In vitro modulation of cisplatin cytotoxicity by sparsomycin inhibition of protein synthesis

Inhibition of protein synthesis can alter cellular responsiveness to the classical anticancer drugs. The in vitro response of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to cisplatin with or without sparsomycin (Sm) was studied with the use of [3H]leucine and [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation and clonogenic assay. Pretreatment of exponentially growing CHO cells with 1 microgram Sm/ml for 3 or 5 hours decreased [3H]leucine incorporation by 20% and resulted in significant resistance to cisplatin (P = .005). Sm in a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml reduced [3H]leucine and [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation after 3 hours by 92 and 84%, respectively, and resulted in potentiation of the cisplatin cytotoxicity (P = .004). This effect was the same in the case of nonproliferating cells (P = .005), while protection due to Sm (1 microgram/ml) was seen only during cell proliferation. Simultaneous incubation and postincubation with Sm proved to have much less or no potentiating effect on cisplatin. The mechanisms of both protection and potentiation are still not clear, but our data indicate that Sm is a promising drug for further studies on the modulation of the cancer cell response to classical anticancer drugs.     

Flow cytometry in clinical oncology: cell cycle and DNA ploidy in assessing tumor behavior

The basic principles of flow cytometry with special emphasis to cell cycle analysis and DNA ploidy measurements are described. The concept of separation of various subcompartments of cell cycle, distinguished by simultaneous determinations of DNA versus RNA and DNA versus protein contents is presented. Based on DNA ploidy patterns, human tumors were divided into two groups designated as diploid range and non-diploid (aneuploid). Since it has been proposed that diploid range tumors have generally better prognoses than non-diploid tumors, the value of DNA ploidy patterns as a prognostic factor is discussed in major groups of human cancers.     

Burning mouth syndrome as a trigeminal small fibre neuropathy: Increased heat and capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in nerve fibres correlates with pain score.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is often an idiopathic chronic and intractable pain condition, affecting 1.5-5.5% of middle-aged and elderly women. We have studied the heat and capsaicin receptor TRPV1, and its regulator nerve growth factor (NGF), in BMS. Patients with BMS (n=10) and controls (n=10) were assessed for baseline and post-topical capsaicin pain scores, and their tongue biopsies immunostained for TRPV1, NGF, and structural nerve markers neurofilament and peripherin. Nerve fibres penetrating the epithelium were less abundant in BMS (p<0.0001), indicating a small fibre neuropathy. TRPV1-positive fibres were overall significantly increased in BMS (p=0.0011), as were NGF fibres (p<0.0001) and basal epithelial cell NGF staining (p<0.0147). There was a significant correlation between the baseline pain score and TRPV1 (p=0.0143) and NGF fibres (p=0.0252). A significant correlation was observed between baseline and post-capsaicin pain (p=0.0006). Selective TRPV1 and NGF blockers may provide a new therapy for BMS.     

Successful treatment of Echovirus 27 meningoencephalitis in agammaglobulinaemia with intraventricular injection of gammaglobulin. A case report]

BACKGROUND: Meningoencephalitis due to enteroviruses is particularly serious when occurring in patients with agammaglobulinaemia. This disease is associated with a high mortality and a significant risk for neurological sequelae in such circumstances. We report here a new case treated with intraventricular immunoglobulin, whose evolution was favourable. CASE REPORT: A three-year-old boy with agammaglobulinaemia, while he was treated with gammaglobulin with an IgG residual concentration of 10 g/l, presented neurological symptoms related to Echovirus 27 meningo encephalitis. Under treatment with intraventricular gammaglobulin by means of an Ommaya reservoir, the patient recovered. CONCLUSION: Favourable evolution is rare in meningo encephalitis in agammaglobulinaemic patients. Prognosis depends on an early diagnosis and on the extent of dissemination of the infection. Intraventricular gammaglobulin administration may contribute to a favourable outcome.     

Von Willebrand factor, platelets and endothelial cell interactions

Summary.  The adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to platelet function by mediating the initiation and progression of thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury. In recent years there has been considerable progress in explaining the biological properties of VWF, including the structural and functional characteristics of specific domains. The mechanism of interaction between the VWF A1 domain and glycoprotein Ibα has been elucidated in detail, bringing us closer to understanding how this adhesive bond can oppose the fluid dynamic effects of rapidly flowing blood contributing to platelet adhesion and activation. Moreover, novel findings have been obtained on the link between regulation of VWF multimer size and microvascular thrombosis. This progress in basic research has provided critical information to define with greater precision the role of VWF in vascular biology and pathology, including its possible involvement in the onset of atherosclerosis and its acute thrombotic complications.     

Meloxicam-associated anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylactic reaction to meloxicam has never been reported to date. We report 2 cases of meloxicam-induced anaphylactic reaction with no sensitivity to another selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor. A thorough drug allergy work-up should be done before other cyclooxygenase inhibitors are prescribed.