Antiproliferative Activity of Mammalian Lignan Derivatives Against the Human Breast Carcinoma Cell Line, ZR-75-1

The effect of each of twelve mammalian lignun derivatives on the growth of human mammary tumor ZR-75-1 cells was examined. At a concentration less than 10 μ g/ml, tumor cell growth was inhibited from 18-68%. The effect of 2,3-dibenzylbutane-1,4-diol (hattalin) was found to be strongest, inhibiting growth by 50% at a concentration (EC₅₀ of 2.1 μ g/ml. Hattalin inhibited membrane Na^%, K^%-ATPase of canine kidney cortex. It also inhibited the ATPase of the plasma membrane fraction from both cultured cells and a section of human breast cancer tissue at a concentration ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mM. However, only a few percent of membrane ATPase from either ZR-75-1 cells or breast carcinoma tissue was inhibited by 2.0 mM of ouabain, suggesting that the target ATPase of hattalin was other than ouabainsensitive ATPase. The relative incorporation of [³H]thymidine per 1 10⁵ cells into the acid-precipitable fraction of ZR-75-1 cells was not affected by 1-50 μg/ml of hattalin, while a marked decrease resulted from 1-10 μg/ml of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These results suggest that the suppressive effect of hattalin on tumor cell growth my not occur through inhibition of DNA synthesis but rather partly by inhibition of the plasma membrane ATPase other than Na^% and K^% -dependent ones.     

Modulation of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance by buthionine sulfoximine and cyclosporin A in human esophageal cancer cells

We established a 2.4-fold cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant human esophageal cancer cell line (TE2R) from the parent TE2 line. CDDP accumulation was reduced in TE2R. The Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain inhibited CDDP accumulation in TE2 but not TE2R, suggesting that TE2R may have alterations in the Na+, K+-ATPase and defective CDDP uptake mechanism. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced CDDP sensitivity of both cell lines and cyclosporin A (CsA) modified CDDP resistance in TE2R. These effects were associated with increased CDDP accumulation. Thus, BSO and CsA may be useful for modulation of CDDP sensitivity or resistance in esophageal cancer.     

A Mg2+- and Ca2+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase at the outer surface of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

A Mg2+- and Ca2+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) at the outer surface of intact Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is described. A surface-bound adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-splitting activity at a lower rate was also demonstrated in the absence of Ca2+ but with Mg2+, Na+, and K+ present in the isotonic medium. Hence, when part of the Mg2+ was exchanged for Ca2+, a marked increase of the ATP-splitting activity was observed. The stimulatory effect of Ca2+ was seen only if both Na+ and K+ were present in the isotonic incubation medium. Thus, the enzyme activity was Mg2+- and Ca2+-dependent. Ca2+, together with the monovalent cations was inhibitory compared with Mg2+ under similar conditions. The apparent Km for ATP for the Mg2+-stimulated ATPase is 0.05 mM, while that of the Mg2+- and Ca2+-stimulated enzyme is 0.10 mM. The Vmax of the former is 0.8 mu-mole per 100 mg Schneider protein per 30 sec compared with 1.92 mu-moles per 100 mg Schneider protein per 30 sec for the latter. The calculated Km for the Mg2+- and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase after subtraction of the Mg2+-stimulated part is 0.22 mM. Ethacrynic acid and N-ethylmaleimide both inhibited the Mg2+- and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase by about 10 percent, while the ouabain inhibition was 15 percent. Cytochalasin B did not influence the enzyme activity, whereas La3+ had a slight stimulatory effect.     

Characterization of the ATPase activity of the Mr 170,000 to 180,000 membrane glycoprotein (P-glycoprotein) associated with multidrug resistance in K562/ADM cells

The Mr 170,000 to 180,000 membrane glycoprotein associated with multidrug resistance (P-glycoprotein) is involved in drug transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane of multidrug-resistant cells. We have recently reported the purification of P-glycoprotein. The purified P-glycoprotein was found to have an ATPase activity, which might be coupled with the active efflux of anticancer drugs. In the present study, we have further studied the properties of the P-glycoprotein ATPase activity by an immobilized enzyme assay procedure using a P-glycoprotein-antibody-Protein A-Sepharose complex. GTP was also hydrolyzed by the P-glycoprotein, although less efficiently than ATP. The ATPase activity of P-glycoprotein had an optimal pH range around neutrality (pH 6.5-7.4). The detergent concentration of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propane sulfonate used for protein solubilization was essential for enzyme recovery. Maximum activity was obtained when 0.1-0.2% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-propane sulfonate was used, while higher concentrations markedly inhibited the ATPase activity. The ATPase activity was dependent on Mg2+; maximum activity was obtained at 2-10 mM. Manganese and cobalt could substitute for magnesium as ionic cofactors. Divalent cations such as Ca2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ inhibited the Mg2+-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. N-Ethylmaleimide and vanadate inhibited the ATPase activity, while sodium azide or ouabain had no effect. Anticancer agents such as vincristine and Adriamycin did not affect the enzyme activity. In contrast, verapamil and trifluoperazine, agents which inhibit active drug efflux and restore drug sensitivity in resistant cells, caused an increase in the P-glycoprotein ATPase activity suggesting that P-glycoprotein might be the target molecule of these agents.     

Inhibition of protein kinase C, (sodium plus potassium)-activated adenosine triphosphatase, and sodium pump by synthetic phospholipid analogues

The effects and modes of action of certain antineoplastic phospholipid analogues (racemic 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl glycero-3-phosphocholine, BM 41.440, JH-1, CV-3988, and HePC) on (sodium plus potassium)-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) and sodium pump activities were investigated. Inhibition of Na,K-ATPase in purified rat brain synaptosomal membranes by these lipids, in contrast to ouabain, was subject to membrane surface dilution and unaffected by whether the reaction was started with KCl, NaCl, or ATP. Kinetic analysis indicated that the analogues, again dissimilar to ouabain, were likely to interact directly or indirectly with sodium-binding sites of Na,K-ATPase located at the intracellular surface of the plasma membrane, a conclusion also supported by studies using the inside-out vesicles of human erythrocyte membranes. The studies also showed that ouabain (but not the lipids) increased the affinity constant of Na,K-ATPase for K+, whereas the lipids (but not ouabain) increased that for Na+. The lipids also inhibited 86Rb uptake by intact human leukemia HL60 cells at potencies quite comparable to those seen for inhibition of purified protein kinase C or Na,K-ATPase. It is suggested that Na,K-ATPase (sodium pump) might represent a hitherto unrecognized site of action for the lipid analogues, and that the antineoplastic effects of the agents might be due to, in part, inhibition of both protein kinase C and Na,K-ATPase and perhaps other membrane-associated enzymes.     

Study on ATPase of tumor cells--I. A comparison of several ATPase activities

The activities of several ATPases of the ascitic hepatoma cells in mice were compared. The activities of the total ATPase and mitochondrial Mg++-ATPase in normal liver cells were 50% and 140% higher than those in the hepatoma cells (P less than 0.001). However, the Na+, K+-ATPase activity in hepatoma cells was 170% higher than that in normal liver cells (P less than 0.01). The proportion of the activities of mitochondrial Mg++-ATPase, as well as Na+, K+-ATPase to their respective total ATPase in hepatoma cells was in disorder. The relation between the changes of the activity of different ATPases, their proportion and the abnormal metabolism as well as some characteristics of tumor cells are discussed.     

Pharmacological modulation of lung cancer cells for potassium ion depletion

BACKGROUND: Depletion of intracellular potassium ions (K+) is necessary for cells to shrink, induce DNA fragmentation and activate caspases, events which are features of apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 86Rb+ as a K+ analogue to evaluate the possibility of pharmacologically depleting human pulmonary mesothelioma (P31) and small cell lung cancer (U1690) cells of K+, for future use in studies of apoptosis induction. RESULTS: The Na+, K+, 2CI(-)-cotransport inhibitor bumetanide transiently inhibited 86Rb+ influx, but when combined with the Na+, K+, ATPase pump inhibitor ouabain there was a marked and lasting (up to 6 h) 86Rb+ influx inhibition. Cellular K+ efflux was augmented by amphotericin B, digitonin and nigericin. Amphotericin B was an effective 86Rb+ efflux stimulator with low cytotoxicity, whereas digitonin caused cell detachment and nigericin increased LDH release in the U1690 cell line, indicating considerable toxicity of the drugs. CONCLUSION: It is possible to efficiently reduce intracellular K+ by persistent K+ influx inhibition and simultaneous K+ efflux stimulation with clinically available drugs.     

Enhanced ATPase activity in liver cell nuclei induced by administration of mitomycin C to rats

Intraperitoneal administration of mitomycin C (40 micrograms/100 g body weight) to male Wistar rats increased the ATPase activity in hypotonic extracts of liver cell nuclei for 4 days after injection. Partially purified ATPase, obtained by the DEAE-cellulose column chromatography of these extracts, showed a 14 times higher specific activity than that found in normal rat liver nuclei. The enzymatic activity was strongly enhanced by the addition of polynucleotides, especially poly A and poly I, to the assay mixture, but was inhibited by GTP, a chelating agent, heparin and thiol-group inhibitors. Quercetin and oligomycin were less effective, and ouabain showed no inhibitory effect. Mg2+ ions were essential, but neither Ca2+, Na+ nor K+ ions were required for the manifestation of the activity. These characteristic properties of the enzyme are similar to those of a nucleoside triphosphatase found in the nuclear matrix and envelope, suggesting that some energy-providing mechanisms involved in the repair processes of DNA damage or cellular injury are induced by mitomycin C administration.     

Role of the Na+, K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase in the accumulation of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) in human ovarian carcinoma cells.

We examined the importance of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase in cisplatin (DDP) accumulation in 2008 human ovarian carcinoma cells and describe changes in the Na+, K(+)-ATPase in DDP-resistant cells with DDP accumulation defects. Approximately 50% of DDP accumulation was inhibitable by ouabain. DDP accumulation into 2008 cells could be maximally inhibited when cells were preincubated with ouabain for 1 h prior to DDP exposure. The half-maximal inhibition was obtained with 0.13 microM ouabain. Similar inhibition of DDP accumulation was obtained when the Na+, K(+)-ATPase was blocked by ATP depletion or by incubating cells in K(+)-free medium. This same percentage of DDP accumulation was Na+ dependent and varied directly with Na+ concentration. These effects on DDP accumulation could be detected as early as 1 min after the imposition of 0-trans conditions, strongly suggesting that the inhibition was due to modulation of a drug influx step. The Na+, K(+)-ATPase in 2008/DDP cells had a similar KD for ouabain binding and 36% less Na+, K(+)-ATPase molecules/mg of protein than 2008 cells. 2008/DDP cells 2.3 +/- 0.2 (SE, n = 3) fold cross-resistant to ouabain in a continuous exposure clonogenic assay. Despite these changes in the Na+, K(+)-ATPase, the net basal Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity was the same in sensitive and DDP-resistant cells as determined by ouabain-inhibitable 86Rb+ influx. The basal Na+ levels were also similar in the sensitive and resistant cells. These data suggest that DDP accumulation is partially Na+ dependent and that, therefore, the Na+, K(+)-ATPase which maintains the Na+ gradient may play an important role in determining how much DDP enters cells. Whether there is a causal link between the changes in the Na+, K+-ATPase in DDP-resistant cells and their DDP accumulation defect is not yet known.     

Lack of correlation between cisplatin cytotoxic effect and potential Na, K-adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) activity or intracellular level of glutathione

The use of cisplatin as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent is limited by its dose dependent nephrotoxicity. It has been suggested that the differential toxic effects of cisplatin may be related to differences in Na+/K+ ATPase activity or levels of glutathione (GSH). The present study evaluated these possibilities by testing cells from different tissue origins for their sensitivities to cisplatin and the numbers of Na+/K+ ATPase, affinities to ouabain and intracellular glutathione levels. Our results have shown that the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin was in the order of Calu-1>U-138MG>HEK>SK-HEp1>AGS>TL cells. Dissociation contants (K-d) of the different cell lines to ouabain revealed that the U-138MG cells (29 pM) had the highest affinity while the SK-HEp1 cells (123 pM) had the lowest. In addition the most number of ouabain binding sites was detectable on the Calu-1 cells (2.388x10(5)/cell) with the lowest in the U-138MG (5.22x10(4)/cell) cells. Linear regression analysis of these data indicate that there is no correlation between toxicity of cisplatin to the density (p=0.6563) or affinity (p=0.5499) of the Na+/K+ ATPase to ouabain on the responding cells. Nor is there a direct correlation between cisplatin toxicity and the level of intercellular GSH. These results suggest that activity of Na+/K+ ATPase or level of GSH alone is not sufficient to account fbr the differential toxicity of cisplatin nor is it a necessary trait of cisplatin resistance.     

Reduction of doxorubicin cytotoxicity by ouabain: correlation with topoisomerase-induced DNA strand breakage in human and hamster cells

The cardiac glycoside ouabain, which is a specific inhibitor of the Na+,K+-pump, confers dramatic protection from the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin (Adriamycin). This effect was documented in cultured A549 cells (human lung adenocarcinoma). CCL210 cells (human fibroblasts), and V79 cells (hamster fibroblasts). Maximum protection from doxorubicin cytotoxicity was achieved using 1 microM ouabain for A549 and CCL210 cells and 300 microM ouabain for V79 cells. These concentrations correlated well with the concentrations of ouabain required to induce Na+,K+-pump blockade, which was assessed using the K+ analogue 86Rb+. This suggests that protection is mediated by pump blockade. Addition of ouabain at the same time as doxorubicin was just as protective as preincubation with ouabain for an hour, demonstrating that the ouabain acts rapidly. Ouabain treatment affected neither influx nor efflux of doxorubicin. Ouabain also had no effect on verapamil-induced inhibition of doxorubicin efflux. However, ouabain partially blocked the verapamil-induced potentiation of the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin. Therefore, ouabain does not protect by affecting intracellular doxorubicin levels. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the ability of doxorubicin to reach the nucleus was not influenced by ouabain. Alkaline elution studies demonstrated that ouabain greatly decreased doxorubicin-induced DNA strand breakage. Protection from cytotoxicity correlated closely with this decrease in strand breakage. These studies suggest that the stabilization of DNA-topoisomerase II complexes is closely linked to the mechanism of doxorubicin cytotoxicity and that this stabilization is influenced by the intracellular ionic milieu.     

Hyperthermia, Na+K+ATPase and lactic acid production in some human tumour cells

When HeLa cells are exposed to brief heat shock at 45 degrees C there is a reduction in the cellular level of Na+K+ATPase. Return of the cells to the normal growth temperature of 37 degrees C leads to a partial restoration of enzyme activity. The pattern of this recovery of activity suggests that it may be associated with the induction of heat shock proteins. Indeed other means of heat shock protein induction such as continuous heat treatment at 42 degrees C, or treatment of cells at 37 degrees C with sodium arsenite, leads to elevated levels of Na+K+ATPase activity and alterations in the kinetic properties of the enzyme. Continuous hyperthermia at 42 degrees C led to increased lactate production which could be blocked with ouabain suggesting that effects on Na+K+ATPase activity could partly influence glycolysis. A number of other human and hamster cells also showed increased lactate production at 42 degrees C and also an inhibition of lactate production by ouabain. Whilst incubation of HeLa cells with cyanide had little effect on glycolysis at 37 degrees C elevation of the temperature to 42 degrees C (or 45 degrees C), in the presence of cyanide, impaired glycolysis. The possible role in this phenomenon, of an unusual oxygen-sensitive isoenzyme of lactate dehydrogenase, expressed in human cancers, is discussed.     

Increase in intracellular Na+: transmembrane signal for rejoining of DNA strand breaks in proliferating lymphocytes

Two early events in the mitogen-induced entry of murine splenocytes into proliferation are (a) a rapid rise in influx of Na+, causing its total internal concentration to increase by 42 +/- 7% within 2 h of culture with concanavalin A (Con A), and (b) rejoining of some 3000 DNA strand breaks per diploid genome within the same period. Con A did not induce rejoining in low Na+ (less than 9 mM) medium, but the process began directly when Na+ was added, at its usual concentration, to the growth medium. Incubation of cells with ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na+K+-ATPase, or monensin, a Na+ ionophore, caused an increase in the internal Na+ concentration in normal, but not in low, Na+ medium. In the former (but not in the latter) medium, both ouabain and monensin caused rejoining of the DNA strand breaks to occur in resting lymphocytes, i.e., in the absence of mitogen. Stimulation of splenocytes with Con A also resulted in a rapid but transient increase in the level of intracellular free Ca2+. This effect was also observed in the absence of extracellular Na+; however, deprivation of extracellular Ca2+ completely abolished this effect. Moreover, the intracellular free Ca2+ level was significantly higher in cells suspended in Na+-free buffer or medium. Since the Con A-induced rejoining of DNA strand breaks occurred in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and removal of extracellular Na+ had no inhibitory effect on the Con A-induced increase in the level of intracellular free Ca2+, the Con A-stimulated repair could not have been mediated by the initial increase in Ca2+ influx. The early mitogen-induced increase in the internal Na+ concentration is a necessary and sufficient signal for the rejoining of breaks, an event that must occur before the proliferating lymphocytes can replicate their DNA.     

Human tumor cell sensitivity to oleandrin is dependent on relative expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase subunitst

The membrane enzyme Na+, K+ -ATPase is known to help maintain ion homeostasis in mammalian cells. Newly identified functions of this enzyme suggest that inhibition of Na+, K+ -ATPase by cardiac glycosides may be useful to patients with cancer. Twelve human tumor cell lines were chosen to examine determinants of human tumor cell sensitivity to cardiac glycosides. In vitro cell culture models of human glioma HF U251 and U251 cells as well as human parental and modified melanoma BRO cells were also included in these studies. Data derived from both models and twelve tumor cell lines indicated that high expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 isoform in the presence of low alpha 3 expression correlated with increased resistance to inhibition of cell proliferation by cardiac glycosides such as oleandrin, ouabain and bufalin. Interestingly, increased expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 and therefore total Na+, K+ -ATPase activity is associated with increased cellular levels of glutathione. The altered enzyme activity and glutathione content were associated with a delayed and diminished release of cytochrome c and caspase activation. Additionally, an increased colony-forming ability was noted in cells with high levels of Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 expression, suggesting that Na+, K+ -ATPase alpha 1 isoform may be actively involved in tumor growth and cell survival. Its inhibition by cardiac glycosides may provide a strategy for effective cancer therapy.     

Selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cell line

Cisplatin is a key drug in chemotherapy for lung cancer. It has been reported that intracellular accumulation of cisplatin is an important step as a determinant for resistance to cisplatin, which may be modulated by Na+, K+-ATPase activity. And it has been reported that isoproterenol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. In this study, the effects of the selective beta1, beta2, and beta3-adrenoceptor agonists on membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity and sensitivity to cisplatin were evaluated using human non-small cell lung cancer cell line. In the NSCLC cell line, sensitivity to cisplatin was improved by treatment with procaterol, a selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist. Na+, K+-ATPase was activated and intracellular accumulation of cisplatin increased with the treatment. However, beta1 or beta3-adrenoceptor agonist did not modulate sensitivity to cisplatin or Na+, K+-ATPase activity. These results suggest that beta2-adrenoceptor may be one of the determinants for sensitivity to cisplatin in NSCLC. Exogenous beta2-adrenoceptor agonists may improve the antitumor effect of chemotherapy involving cisplatin.     

Preferential inhibition by quercetin of mitogen-stimulated thymocyte glucose transport.

The ATPase inhibitor quercetin, which inhibits tumor glycolysis, was shown to be a glucose transport inhibitor like the chemically related compound phloretin. Rat thymocyte glucose transport stimulated by the mitogens concanavalin A or ionophore A 23187 was more sensitive than unstimulated transport to quercetin inhibition. The partial inhibition of Na+-, K+- ATPase activity by quercetin observed in tumor cells was confirmed in thymocyte plasma membranes. The specific Na+-, K+- ATPase inhibitor ouabain did not mimic the effect of quercetin on mitogen-stimulated glucose transport but did reduce the effectiveness of concanavalin A as a stimulator of mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation. The results support the idea that glycolytic flux and the activity of plasma membrane ATPase are related but suggest that glucose transport, rather than the Na+-, K+-ATPase, is the rate-limiting reaction in lymphocytes.     

Immunocytologic staining of cytokeratin in bone marrow aspirates to detect micrometastatic cells fails in patients with metastatic urologic carcinoma

Cisplatin is a key drug in chemotherapy for lung cancer. It has been reported that intracellular accumulation of cisplatin is an important step as a determinant for resistance to cisplatin, which may be modulated by Na+, K+-ATPase activity. And it has been reported that beta-adrenoceptor agonists modulate the Na+, K+-ATPase in some organs. In this study, the effects of a beta-adrenoceptor agonist and an antagonist on membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity were evaluated using human non-small cell (NSCLC) lung cancer cell lines. In the NSCLC cell lines, sensitivity to cisplatin was improved by treatment with isoproterenol. Na+, K+-ATPase was activated and intracellular accumulation of cisplatin increased with the treatment. But the antagonist, propranolol, did not modulate sensitivity to cisplatin or Na+, K+-ATPase activity. These results suggest that beta-adrenoceptors may be one of the determinant for sensitivity to cisplatin in NSCLC, but endogenous catecholamine dose not play a role in the intracellular accumulation of cisplatin in these cell lines. Exogenous beta-adrenoceptor agonists may improve the antitumor effect of chemotherapy involving cisplatin.     

胃癌局部细胞因子表达谱分析

目的 探讨胃癌局部细胞因子表达的特点,为胃癌免疫治疗提供依据。方法 以相应非癌性黏膜组织为对照,采用高敏感放射性标记半定量RT－PCR技术,分析胃癌患者癌组织中纯化的CD4^ 、CD8^ T细胞亚群及上皮细胞的细胞因子表达谱。结果 胃癌组织与非癌性黏膜组织相比,CD4^ 和CD8^ T细胞亚群中均表现为Th2型细胞因子表达明显增加,Th1型细胞因子表达降低。其中癌组织CD8^ T细胞的IL－6、IL-8TNF－α的水平显著高于非癌性黏膜组织（P＝0．029,P＝0．022,P＝0．002）;胃癌组织的T细胞及癌性上皮细胞中细胞因子IL－10,TGFβ1和TNF－α的表达较非癌性黏膜组织增高。结论 胃癌局部Th1、Th2之间的平衡向Th2漂移,提示胃癌局部呈免疫抑制状态。CD8^ T细胞中细胞因子表达变化更为显著,提示CD8^ T细胞在胃癌局部免疫抑制发生中起主要作用。对不同细胞亚群细胞因子表达状况的了解有助于免疫治疗方案的设计。     

Regulation of expression of Na+,K+-ATPase in androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer.

The beta 1-subunit of Na+,K+-ATPase was isolated and identified as an androgen down-regulated gene. Expression was observed at high levels in androgen-independent as compared to androgen-dependent (responsive) human prostate cancer cell lines and xenografts when grown in the presence of androgens. Down-regulation of the beta 1-subunit was initiated at concentrations between 0.01 nM and 0.03 nM of the synthetic androgen R1881 after relatively long incubation times (> 24 h). Using polyclonal antibodies, the concentration of beta 1-subunit protein, but not of the alpha 1-subunit protein, was markedly reduced in androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells (LNCaP-FGC) cultured in the presence of androgens. In line with these observations it was found that the protein expression of total Na+,K+-ATPase in the membrane (measured by 3H-ouabain binding) was also markedly decreased. The main function of Na+,K+-ATPase is to maintain sodium and potassium homeostasis in animal cells. The resulting electrochemical gradient is facilitative for transport of several compounds over the cell membrane (for example cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent experimentally used in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer). Here we observed that a ouabain-induced decrease of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in LNCaP-FGC cells results in reduced sensitivity of these cells to cisplatin-treatment. Surprisingly, androgen-induced decrease of Na+,K+-ATPase expression, did not result in significant protection against the chemotherapeutic agent.     

Impact of orotate phosphoribosyl transferase activity as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer

Orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) is an essential nucleotide metabolic enzyme for cell proliferation and also a key enzyme for conversion of 5-FU to its active form in tumor tissue. The association between tumor OPRT activity and pathophysiological status, including lymph node metastasis [pN+], and the impact of OPRT for predicting pN+ were investigated in gastric cancer. The lymph node status of 73 resectable gastric cancer patients was analyzed preoperatively by computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography and magnetic resonance, and the OPRT activity of collected tumor tissue was measured. Then these data were compared with pathological observation of a surgical lymph node specimen. OPRT activity in the tumor tissue decreased as the depth of invasion increased. An OPRT test demonstrated superior sensitivity and comparable accuracy and sensitivity for predicting pN+, against current imaging diagnoses. Furthermore, the analysis of node negative patients by CT revealed that 80% of false negative patients were retrieved by this OPRT test. Thus, OPRT activity in tumor tissue was a powerful predictor of pN+ in resectable gastric cancer, and the preoperative OPRT test, when it becomes possible, would provide a basis for accurate evaluation of disease status, which is indispensable for the planning of personalized therapy.