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.     

Gait analysis alters decision-making in cerebral palsy

This study was designed to assess the impact of gait analysis on the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy. One hundred two ambulant patients with cerebral palsy were assessed clinically and with gait analysis. Separate treatment proposals for each patient were recorded after clinical examination and after gait analysis. The results of the two methods of assessment were compared. After clinical assessment, 71 of the 102 patients evaluated were recommended for a surgical procedure and 31 for nonoperative treatment. After gait analysis, the indications for treatment were confirmed in 91 cases (89%). Clinical assessment by the same orthopedic surgeon was in close agreement with gait analysis in identifying an indication for surgery. There was less agreement in the type or level of operation recommended. Gait analysis altered the decision in 106 of 267 operations (40%). There was good agreement for bone surgery, suggesting that clinical evaluation of torsional problems was fairly reliable. The poorer agreement seen for soft tissue operations probably reflects the difficulties in assessing tone-related problems in these patients clinically. This study confirms the value of gait analysis for decision-making in cerebral palsy.