The effects of alkyl-lysophospholipids on leukemic cell lines. I. Differential action on two human leukemic cell lines, HL60 and K562

The action of an alkyl-lysophospholipid (ALP), ET180CH3, on clonogenicity, 3H-TdR uptake, and cell numbers was tested in two human leukemic cell lines, HL60 and K562, and short-term human leukemic bone marrow cultures. ALP eliminated clonogenicity in HL60 but not in K562 cultures; 3H-TdR uptake and cell numbers were depressed at low concentrations of ET180CH3 in HL60, but not K562 cultures. The action of the lysophospholipid analog on human leukemic bone marrow short-term cultures at low concentrations was similar to its action on HL60 cultures; clonogenicity and 3H-TdR uptake were depressed, but cell numbers were not significantly affected. The demonstration of differential action of ALP on two cell lines should significantly simplify the investigation of the mechanism of the reported differential action of ET180CH3 on normal and leukemic cell membranes.     

Role of tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphisms (-308 and -238) in breast cancer susceptibility and severity

Introduction  

Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) gene can regulate gene expression and have been associated with inflammatory and malignant conditions. We have investigated two polymorphisms in the promoter of the TNF gene (-308 G>A and -238 G>A) for their role in breast cancer susceptibility and severity by means of an allelic association study.     

Pulmonary lymphangitic spread of carcinoma: appearance on CT scans

Chest computed tomography (CT), including high-resolution CT with thin (1.5-mm) sections was used to evaluate proved (pathologically or clinically) lymphangitic spread (LS) of tumor in 12 patients. These appearances were compared with thin-section scans obtained in 11 healthy subjects. Thin-section CT demonstrated findings consistent with thickening of the normal lung interstitium. In all patients, thin sections showed an increase in the number of peripheral lines (1-2 cm in length) that were diffuse in generalized disease and localized in focal disease. Normal peripheral arcades were not increased in number, but the limbs forming the arcades were thickened in all patients. A diffuse increase in linear and curvilinear structures (reticular pattern) was seen toward the center of the lung. Polygonal structures 1-2 cm in diameter were seen in seven patients with LS but not in healthy subjects. Fissures were thickened in nine patients. Selected 1.5-mm-thick CT sections are recommended through abnormal areas (seen at CT or on chest radiographs) or if these are normal at three levels (midapex, hilus, and 3 cm above the diaphragm) when scanning patients with tumors known to cause LS.