 125 gastric cancer as a fine, diffuse and granular pattern in the cytoplasm. PAI-2 expression was observed in 65 (52%) of the 125 gastric cancers as a diffuse cytoplasmic staining. uPA-positive tumours showed a higher incidence of infiltration, lymph node metastasis and peritoneal dissemination than uPA-negative ones. Patients with uPA-positive tumours proved to have a significantly poorer prognosis than those with negative ones. PAI-1-negative tumours showed a higher incidence of liver metastasis and carried a poorer prognosis than PAI-1-positive ones. There was no significant correlation between uPA or PAI-1 expression and DNA ploidy patterns. Conversely, there was no significant relationship between PAI-2 expression and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. According to the expression of uPA and PAI-1 status, groups of 19 uPA(–)/PAI-1(–), 44 uPA(+)/PAI-1(–), 23 uPA(–)/PAI-1(+) and 39 uPA(+)/PAI-1(+) were subdivided. Tumours with UPA(+)/PAI-1(–) had a significantly higher incidence of liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis and serosal invasion than the other groups of tumours. Patients with uPA(+)/PAI-1(–) tumours had a significantly poorer prognosis than those with uPA(–)/PAI-1(+) tumours. These results indicate that uPA expression is a useful biological prognostic indicator, and that uPA and PAI-1 may play an important part in the tumour progression and metastasis in gastric cancer.     

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in gastric cancer: tissue expression and prognostic role

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (UPA) and its inhibitor PAI-1 are thought to play an important part in gastric cancer (GC) invasion and metastasis. Little is known about the behavior and prognostic impact of the receptor for UPA (UPAR). The aims of the present study were: (1) to measure UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 levels in GC and in non-malignant tissue distant from the tumor (NORM); (2) to evaluate their relationship with histomorphological parameters; and (3) to determine their prognostic value. UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 levels were determined by ELISA in GC and NORM samples from 20 patients with GC undergoing surgery. The GC was also examined in terms of the presence (n=10) or absence (n=10) of metastasis, differentiation (five differentiated, 15 undifferentiated) and histotype. Survival was analysed using life table analysis. UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 were significantly higher in GC vs NORM, in the presence of metastasis (UPAR, UPA) and in undifferentiated GC (UPAR, PAI-1). UPAR significantly correlated with UPA and PAI-1. Low levels of UPAR (P=0.04), UPA (P=0.007) and PAI-1 (P=0.02) were associated with a better survival. Our results demonstrate a sharp increase in UPAR in GC and suggest a prognostic role for it. The concomitant activation of UPAR, UPA and PAI-1 in GC confirm the important role of the plasminogen activator system in the process of invasion and metastasis.     

Effects of black cohosh on the plasminogen activator system in vascular smooth muscle cells

Objective

The rhizome of the Cimicifuga racemosa plant (commonly known as black cohosh) has been used for menopausal complaints. Studies regarding the cardiovascular effects of black cohosh are lacking. We investigated the effect of black cohosh on the plasminogen activator system in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods

VSMCs were isolated from rat aortae. Expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activities of PAI-1 and t-PA in the conditioned media were assessed by fibrin overlay zymography. A 40% 2-propanol extract of black cohosh was used.

Results

Black cohosh extract (BcEx) stimulated the protein expression of PAI-1, but it did not affect that of t-PA. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, inhibited the BcEx-induced increase in PAI-1 expression, while ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist, had no effect. Fibrin overlay zymography revealed that BcEx increased the activity of PAI-1 in the conditioned media, while concurrently decreasing that of free t-PA by inducing a binding to PAI-1.

Conclusions

BcEx induces PAI-1 protein expression in the VSMCs likely via an oxidant mechanism. It also stimulates the enzyme activity of PAI-1 and reduces that of free t-PA. These findings suggest that black cohosh might exert a negative influence on fibrinolysis.     

胃癌中uPA、PAI-1表达及其与血管生成的关系

目的 观察胃癌组织中uPA、PAI-1mRNA及蛋白的表达，并探讨它们与肿瘤分化、血管生成及临床病理因素之间的关系。方法 用原位杂交及免疫组化S-P法检测110例胃癌组织中uPA、PAI-1的表达，根据CD34阳性的血管内皮细胞计数肿瘤组织微血管密度（MVD）。结果 （1）胃癌组织中uPA mRNA和蛋白、PAI-1 mRNA和蛋白阳性表达定位于胞质；uPA的表达随分化程度的降低有逐渐升高的趋势，PAI-1的表达随分化程度的降低有逐渐降低的趋势。（2）110例uPA mRNA及蛋白表达阳性组MVD值显著高于阴性组，差异均具有显著性（P值均＜0．05）。（3）uPA mRNA及蛋白的表达与临床分期呈正相关（P＜0．05），PAI-1的表达与临床分期和淋巴结转移无相关性。（4）uPA mRNA／蛋白与PAI-1 mRNA／蛋白的表达无相关性。结论uPA与促进胃癌的血管生成密切相关，阻断uPA的分泌和作用途径有望对胃癌浸润转移起抑制作用；胃癌组织中PAI-1可能担当重要的调节剂或者是肿瘤细胞防止自身降解的保护剂而不是这个系统的单纯抑制剂。     

Expression and localization of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 mRNA in transplant kidneys

Fibrinolysis in renal transplant rejection has not been systematically investigated but is known to be impaired. By an in situ hybridization technique, we have studied gene expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in human renal tissue showing severe acute vascular rejection (n=8), clinically irreversible (chronic) vascular rejection (n = 3), mild vascular rejection (n= 8), parenchymal rejection (n=4), ‘normal’ kidneys (n=6), and non-rejecting kidneys (n=6). The results showed that in 7/8 cases showing severe acute vascular rejction and in all three chronic vascular rejection cases, PAI-1 mRNA was expressed by endothelial cells of arterioles and arteries, and interstitial inflammatory cells but was not detectable in any other groups. The expression of PAI-1 was frequently associated with areas of haemorrhage. Expression of PAI-1 might be expected to promote thrombosis and ischaemia, the catastrophic consequence of severe vascular rejection. In irreversible chronic rejection, this seems to be the principal mode of action. However, our observation that there is expression of PAI-1 in areas of haemorrhage in severe acute vascular rejection may suggest an additional potentially protective role, if it were produced as a response to haemorrhage.     

The 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene is associated with severe preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is associated with thrombosis of the intervillous or spiral artery. A deletion/insertion polymorphism (4G or 5G) in the promoter of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene is suggested to be involved in regulating the synthesis of the inhibitor, 4G allele, being associated with the enhanced gene expression and plasma PAI-1 levels. We assessed the association between preeclampsia and the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene in 115 preeclamptic patients, 210 pregnant controls, and 298 healthy volunteer controls. The frequency of the homozygotes for the 4G allele was significantly higher in the patients than in the control pregnant women (P = 0.04) or in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.02). The 4G allele frequency was also significantly higher in the patients than in the control group of pregnant women (P = 0.03) and in the healthy volunteers (P = 0.02). These results suggest that the presence of the 4G/4G genotype of the PAI-1 gene is one of the risk factors for preeclampsia. Received: October 14, 1999 / Accepted: January 4, 2000     

Mature breast adipocytes promote breast cancer cell motility

Adipocytes express substances involved in both normal physiology and pathological processes. One such adipocyte protein is the Serpin (serine protease inhibitor) plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 functions to inhibit urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) though PAI-1 itself is also implicated in breast cancer progression. While the role of adipocytes in breast cancer development is not fully understood, obesity is a known risk factor associated with breast cancer. Thus, we characterized adipocytes from breast and omental tissues for PAI-1 and uPA, and the influence of adipocytes on breast cancer cell motility. Using preadipocyte cells from breast and omental adipose tissue, we differentiated each site into mature adipocytes. PAI-1 protein was found in breast adipocytes>omental preadipocytes>omental adipocytes>breast preadipocytes. Interestingly, uPA protein was not detected in any of these cell types. We then incubated breast adipocyte conditioned media (Adip-CM) and preadipocyte conditioned media (PreAdip-CM) on both normal (MCF-10A) and malignant (MCF-10CA1) breast epithelial cell lines. Adip-CM, but not PreAdip-CM, (a) increased cell motility in both MCF-10A and MCF-10CA1 cells; (b) increased cell-associated uPA activity in both cell lines; (c) increased phosphorylated-Akt levels in MCF-10CA1 cells; and (d) gene array profiles show altered expression of several genes associated with cancer adhesion, metastasis and signaling. Our results suggest that mature breast adipocytes are capable of altering the epithelial cell phenotype, producing a more motile cell type and further provide a potential link between obesity and risk of breast cancer.     

Ribonucleotide reductase M2 does not predict survival in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background

Ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) was associated with pancreatic tumor progression and resistance to gemcitabine. This study aimed to determine if RRM2 protein expression was prognostic in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma and predictive of adjuvant gemcitabine benefit.

Methods

117 patients underwent tumor resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 10/1999 to 12/2007. We constructed tissue microarrays from paraffin-embedded tumors and determined RRM2 protein expression using immunohistochemistry and grouped as negative or positive. We estimated overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using the Kaplan-Meier method and examined the prognostic and predictive value of RRM2 expression using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

RRM2 expression showed no prognostic value in the entire group regarding OS (median OS 30.9 months in RRM2-positive versus 13.7 months in RRM2-negative, P = 0.26) and PFS (median OS 20.6 months in RRM2-positive versus 11.8 months in RRM2-negative, P = 0.46). RRM2 expression did not predict adjuvant gemcitabine benefit in the subgroup of 44 patients who received gemcitabine therapy (median OS 31.2 versus 15.2 months, P = 0.62; median PFS 11.3 versus 14.0 months, P = 0.35). Cox proportional hazards regression showed no prognostic effect of RRM2 expression on OS and PFS in the subgroup of 44 patients. However, the number of positive lymph nodes and perineural invasion were prognostic factors for OS (HR 1.2, P = 0.005) and for PFS (HR 5.5, P = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusion

RRM2 protein expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is neither prognostic nor predictive of adjuvant gemcitabine benefit in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.     

Markers of the uPA system and common prognostic factors in breast cancer

The urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system includes uPA and plasminogen activator inhibitor types 1 (PAI-1) and 2 that mainly act by regulating extracellular matrix degradation, and it is involved in tumor progression. The -675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene regulates PAI-1 activity in serum. We aimed at studying the -675 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene and uPA, PAI-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) immunohistochemical expression in a series of breast cancer cases. Homozygosity for the 4G allele of the PAI-1 gene was associated with node-positive breast cancer ( P = .02). We showed a direct correlation between uPA and estrogen receptor expression ( P = .03); negative uPA expression was associated with negative hormonal expression, high tumor grade, and high proliferation index ( P < .05). A direct correlation was seen between uPA and PAI-1, uPA and COX-2, and PAI-1 and COX-2 expression ( P < .05). Interaction between uPA and COX-2 systems in breast cancer deserves further study.     

uPA和PAI-1在人脑胶质瘤的表达及其与肿瘤血管生成的关系

目的探讨uPA、PAI鄄1和VEGF与人脑胶质瘤病理分级和侵袭行为的关系及各因子间的相互联系。方法采用免疫组化SP方法检测42例人脑胶质瘤和8例正常脑组织uPA、PAI鄄1和VEGF蛋白的表达。结果12例中低度恶性胶质瘤中,uPA、PAI鄄1和VEGF阳性表达率分别为58.3%、50.0%、33.3%,30例高度恶性胶质瘤的阳性率分别为96.7%、86.7%、93.3%,两组间各指标相比较,uPA和VEGF差异有极显著性(P<0.01),PAl鄄1差异有显著性(P<0.05)。uPA、PAI鄄1和VEGF阳性染色主要定位于血管内皮细胞和瘤细胞胞浆,以肿瘤侵袭边缘和坏死组织周围多见。uPA与VEGF、PAI鄄1与VEGF之间均呈明显正相关(P<0.05)。8例正常脑组织除1例有PAl鄄1微弱表达外,其余均为阴性。结论随脑胶质瘤恶性度增高,uPA、PAl鄄1和VEGF表达增强,三者协同作用,可作为胶质瘤恶性度高和侵袭能力强潜在的分子生物学指标。     

Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-βl and Phorbol Ester on PALI-1 and PA Genes in Human Lung Cells

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mediates the production of extracellular matrix proteins, proteases and protease inhibitors in epithelial cells. Both TGF-β and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) exert both positive and negative effects on mitogenesis in these as well as other cell types. Phorbol esters act through stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) and are among the most potent tumor promoters known. The present study was conducted to determine whether the effect of TGF-β in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells parallels that of the phorbol esters and whether this effect of TGF-β involves PKC. TGF-β1 and PMA increased expression of TGF-βl mRNA 24 hr after their addition to both NSCLC and NHBE cells. The effects of these agents on expression of the mRNAs for TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 were more complex; while TGF-β2 and TGF-p3β mRNAs increased transiently in response to TGF-p1 in NHBE cells and TGF-β3 mRNA increased transiently in some NSCLC cells, expression of these mRNAs decreased in most of these cells in response to PMA with the exception of the carcinoid NCLH727 where TGF-pZ mRNA increased dramatically. TGF-β1 and PMA both caused a persistent increase in expression of the mRNAs for both plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and plasminogen activator (PA) up to 24 hr in most NSCLC cells, with the increase in PAI-1 mRNA beginning several hours before that of PA mRNA. In contmst, while TGF-βl also increased expression of PAI-1 mRNA in NHBE cells, the expression of PA mRNA decreased simultaneously. The effect of PMA on PAI-1 and PA mRNAs was opposite of TGF-β1 in these cells, with expression of PAI-1 mRNA decreasing and PA mRNA increasing after addition of PMA. These data show that there is parallel regulation of the genes for TGF-βl, PAI-1 and PA by TGF-β1 and PMA in NSCLC, but differential regulation of the genes for PAL1 and PA by these agents in NHBE cells. The responses of the mRNAs and proteins of TGF-β1, PAI-1 and PA to TGF-βl and PMA were inhibited by the serind threonine kinase inhibitor H7 in NSCLC cells. Treatment of NSCLC cells with TGF-β1 and PMA resulted in a persistent increase in the expression of fibronectin mRNA and protein. This response was blocked by the addition of H7. Inhibition of these effects by H7 in NSCLC cells suggests that H7 blocks TGF-p responses by inhibiting a protein serindthmnine kinase(s). Because the effects of TGF-p and PMA on the different TGF-p isoforms, PA, PA1 and fibronectin in NHBE and NSCLC cells are complex, our data suggest that there are distinct mechanisms for controlling the different TGF-p isoforms, PA, PA1 and extracellular matrix proteins in normal lung and lung cancer cells.     

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and -2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

It has become more and more clear in recent decades that the plasminogen activation system, which includes urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and PAI-2, plays a very important role in the aggressiveness of cancer. Using immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the expression of these four components of the uPA system was analyzed in 19 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 18 cases of the adjacent non-cancer tissues which all had chronic active hepatitis with liver fibrosis or liver cirrhosis. Four cases of normal liver tissues, as controls for immunohistochemical stains, were obtained from the hepatectomized liver of patients with metastatic cancer in the liver. The positive rates of uPA, uPAR, PAI-1 and PAI-2 for immunohistochemical stains in cancer tissues were 78.9, 68.4, 57.9 and 31.6%, respectively. Positive signals were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of the cancer and in stromal cells. Moreover, the strong stains were chiefly located in the invasive front of the cancer cells. No specific stain was detected in four cases of normal liver tissues. In ELISA, there were significant differences between cancer and non-cancer tissues in concentration of uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 (P < 0.0003, 0.0024 and 0.01, respectively), but there was no significant difference in that of PAI-2 (P = 0.37). These results suggest that uPA, uPAR and PAI-1 are related to invasion of HCC.     

Role of the Urokinase-Fibrinolytic System in Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition during Lung Injury

Alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cell injury precedes development of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice lacking urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) are highly susceptible, whereas those deficient in plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) are resistant to lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been considered, at least in part, as a source of myofibroblast formation during fibrogenesis. However, the contribution of altered expression of major components of the uPA system on ATII cell EMT during lung injury is not well understood. To investigate whether changes in uPA and PAI-1 by ATII cells contribute to EMT, ATII cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and mice with bleomycin-, transforming growth factor β–, or passive cigarette smoke–induced lung injury were analyzed for uPA, PAI-1, and EMT markers. We found reduced expression of E-cadherin and zona occludens-1, whereas collagen-I and α-smooth muscle actin were increased in ATII cells isolated from injured lungs. These changes were associated with a parallel increase in PAI-1 and reduced uPA expression. Further, inhibition of Src kinase activity using caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide suppressed bleomycin-, transforming growth factor β–, or passive cigarette smoke–induced EMT and restored uPA expression while suppressing PAI-1. These studies show that induction of PAI-1 and inhibition of uPA during fibrosing lung injury lead to EMT in ATII cells.Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases are characterized by destruction of lung architecture due to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins by activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, leading to progressive dyspnea and loss of lung function.^1–3 The origins of myofibroblasts participating in the pathological remodeling of IPF lungs are not clear. Histopathological evaluation demonstrates that myofibroblasts accumulate in fibroblastic foci. Emerging evidence suggests that polarized type II alveolar epithelial (ATII) cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMT) after lung injury. The ATII cells assume phenotypic changes such as increased migration, invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and production of elevated levels of extracellular matrix proteins^4,5 and therefore serve as a source of myofibroblasts. Understanding the possible mechanisms contributing to EMT in ATII cells may help identify new targets to treat or at least limit fibrogenesis after lung injury.A number of molecular processes are involved in the initiation of EMT in ATII cells.⁵ Components of the fibrinolytic system such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA plasma membrane receptor (uPAR), and its major inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) are all elaborated by ATII cells. These proteins independently influence a broad range of biological processes germane to lung injury and its repair.⁶ However, their role in fibrogenesis via EMT is unclear. Recent publications using bleomycin (BLM)⁷ and a passive cigarette smoke (PCS)⁸ or adenovirus expressing constitutively active transforming growth factor β (Ad-TGF-β)^1,9 exposure model of lung injury indicate that a coordinate increase in PAI-1 and a decrement in uPA by ATII cells promote lung injury and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis (PF). We also found that caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide (CSP) acts as a competitor to caveolin-1, restores expression of uPA and uPAR, and inhibits PAI-1 in ATII cells after lung injury. These changes prevent development of PF after lung injury.⁷ Recent literature suggests that up to 30% to 50% of myofibroblasts may be derived via EMT during fibrogenesis.^10–12 However, an in vivo genetic lineage tracing study reported by Rock et al¹³ contradicts these findings. Our objective in the current study is to elucidate the role of altered expression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 after lung injury in EMT, and further evaluate whether reinstatement of baseline expression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 by CSP intervention after lung injury reduces EMT in ATII cells.     

氧自由基对3T3-L1脂肪细胞表达PAI-1的调节及其可能机制

目的： 研究脂肪细胞中氧自由基（ROS）对纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1（PAI-1）表达的调节,并探讨其机制。方法：培养3T3-L1细胞,并诱导其分化成为脂肪细胞,以MTT比色法检测细胞的活性。分别以定量PCR、多重免疫分析及夹心ELISA法检测PAI-1 mRNA和蛋白表达的水平,并采用多重磷酸化蛋白分析系统检测细胞内多种信号分子的蛋白磷酸化水平。结果：H2O2可剂量依赖性地增加PAI-1的产生。并且激活了3T3-L1脂肪细胞中多种信号转导通路,包括ERK1/2、JNK、Akt、p70 S6K及JAK/STAT,其中Akt、JAK/STAT及ERK1/2的活化可能参与到H2O2对于PAI-1的调节过程中。结论： H2O2可能通过磷酸化激活Akt、JAK/STAT及ERK1/2,上调脂肪细胞PAI-1的表达。     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注病灶及周围区PAI-1表达

目的:探讨大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后病灶及周围区Ⅰ型纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI-1)的表达与脑微血管结构改变的关系。方法:采用光镜、电镜、免疫组织化学、Westernblot等技术,观察大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注不同时期病灶及周围区脑微血管结构改变及PAI-1表达。结果:大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注6h、3d组病灶及周围区脑微血管外间隙水肿及出血,脑微血管基底膜大量破坏,同时再灌注6h、1d组PAI-1表达低于正常对照组,密度值分别为0.16±0.43和0.33±0.61,与对照组(2.19±1.03)差异显著(P＜0.05)。再灌注后期7d组、14d组脑微血管内皮细胞增生,同时PAI-1表达增加,密度值分别为9.48±1.76和8.61±1.35,明显高于对照组(P＜0.01)。结论:大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注病灶及周围区脑水肿及出血以6h至3d最严重。PAI-1表达降低可能是导致脑微血管基底膜破坏的原因之一。再灌注后期PAI-1表达增加可能参与脑微血管的再生。     

尼古丁对血管内皮细胞释放t-PA及PAI-1的影响

目的: 研究尼古丁对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)释放组织型纤溶酶原激活物(t-PA)和纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1(PAI-1)的影响。方法: HUVECs培养后接种于24孔培养板中,随机分为对照组及实验组,分别进行以下实验。(1)以0.1、1、10、100 μmol/L 尼古丁孵育HUVECs,12 h后收集各组上清液;(2)以100 μmol/L尼古丁与HUVECs孵育0、4、6、8、12 及24 h,收集各组上清液。采用ELISA法测定各组t-PA和PAI-1的浓度。结果: HUVECs与不同浓度尼古丁孵育12 h后,100 μmol/L尼古丁组PAI-1蛋白较对照组明显增加(P<0.01);0.1、1及10 μmol/L尼古丁组PAI-1蛋白与对照组比较,均无显著差异(均P>0.05);各浓度组t-PA蛋白与对照组比较,均无显著差异(均P>0.05)。HUVECs 与100 μmol/L的尼古丁分别孵育4 、6 、8 、12 及24 h,各组PAI-1蛋白均较对照组明显升高(P<0.05),且其升高呈时间依赖性;各组t-PA与对照组比较,均无显著差异(均P>0.05)。结论: 尼古丁可抑制HUVECs的纤溶活性,对内皮细胞具有损伤作用。     

Tumor-associated proteases and inhibitors in gastric cancer: analysis of prognostic impact and individual risk protease patterns

Expression of proteolytic parameters of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system [uPA receptor (uPA-R), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1] has been proven to be an independent prognostic parameter in cancer. However, it has not been considered that the uPA system is interacting with several other protease/inhibitor systems, neither has a comparable prognostic role of these factors been investigated. Moreover, studies evaluating specific protease patterns indicating high individual risk are missing completely. Therefore, in a consecutive prospective series of 203 gastric cancer patients, the expression of activators (plasminogen, tPA, MMP-2, cathepsin D, antithrombin 3) and inhibitors (a-2-antiplasmin, a-2-macroglobulin, a-1-antitrypsin, a-1-antichymotrypsin) of proteolysis was studied immunohistochemically in the tumor epithelium semiquantitatively (score 0-3) in addition to the uPA system. Kaplan-Meier analysis (median time of follow-up 31 months) revealed a significant association of cathepsin D (P = 0.0042), a-2-macroglobulin (P = 0.0281) and antitrypsin (P = 0.0372) with disease-free survival and of cathepsin D (P = 0.0018), antitrypsin (P = 0.0112) and antichymotrypsin (P = 0.0002) with overall survival. Multivariate Cox analysis performed to correct these results for relative impact of the uPA system and established prognostic factors showed PAI-1 (disease-free survival: P = 0.002, relative risk 1.86; overall survival: P = 0.005, relative risk 1.39), pT and pN as independent parameters. Cathepsin D was shown to have an independent impact on disease-free survival (P = 0.020, relative risk 2.98). Comparative chi-square analysis of cases with poor and good prognoses revealed that in patients with good clinical outcome, inhibitors of proteolysis are correlated significantly, whereas in patients with poor prognosis activators of proteolysis are significantly associated preferentially and significant correlations with the uPA-R are dominan t. For detailed pattern analysis, stepwise overall Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed in subgroups of high uPA-R-, uPA-, PAI-1-and cathepsin D expression for two additional proteases each. From these analyses, the combination of high (score 2/3) expression of uPA-R, PAI-1, antichymotrypsin and a-2-macroglobulin was identified as a high-risk pattern, representing parameters known to be essential for uPA-R internalization and recycling. This suggests some of the uPA-associated proteases and inhibitors investigated as univariate prognostic parameters in gastric cancer. Cathepsin D is a new independent parameter for disease-free survival. The study further demonstrates that a protease pattern promoting uPA-R recycling in tumor cells especially indicates high individual risk tumors in gastric cancer. © Rapid Science 1998