Proliferation of DU145 prostate cancer cells is inhibited by suppressing insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) is expressed by all human prostate cancer cell lines and dramatically increases in the serum of prostate cancer patients. However, the role of IGFBP-2 in prostatic tumorigenesis is not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of IGFBP-2 on the proliferation of DU145 human prostate cancer cells in culture. METHODS: Using cell proliferation assays, we examined the effects of exogenously administered and endogenously modulated levels of IGFBP-2 on the proliferation of DU145 cells. RESULT: Cell growth was stimulated by exogenously administered IGFBP-2, but significantly retarded (P < 0.05) by its neutralizing antibody. Overexpression of IGFBP-2 by transfection also stimulated cell growth, which was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited in transfectants expressing antisense mRNA to IGFBP-2. Furthermore, the proliferation of IGFBP-2 overexpressing cells was significantly dampened by exogenously administered IGFBP-2 antibody. CONCLUSIONS: IGFBP-2 is an autocrine growth factor for DU145 human prostate cancer cells and cell proliferation can be significantly retarded by neutralizing or inhibiting its synthesis. These findings provide a strong rationale for targeting IGFBP-2 in the testing of novel strategies to treat prostate cancer.     

A PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF BENIGN AND MALIGNANT TUMOURS OF SALIVARY GLANDS

Interest in the knowledge of salivary gland tumours is highlighted. A sample of 315 cases, collected over a period of 25 years in a busy pathology centre, is analysed both on total and individual aspects of tumours. The findings are compared to earlier works on the subject and also with contemporary literature.KEY WORDS: Pathological study, Salivary tumours     

Repetition Strain Injury--a Recent Review

The Repetition Strain Injury (RSI) is an umbrella term coveringseveral conditions. It consists of the soft tissue disordersinvolving the tendons, nerves and the periarticular structuresin the upper extremity and neck. The risk factors are physical,psychological and ergonomic and sometimes influenced by variedconfounding factors. The evaluation of RSI should be based notonly on the clinical diagnosis but also on the detailed analysisof the job. The primary objective for the management is preventionand the strategies should include appropriate engineering controland the organization of the work systems and the personnel functions. Requens for reprints should be addressed to: Dr D. S. Chatterjee, Research and Engineering Centre, Ford Motor Company Ltd., Laindon, Basildon, Essex SS15 6EE.     

An Outbreak of Shipyard Eye in a Car Factory--A Diagnostic Dilemma

Nineteen cases of acute conjunctivitis occurring in a factorybetween June and July 1981 are described. The clinical featuresof these cases were distinguishable from those observed in typicalkeratoconjunctivitis. No virus or other pathogenic organismwas isolated from conjunctivae and the serology was negativeduring the acute phase of the illness. The diagnosis was confirmedonly from the presence of adenovirus complement fixing antibodiesin the convalescent sera. Dr D. S. Chatterjee, Ford Motor Company, Research & Engineering Centre, Laindon, Basildon, Essex SSI5 6EE