A comparison of immunohistochemical markers of cell proliferation with experimentally determined growth fraction

Evaluating the photodynamic efficacy of nebulized curcumin-loaded liposomes prepared by thin-film hydration and dual centrifugation: In vitro and in ovo studies

Lung cancer, one of the most common causes of high mortality worldwide, still lacks appropriate and convenient treatment options. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promising results against cancer, especially in recent years. However, pulmonary drug delivery of the predominantly hydrophobic photosensitizers still represents a significant obstacle. Nebulizing DPPC/Cholesterol liposomes loaded with the photosensitizer curcumin via a vibrating mesh nebulizer might overcome current restrictions. In this study, the liposomes were prepared by conventional thin-film hydration and two other methods based on dual centrifugation. The liposomes' physicochemical properties were determined before and after nebulization, showing that liposomes do not undergo any changes. However, morphological characterization of the differently prepared liposomes revealed structural differences between the methods in terms of lamellarity. Internalization of curcumin in lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells was visualized and quantified. The generation of reactive oxygen species because of the photoreaction was also proven. The photodynamic efficacy of the liposomal formulations was tested against A549 cells. They revealed different phototoxic responses at different radiant exposures. Furthermore, the photodynamic efficacy was investigated after nebulizing curcumin-loaded liposomes onto xenografted tumors on the CAM, followed by irradiation, and evaluated using positron emission tomography/computed tomography and histological analysis. A decrease in tumor metabolism could be observed. Based on the efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes in 2D and 3D models, liposomes, especially with prior film formation, can be considered a promising approach for PDT against lung cancer.

In vitro and in ovo photodynamic efficacy of nebulized curcumin-loaded tetraether lipid liposomes prepared by DC as stable drug delivery system

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of high mortality worldwide. Current treatment strategies, e.g., surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, insufficiently affect the overall outcome. In this study, we used curcumin as a natural photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy and encapsulated it in liposomes consisting of stabilizing tetraether lipids aiming for a pulmonary drug delivery system against lung cancer. The liposomes with either hydrolyzed glycerol-dialkyl-glycerol tetraether (hGDGT) in different ratios or hydrolyzed glycerol-dialkyl-nonitol tetraether (hGDNT) were prepared by dual centrifugation (DC), an innovative method for liposome preparation. The liposomes' physicochemical characteristics before and after nebulization and other nebulization characteristics confirmed their suitability. Morphological characterization using atomic force and transmission electron microscopy showed proper vesicular structures indicative of liposomes. Qualitative and quantitative uptake of the curcumin-loaded liposomes in lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells was visualized and proven. Phototoxic effects of the liposomes were detected on A549 cells, showing decreased cell viability. The generation of reactive oxygen species required for PDT and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential were confirmed. Moreover, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to further evaluate biocompatibility and photodynamic efficacy in a 3D cell culture context. Photodynamic efficacy was assessed by PET/CT after nebulization of the liposomes onto the xenografted tumors on the CAM with subsequent irradiation. The physicochemical properties and the efficacy of tetraether lipid liposomes encapsulating curcumin, especially liposomes containing hGDNT, in 2D and 3D cell cultures seem promising for future PDT usage against lung cancer.

Modern Photodynamic Glioblastoma Therapy Using Curcumin- or Parietin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles in a CAM Model Study

Natural photosensitizers, such as curcumin or parietin, play a vital role in photodynamic therapy (PDT), causing a light-mediated reaction that kills cancer cells. PDT is a promising treatment option for glioblastoma, especially when combined with nanoscale drug delivery systems. The curcumin- or parietin-loaded lipid nanoparticles were prepared via dual asymmetric centrifugation and subsequently characterized through physicochemical analyses including dynamic light scattering, laser Doppler velocimetry, and atomic force microscopy. The combination of PDT and lipid nanoparticles has been evaluated in vitro regarding uptake, safety, and efficacy. The extensive and well-vascularized chorioallantois membrane (CAM) of fertilized hen's eggs offers an optimal platform for three-dimensional cell culture, which has been used in this study to evaluate the photodynamic efficacy of lipid nanoparticles against glioblastoma cells. In contrast to other animal models, the CAM model lacks a mature immune system in an early stage, facilitating the growth of xenografts without rejection. Treatment of xenografted U87 glioblastoma cells on CAM was performed to assess the effects on tumor viability, growth, and angiogenesis. The xenografts and the surrounding blood vessels were targeted through topical application, and the effects of photodynamic therapy have been confirmed microscopically and via positron emission tomography and X-ray computed tomography. Finally, the excised xenografts embedded in the CAM were analyzed histologically by hematoxylin and eosin and KI67 staining.

MED1 Ablation Promotes Oral Mucosal Wound Healing via JNK Signaling Pathway

Mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) is a coactivator of multiple transcription factors and plays a key role in regulating epidermal homeostasis as well as skin wound healing. It is unknown, however, whether it plays a role in healing oral mucosal wounds. In this study, we investigate MED1's functional effects on oral mucosal wound healing and its underlying mechanism. The epithelial-specific MED1 null (Med1epi-/-) mice were established using the Cre-loxP system with C57/BL6 background. A 3 mm diameter wound was made in the cheek mucosa of the 8-week-old mice. In vivo experiments were conducted using HE staining and immunostaining with Ki67 and uPAR antibodies. The in vitro study used lentiviral transduction, scratch assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that ablation of MED1 accelerated oral mucosal wound healing in 8-week-old mice. As a result of ablation of MED1, Activin A/Follistatin expression was altered, resulting in an activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway. Similarly, knockdown of MED1 enhanced the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes in vitro, promoting re-epithelialization, which accelerates the healing of oral mucosal wounds. Our study reveals a novel role for MED1 in oral keratinocytes, providing a new molecular therapeutic target for accelerated wound healing.

Prognostic impact of PDGFRA gain/amplification and MGMT promoter methylation status in patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma

Background

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) is the second most frequently mutated tyrosine kinase receptor in glioblastoma (GBM). However, the prognostic impact of PDGFRA amplification on GBM patients remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated this impact by retrospectively analyzing outcomes of patients with IDH wild-type GBM.

Methods

Using a custom-made oncopanel, we evaluated PDGFRA gain/amplification in 107 GBM samples harboring wild-type IDH, along with MGMT promoter (MGMTp) methylation status.

Results

We detected PDGFRA gain/amplification in 31 samples (29.0%). PDGFRA gain/amplification predicted poor prognosis (P = .003). Compared to unamplified PDGFRA, PDGFRA gain/amplification in GBM was associated with higher patient age (P = .031), higher Ki-67 score (P = .019), and lower extent of surgical resection (P = .033). Unmethylated MGMTp also predicted poor prognosis (P = .005). As PDGFRA gain/amplification and unmethylated MGMTp were independent factors for poor prognosis in multivariate analyses, we grouped GBM cases based on PDGFRA and MGMTp status: poor (PDGFRA gain/amplification and unmethylated MGMTp), intermediate (PDGFRA gain/amplification or unmethylated MGMTp), and good (PDGFRA intact and methylated MGMTp) prognosis. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that these groups significantly correlated with the OS of GBM patients (P < .001).

Conclusions

Here we report that PDGFRA gain/amplification is a predictor of poor prognosis in IDH wild-type GBM. Combining PDGFRA gain/amplification with MGMTp methylation status improves individual prognosis prediction in patients with IDH wild-type GBM.

Digital Image Analysis Applied to Tumor Cell Proliferation, Aggressiveness, and Migration-Related Protein Synthesis in Neuroblastoma 3D Models

Patient-derived cancer 3D models are a promising tool that will revolutionize personalized cancer therapy but that require previous knowledge of optimal cell growth conditions and the most advantageous parameters to evaluate biomimetic relevance and monitor therapy efficacy. This study aims to establish general guidelines on 3D model characterization phenomena, focusing on neuroblastoma. We generated gelatin-based scaffolds with different stiffness and performed SK-N-BE(2) and SH-SY5Y aggressive neuroblastoma cell cultures, also performing co-cultures with mouse stromal Schwann cell line (SW10). Model characterization by digital image analysis at different time points revealed that cell proliferation, vitronectin production, and migration-related gene expression depend on growing conditions and are specific to the tumor cell line. Morphometric data show that 3D in vitro models can help generate optimal patient-derived cancer models, by creating, identifying, and choosing patterns of clinically relevant artificial microenvironments to predict patient tumor cell behavior and therapeutic responses.

Repeatable and objective method for evaluating angiogenesis using real-time RT-PCR of endoglin expression in canine tumours

Anti-angiogenic therapy is a cancer treatment strategy targeting new blood vessel formation. Microvessel density (MVD) is a histopathological method for evaluating angiogenesis and endoglin is used as an activated endothelial marker in human medicine. The assessment of the treatment effect using MVD is difficult because it is a non-repeatable method. To develop a repeatable method for evaluating angiogenesis, we investigated correlations among MVD, mRNA transcription levels of endothelial markers and angiogenesis factors, and confirmed the agreement of mRNA transcription levels between tissue samples and small samples obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA). The various types of spontaneous tumours were collected from 51 dogs. MVD was assessed by immunostaining for von Willebrand factor (vWF). mRNA transcription levels of vWF, endoglin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) were analysed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). There were significant correlations between MVD and mRNA transcription levels of vWF, endoglin and VEGFR2. VEGFR2 was more strongly correlated with endoglin (P <.01, Rs = 0.649) than vWF (P <.01, Rs = 0.512), indicating that angiogenesis can be evaluated more accurately by the measurement of mRNA transcription levels of endoglin. The mRNA transcription levels in tissue and FNA samples were strongly correlated, suggesting that evaluating angiogenesis using FNA samples is possible. In conclusion, we developed a repeatable and objective method for angiogenesis evaluation using mRNA transcription levels of endothelial markers by FNA sampling.

A three-dimensional bioprinted model to evaluate the effect of stiffness on neuroblastoma cell cluster dynamics and behavior

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted culture systems allow to accurately control microenvironment components and analyze their effects at cellular and tissue levels. The main objective of this study was to identify, quantify and localize the effects of physical-chemical communication signals between tumor cells and the surrounding biomaterial stiffness over time, defining how aggressiveness increases in SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma (NB) cell line. Biomimetic hydrogels with SK-N-BE(2) cells, methacrylated gelatin and increasing concentrations of methacrylated alginate (AlgMA 0%, 1% and 2%) were used. Young's modulus was used to define the stiffness of bioprinted hydrogels and NB tumors. Stained sections of paraffin-embedded hydrogels were digitally quantified. Human NB and 1% AlgMA hydrogels presented similar Young´s modulus mean, and orthotopic NB mice tumors were equally similar to 0% and 1% AlgMA hydrogels. Porosity increased over time; cell cluster density decreased over time and with stiffness, and cell cluster occupancy generally increased with time and decreased with stiffness. In addition, cell proliferation, mRNA metabolism and antiapoptotic activity advanced over time and with stiffness. Together, this rheological, optical and digital data show the potential of the 3D in vitro cell model described herein to infer how intercellular space stiffness patterns drive the clinical behavior associated with NB patients.

Self-Assembled Gemcitabine Prodrug Nanoparticles Show Enhanced Efficacy against Patient-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Effective new therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are desperately needed as the prognosis of PDAC patients is dismal and treatment remains a major challenge. Gemcitabine (GEM) is commonly used to treat PDAC; however, the clinical use of GEM has been greatly compromised by its low delivery efficacy and drug resistance. Here, we describe a very simple yet cost-effective approach that synergistically combines drug reconstitution, supramolecular nanoassembly, and tumor-specific targeting to address the multiple challenges posed by the delivery of the chemotherapeutic drug GEM. Using our developed PUFAylation technology, the GEM prodrug was able to spontaneously self-assemble into colloidal stable nanoparticles with sub-100 nm size on covalent attachment of hydrophobic linoleic acid via amide linkage. The prodrug nanoassemblies could be further refined by PEGylation and PDAC-specific peptide ligand for preclinical studies. In vitro cell-based assays showed that not only were GEM nanoparticles superior to free GEM but also the decoration with PDAC-homing peptide facilitated the intracellular uptake of nanoparticles and thereby augmented the cytotoxic activity. In two separate xenograft models of human PDAC, one of which was a patient-derived xenograft model, the administration of targeted nanoparticles resulted in marked inhibition of tumor progression as well as alleviated systemic toxicity. Together, these data unequivocally confirm that the hydrophilic and rapidly metabolized drug GEM can be feasibly transformed into a pharmacologically efficient nanomedicine through exploiting the PUFAylation technology. This strategy could also potentially be applied to rescue many other therapeutics that show unfavorable outcomes in the preclinical studies because of pharmacologic obstacles.

Mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide attenuates endothelial senescence by selective induction of splicing factors HNRNPD and SRSF2

Cellular senescence is a key driver of ageing, influenced by age-related changes to the regulation of alternative splicing. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has similarly been described to influence senescence, but the pathways by which it accomplishes this are unclear.We assessed the effects of the slow release H₂S donor Na-GYY4137 (100 µg/ml), and three novel mitochondria-targeted H₂S donors AP39, AP123 and RT01 (10 ng/ml) on splicing factor expression, cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA replication, DNA damage, telomere length and senescence-related secretory complex (SASP) expression in senescent primary human endothelial cells.All H₂S donors produced up to a 50% drop in senescent cell load assessed at the biochemical and molecular level. Some changes were noted in the composition of senescence-related secretory complex (SASP); IL8 levels increased by 24% but proliferation was not re-established in the culture as a whole. Telomere length, apoptotic index and the extent of DNA damage were unaffected. Differential effects on splicing factor expression were observed depending on the intracellular targeting of the H₂S donors. Na-GYY4137 produced a general 1.9 - 3.2-fold upregulation of splicing factor expression, whereas the mitochondria-targeted donors produced a specific 2.5 and 3.1-fold upregulation of SRSF2 and HNRNPD splicing factors only. Knockdown of SRSF2 or HNRNPD genes in treated cells rendered the cells non-responsive to H₂S, and increased levels of senescence by up to 25% in untreated cells.Our data suggest that SRSF2 and HNRNPD may be implicated in endothelial cell senescence, and can be targeted by exogenous H₂S. These molecules may have potential as moderators of splicing factor expression and senescence phenotypes.

Acute effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in kidney of rats and preventive role of vitamin E and sodium selenite

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an endotoxin forms part of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for initiating an acute inflammation after entering the living tissue. In this study, male rats were divided into eight groups: control group, vitamin E (VE) treatment group (200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), sodium selenite (SS) treatment (0.35 mg/kg b.w.) group, VE + SS treatment group (200 + 0.35 mg/kg b.w.), LPS treatment group (10 mg/kg b.w.), LPS + VE (10+200 mg/kg b.w.), LPS + SS treatment (10 + 0.35 mg/kg b.w.), and LPS + SS + VE treatment (10 + 0.35 + 200 mg/kg b.w.) group. Oxidative stress parameters, pathological changes, immunohistochemical analyses, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, and changes in DNA structure with comet assay of the kidney were investigated at the end 6 h comparatively with the control group. When LPS-treated group was compared with the control group, antioxidant enzyme activities were decreased and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, changes in histological and DNA structure and apoptosis were increased significantly at the end of 6 h. However, when LPS + SS and/or VE-treated group were compared with the LPS-treated group, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione- S-transferase activities were increased and MDA levels were decreased significantly at the end of the treatment period. Light investigations figured out pathological changes in kidneys of LPS- and LPS + SS and/or VE-treated groups. There was a decrease in the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and an increase in the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in the wall of the distal and proximal tubules. As a result, it was observed that the combined use of antioxidants was more protective than their use alone against LPS.

Telomere elongation during early development is independent of environmental temperatures in Atlantic salmon

There is increasing evidence from endothermic vertebrates that telomeres, which cap the ends of chromosomes and play an important role in chromosome protection, decline in length during postnatal life and are a useful indicator of physiological state and expected lifespan. However, much less is currently known about telomere dynamics in ectothermic vertebrates, which are likely to differ from that of endotherms, at least in part due to the sensitivity of ectotherm physiology to environmental temperature. We report here on an experiment in which Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were reared through the embryonic and larval stages of development, and under differing temperatures, in order to examine the effects of environmental temperature during early life on telomere dynamics, oxidative DNA damage and cellular proliferation. Telomere length significantly increased between the embryonic and larval stages of development. Contrary to our expectations, variation in telomere length at the end of the larval stage was unrelated to either cell proliferation rate or the relative level of oxidative DNA damage, and did not vary between the temperature treatments. This study suggests that salmon are able to restore the length of their telomeres during early development, which may possibly help to buffer potentially harmful environmental effects experienced in early life.

Summary: The authors show that, in salmon, telomeres significantly lengthen between the embryonic and larval stages of development, and that this is not influenced by environmental temperature.

Glioblastoma multiforme subterfuge as acute cerebral hemorrhage: A case report and literature review

Hemorrhagic related Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are rare and characterizes with severe clinical scuffle. The etiology of this presentation although not well known is believed to be multifactorial. We present a case as well as review on the pathogenesis of evolution of the hematoma into ring enhancing features of GBM on imaging studies. We present a case of 28 years old man who suddenly went into coma for 9 hours preceded with seizures that latest for 10 minutes. He had no focal neurological signs. CT-Scans images indicated acute cerebral hemorrhage near the frontal horn of the left ventricle with brain edema about the hemorrhagic lesion and MRI done a week later revealed a cerebral ring enhancing lesion. The lesion was partially resected during surgery and immunohistochemical staining confirmed GBM (WHO, grade 4). The diagnosis of intratumoral hemorrhage in GBM was very challenging at the initial stages but with time the hematoma evolved into ring enhancing images typical of GBM. It's not every intracranial hematoma that is of pure vascular origin.

Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, a potentially preventable disease, remains the second most common malignancy in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the single most important etiological agent in cervical cancer, contributing to neoplastic progression through the action of viral oncoproteins, mainly E6 and E7. Cervical screening programs using Pap smear testing have dramatically improved cervical cancer incidence and reduced deaths, but cervical cancer still remains a global health burden. The biomarker discovery for accurate detection and diagnosis of cervical carcinoma and its malignant precursors (collectively referred to as high-grade cervical disease) represents one of the current challenges in clinical medicine and cytopathology.

MCM2 expression in serrated polyps demonstrates aberrant cellular proliferation

In normal colonic epithelium, the proliferative zone is limited to the lower half of the colonic crypt. Evaluating the changes in the colonic epithelial proliferation can be useful in understanding pathophysiology of various diseases. Our aim was to investigate the proliferative compartment of serrated polyps (SPs) using MCM2, a protein involved in DNA replication, and assess for changes along the SP spectrum. Immunohistochemistry was performed on serrated polyps (16 microvesicular-type hyperplastic polyps (HP), 58 sessile serrated adenomas (SSA), 7 SSAs with dysplasia) and 6 sections of normal colon using anti-MCM2 antibody. Multiple sections of normal colon showed the following pattern for MCM2 and Ki-67 staining: positive nuclear staining of the lower half of the colonic crypts and/or slightly expanded to the lower two-thirds of the crypt. By MCM2, SPs show expansion of the proliferative compartments; 81.3% of HPs and 100% of SSAs showed some degree of full crypt MCM2 staining. SSAs with dysplasia showed consistent diffuse polyp staining. Aberrant staining in adjacent normal mucosa was also seen in SSAs with dysplasia and in a subset of non-dysplastic SSAs. By using MCM2, we show that serrated polyps exhibit changes in proliferation during progression along the pathway. HPs and SSAs show a similar highly proliferative profile. Aberrant proliferative cell staining patterns in adjacent normal colonic mucosa as seen in SSAs with dysplasia and a subset of SSAs suggest a field effect phenomenon. This indicates that changes in the colonic micro-environment may promote adenoma morphogenesis and predisposition to malignancy.

Significance of Co-expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Ki67 on Clinical Outcome in Patients With Anal Cancer Treated With Chemoradiotherapy: An Analysis of NRG Oncology RTOG 9811

PURPOSE

To measure co-expression of EGFR and Ki67 proteins in pretreatment tumor biopsies of anal cancer patients enrolled on NRG Oncology RTOG 9811, a phase III trial comparing 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin-C/radiation therapy (Arm A) versus 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin/radiation therapy (Arm B), and to correlate expression with clinical outcome.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

EGFR and Ki67 co-expression was measured after constructing a tissue microarray using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and automated quantitative image analysis. The Ki67 score within EGFR high versus low areas (Ki67ratio in EGFRhigh:low) in each tumor core was analyzed at the median, quartiles, and as a continuous variable. Associations between the tumor markers and clinical endpoints (overall and disease-free survival, locoregional and colostomy failure, and distant metastases) were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 282 pretreatment tumors were analyzed from NRG Oncology RTOG 9811. Of evaluated specimens, 183 (65%, n=89, Arm A; n=94, Arm B) were eligible and analyzable. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or outcomes between analyzable and unanalyzable patient cases. Median follow-up was 6.0 years. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for gender, patients with Ki67ratio in EGFRhigh:low ≥median had worse overall survival (hazard ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval 1.38-4.19, P=.0019). After adjusting for N stage and largest tumor dimension, patients with Ki67ratio in EGFRhigh:low ≥ median had a higher risk of a disease-free failure (hazard ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.18-2.92, P=.0078). Technical validation with an independent anal cancer patient cohort was performed and shows a very similar biomarker score distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

High Ki67ratio in EGFRhigh:low is associated with worse clinical outcome in this subset of patients with anal cancer treated with chemoradiation on NRG Oncology RTOG 9811. Evaluation within a clinical trial will be required to determine whether patients with these tumor characteristics may specifically benefit from an EGFR-targeted therapeutic agent.

Utility of Proliferation Markers Ki-67 and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) in the Evaluation of Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinomas

We examined proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to determine whether immunohistochemical staining results could predict outcome in 22 uterine papillary serous carcinomas (UPSC). Eighteen tumors (82%) had increased proliferation as demonstrated by Ki-67 immunostaining with 50% of these patients dying of disease. Twenty tumors (91%) showed high PCNA immunoreactivity; 60% of these patients died of disease. Most UPSC exhibit high immunoreactivity to Ki-67 and/or PCNA, which showed no correlation with outcome or stage. These results may reflect the aggressive clinical behavior of UPSC. We conclude that Ki-67 and PCNA immunohistochemistry have limited use as prognostic indicators in UPSC.

Detection of Cell Proliferation Markers by Immunofluorescence Staining and Microscopy Imaging in Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sections

This unit describes a step-by-step protocol to detect and quantify proliferating cells in paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Two well-established markers of proliferation (incorporation of BrdU into newly synthesized DNA and expression of the nuclear protein Ki67) are detected after antigen-retrieval and subsequent immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Characterization of mesenchymal cells beneath cornification of the fetal epithelium and epidermis at the face: an immunohistochemical study using human fetal specimens

Fetal development of the face involves a specific type of cornification in which keratinocytes provide a mass or plug to fill a cavity. The epithelial-mesenchymal interaction was likely to be different from that in the usual skin. We examined expression of intermediate filaments and other mesenchymal markers beneath cornification in the fetal face. Using sections from 5 mid-term human fetuses at 14–16 weeks, immunohistochemistry was conducted for cytokeratins (CK), vimentin, nestin, glial fibrilary acidic protein, desmin, CD34, CD68 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Fetal zygomatic skin was composed of a thin stratum corneum and a stratum basale (CK5/6+, CK14+, and CK19+) and, as the intermediate layer, 2–3 layered large keratinocytes with nucleus. The basal layer was lined by mono-layered mesenchymal cells (CD34+ and nestin+). Some of basal cells were PCNA-positive. In the keratinocyte plug at the external ear and nose, most cell nuclei expressed PCNA, CK5/6, CK14, and CK19. Vimentin-positive mesenchymal cells migrated into the plug. The PCNA-positive nucleus as well as mesenchymal cell migration was not seen in the lip margin in spite of the thick keratinocyte layer. The lingual epithelium were characterized by the CK7-positive stratum corneum as well as the thick mesenchymal papilla. CD68-positive macrophages were absent in the epidermis/epithelium. Being different from usual cornification of the skin, loss of a mesenchymal monolayer as well as superficial migration of mesenchymal cells might connect with a specific differentiation of keratinocyte to provide a plug at the fetal nose and ear.

Morphological effects of mitomycin C on urothelial responses to experimentally-induced urethral stricture in rats

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the urothelial responses to mitomycin C treatment after urethral injury in rats, as the urothelium might play a role in the pathogenesis of urethral stricture.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): negative control, positive control without further treatment, experimental control treated with sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and experimental treated with mitomycin C after internal urethrotomy.

RESULTS

Compared with negative controls, positive controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation and DNA damage accompanied by a considerable decrease in DNA repair in the urothelium, which resulted in urethral stricture. Experimental controls showed a significant increase in cell proliferation, DNA damage and DNA repair compared with negative controls. The mitomycin C-treated group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage, but a considerable increase in DNA repair compared with the positive and experimental control groups. DNA damage was immediately increased after urethral injury, but DNA repair and cell proliferation showed belated and upregulated expression after mitomycin C treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitomycin C could induce healthy re-epithelialization without severe damage in the urothelium. This finding might support the possibility of using mitomycin C as an adjuvant therapy for urethral strictures, and it might also suggest a urothelial role in the process of urethral stricture after urethral injury.

Spinal Cord Ependymal Responses to Naturally Occurring Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs

The spinal cord ependymal layer (SEL) is a recent focus in spinal cord injury (SCI) research because of its potential to serve as a source of endogenous neural stem cells. Dogs are an important spontaneous model of SCI; however, there is a paucity of information available in the literature regarding the canine SEL. Here we describe the histologic appearance and immunohistochemical staining patterns of the SEL in normal dogs (n = 4) and dogs with acute SCI caused by intervertebral disk extrusion (n = 7). Immunohistochemical staining for PCNA, Ki-67, caspase 3, E-cadherin, GFAP, and vimentin was employed in both groups. Staining for Ki-67 was absent in the SEL of normal and SCI-affected dogs, indicating possible restricted proliferative capacity of the canine SEL acutely after SCI. GFAP-positive cells were increased after SCI at both at the lesion epicenter and at proximal spinal cord sites (P = .001 and P = .006, respectively), supporting the possibility of astrocytic differentiation within the SEL after SCI. Total E-cadherin staining did not differ between normal and SCI-affected dogs (P = .42 for lesion epicenter, P = .09 at proximal sites) and was restricted to the apical cell surface in normal dogs. After SCI, E-cadherin staining was membrane-circumferential and cytosolic in nature, indicating possible loss of cellular polarity after injury that could drive cell migration from the SEL to injury sites. Enhanced GFAP expression and changes in E-cadherin expression patterns support additional studies to evaluate the canine SEL as a source of endogenous neural precursors that may be modulated for future clinical interventions after SCI.

Ki-67 antigen in lung neuroendocrine tumors: unraveling a role in clinical practice

Classification of lung neuroendocrine (NE) tumors is a step-wise process with four tumor categories being identified by morphology, namely typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid, large-cell NE carcinoma, and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Ki-67 antigen or protein (henceforth simply Ki-67) has been largely studied in these tumors, but the clinical implications are so far not clear. A well-defined role has regarded the diagnostic use in the separation of TC and AC from SCLC in nonsurgical specimens, with monoclonal antibody MIB-1 resulting in the most used reagent after antigen retrieval procedures. Uncertainties, however, have arisen in its assessment, usually expressed as Ki-67 labeling index, because of some variability in obtaining either value of the fraction. A diagnostic role is currently lacking, even though there are significant differences in most cases between TC and AC, less so between large-cell NE carcinoma and SCLC. In addition, the prognostic role of Ki-67 is debated, likely due to methodological and biological reasons. The last challenge would be to identify an effective lung-specific grading system based on Ki-67 labeling index. In this review article, five relevant issues to Ki-67 have been addressed by using a question-answer methodology, with relevant key points discussing major interpretation issues. The conclusion is that Ki-67 is a feasible and potentially meaningful marker in lung NE tumors, but more data are needed to determine its ideal function in this setting of tumors.

Non-Structural protein 1 (NS1) gene of Canine Parvovirus-2 regresses chemically induced skin tumors in Wistar rats

The Non-Structural protein 1 of Canine Parvovirus-2 (CPV2.NS1) plays a major role in viral cytotoxicity and pathogenicity. CPV2.NS1 has been proven to cause apoptosis in HeLa cells in vitro in our laboratory. Here we report that CPV2.NS1 has no toxic side effects on healthy cells but regresses skin tumors in Wistar rats. Histopathological examination of tumor tissue from CPV2.NS1 treated group revealed infiltration of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells with increased extra cellular matrix, indicating signs of regression. Tumor regression was also evidenced by significant decrease in mitotic index, AgNOR count and PCNA index, and increase in TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in CPV2.NS1 treated group. Further, CPV2.NS1 induced anti-tumor immune response through significant increase in CD8(+) and NK cell population in CPV2.NS1 treated group. These findings suggest that CPV2.NS1 can be a possible therapeutic candidate as an alternative to chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

Correlation of TNFAIP8 overexpression with the proliferation, metastasis, and disease-free survival in endometrial cancer

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is an apoptosis regulator proven to have an important function in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and progression of malignancies. In this study, we investigated the clinical role of TNFAIP8 overexpression in endometrial cancer (EC) and determined the relationship of TNFAIP8 with the proliferative antigen Ki-67 and metastasis-related gene matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in 225 tumor specimens by immunohistochemistry and western blot, in order to elucidate more information on the role of TNFAIP8 protein with regard to the pathogenesis of EC. An association was observed between TNFAIP8 overexpression and clinicopathologic factors, such as advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P<0.001), higher histologic grade (P=0.017), deep myometrial invasion (P=0.030), lymphovascular space invasion (P=0.011), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), and recurrence. Furthermore, TNFAIP8 overexpression was strongly correlated with MMP9 and Ki-67 expression in the progression of ECs. Patients with high expression of TNFAIP8 (P<0.001 for both) and Ki-67 (P=0.007 and P=0.008) had poor overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) rates. MMP9 overexpression did not affect survival outcomes (P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that TNFAIP8 (P=0.029) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.022) were independent factors of DFS in patients with EC. These findings suggested that TNFAIP8 may be used as a prognostic marker for the recurrence of EC, and its promotion of the proliferation and metastasis in EC may be due to its mediation of Ki-67 and MMP9.

TNFα modulates Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 gene expression through the pRB/E2F1 pathway: identification of a non-canonical E2F binding motif

Interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme during wound healing are not fully understood, but Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and their receptors FGFRs are recognized as key elements. FGFR2 gene encodes for two splicing transcript variants, FGFR2-IIIb or Keratinocyte Growth Factor Receptor (KGFR) and FGFR2-IIIc, which differ for tissue localization and ligand specificity. Proinflammatory cytokines play an essential role in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and have been indicated to stimulate FGFs production. Here we demonstrated that upregulation of FGFR2 mRNA and protein expression is induced by the proinflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1β and Interleukin 2. Furthermore, we found that TNFα determines FGFR2 transcriptional induction through activation of pRb, mediated by Raf and/or p38 pathways, and subsequent release of the transcription factor E2F1. Experiments based on FGFR2 promoter serial deletions and site-directed mutagenesis allowed us to identify a minimal responsive element that retains the capacity to be activated by E2F1. Computational analysis indicated that this element is a non-canonical E2F responsive motif. Thus far, the molecular mechanisms of FGFR2 upregulation during wound healing or in pathological events are not known. Our data suggest that FGFR2 expression can be modulated by local recruitment of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, since alterations in FGFR2 expression have been linked to the pathogenesis of certain human cancers, these findings could also provide elements for diagnosis and potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches.

Comparison of visual and automated assessment of Ki-67 proliferative activity and their impact on outcome in primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer

Background:

Immunohistochemistry of Ki-67 protein is widely used to assess tumour proliferation, and is an established prognostic factor in breast cancer. There is interest in automating the assessment of Ki-67 labelling index (LI) with possible benefits in handling increased workload, with improved accuracy and precision.

Patients and methods:

Visual and automated assessment of Ki-67 LI and survival were examined in patients with primary operable invasive ductal breast cancer. Tissue microarrays (n=379 patients) immunostained for Ki-67 were scored visually and automatically with the Slidepath Tissue IA system.

Results:

Visual and automated Ki-67 LI were in excellent agreement (ICCC=0.96, P<0.001). On univariate analysis, visual (P<0.001) and automated Ki67 LI (P<0.05) were associated with cancer-specific survival in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer overall and in patients who received endocrine therapy (Tamoxifen) (P<0.01 for visual and P<0.05 for automated scoring).

Conclusion:

Automated assessment of Ki-67 LI would appear to be comparable to visual Ki-67 LI. However, automated Ki-67 LI assessment was inferior in predicting cancer survival in patients with breast cancer, including patients who received Tamoxifen.

Interpreting mammalian target of rapamycin and cell growth inhibition in a genetically engineered mouse model of Nf1-deficient astrocytes

The identification of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a major mediator of neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) tumor growth has led to the initiation of clinical trials using rapamycin analogs. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that durable responses to rapamycin treatment in a genetically engineered mouse model of Nf1 optic glioma require 20 mg/kg/day, whereas only transient tumor growth suppression was observed with 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin despite complete silencing of ribosomal S6 activity. To gain clinically relevant insights into the mechanism underlying this dose-dependent effect, we used Nf1-deficient glial cells in vitro and in vivo. First, there was an exponential relationship between blood and brain rapamycin levels. Second, we show that currently used biomarkers of mTOR pathway inhibition (phospho-S6, phospho-4EBP1, phospho-STAT3, and Jagged-1 levels) and tumor proliferation (Ki67) do not accurately reflect mTOR target inhibition or Nf1-deficient glial growth suppression. Third, the incomplete suppression of Nf1-deficient glial cell proliferation in vivo following 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin treatment reflects mTOR-mediated AKT activation, such that combined 5 mg/kg/day rapamycin and PI3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition or dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition recapitulates the growth suppressive effects of 20 mg/kg/day rapamycin. These new findings argue for the identification of more accurate biomarkers for rapamycin treatment response and provide reference preclinical data for comparing human rapamycin levels with target effects in the brain.

Chromatin-bound PCNA as S-phase marker in mononuclear blood cells of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or multiple myeloma

OBJECTIVES

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) has often been used as a marker to aid assessment of tumour growth fraction. This paper addresses the question of whether it can be used as an S-phase marker, when the non-chromatin-bound form of the protein is removed by pepsin treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytofluorometric measurements were carried out after immunofluorescence staining of PCNA and counterstaining of DNA. S-phase fraction was determined with the help of windows on PCNA versus DNA scattergrams, or mathematically from DNA histograms.

RESULTS

S-phase fractions obtained using the two methods correlated well, but did not always agree, exact discrepancies depending on the mathematical model used for histogram analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of S-phase fractions with the help of PCNA immunofluorescence staining is possible, and probably more reliable than calculation of S-fractions from DNA histograms. It thus offers an alternative to assays involving BrdU labelling in vivo.

The expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 is related to MIB-1 labeling index and predicts survival of glioblastoma patients

Although there are many reports on the clinical use of the MIB-1 labeling index (LI), which is a measure of proliferative activity in astrocytomas; its significance varies between studies. There are no known molecules that are directly linked to the MIB-1 LI in astrocytomas. We evaluated the clinical value of the MIB-1 LI in our human glioblastoma cases and determined the molecules that possibly influenced the MIB-1 LI. An immunohistochemical study of the MIB-1 protein was performed and MIB-1 LIs of 38 glioblastomas were determined. In the same cases, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor type 1 (S1P(1)), which are known regulators of glioma cell proliferation, were detected and quantified by quantitative real-time-PCR or western blotting. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for 38 patients with glioblastomas showed that a high MIB-1 LI correlated with poor survival (P < 0.05). Among the molecules tested, only the low expression of S1P(1) was significantly correlated with the high MIB-1 LI in glioblastomas (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the S1P(1) expression level was a significant prognostic factor. Our results indicate that the MIB-1 LI is an important prognostic factor in human glioblastomas. Furthermore, downregulation of S1P(1) expression increases proliferative activity, and thus enhances the malignancy of glioblastomas, resulting in a poor survival.

The fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 3 adapter is a developmentally regulated microtubule-associated protein expressed in migrating and differentiated neurons

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) mediated signaling is essential to many aspects of neural development. Activated FGF receptors signal primarily through the FGF receptor substrate (Frs) adapters, which include Frs2/Frs2alpha and Frs3/Frs2beta. While some studies suggest that Frs3 can compensate for the loss of Frs2 in transfected cells, the lack of an effective Frs3 specific antibody has prevented efforts to determine the role(s) of the endogenous protein. To this end, we have generated a Frs3 specific antibody and have characterized the pattern of Frs3 expression in the developing nervous system, its subcellular localization as well as its biochemical properties. We demonstrate that Frs3 is expressed at low levels in the ventricular zone of developing cortex, between E12 and E15, and it co-localizes with nestin and acetylated alpha-tubulin in radial processes in the ventricular/subventricular zones as well as with betaIII tubulin in differentiated cortical neurons. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrate that endogenous Frs3 is both soluble and plasma membrane associated while Frs3 expressed in 293T cells associates exclusively with lipid rafts. Lastly, we demonstrate that neuronal Frs3 binds microtubules comparable to the microtubule-associated protein, MAP2, while Frs2 does not. Collectively, these data suggest that neuronal Frs3 functions as a novel microtubule binding protein and they provide the first biochemical evidence that neuronal Frs3 is functionally distinct from Frs2/Frs2alpha.

Immunohistochemical markers associated with brain metastases in patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, there are no reliable markers able to identify patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that will develop metastases to the brain. The authors investigated associations between immunohistochemical markers and the development of brain metastases in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

This was a hospital-based, case-control study of patients who were newly diagnosed with NSCLC between 1989 and 2003, developed brain metastases, and had pathology material available from both the primary NSCLC and the brain metastases. These patients were compared with a control group of patients who had NSCLC and no evidence of brain metastases. NSCLC was examined for expression levels of Ki-67, caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF-C, E-cadherin, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 54 surgical pathology specimens using immunohistochemistry, and associations were evaluated between those markers and the development of brain metastases.

RESULTS

Brain metastases developed after a median of 12.5 months (range, 1.7-89.4 months) after the diagnosis of NSCLC. A significantly increased risk of developing brain metastases was associated with patients with NSCLC who had primary tumors with high Ki-67 levels (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 12.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.4-70.4 [P < .001]), low caspase-3 expression (adjusted OR of 43; 95% CI, 5.3 to >100 [P < .001]), high VEGF-C expression (adjusted OR of 14.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to >100 [P < .001]), and low E-cadherin (adjusted OR of 3.6; 95% CI, 0.9-16.4 [P = .05]). No significant risk was associated with VEGF-A or EGFR expression. High Ki-67 expression also was associated with a shorter overall survival (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicated that patients with NSCLC who had high Ki-67 expression, low caspase-3 expression, high VEGF-C expression, and low E-cadherin expression in their tumors may benefit from close surveillance because they may have an increased risk of developing brain metastases.

Deletion of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 receptors exaggerates renal damage in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension

To determine whether the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel provides protection against hypertension-induced renal damage, hypertension was induced by uninephrectomy and by giving deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt in wild-type (WT) and TRPV1-null mutant (TRPV1-/-) mice. Mean arterial pressure, as determined by radiotelemetry, increased significantly and reached the peak 7 days after DOCA-salt treatment in both WT and TRPV1-/- mice. There was no difference in mean arterial pressure between the 2 strains at the baseline or at the peak that lasted for 4 treatment weeks. DOCA-salt treatment in both WT and TRPV1-/- mice led to increased urinary excretion of albumin and 8-isoprostane, glomerulosclerosis, renal cortical tubulointerstitial injury, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, increased number of tubular proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, and renal monocyte/macrophage infiltration, all of which were much more severe in DOCA-salt-treated TRPV1-/- compared with DOCA-salt-treated WT mice. Renal TRPV1 protein expression, but not the renal anandamide content, was elevated in DOCA-salt-treated WT compared with vehicle-treated WT mice. Renal anandamide levels were markedly elevated in DOCA-salt-treated TRPV1-/- but not in vehicle-treated TRPV1-/- mice. Thus, our data show that ablation of the TRPV1 gene exacerbates renal damage induced by DOCA-salt hypertension, indicating that TRPV1 may constitute a protective mechanism against end-organ damage induced by hypertension.

Interferon-alpha inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of merkel cell carcinoma in vitro

Merkel cell carcinoma is a tumor with aggressive biological behavior and limited response to chemotherapy. The present study investigated the effect of interferon (IFN)-alpha on growth and apoptosis of Merkel carcinoma cells in vitro. Proliferation of MCC-1 cell line was reduced dose-dependently by IFN-alpha and diminished when higher IFN-alpha concentrations were used. Additionally, IFN-alpha potently decreased DNA-synthesis and Ki67/MIB-1 proliferation index of MCC-1 cultures. Furthermore, IFN-alpha induced dose-dependently apoptosis of MCC-1 cells as shown by caspase-3 activation, and detection of apoptotic DNA strand breaks and fragmented nuclei. These findings suggest that IFN-alpha may have antitumor activity against Merkel cell carcinoma.

A novel biomimetic material for engineering postsurgical adhesion using the injured digital flexor tendon-synovial complex as an in vivo model

BACKGROUND

Many surgical procedures are complicated by adhesions. These restrictive fibrotic bands form between normally separate gliding tissue layers, potentially impairing function. The authors tested the adhesion-modifying effect of a novel fibronectin-derived biomimetic biomaterial in a tendon-synovial complex injury model.

METHODS

The deep flexor tendons of digits 2 and 4 in the right forepaw of 15 New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to 5-mm-long partial tenotomies. Animals were randomized to receive biomaterial tubes enveloping the tendon injuries or left untreated. Digits, amputated at 2 weeks, were randomized to mechanical pullout assessments of adhesion strength or to quantitative histologic cellularity and immunohistochemical proliferation (Ki67) assessments.

RESULTS

The mean peak pullout force required to break the adhesions was reduced from 7.70 N (n = 6) in untreated digits to 0.31 N (n = 7) in biomaterial-treated digits (p = 0.001). The mean structural stiffness of the adhesions was also significantly reduced (p = 0.001). Histologically, treated and untreated digits demonstrated an equal incidence of adhesions. The treated adhesions were 55 percent less cellular at their surface than the untreated injured controls (p = 0.003). Treated tendons were 8 percent more cellular (with equal numbers of proliferating cells) at their surface and significantly more cellular within their bulk than positive controls (p <or= 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a significant reduction in the restrictive nature of postsurgical adhesions following treatment with the antiadhesive biomaterial without compromising tendon cellularity.

Astrogliosis in EAE spinal cord: derivation from radial glia, and relationships to oligodendroglia

A prominent feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the accumulation of enlarged, multipolar glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and brain lipid binding protein (BLBP) immunoreactive astroglia within and at the margins of the inflammatory demyelinative lesions. Whether this astrogliosis is due to both astroglial hyperplasia and hypertrophy or solely to astroglial hypertrophy is controversial. We now report that coincident with the first appearance of inflammation and clinical deficits in mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG peptide)-induced EAE, the radially oriented, bipolar, GFAP, and BLBP positive cells (adult radial glia) present in normal spinal cord white matter undergo mitosis and phenotypic transformation to hypertrophic astroglia. To facilitate visualization of relationships between these hypertrophic astroglia and dying and regenerating oligodendroglia, we used mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in cells of the oligodendroglial lineage. During the first week after onset of illness, markedly swollen EGFP+ cells without processes were seen within lesions, whereas EGFP+ cells that expressed immunoreactive cleaved caspase-3 were uncommon. These observations support the hypothesis that necrosis contributes to oligodendroglial loss early in the course of EAE. Later in the illness, EGFP+ cells accumulated amongst hypertrophic astroglia at the margins of the lesions, while the lesions themselves remained depleted of oligodendroglia, suggesting that migration of oligodendroglial lineage cells into the lesions was retarded by the intense perilesional gliosis.

The septin-binding protein anillin is overexpressed in diverse human tumors

Anillin is an actin-binding protein that can bind septins and is a component of the cytokinetic ring. We assessed the anillin expression in 7,579 human tissue samples and cell lines by DNA microarray analysis. Anillin is expressed ubiquitously but with variable levels of expression, being highest in the central nervous system. The median level of anillin mRNA expression was higher in tumors than normal tissues (median fold increase 2.58; 95% confidence intervals, 2.19-5.68, P < 0.0001) except in the central nervous system where anillin mRNA levels were lower in tumors. We developed a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR strategy to show that anillin mRNA is expressed in cell lines and in cDNA panels derived from fetal and adult tissues, thus validating the microarray data. We compared anillin with Ki67 mRNA expression and found a significant linear relationship between anillin and Ki67 mRNA expression (Spearmann r approximately 0.6, P < 0.0001). Anillin mRNA expression was analyzed during tumor progression in breast, ovarian, kidney, colorectal, hepatic, lung, endometrial, and pancreatic tumors and in all tissues there was progressive increase in anillin mRNA expression from normal to benign to malignant to metastatic disease. Finally, we used anti-anillin sera and found nuclear anillin immunoreactivity to be widespread in normal tissues, often not correlating with proliferative compartments. These data provide insight into the existence of nonproliferation-associated activities of anillin and roles in interphase nuclei. Thus, anillin is overexpressed in diverse common human tumors, but not simply as a consequence of being a proliferation marker. Anillin may have potential as a novel biomarker.

Proliferative response in necrotising enterocolitis is insufficient to prevent disease progression

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is characterised by severe mucosal loss and therefore gastrointestinal (GI) cell proliferation is essential for survival, epithelial repair and recovery of function. Trefoil peptides play a key role in epithelial restitution and repair, and we previously reported a down-regulation of these peptides in NEC. Oral administration of epidermal growth factor has a protective effect in a rat model of colitis. These observations raised the question of a link between the pathogenesis of NEC and decreased mucosal cell proliferation. This study investigates the pattern of mucosal cell proliferation in the GI tract of fetuses, normal neonatal controls, infants with NEC and those recovering from NEC. Parents of neonates up to 44 weeks' gestation undergoing laparotomy and bowel resection were approached for consent. Bowel samples from resection specimens, and GI tract extractions from products of conception at termination of pregnancy, were fixed in formalin and then embedded in paraffin blocks. Patterns of small and large bowel mucosal proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemical staining for Ki67. Seventeen foetal and 58 postnatal bowel samples [34 with NEC (22 acute, 12 recovery) and 24 controls] were analysed. The pattern of proliferation seen in the fetus and normal neonate was identical to that in mature bowel. In NEC severe mucosal necrosis was observed, but in viable crypts remaining, there was crypt hyperplasia and a relative increase in the proportion of cells staining positive for Ki67. In those patients recovering from NEC the pattern of proliferation was returning towards the normal range. In those patients with post-NEC strictures the recovery of normal bowel morphology was delayed. In NEC there is massive loss of potential proliferative tissue. The remaining viable tissue shows an increase in proliferative activity in the small and large bowel. Failure of rapid regeneration of functional mucosa may therefore be related to an inability of increased proliferative activity to match the losses from the surface; alternatively there may be rapid production of immature, short-lived cells. This study shows that the proliferative response, although present, is insufficient to rapidly reverse the mucosal insult observed in NEC.

The perichromosomal layer

In addition to genetic information, mitotic chromosomes transmit essential components for nuclear assembly and function in a new cell cycle. A specialized chromosome domain, called the perichromosomal layer, perichromosomal sheath, chromosomal coat, or chromosome surface domain, contains proteins required for a variety of cellular processes, including the synthesis of messenger RNA, assembly of ribosomes, repair of DNA double-strand breaks, telomere maintenance, and apoptosis regulation. The layer also contains many proteins of unknown function and is a major target in autoimmune disease. Perichromosomal proteins are found along the entire length of chromosomes, excluding centromeres, where sister chromatids are paired and spindle microtubules attach. Targeting of proteins to the perichromosomal layer occurs primarily during prophase, and they generally remain associated until telophase. During interphase, perichromosomal proteins localize to nucleoli, the nuclear envelope, nucleoplasm, heterochromatin, centromeres, telomeres, and/or the cytoplasm. It has been suggested that the perichromosomal layer may contribute to chromosome structure, as several of the associated proteins have functions in chromatin remodeling during interphase. We review the identified proteins associated with this chromosome domain and briefly discuss their known functions during interphase and mitosis.

Comparison of a centered 32P source wire system with a noncentered 90Sr/Y brachytherapy system for intracoronary β-radiation following PCI of diffuse in-stent restenosis

BACKGROUND

We investigated the potential impact of differences in effective radiation dose between the centered Guidant 32P source wire system and the noncentered Novoste 90Sr/Y BetaCath system on clinical and angiographic outcomes of intracoronary brachytherapy for the prevention of in-stent restenosis.

METHODS

From 10/00 to 05/04, a total of 400 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with brachytherapy for diffuse in-stent restenosis at our institution. Following balloon dilatation, patient Group A (n=200) was treated with the centered 32P Galileo source wire system, patient Group B (n=200) was treated with the noncentered 90Sr/Y BetaCath radiation system. In Group A, the prescribed dose of 20 Gy was applied in 1-mm depth of the vessel wall. In Group B, the prescribed dose of 18.4 Gy was applied for visual reference vessel sizes >2.7 and <3.35 mm, 23 Gy for >3.36 and <4.00 mm, and 25.3 Gy for >4.00 mm, each calculated at a distance of 2 mm from the center line of the radiation source. Patients received aspirin and clopidogrel over 12 months. Primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were the binary restenosis rate and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) at 30 days and 6 months.

RESULTS

At 30 days, one patient of each group underwent PCI at a nontarget lesion (0.5%). At 6 months, MACEs were equally distributed in both groups. Target lesion revascularization at 6 months was 5.9% in Group A and 9.2% in Group B (P=.08). Binary angiographic restenosis rate at 6 months was 5.5% in Group A and 11.2% in Group B (P=.014).

CONCLUSION

Intracoronary beta-radiation using the centered 32P source wire system yielded a significant reduction of recurrence rate compared to the noncentered 90S/Y BetaCath system after PCI of diffuse in-stent restenosis. There was a nonsignificant trend toward reduction of TLR among patients treated with the centered 32P source wire system.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 protein expression in ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor

In this study, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 protein expressions were analyzed in 16 cases of ameloblastoma and 8 cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). The cases of ameloblastoma consisted of solid type tumors and histologic arrangements of different subtypes were observed. In some specimens, more than one histologic subtype was identified in the same lesion, and each tumor was categorized according to the predominant cell pattern. The odontogenic tumors were grouped as follows: follicular ameloblastoma (n=7), plexiform ameloblastoma (n=4), acanthomatous + follicular ameloblastoma (n=3), basal cell ameloblastoma (n=2), adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (n=8). PCNA immunohistochemical expression revealed stronger quantitative labeling index for the follicular ameloblastoma, while for p53 protein the strongest quantitative labeling index was detected in the plexiform type. Nevertheless, statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey's test did not detect significant differences (p>0.05) among the histologic subtypes of ameloblastoma. The findings of this study suggest that the different histologic patterns of ameloblastoma did not show a direct correlation with their clinical behavior and consequently with the prognosis of the cases. The results also indicated that the ameloblastoma has greater proliferative potential than the AOT, which can contribute to explain its more aggressive and invasive characteristics.

Proliferation of bone marrow-derived cells contributes to regeneration after folic acid-induced acute tubular injury

Studies of tissue from recipients of bone marrow transplantation or organ allograft suggest that bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) may differentiate into a variety of nonhematologic tissues, including renal tubular epithelium. The aims of this study were to examine whether BMDC contribute to recovery after acute renal injury and to assess the effects of cytokine mobilization on regeneration. Female mice (6 wk old) were lethally irradiated and transplanted with male bone marrow (BM) cells and later assigned into control, folic acid-treatment, and folic acid-treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and control with G-CSF. Tritiated thymidine was given 1 h before death. Kidney sections were stained for a tubular epithelial marker, Y chromosome (in situ hybridization), periodic acid-Schiff staining, and subjected to autoradiography. Renal tubular epithelial cells in S-phase were scored as female (indigenous) or male (BM-derived). This is the first report to show that BMDC can respond by engrafting the renal tubules and undergo DNA synthesis after acute renal injury. BMDC contributed to the renal tubular epithelial cell population, although most (90%) renal tubular regeneration came from female indigenous cells. Some evidence was found for cell fusion between indigenous renal tubular cells and BMDC, but this was infrequent and the significance and consequences of cell fusion in the kidney are unresolved. G-CSF treatment nearly doubled the frequency of thymidine-labeled BM-derived tubular cells and might facilitate the recovery of renal tubular epithelium.