Regulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis by DJ-1 in thyroid cancer cells

DJ-1, a cancer-associated protein protects cells from multiple toxic stresses. The expression of DJ-1 and its influence on thyroid cancer cell death has not been investigated so far. We analyzed DJ-1 expression in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines and the effect of DJ-1 on tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. DJ-1 was expressed in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines; small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of its levels significantly sensitized thyroid carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, whereas the forced exogenous expression of DJ-1 significantly suppressed cell death induced by TRAIL. We also report here that TRAIL-induced thyroid cancer cell apoptosis is mediated by oxidative stress and that DJ-1, a potent nutritional antioxidant, protects cancer cells from apoptosis at least in part by impeding the elevation of reactive oxygen species levels induced by TRAIL and impairing caspase-8 activation. Subsequently, we investigated DJ-1 expression in 52 normal and 74 primary thyroid carcinomas from patients of China Medical University. The protein was not detectable in the 52 specimens of normal thyroid, while 70 out of 74 analyzed carcinomas (33 out of 33 follicular, 17 out of 19 papillary, 12 out of 13 medullar, and 8 out of 9 anaplastic) were clearly positive for DJ-1 expression. Our data demonstrated that DJ-1 is specifically expressed in thyroid carcinomas and not in the normal thyroid tissue. In addition, the protein modulates the response to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human neoplastic thyroid cells, at least partially through its antioxidant property.     

Intracellular regulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis in human multiple myeloma cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL, Apo2 ligand) effectively kills multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro irrespective of refractoriness to dexamethasone and chemotherapy. Because clinical trials with this anticancer agent are expected shortly, we investigated the signaling pathway of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in MM. We detected rapid cleavage of caspases-8, -9, -3, and -6, as well as the caspase substrates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and DNA fragmentation factor-45 (DFF45), but not caspase-10, upon TRAIL treatment in sensitive MM cells, pointing to caspase-8 as the apical caspase of TRAIL signaling in MM cells. These phenomena were not observed or were significantly delayed in TRAIL-resistant MM cells, suggesting that resistance may arise from inhibition at the level of caspase-8 activation. Higher levels of expression for various apoptosis inhibitors, including FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP), and lower procaspase-8 levels were present in TRAIL-resistant cells and sensitivity was restored by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), which both lowered FLIP and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2 (cIAP-2) protein levels. Forced expression of procaspase-8 or FLIP antisense oligonucleotides also sensitized TRAIL-resistant cells to TRAIL. Moreover, the cell permeable nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB inhibitor SN50, which sensitizes TRAIL-resistant cells to TRAIL, also inhibited cIAP2 protein expression. Finally, CHX, BIM, and SN50 facilitated the cleavage and activation of procaspase-8 in TRAIL-resistant cells, confirming that inhibition of TRAIL-induced apoptosis occurs at this level and that these agents sensitize MM cells by relieving this block. Our data set a framework for the clinical use of approaches that sensitize MM cells to TRAIL by agents that inhibit FLIP and cIAP-2 expression or augment caspase-8 activity.     

Regulation of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines

Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potent inducer of apoptosis in sensitive cells and may be suitable for novel anti-cancer therapies aimed at inducing apoptosis via the activation of TRAIL receptors on malignant cells. Here we have characterized the TRAIL sensitivity of a panel of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines. Overall, 5/12 BL cell lines and 1/2 lymphoblastoid cell lines were sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, although only one BL cell line approached the sensitivity of Jurkat cells, a widely used model for TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Whereas, 4/5 of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative cell lines were TRAIL sensitive, only 1/7 EBV-positive BL cell lines were TRAIL sensitive. However, isogenic BL cell lines with different EBV status were not differently sensitive to TRAIL, indicating that EBV is not a major determinant of TRAIL sensitivity. All cell lines expressed the death receptor (DR)5 TRAIL receptor, whereas expression of DR4 was more variable. Differences in the expression of downstream signalling molecules [Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), caspase 8] and inhibitors [decoy receptor 1 (DcR1), cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP)] did not correlate with TRAIL sensitivity. Therefore, a subset of BL cell lines are sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, however, the molecular mechanism that determines responsiveness remains to be identified.     

Involvement of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated death of thyroid cancer cells

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is cytotoxic to most thyroid cancer cell lines, including those originating from anaplastic carcinomas, implying TRAIL as a promising therapeutic agent against thyroid cancers. However, signal transduction in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis is not clearly understood. In addition to its well-known glycolytic functions, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a multifunctional protein, including its surprising role as a mediator for cell death. In this study we explored the involvement of GAPDH in TRAIL-mediated thyroid cancer cell death. In follicular undifferentiated thyroid cells, S-nitrosylation and nuclear translocation of GAPDH appear to mediate TRAIL-induced cell death at least partially, as evidenced by pretreatment with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a competitive nitric oxide synthase inhibitor that partially but significantly attenuated TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the reduction of S-nitrosylation and nuclear translocation of GAPDH. In addition, GAPDH small interfering RNA partially prevented the apoptotic effect of TRAIL, although TRAIL-induced nitric oxide synthase stimulation and production of nitric oxide were not attenuated. Furthermore, nuclear localization of GAPDH was observed in another thyroid cancer cell line, KTC2, which is also sensitive to TRAIL, but not in those TRAIL insensitive cell lines: ARO, KTC1, and KTC3. These data indicate that nitric oxide-mediated S-nitrosylation of GAPDH and subsequent nuclear translocation of GAPDH might function as a mediator of TRAIL-induced cell death in thyroid cancer cells.     

The antiapoptotic protein BAG3 is expressed in thyroid carcinomas and modulates apoptosis mediated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

CONTEXT: We previously showed that BAG3 protein, a member of the BAG (Bcl-2-associated athanogene) co-chaperone family, modulates apoptosis in human leukemias. The expression of BAG3 in other tumor types has not been extensively investigated so far. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze BAG3 expression in thyroid neoplastic cells and investigate its influence in cell apoptotic response to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We investigated BAG3 expression in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines, including NPA, and the effect of BAG3-specific small interfering RNA on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NPA cells. Subsequently, we analyzed BAG3 expression in 30 benign lesions and 56 carcinomas from patients of the Naples Tumor Institute Fondazione Senatore Pascale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were: analysis of BAG3 protein in NPA cells by Western blot and immunocytochemistry; analysis of apoptosis in TRAIL-stimulated NPA cells by flow cytometry; and evaluation of BAG3 expression in specimens from thyroid lesions by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: BAG3 was expressed in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines; small interfering RNA-mediated downmodulation of its levels significantly (P < 0.0195) enhanced NPA cell apoptotic response to TRAIL. The protein was not detectable in 19 of 20 specimens of normal thyroid or goiters, whereas 54 of 56 analyzed carcinomas (15 follicular, 28 papillary, and 13 anaplastic) were clearly positive for BAG3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: BAG3 downmodulates the apoptotic response to TRAIL in human neoplastic thyroid cells. The protein is specifically expressed in thyroid carcinomas and not in normal thyroid tissue or goiter.     

Helicobacter pylori enhances tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-mediated apoptosis in human gastric epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the relations between tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection in apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells and to assess the expression of TRAIL on the surface of infiltrating T-cells in H pylori-infected gastric mucosa. METHODS: Human gastric epithelial cell lines and primary gastric epithelial cells were co-cultured with H pylori in vitro, then recombinant TRAIL proteins were added to the culture. Apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells was determined by a specific ELISA for cell death. Infiltrating lymphocytes were isolated from H pylori-infected gastric mucosa, and expression of TRAIL in T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The apoptosis of gastric epithelial cell lines and primary human gastric epithelial cells was mildly increased by interaction with either TRAIL or H pylori alone. Interestingly, the apoptotic indices were markedly elevated when gastric epithelial cells were incubated with both TRAIL and H pylori (Control vs TRAIL and H pylori: 0.51+/-0.06 vs 2.29+/-0.27, P = 0.018). A soluble TRAIL receptor (DR4-Fc) could specifically block the TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Further studies demonstrated that infiltrating T-cells in gastric mucosa expressed TRAIL on their surfaces, and the induction of TRAIL sensitivity by H pylori was dependent upon direct cell contact of viable bacteria, but not CagA and VacA of H pylori. CONCLUSION: H pylori can sensitize human gastric epithelial cells and enhance susceptibility to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Modulation of host cell sensitivity to apoptosis by bacterial interaction adds a new dimension to the immunopathogenesis of H pylori infection.     

Functional tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand production by avian influenza virus-infected macrophages

Severe human disease associated with influenza A H5N1 virus was first detected in Hong Kong in 1997. Its recent reemergence in Asia and high associated mortality highlight the need to understand its pathogenesis. We investigated the roles of death receptor ligands (DRLs) in H5N1 infection. Significant up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TNF-alpha, but not Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA, was detected in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) infected with avian influenza viruses A/Hong Kong/483/97 (H5N1/97) or its precursor, A/Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97. H5N1/97-infected MDMs exhibited the strongest induction of apoptosis in Jurkat T cells, and it could be reduced by TRAIL-receptor 2 blocking antibody. Furthermore, influenza virus infection enhanced the sensitivity of Jurkat T cells to apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha, TRAIL, and FasL. Our data suggested that functional TRAIL produced by influenza virus-infected MDMs was related to their cytotoxicity and that the enhanced sensitization to DRL-induced apoptosis detected in avian influenza may contribute to disease pathogenesis.     

外周血单个核细胞TRAIL mRNA和血清sTRAIL水平与HBV感染肝损伤的相关性

目的:探讨慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体(TRAIL)mRNA及血清可溶性TRAIL(sTRAIL)水平与HBV感染肝损伤的关系.方法:采用TaqMan实时荧光定量RT-PCR(FQ- RT-PCR)检测58例慢性肝炎患者外周血PBMCs中TRAIL mRNA水平,采用夹心酶联免疫吸附法分析其血清sTRAIL水平,同时与血清HBV DNA滴度和肝功能相关指标,进行相关性分析.结果:除轻度慢性乙肝外,其他各型慢性乙型肝炎患者血清sTRAIL水平均显著低于健康对照组(t=2.91,P<0.05),各型慢性乙肝之间无显著性差异,与白蛋白(ALB)呈显著正相关(r =0.426,P<0.05),与TBIL、ALT及HBV DNA滴度无相关性.各型慢性乙肝患者PBMCs中TRAIL mRNA水平显著高于健康对照组(t= 28.31.P<0.001),与肝功能指标及血清HBV DNA滴度无相关性.结论:血清sTRAIL水平降低与肝损伤相关,提示单个核细胞膜结合型TRAIL增高与肝损害及乙肝病程迁延不愈有关.     

Designed tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand variants initiating apoptosis exclusively via the DR5 receptor

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potential anticancer drug that selectively induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells by interacting with death receptors DR4 and DR5. TRAIL can also bind to decoy receptors (DcR1, DcR2, and osteoprotegerin receptor) that cannot induce apoptosis. The occurrence of DR5-responsive tumor cells indicates that a DR5 receptor-specific TRAIL variant will permit tumor-selective therapies. By using the automatic design algorithm FOLD-X, we successfully generated DR5-selective TRAIL variants. These variants do not induce apoptosis in DR4-responsive cell lines but show a large increase in biological activity in DR5-responsive cancer cell lines. Even wild-type TRAIL-insensitive ovarian cancer cell lines could be brought into apoptosis. In addition, our results demonstrate that there is no requirement for antibody-mediated cross-linking or membrane-bound TRAIL to induce apoptosis through DR5.     

Combined effect of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand and ionizing radiation in breast cancer therapy

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a potent endogenous activator of the cell death pathway and functions by activating the cell surface death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5). TRAIL is nontoxic in vivo and preferentially kills neoplastically transformed cells over normal cells by an undefined mechanism. Radiotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer as well as many other cancers. Here we demonstrate that ionizing radiation can sensitize breast carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. This synergistic effect is p53-dependent and may be the result of radiation-induced up-regulation of the TRAIL-receptor DR5. Importantly, TRAIL and ionizing radiation have a synergistic effect in the regression of established breast cancer xenografts. Changes in tumor cellularity and extracellular space were monitored in vivo by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion MRI), a noninvasive technique to produce quantitative images of the apparent mobility of water within a tissue. Increased water mobility was observed in combined TRAIL- and radiation-treated tumors but not in tumors treated with TRAIL or radiation alone. Histological analysis confirmed the loss of cellularity and increased numbers of apoptotic cells in TRAIL- and radiation-treated tumors. Taken together, our results provide support for combining radiation with TRAIL to improve tumor eradication and suggest that efficacy of apoptosis-inducing cancer therapies may be monitored noninvasively, using diffusion MRI.     

Rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid macrophages express decreased tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand R2 and increased decoy receptor tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand R3

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the expression pattern of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its cognate receptors (TRAIL R1, R2, R3, and R4) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages and on cultured RA synovial fibroblasts. METHODS: The expression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptors on RA SF lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages, normal macrophages, and RA synovial fibroblasts was examined by flow cytometry with previously characterized monoclonal antibodies. The ability of adenoviral-mediated delivery of TRAIL to induce macrophage or RA synovial fibroblast apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: By flow cytometry, neither TRAIL nor its cognate receptors was detectable on RA SF lymphocytes or RA synovial fibroblasts. In contrast, RA SF macrophages expressed TRAIL R3, a decoy receptor (P < 0.01 versus isotype control), but not TRAIL, or TRAIL R1, R2, or R4. Normal peripheral blood-derived monocyte-differentiated macrophages expressed TRAIL R2 (P < 0.01), but not TRAIL or the other TRAIL receptors. Adenoviral-mediated delivery of TRAIL had no effect on the survival of normal macrophages or RA synovial fibroblasts but readily induced apoptosis in the prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) that expressed TRAIL R1 and R2. CONCLUSION: TRAIL R1 and R2, which are required for signal transmission by TRAIL, were not detected on RA SF lymphocytes, macrophages, or synovial fibroblasts. These observations do not support a potential therapeutic role for TRAIL in RA.     

Increased hepatotoxicity of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in diseased human liver

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in tumor cells but not in most normal cells and has therefore been proposed as a promising antitumor agent. Recent experiments suggested that isolated primary human hepatocytes but not monkey liver cells are susceptible to certain TRAIL agonists, raising concerns about the use of TRAIL in cancer treatment. Whether TRAIL indeed exerts hepatotoxicity in vivo and how this is influenced by chemotherapeutic drugs or liver disease are completely unknown. Employing different forms of recombinant TRAIL, we found that the cytokine can induce proapoptotic caspase activity in isolated human hepatocytes. However in marked contrast, these different TRAIL preparations induced little or no cytotoxicity when incubated with tissue explants of fresh healthy liver, an experimental model that may more faithfully mimic the in vivo situation. In healthy liver, TRAIL induced apoptosis only when combined with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Strikingly, however, TRAIL alone triggered massive apoptosis accompanied by caspase activation in tissue explants from patients with liver steatosis or hepatitis C viral infection. This enhanced sensitivity of diseased liver was associated with an increased expression of TRAIL receptors and up-regulation of proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that clinical trials should be performed with great caution when TRAIL is combined with chemotherapy or administered to patients with inflammatory liver diseases.     

肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体基因1525位点的多态性与结节性甲状腺疾病的关系

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体基因(TRAIL)1525位点多态性与结节性甲状腺疾病的关系.方法 125例甲状腺疾病患者来自于内蒙古包头医学院第一附属医院内分泌科,其中结节性甲状腺肿(结甲)患者67例,甲状腺腺瘤患者58例.患者中男54例、女71例,平均年龄为(41.05±14.42)岁.结甲患者接毒性或非毒性进行分组,甲状腺腺瘤患者按高功能或非高功能分组.正常对照人群100例,来自本院同期体检者,其中男47例,女53例,平均年龄为(42.35±16.52)岁.根据知情同意的原则,采集两组人群的静脉血,采用聚合酶链反应-限制性内切酶片段长度多态性(PCR-RLFP)方法进行TRAIL基因多态性测定,计算TRAIL基因的基因型(纯合子GG、杂合子GA、突变纯合子AA)和等位基因频率(G、A),比较相对风险度(比值比,OR).结果 结甲组TRAIL基因1525位点基因型(GG:40.3％,AG:44.8％,AA:14.9％)、等位基因频率(G:62.7％,A:37.3％)与对照组(GG:17.0％,AG:65.0％,AA:18.0％;G:49.5％,A:50.5％)比较,差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为11.376、5.633,P＜0.01或＜0.05);腺瘤组1525位点基因型(GG:44.8％,AG:38.0％,AA:17.2％)、等位基因频率(G:63.8％,A:36.2％)与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义(x2值分别为15.342、6.054,P＜0.01或＜ 0.05).结甲组TRAIL基因1525位点等位基因频率风险度与对照组的比较,OR=1.714(P＜ 0.05),95％可信区间(CI):1.097 - 2.679;腺瘤组TRAIL基因1525位点等位基因频率风险度与对照组的比较,OR=1.797(P＜0.05),95％CI:1.124～2.874.毒性与非毒性结节组、高功能与非高功能腺瘤组TRAIL基因1525位点基因型、等位基因频率比较,差异无统计学意义(x2值分别为3.714,2.792;1.103,2.020;P均＞0.05).结论 TRAIL 基因1525位点多态性与结节性甲状腺疾病发生关系密切.     

Death ligand tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand inhibits experimental autoimmune thyroiditis

The role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in autoimmune thyroiditis is unclear. We used experimental autoimmune thyroiditis to clarify the contribution of TRAIL to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. CBA/J mice were immunized with murine thyroglobulin, and spleen cells from these mice were subsequently injected into irradiated recipient CBA/J mice. One week later, the recipient mice were treated with recombinant TRAIL or a control protein. Compared with control animals, TRAIL-treated mice developed a milder form of the disease with a significant decrease in mononuclear cell infiltration in the thyroid and less thyroid follicular destruction. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic thyrocytes and also thyroglobulin-specific T helper-1 cell responses in TRAIL-treated mice was lower than that in the control animals. This study suggests that exogenous TRAIL suppresses the development of autoimmune thyroiditis via altering the function of cells involved in the immune response. These findings may contribute toward a novel treatment autoimmune thyroiditis.     

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand gene on human colorectal cancer cell line HT29

AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL) gene on human colorectal cancer cell line HT29. METHODS: Human embryonal kidney cells transformed by introducing sheared fragments of Ad5 DNA (293 cell) were used for amplification of adenoviral vectors: Ad/GT-TRAIL,Ad/GT-Bax, Ad/GT-LacZ and Ad/PGK-GV16. Human colorectal cancer cell line HT29 was transfected with binary adenovirus-mediated TRAIL gene. Bax gene was used as positive control, LacZ gene was used as the vector control,and cells treated with PBS only were used as a mock control. The morphological changes, cell growth and apoptosis were measured by reversmicroscope, MTT method and flow cytometry. RESULTS: All adenoviral vectors titer determined by optical absorbency at A260nm were 1X10(10) viral particle/ml(vp/ml).Obviously morphological changes of HT29 cells were observed when infected with Ad/GT-TRAIL, and these changes were much more obviously when Ad/PGK-GV16 was coinfected. The cell suppression percentage and the percentage of apoptotic cells were 52.5 % and 16.5 % respectively when infected with Ad/GT-TRAIL alone, while combining with Ad/PGK-GV16, the growth of HT29 was suppressed by 85.2 % and the percentage of apoptotic cells was 35.9 %. It showed a significantly enhanced therapeutic efficiency with binary system (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: A binary adenoviral vector system provides an effective approach to amplify viral vectors that express potentially toxic gene, TRAIL. Ad/GT-TRAIL showed a significantly enhanced therapeutic efficiency for HT29 when coinfected with Ad/PGK-GV16. Ad/GT-TRAIL could induce apoptosis of HT29 and inhibit its growth.     

The involvement of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVES: Herein, we determined the significance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in atherosclerotic vascular disease. BACKGROUND: Inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand/APO-2L, a member of the TNF superfamily, has a role in apoptosis induction and is recognized for its immunomodulatory properties. METHODS: Stable and vulnerable atherosclerotic human plaques and aortas from atherosclerotic mice were assayed for the presence of TRAIL, and its inducibility was assayed by immunoblot and real-time polymerase chain reaction on peripheral mononuclear cells incubated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the determination of soluble TRAIL levels in atherosclerotic patients. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand is present in stable atherosclerotic lesions, is increased in vulnerable plaques, and is found to colocalize with CD3 cells and oxLDL. The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression was up-regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after incubation with oxLDL. Serum levels of soluble TRAIL but not TNF-alpha or Fas-ligand were reduced significantly in patients with unstable angina as compared with patients with stable atherosclerotic disease and healthy subjects. A negative correlation was demonstrated between soluble TRAIL and C-reactive protein levels but not with levels of mRNA of TRAIL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand is expressed in plaque-infiltrating CD3 cells and induced by oxLDL, whereas levels of soluble TRAIL are reduced in patients with acute coronary syndromes and negatively correlate with C-reactive protein levels. These results support a possible role for TRAIL in atherosclerosis.     

The role of apoptosis-inducing receptors of the tumor necrosis factor family in thyroid cancer

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family comprises several ligands, such as the prototype TNF-alpha, the Fas ligand (FasL) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L), which trigger apoptosis in susceptible cells by activating respective cell-surface receptors. The study of these cell death pathways has attracted significant attention in several fields, including that of thyroid cancer, because they participate in immune system function, as an arm of cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and because recombinant ligands are available for pharmacological use. TNF-alpha is a pluripotent cytokine that induces both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic effects on thyroid carcinoma cells. FasL triggers apoptosis in other tumor types, but thyroid carcinoma cells are resistant to this effect. On the other hand, TRAIL potently and selectively kills thyroid carcinoma cells. Consequently, TRAIL is the only member of the family with significant anticancer activity and an acceptable toxicity profile to be used as a novel therapy for thyroid cancer. The caspase inhibitor FLIP plays a significant role in negatively regulating receptor-induced apoptosis. Thelper 1-type cytokines, such as interferon-gamma, TNF-alpha and interleukin-1beta increase the sensitivity of both normal and neoplastic thyrocytes to FasL and TRAIL. On the other hand, IGF-I and other growth/survival factors produced in the local tumor microenvironment activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt kinase pathway and exert an anti-apoptotic effect by upregulating several apoptosis inhibitors, including FLIP. Pharmacological modulation of apoptosis induced by FasL and TRAIL/Apo2L holds promise of therapeutic applications in human malignancies.