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Aquino A, Bianchi N, Terrazzan A, Franzese O. Protein Kinase C at the Crossroad of Mutations, Cancer, Targeted Therapy and Immune Response. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1047. [PMID: 37626933 PMCID: PMC10451643 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The frequent PKC dysregulations observed in many tumors have made these enzymes natural targets for anticancer applications. Nevertheless, this considerable interest in the development of PKC modulators has not led to the expected therapeutic benefits, likely due to the complex biological activities regulated by PKC isoenzymes, often playing ambiguous and protective functions, further driven by the occurrence of mutations. The structure, regulation and functions of PKCs have been extensively covered in other publications. Herein, we focused on PKC alterations mostly associated with complete functional loss. We also addressed the modest yet encouraging results obtained targeting PKC in selected malignancies and the more frequent negative clinical outcomes. The reported observations advocate the need for more selective molecules and a better understanding of the involved pathways. Furthermore, we underlined the most relevant immune mechanisms controlled by PKC isoforms potentially impacting the immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade-mediated immune recovery. We believe that a comprehensive examination of the molecular features of the tumor microenvironment might improve clinical outcomes by tailoring PKC modulation. This approach can be further supported by the identification of potential response biomarkers, which may indicate patients who may benefit from the manipulation of distinctive PKC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (N.B.); (A.T.)
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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Franzese O, Torino F, Giannetti E, Cioccoloni G, Aquino A, Faraoni I, Fuggetta MP, De Vecchis L, Giuliani A, Kaina B, Bonmassar E. Abscopal Effect and Drug-Induced Xenogenization: A Strategic Alliance in Cancer Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910672. [PMID: 34639014 PMCID: PMC8509363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current state of cancer treatment is still far from being satisfactory considering the strong impairment of patients' quality of life and the high lethality of malignant diseases. Therefore, it is critical for innovative approaches to be tested in the near future. In view of the crucial role that is played by tumor immunity, the present review provides essential information on the immune-mediated effects potentially generated by the interplay between ionizing radiation and cytotoxic antitumor agents when interacting with target malignant cells. Therefore, the radiation-dependent abscopal effect (i.e., a biological effect of ionizing radiation that occurs outside the irradiated field), the influence of cancer chemotherapy on the antigenic pattern of target neoplastic cells, and the immunogenic cell death (ICD) caused by anticancer agents are the main topics of this presentation. It is widely accepted that tumor immunity plays a fundamental role in generating an abscopal effect and that anticancer drugs can profoundly influence not only the host immune responses, but also the immunogenic pattern of malignant cells. Remarkably, several anticancer drugs impact both the abscopal effect and ICD. In addition, certain classes of anticancer agents are able to amplify already expressed tumor-associated antigens (TAA). More importantly, other drugs, especially triazenes, induce the appearance of new tumor neoantigens (TNA), a phenomenon that we termed drug-induced xenogenization (DIX). The adoption of the abscopal effect is proposed as a potential therapeutic modality when properly applied concomitantly with drug-induced increase in tumor cell immunogenicity and ICD. Although little to no preclinical or clinical studies are presently available on this subject, we discuss this issue in terms of potential mechanisms and therapeutic benefits. Upcoming investigations are aimed at evaluating how chemical anticancer drugs, radiation, and immunotherapies are interacting and cooperate in evoking the abscopal effect, tumor xenogenization and ICD, paving the way for new and possibly successful approaches in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.G.)
| | - Elisa Giannetti
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.G.)
| | - Giorgia Cioccoloni
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK
| | - Angelo Aquino
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.P.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Liana De Vecchis
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
| | - Anna Giuliani
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.P.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Bernd Kaina
- Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Center, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (E.B.)
| | - Enzo Bonmassar
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (O.F.); (G.C.); (A.A.); (I.F.); (L.D.V.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.P.F.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (B.K.); (E.B.)
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Garcia-Molina G, Kalyan B, Aquino A. 1195 Closed-Loop Electroencephalogram-Based Modulated Pink Noise to Facilitate Falling Asleep. Sleep 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
During the wake to sleep transition, the EEG exhibits a reduction in the power in the beta (15-30 Hz) band and an increase in the power of the theta (4-8 Hz) band. In previous publications we reported that the log-ratio “ρ=10×log(β/θ)” quasi-monotonically decreases by an order of magnitude as sleep initiates.
Methods
We developed a closed-loop, real-time system that processes a single EEG signal (FPz-M2) to modulate the volume of (pink-noise) sound according to “ρ=10×log(β/θ)”. The volume was calibrated such that it progressively decreases as sleep initiates. The EEG was acquired using the Philips AliceTM PSG station connected to a laptop where the algorithm was implemented. The sound was played through a wearable headband connected to the laptop’s audio-output. The algorithm processes 6-second EEG windows to estimate: 1) a signal quality index, 2) the average “ρ”, and 3) the sleep stage using a deep-learning stager. The volume changes with “ρ” according to a sigmoidal model. From the time where N2 or N3 sleep has been continuously detected for 3 minutes, the volume decays to zero in an exponential fashion. Seven subjects without any sleep disorder diagnosis (3F/4M; 33.6 ± 8.7 years old) participated in a home-based trial and recorded 5 sleep sessions. The first familiarization session was followed by randomized 2-session blocks: Block 1: closed-loop volume modulation (active), and Block 2 open-loop (sham) constant volume decrease.
Results
A 2.2-minute decrease (p=0.1) in average sleep latency was found in the active condition (11.6 ± 5.0m) w.r.t. the sham condition (13.8 ± 6.1m).
A 5.2-minute decrease (p=0.08) in average N3 latency was found in the active condition (29.3 ± 10.4m) w.r.t. the sham condition (34.5 ± 13.6m).
The log-ratio decreased significantly faster (p<0.05) and more monotonously in the active condition suggesting a faster sleep-deepening due to the sound modulation.
Conclusion
Closed-loop modulation of the volume of pink-noise based on the EEG’s β/θ ratio may promote a faster sleep onset and a faster transition into deeper NREM sleep. The statistically trending results reported in this research grant further experimental validation with a larger number of subjects.
Support
Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Kalyan
- Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - A Aquino
- Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care, Pittsburgh, PA
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Cioccoloni G, Aquino A, Notarnicola M, Caruso MG, Bonmassar E, Zonfrillo M, Caporali S, Faraoni I, Villivà C, Fuggetta MP, Franzese O. Fatty acid synthase inhibitor orlistat impairs cell growth and down-regulates PD-L1 expression of a human T-cell leukemia line. J Chemother 2019; 32:30-40. [PMID: 31775585 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2019.1694761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) is responsible for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, which are involved in the preservation of biological membrane structure, energy storage and assembly of factors involved in signal transduction. FASN plays a critical role in supporting tumor cell growth, thus representing a potential target for anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, this enzyme has been recently associated with increased PD-L1 expression, suggesting a role for fatty acids in the impairment of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Orlistat, a tetrahydrolipstatin used for the treatment of obesity, has been reported to reduce FASN activity, while inducing a sensible reduction of the growth potential in different cancer models. We have analyzed the effect of orlistat on different features involved in the tumor cell biology of the T-ALL Jurkat cell line. In particular, we have observed that orlistat inhibits Jurkat cell growth and induces a perturbation of cell cycle along with a decline of FASN activity and protein levels. Moreover, the drug produces a remarkable impairment of PD-L1 expression. These findings suggest that orlistat interferes with different mechanisms involved in the control of tumor cell growth and can potentially contribute to decrease the tumor-associated immune-pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Cioccoloni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute for Digestive Diseases S. de Bellis, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Caruso
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute for Digestive Diseases S. de Bellis, Bari, Italy
| | - Enzo Bonmassar
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Zonfrillo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Caporali
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Villivà
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Kuruvila J, Deria H, Mathew S, Maysoun E, Isip U, Al Shamisi S, Aquino A, Mathew S, Altarshi A, Canoza J, Olidan J, Anosa G, Renganathan R. Does formal stroke education to inpatients in stroke unit improve their knowledge of stroke? Prospective data from UAE. J Neurol Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Silva F, Battistella L, Simis M, Aquino A, Fregni F. The effect of randomized Median Nerve Stimulation (rMNS) on pain modulation during physical exercise in sedentary adults. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Belhadj M, Aquino A, Heng J, Kmiotek S, Raël S, Bonnet C, Lapicque F. Current density distributions in polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A tool for characterisation of gas distribution in the cell and its state of health. Chem Eng Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2018.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Franzese O, Battaini F, Graziani G, Tentori L, Barbaccia ML, Aquino A, Roselli M, Fuggetta MP, Bonmassar E, Torino F. Drug-induced xenogenization of tumors: A possible role in the immune control of malignant cell growth in the brain? Pharmacol Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Franzese O, Torino F, Fuggetta MP, Aquino A, Roselli M, Bonmassar E, Giuliani A, D'Atri S. Tumor immunotherapy: drug-induced neoantigens (xenogenization) and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Oncotarget 2018; 8:41641-41669. [PMID: 28404974 PMCID: PMC5522228 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 40 years ago, we discovered that novel transplantation antigens can be induced in vivo or in vitro by treating murine leukemia with dacarbazine. Years later, this phenomenon that we called “Chemical Xenogenization” (CX) and more recently, “Drug-Induced Xenogenization” (DIX), was reproduced by Thierry Boon with a mutagenic/carcinogenic compound (i.e. N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine). In both cases, the molecular bases of DIX rely on mutagenesis induced by methyl adducts to oxygen-6 of DNA guanine. In the present review we illustrate the main DIX-related immune-pharmacodynamic properties of triazene compounds of clinical use (i.e. dacarbazine and temozolomide). In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has come back to the stage with the discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICpI) that show an extraordinary immune-enhancing activity. Here we illustrate the salient biochemical features of some of the most interesting ICpI and the up-to-day status of their clinical use. Moreover, we illustrate the literature showing the direct relationship between somatic mutation burden and susceptibility of cancer cells to host’s immune responses. When DIX was discovered, we were not able to satisfactorily exploit the possible presence of triazene-induced neoantigens in malignant cells since no device was available to adequately enhance host’s immune responses in clinical settings. Today, ICpI show unprecedented efficacy in terms of survival times, especially when elevated mutation load is associated with cancer cells. Therefore, in the future, mutation-dependent neoantigens obtained by appropriate pharmacological intervention appear to disclose a novel approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of ICpI in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Bonmassar
- Department of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Giuliani
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Di Iorio B, Cirillo M, Bellizzi V, Stellato D, De Santo NG, Aquino A, Anastasio P, Barchiesi S, Bonanno D, Buccino A, Cappabianca F, Cesaro A, Cestaro R, Chiuchiolo L, Chiuchiolo L, Ciaccia L, Cicchella T, Cillo N, Cioffi M, Cirillo E, Confessore N, Costanzo R, D'Apice L, De Felice E, Delgado G, De Luca M, De Luca P, De Luna V, De Maio A, De Pascale C, Della Volpe L, De Simone V, De Simone W, Di Benedetto A, Di Costanzo L, Di Donato R, Di Serafino A, Fabozzi GM, Fiorentino P, Fragetta G, Fumante M, Galise A, Giangrande C, Giobbe A, Gnasso A, Granato P, Guastaferro P, Iacono G, Iandolo R, Iengo G, Lamberti C, La Verde A, Liccardo D, Maddalena L, Mancini L, Manfreda L, Mari R, Marinelli G, Marinelli G, Martignetti V, Mascolini N, Maurodopoulos C, Migliorati M, Memoli M, Milone A, Milone D, Monaco G, Monteleone E, Natale G, Oggero AR, Pavese F, Petrelli P, Pizzola AR, Raucci B, Rubino R, Salvati G, Santoro D, Saviano C, Savignano M, Sforza C, Spitali L, Staulo P, Stellato D, Taddeo U, Terracciano V, Tomasino G, Tramontano P, Veniero P, Ventre M, Verrillo E, Violante B, Vitiello P, Viola G. Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia and Uncontrolled Anemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients – The Campania Dialysis Registry. Int J Artif Organs 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880703000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background This study investigated prevalence and correlates of anemia and uncontrolled anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on registry data for 2,746 chronic (<6 months) hemodialysis patients aged 25–84. Data collection included years of dialysis, hours of dialysis/wk, disease causing hemodialysis, body mass index (BMI), erythropoietin (EPO) treatment, hemoglobin, markers of viral hepatitis, serum albumin, calcium, and phosphorus. Results Prevalence was 88.7% for anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/100 mL and EPO treatment at any Hb level), 39.4% for uncontrolled anemia (hemoglobin<11 g/100 mL). Gender, years of dialysis, hereditary cystic kidney disease (HCKD), and low BMI (<24 kg/m2) were independent correlates of anemia (P<0.001). Gender, HCKD, low BMI, serum albumin and calcium were independent correlates of uncontrolled anemia (P<0.05). An interaction was found between age (not correlated with anemia and uncontrolled anemia) and the association of gender with uncontrolled anemia (P<0.05). EPO doses were higher in patients with high prevalence of uncontrolled anemia than in patients with low prevalence (i.e., women vs men, other diseases vs HCKD, low vs not-low BMI, P<0.01). Gender, years of dialysis, HCKD, BMI, serum albumin, and calcium were independent correlates of the hemoglobin/EPO dose ratio in patients on EPO treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Anemia and uncontrolled anemia are more frequent in hemodialysis patients with short-term dialysis, diseases other than HCKD, low BMI, and female gender. Gender effect was lower in elderly patients. Uncontrolled anemia was also associated with low serum albumin and calcium, suggesting that these parameters are indices of EPO resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Di Iorio
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
- Department of Nephrology, Solofra Hospital, Solofra - Italy
| | - M. Cirillo
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
| | - V. Bellizzi
- Department of Nephrology, Solofra Hospital, Solofra - Italy
| | - D. Stellato
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
| | - N. G. De Santo
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
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Platella C, Guida S, Bonmassar L, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, Ravagnan G, Montesarchio D, Roviello GN, Musumeci D, Fuggetta MP. Antitumour activity of resveratrol on human melanoma cells: A possible mechanism related to its interaction with malignant cell telomerase. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:2843-2851. [PMID: 28780124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND trans-Resveratrol (tRES) is a polyphenolic stilbene found in plant products which has attracted great attention because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. METHODS The possible correlation between tRES-induced suppression of melanoma cell growth and its influence on telomerase expression has been investigated by biological assays. Moreover, in order to gain new knowledge about possible mechanisms of action of tRES as antineoplastic agent, its interaction with biologically relevant secondary structure-forming DNA sequences, its aggregation properties and copper-binding activity have been studied by CD, UV and fluorescence spectroscopies. RESULTS Biological assays have confirmed that growth inhibitory properties of tRES well correlate with the reduction of telomerase activity and hTERT gene transcript levels in human melanoma cells. Biophysical studies in solution have proved that tRES binds all the studied DNA model systems with low affinity, however showing high ability to discriminate G-quadruplex vs. duplex DNA. In addition, tRES has shown no propensity to form aggregates in the explored concentration range and has been found able to bind Cu2+ ions with a 2:1 stoichiometry. CONCLUSIONS From these biological and biophysical analyses it has emerged that tRES produces cytotoxic effects on human melanoma cells and, at a molecular level, is able to bind Cu2+ and cancer-involved G-quadruplexes, suggesting that multiple mechanisms of action could be involved in its antineoplastic activity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Expanding the knowledge on the putative mechanisms of action of tRES as antitumour agent can help to develop novel, effective tRES-based anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Guida
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Aquino
- School of Medicine, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Bonmassar
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ravagnan
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, I-00133 Rome, Italy.
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Vizzotti C, Neyro S, Katz N, Juárez MV, Perez Carrega ME, Aquino A, Kaski Fullone F. Maternal immunization in Argentina: A storyline from the prospective of a middle income country. Vaccine 2015; 33:6413-9. [PMID: 26277071 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The importance of vaccination during pregnancy lies not only in directly protecting vaccinated women, but also by indirectly protecting small infants during the first few months of life. Vaccination against the flu and whooping cough is a priority within the comprehensive care strategy for pregnant women and small infants in Argentina, in the context of transitioning from child vaccination to family vaccination. In 2011, the flu vaccine was included in the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) as mandatory and free of charge, with the aim of decreasing complications and death due to influenza in the at-risk population in Argentina. The national vaccination coverage attained in pregnant women in the past 4 years (2011-2014) has been satisfactory; 88% coverage was attained in the year this program was introduced to the schedule. In the following years, coverage was maintained at greater than 95%. In February 2012, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to have universal vaccination strategy for pregnant women against whooping cough. This recommendation was implemented throughout the country by vaccination with the diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the aim of decreasing morbimortality due to whooping cough in infants under 6 months of age. The vaccine was incorporated into the NIS in 2014. More than 1,200,000 doses were applied in this period. Both vaccines showed a suitable safety profile and no serious events were reported. Argentina is an example of a middle-income country that has been able to implement a successful strategy for primary prevention through vaccines, making it a health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vizzotti
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - S Neyro
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
| | - N Katz
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - M V Juárez
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - M E Perez Carrega
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - A Aquino
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - F Kaski Fullone
- Secretaría de Promoción y Programas Sanitarios, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
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13
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Cioccoloni G, Bonmassar L, Pagani E, Caporali S, Fuggetta MP, Bonmassar E, D'Atri S, Aquino A. Influence of fatty acid synthase inhibitor orlistat on the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in human normal or malignant cells in vitro. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:764-72. [PMID: 26035182 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat), an inhibitor of lipases and fatty acid synthase, is used orally for long-term treatment of obesity. Although the drug possesses striking antitumor activities in vitro against human cancer cells and in vitro and in vivo against animal tumors, it also induces precancerous lesions in rat colon. Therefore, we tested the in vitro effect of orlistat on the expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA repair enzyme that plays an essential role in the control of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that 2-day continuous exposure to 40 µM orlistat did not affect MGMT levels in a human melanoma cell line, but downregulated the repair protein by 30-70% in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in two leukemia and two colon cancer cell lines. On the other hand, orlistat did not alter noticeably MGMT mRNA expression. Differently from lomeguatrib (a false substrate, strong inhibitor of MGMT) orlistat did not reduce substantially MGMT function after 2-h exposure of target cells to the agent, suggesting that this drug is not a competitive inhibitor of the repair protein. Combined treatment with orlistat and lomeguatrib showed additive reduction of MGMT levels. More importantly, orlistat-mediated downregulation of MGMT protein expression was markedly amplified when the drug was combined with a DNA methylating agent endowed with carcinogenic properties such as temozolomide. In conclusion, even if orlistat is scarcely absorbed by oral route, it is possible that this drug could reduce local MGMT-mediated protection against DNA damage provoked by DNA methylating compounds on gastrointestinal tract epithelial cells, thus favoring chemical carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Cioccoloni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, I-00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Pagani
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, I-00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Caporali
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, I-00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fuggetta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Bonmassar
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, I-00167 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Aquino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
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14
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Kittleson M, Patel J, Yu Z, Liou F, Aquino A, Velleca A, Czer L, Chang D, Hamilton M, Trento A, Reinsmoen N, Kobashigawa J. Do Redo Heart Transplant Patients Have an Increased Risk of Antibody Development? J Heart Lung Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2014.01.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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15
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Bonmassar L, Marchesi F, Pascale E, Franzese O, Margison GP, Bianchi A, D'Atri S, Bernardini S, Lattuada D, Bonmassar E, Aquino A. Triazene compounds in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: a short review and a case report. Curr Med Chem 2013; 20:2389-401. [PMID: 23521681 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320190001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly lethal disease, especially in old patients. Chemoresistance and the absence of host immune responses against autochthonous malignancy play a major role in the poor prognosis of AML. The triazene compounds Dacarbazine and Temozolomide are monofunctional alkylators that donate methyl groups to many sites in DNA, including the O(6)-position of guanine producing O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)-MeG). If not repaired, O(6)-MeG frequently mispairs with thymine during DNA duplication. O(6)-MeG:T mismatches can be recognized by the mismatch repair (MMR) system which activates a cascade of molecular events leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death. If MMR is defective, cells continue to divide and GC → AT transition mutations occur. In preclinical models, such mutations can lead to the appearance of abnormal proteins containing non-self peptides ("chemical xenogenization" CX) that can be recognized by host cell-mediated immunity. Repair of O(6)-MeG is achieved by the DNA repair protein, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which removes the methyl adduct in an autoinactivating stoichiometric reaction. High MGMT levels attenuate the pharmacodynamic effects of triazenes. In the last few years, triazenes, alone or with MGMT inhibitors, have been tested in AML. In view of their potential activity as CX inducers, triazenes could offer the additional advantage of host anti-leukemia immune responses. The present paper describes several studies of leukemia treatment with triazenes and a case of acute refractory leukemia with massive skin infiltration by malignant cells. Treatment with Temozolomide and Lomeguatrib, a potent MGMT inhibitor, produced a huge, although transient, blastolysis and complete disappearance of all skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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16
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Torino F, Bonmassar E, Bonmassar L, De Vecchis L, Barnabei A, Zuppi C, Capoluongo E, Aquino A. Circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer patients. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 39:759-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Gobbi D, Fascetti Leon F, Aquino A, Melchionda F, Lima M. Metachronous bilateral ovarian teratoma: a germ-line familial disorder and review of surgical management options. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2013; 26:e105-7. [PMID: 23602043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Revised: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumors in females are uncommon, and bilateral metachronous ovarian teratoma is even exceptional, with sporadic cases described in the literature. CASE We report on a girl in whom a metachronous ovarian teratoma occurred 6 years after the first. The simultaneous onset of germ-line anomalies in other members of the family supports the existence of genetic or environmental factors conferring susceptibility to germ cell lesions. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The case here illustrated reminds the issue of the appropriate follow-up of these patients and of their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gobbi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Surgery Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Ines P, Aquino A, Ronaldo M, Magno J. Dilated cardiomyopathy in Becker muscular dystrophy. J Neurol Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Adamo R, Comandini A, Aquino A, Bonmassar L, Guglielmi L, Bonmassar E, Franzese O. The antiretroviral agent saquinavir enhances hTERT expression and telomerase activity in human T leukaemia cells in vitro. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2013; 32:38. [PMID: 23759068 PMCID: PMC3682913 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-32-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saquinavir, a protease inhibitor utilized in HIV infection, shows antitumor activity in various experimental models. In previous studies performed in our laboratory the drug was found to induce a substantial increase of telomerase activity in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Aim of the present investigation was to test whether saquinavir was able to increase telomerase activity and the expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase, hTERT, in human malignant hematopoietic cells. METHODS Human Jurkat CD4+ T cell leukaemia cell line was used throughout the present study. The antiproliferative effect of saquinavir was tested by the MTT assay. Telomerase activity was determined according to the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. The expression of hTERT mRNA was semi-quantitative evaluated by RT-PCR amplification and quantitative Real Time PCR. The binding of the transcription factor c-Myc to its specific E-Box DNA binding-site of hTERT promoter was analyzed by Electophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). The amount of c-Myc in cytoplasm and nucleus of leukemia cells was determined by Western Blot analysis, and c-Myc down-regulation was obtained by siRNA transfection. RESULTS Saquinavir produced a substantial increase of telomerase activity in Jurkat cells in vitro without increasing but rather reducing target cell proliferation rate. Telomerase up-regulation appeared to be the result of enhanced expression of hTERT. Saquinavir-mediated up-regulation of hTERT gene was the result of the increased binding of proteins to the E-Box sequence of the promoter. Moreover, saquinavir amplified the expression of c-Myc especially in the nuclear cell fraction. The direct influence of saquinavir on this transcription factor was also demonstrated by the antagonistic effect of the drug on siRNA induced c-Myc suppression. Since c-Myc is the main responsible for hTERT transcription, these findings suggest that the main mechanism underlying saquinavir-induced telomerase activation is mediated by c-Myc up-regulation. CONCLUSIONS Saquinavir augments hTERT expression while inhibiting leukemic cell growth. Experimental evidences show that this effect is mediated by saquinavir-influenced increase of c-Myc levels. This could have relevance in terms of enhanced hTERT-dependent tumor cell immunogenicity and suggests new paharmacological approaches interfering with c-Myc dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Adamo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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20
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Pucciminafra I, Luparello C, Aquino A, Basirico L, Minafra S, Franc S, Yakovlev L, Shoshan S. Of/Lb collagen promotes chemoinvasion of breast-cancer cells and directs epithelial-cell migration into granulation-tissue of experimental dermal wounds. Int J Oncol 2012; 6:1015-20. [PMID: 21556633 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.6.5.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OF/LB collagen is a recently described once-fetal form of collagen, with laminin-binding properties, composed of three alpha(1)(I)-sized chains, one of which displaying an unusually acidic pI. This collagen appears able to direct the migration of breast cancer cells through Matrigel, and of injury-activated epithelial cells into the underlying granulation stromal tissue. The effect exerted by OF/LB collagen in vitro appears preferentially linked to its acidic chain. The data reported strongly support the hypothesis that the presence and accumulation of OF/LB collagen in cancer may play a fundamental role in the invasive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Pucciminafra
- UNIV PALERMO,CTR ONCOBIOL SPERIMENTALE,I-91028 PALERMO,ITALY. UNIV PALERMO,IST ISTOL & EMBRIOL,I-91028 PALERMO,ITALY. INST BIOL & CHIM PROT,CNRS,UPR 412,LYON 07,FRANCE. HEBREW UNIV JERUSALEM,HADASSAH MED SCH,CONNECT TISSUE RES LABS,JERUSALEM,ISRAEL
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21
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Correale P, Botta C, Cusi M, Bestoso E, Apollinari S, Caraglia M, Del Vecchio M, Abbruzzese A, Aquino A, Tagliaferri P. 6140 POSTER Cetuximab-mediated Immune-enhancing Effects in Vitro and in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Patients. Eur J Cancer 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(11)71785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Correale P, Botta C, Cusi MG, Del Vecchio MT, De Santi MM, Gori Savellini G, Bestoso E, Apollinari S, Mannucci S, Marra M, Abbruzzese A, Aquino A, Turriziani M, Bonmassar L, Caraglia M, Tagliaferri P. Cetuximab ± chemotherapy enhances dendritic cell-mediated phagocytosis of colon cancer cells and ignites a highly efficient colon cancer antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell response in vitro. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:1577-89. [PMID: 21618510 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cetuximab is a human/mouse chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to epidermal growth factor receptor, approved for colorectal carcinoma treatment in combination with chemotherapy. The immune-mediated effects elicited by its human fraction of crystallization moiety might critically contribute to the overall anti-tumor effectiveness of the antibody. We therefore investigated cetuximab ability to promote colon cancer cell opsonization and phagocytosis by human dendritic cells (DCs) that are subsequently engaged in antigen-cross presentation to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) precursors. Human colon cancer cell lines were evaluated for susceptibility to DC-mediated phagocytosis before and after treatment with chemotherapy ± cetuximab in vitro. Human DCs loaded with control or drug-treated cetuximab-coated colon cancer cells were used to in vitro generate cytotoxic T cell clones from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of human leucocyte antigen-A(*)02.01(+) donors. T-cell cultures were characterized for immune-phenotype and tumor-antigen specific CTL activity. The results confirmed that treatment of tumor cells with irinotecan + L-folinate + 5-flurouracil (ILF) or with gemcitabine + ILF increased tumor antigen expression. Moreover, malignant cells exposed to chemotherapy and cetuximab were highly susceptible to phagocytosis by human DCs and were able to promote their activation. The consequent DC-mediated cross-priming of antigens derived from mAb-covered/drug-treated cancer cells elicited a robust CTL anti-tumor response. On the basis of our data, we suggest a possible involvement of CTL-dependent immunity in cetuximab anti-cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Correale
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Siena University Hospital, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.
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23
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Bonmassar L, Fossile E, Scoppola A, Graziani G, Prete SP, Formica V, Cappelletti D, De Vecchis L, Cardillo A, Concolino F, D'Atri S, Balduzzi A, Torino F, Caporaso P, Greiner JW, Bonmassar E, Roselli M, Aquino A. Detection of circulating tumor cells is improved by drug-induced antigen up-regulation: preclinical and clinical studies. Anticancer Res 2010; 30:4721-4730. [PMID: 21115931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
(51)Cr-prelabelled colon cancer cells (simulating 'circulating tumor cells', CTCs) were added to human peripheral blood and exposed to staurosporine (ST) to increase carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expression. CTCs were captured with immunomagnetic beads coated with Ber-EP4 monoclonal antibody, recognizing the common epithelial antigen present in the majority of cancer cells of epithelial origin, with capture efficiency of more than 80%. Moreover, ST treatment increased CEA expression without compromising Ber-EP4 capture efficiency. In a pilot clinical study on 37 patients, CTCs were captured using Ber-EP4 beads, and recognized by RT-PCR set for CEA or cytokeratin-19 (CK) mRNA detection. The results showed that: (a) the percentage of CEA-positive CTCs (CTC(CEA), 54.1%) was lower than that of CK-positive CTCs (CTC(CK), 70.3%); (b) in vitro ST treatment converted a significant number of CTC(CEA)-negative into CTC(CEA)-positive cases. Therefore, immunomagnetic capture combined with exposure to ST provides a feasible and sensitive technique for the detection of functionally-active CTCs responsive to ST-mediated CEA up-regulation.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen/genetics
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Colonic Neoplasms/blood
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Female
- Fluorouracil/pharmacology
- Humans
- Immunoblotting
- Immunomagnetic Separation
- Keratin-19/genetics
- Keratin-19/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/metabolism
- Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Staurosporine/pharmacology
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy
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24
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Navickiene S, Aquino A, Silva Bezerra DS. A Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Method for the Extraction of Seven Pesticides from Mango and Papaya. J Chromatogr Sci 2010; 48:750-4. [DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/48.9.750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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25
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Mercedes S, Núñez M, Díaz O, De la Cruz E, Aquino A. Variabilidad de la presión intrabdominal en pacientes sometidos a abdominoplastia. Cir plást iberolatinoam 2009. [DOI: 10.4321/s0376-78922009000400003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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26
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Prete SP, Turriziani M, Massara MC, De Rossi A, Correale P, De Vecchis L, Torino F, Bonmassar L, Aquino A. Combined effects of 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin on the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen in human colon cancer cells: pharmacological basis to develop an active antitumor immunochemotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2008; 27:5. [PMID: 18577244 PMCID: PMC2438331 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-27-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Five-fluorouracil (FU), mainly associated with leucovorin (L), plays an essential role in chemotherapy of colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, FU ± L has been found to increase the expression of tumor-associated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), that may be an important target in therapeutic protocols of active specific immunotherapy. FU + L (FUL) are frequently combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) in advanced colon cancer patients. Thus, we investigated whether FUL in combination with OXA according to 2 different schedules may influence CEA expression in human colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods CEA protein expression was evaluated by cytofluorimetric and western blot analysis. Relative quantification of CEA mRNA was assessed by real time RT-PCR analysis. Results Levels of CEA protein and transcript were found to be higher in FUL-treated cells than in controls. However, when target cells were exposed to OXA before but not after FUL treatment, the up-regulation of CEA was partially inhibited. Conclusion These results suggest that target cells must be exposed to OXA after but not before treatment with the fluoropyrimidine in order to exploit drug-induced up-regulation of CEA. This finding appears to provide useful information to design chemo-immunotherapy protocols based on FUL + OXA, combined with host's immunity against CEA directed cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore P Prete
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Pharmacology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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27
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Correale P, Cusi MG, Micheli L, Nencini C, Del Vecchio MT, Torino F, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, Francini G, Giorgi G. Chemo-immunotherapy of colorectal carcinoma: preclinical rationale and clinical experience. Invest New Drugs 2007; 24:99-110. [PMID: 16502353 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-006-5932-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Advanced colorectal cancer is a common disease with an high mortality rate. For four decades, pharmacological treatment of the advanced disease was based on the use of 5-fluorouracil alone or in combination with biomodulators such as folinic acid and intereferon alpha. In the last 5 years, response to therapy has been considerably ameliorated thanks to the discovery of new drugs such as oxaliplatin and CPT-11. These agents, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, according to various schedules of treatment, have reached a significant improvement of palliation, response rate and survival. Immunotherapy is an uprising modality of treatment for human cancer including colorectal carcinoma. Its rationale is based on the knowledge that tumour cells are genetically unstable and produce molecular structures which allow their recognition and destruction by the immune-surveillance system. Therefore, humoral as well as cellular compartments of the immune system can be utilized according to a "passive" strategy (e.g. monoclonal antibody administration and adoptive immunotherapy) or an "active" approach, by using different modalities of vaccine therapy. In this context, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and cancer vaccines are being tested for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Due to their genetic instability and extraordinary adaptative potential, tumour cells may acquire resistance to the immune effectors and mAbs exactly as they do for cytotoxic drugs. To improve the results of both immunological and chemical modality of cancer treatment, an increasing number of authors is starting to combine chemo and immunotherapy in the attempt to circumvent the limitations of both strategies. This report tries to review the possible rationale of the chemo-immunotherapy combination, illustrating preliminary results of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Correale
- Center of Oncopharmacological Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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28
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De Rossi A, Rossi L, Laudisi A, Sini V, Toppo L, Marchesi F, Tortorelli G, Leti M, Turriziani M, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, De Vecchis L, Torino F. Focus on Fotemustine. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2006; 25:461-8. [PMID: 17310834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Fotemustine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent, belonging to the group of nitrosourea family. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other nitrosoureas, characterized by a mono-functional/bi-functional alkylating activity. Worth of consideration is the finding that the presence of high levels of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) in cancer cells confers drug resistance. In different clinical trials Fotemustine showed a remarkable antitumor activity as single agent, and in association with other antineoplastic compounds or treatment modalities. Moreover, its toxicity is generally considered acceptable. The drug has been employed in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and, on the basis of its pharmacokinetic properties, in brain tumors, either primitive or metastatic. Moreover, Fotemustine shows pharmacodynamic properties similar to those of mono-functional alkylating compounds (e.g. DNA methylating drugs, such as Temozolomide), that have been recently considered for the management of acute refractory leukaemia. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that this agent could be a good candidate to play a potential role in haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Rossi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
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Aquino A, Balestri E, Dall'Ara S, Lami I, Gobbi E, Ambroni M, Miano A. 374 Efficacy of physical exercise playing a video game for mucus clearance in patients with Cystic Fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(06)80321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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Georgieva I, Trendafilova N, Aquino A, Lischka H. Excited State Properties of 7-Hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin in the Gas Phase and in Solution. A Theoretical Study. J Phys Chem A 2005; 109:11860-9. [PMID: 16366637 DOI: 10.1021/jp0524025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
TDDFT/B3LYP and RI-CC2 calculations with different basis sets have been performed for vertical and adiabatic excitations and emission properties of the lowest singlet states for the neutral (enol and keto), protonated and deprotonated forms of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (7H4MC) in the gas phase and in solution. The effect of 7H4MC-solvent (water) interactions on the lowest excited and fluorescence states were computed using the Polarizable Continuum Method (PCM), 7H4MC-water clusters and a combination of both approaches. The calculations revealed that in aqueous solution the pi pi* energy is the lowest one for excitation and fluorescence transitions of all forms of 7H4MC studied. The calculated excitation and fluorescence energies in aqueous solution are in good agreement with experiment. It was found that, depending on the polarity of the medium, the solvent shifts vary, leading to a change in the character of the lowest excitation and fluorescence transition. The dipole-moment and electron-density changes of the excited states relative to the ground state correlate with the solvation effect on the singlet excited states and on transition energies, respectively. The calculations show that, in contrast to the ground state, the keto form has a lower energy in the pi pi* state as compared to enol, demonstrating from this point of view the energetic possibility of proton transfer from the enol to the keto form in the excited state.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Georgieva
- Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Correale P, Del Vecchio MT, Di Genova G, Savellini GG, La Placa M, Terrosi C, Vestri M, Urso R, Lemonnier F, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, Giorgi G, Francini G, Cusi MG. 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy enhances the antitumor activity of a thymidylate synthase-directed polyepitopic peptide vaccine. J Natl Cancer Inst 2005; 97:1437-45. [PMID: 16204693 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dji188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymidylate synthase (TS), a key enzyme in DNA synthesis, is often overexpressed in cancer cells. Some chemotherapeutic agents, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), act by inhibiting TS expression. We evaluated whether a novel 28-amino acid multiepitope peptide, TS/PP, that contains the sequences of three TS-derived epitopes with binding motifs for HLA-A(*)02.01 could induce a TS-directed cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response with antitumor activity. METHODS TS/PP peptide immunologic activity in CTL lines derived from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A(*)02.01+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was tested in the presence of interleukin-2 and autologous TS/PP peptide-loaded dendritic cells. Immunologic and antitumor activities of TS/PP and its toxicity were also evaluated in vivo in HLA-A(*)02.01 transgenic (HHD) mice that were vaccinated with TS/PP, control, or TS-peptide cocktail and treated with or without 5-FU chemotherapy. The mice were also inoculated subcutaneously with TS-expressing EL-4/HHD lymphoma cells to assess immune response against these tumor cells. RESULTS TS/PP-specific CTL lines showed a TS-multiepitopic specificity and were able to kill TS+/HLA-A(*)02.01+ breast and colon carcinoma cells. The killing ability against target cells previously exposed to sublethal doses of 5-FU was statistically significantly greater than against untreated target cells (43.5% versus 26.5% at 25/1 effector to target ratio [Difference {diff} = 17.0]; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.6 to 20.4) for MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells and 73.5 versus 48.5 (diff = 25.0; 95% CI = 16.2 to 33.8) for the SW-1463 colon carcinoma cells. HHD mice vaccinated with TS/PP manifested a TS-peptide-specific CTL response with no sign of autoimmunity or toxicity. Furthermore, treatment of these mice with 5-FU delayed or prevented the occurrence of tumors formed by inoculation with autologous (TS+)EL-4/HHD lymphoma cells. CONCLUSIONS The multiepitopic TS/PP vaccine induces a tumor-specific immune response in mice and is especially potent when used in combination with 5-FU-based chemotherapy.
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Correale P, Cusi MG, Del Vecchio MT, Aquino A, Prete SP, Prete S, Tsang KY, Micheli L, Nencini C, La Placa M, Montagnani F, Terrosi C, Caraglia M, Formica V, Giorgi G, Bonmassar E, Francini G. Dendritic cell-mediated cross-presentation of antigens derived from colon carcinoma cells exposed to a highly cytotoxic multidrug regimen with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin, elicits a powerful human antigen-specific CTL response with antitumor activity in vitro. J Immunol 2005; 175:820-8. [PMID: 16002679 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.2.820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil (GOLF) is a novel multidrug regimen inducing high levels of necrosis and apoptosis in colon carcinoma cells. This regimen is also able to promote a process of Ag remodeling including up-regulation of immunotherapy targets like carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA), thymidylate synthase (TS). We have conducted a preclinical study aimed to investigate whether these drug-induced modifications would also enhance colon cancer cell immunogenicity. Several CTL lines were thus generated by in vitro stimulating human HLA-A(*)02.01(+) PBMCs, from normal donors and colon cancer patients, with autologous dendritic cells cross-primed with cell lysates of colon cancer cells untreated, irradiated, or previously exposed to different drug treatments including the GOLF regimen. Class I HLA-restricted cytolytic activity of these CTL lines was tested against colon cancer cells and CEA and TS gene transfected target cells. These experiments revealed that CTLs sensitized with GOLF-treated cancer cells were much more effective than those sensitized with the untreated colon carcinoma cells or those exposed to the other treatments. CTL lines sensitized against the GOLF-treated colon cancer cells, also expressed a greater percentage of T-lymphocyte precursors able to recognize TS- and CEA-derived peptides. These results suggest that GOLF regimen is a powerful antitumor and immunomodulating regimen that can make the tumor cells a suitable means to induce an Ag-specific CTL response. These results suggest that a rationale combination of GOLF chemotherapy with cytokine-based immunotherapy could generate a chemotherapy-modulated Ag-specific T-lymphocyte response in cancer patients able to destroy the residual disease survived to the cytotoxic drugs.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/toxicity
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Coculture Techniques
- Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Cross-Priming/drug effects
- Cross-Priming/immunology
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Deoxycytidine/administration & dosage
- Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives
- Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
- Deoxycytidine/toxicity
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Fluorouracil/administration & dosage
- Fluorouracil/therapeutic use
- Fluorouracil/toxicity
- HLA-A Antigens/biosynthesis
- HLA-A Antigens/genetics
- HLA-A2 Antigen
- HT29 Cells
- Humans
- Leucovorin/administration & dosage
- Leucovorin/therapeutic use
- Leucovorin/toxicity
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Organoplatinum Compounds/administration & dosage
- Organoplatinum Compounds/therapeutic use
- Organoplatinum Compounds/toxicity
- Oxaliplatin
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Gemcitabine
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Correale
- Section of Oncology, Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, Siena University School of Medicine, Viale Bracci 11, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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33
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Lima M, Dòmini M, Aquino A, Ruggeri G, Libri M, Tursini S, Pigna A, Gentili A. The role of emergency thoracoscopy in the management of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung associated with oesophageal atresia. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2005; 15:279-82. [PMID: 16163595 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung associated with oesophageal atresia is exceptional. The authors describe a case of a mixed type I - II congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the left lung associated with oesophageal atresia and tracheooesophageal fistula in a male infant. The interesting aspect of this case is not only the extremely rare association - only two reports in the literature - but the surgical choices. In fact, two weeks after surgical repair of the oesophageal atresia, the growth of the cystic volume of the congenital adenomatoid malformation made respiratory weaning very difficult, and it was therefore decided to solve the respiratory distress by opening the tensional cysts using a thoracoscopic access. The advantage of this treatment was that it decompressed the underlying healthy lung tissue and permitted the expansion of the normal lobar parenchyma. This is a palliative approach that allows the mandatory definitive resection of the affected lung lobe to be postponed until a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lima
- Pediatric Surgery Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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34
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Prete SP, Rossi L, Correale PP, Turriziani M, Baier S, Tamburrelli G, De Vecchis L, Bonmassar E, Aquino A. Combined effects of protein kinase inhibitors and 5-fluorouracil on CEA expression in human colon cancer cells. Pharmacol Res 2005; 52:167-73. [PMID: 15967383 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2004.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2004] [Revised: 12/21/2004] [Accepted: 12/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Staurosporine (ST), a protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), were able to increase the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human colon cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of five PKIs, i.e. ST, 1-5-isoquinolinyl-sulfonyl-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), bisindolylmaleimide-I (BIS), Genistein (GEN), and Herbimycin A (HERB) alone or in combination with 5-FU on CEA expression. C22-20, a clonal subline, derived from colon cancer HT-29 line, selected for low expression of CEA, was used in our experimental model. Among the PKIs tested, only ST, at non-toxic concentrations of 5 nM, was capable of increasing the level of CEA. The other PKIs did not modify CEA expression when used either alone or in combination with 5-FU. Flow cytometric analysis showed that treatment of cells with 5-FU + ST resulted in a synergistic increase of CEA expression, being higher than that obtainable with both agents alone. Moreover, the increase of CEA expression occurred not only in membrane fractions but also in cytosolic compartments, as indicated by Western blot analysis. The present study suggests that ST-mediated induction of CEA expression in cancer cells is PKC independent and could be of potential clinical interest for the development of new diagnostic and/or immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pasquale Prete
- Pharmacology and Medical Oncology Section, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Correale P, Cusi MG, Tsang KY, Del Vecchio MT, Marsili S, Placa ML, Intrivici C, Aquino A, Micheli L, Nencini C, Ferrari F, Giorgi G, Bonmassar E, Francini G. Chemo-immunotherapy of metastatic colorectal carcinoma with gemcitabine plus FOLFOX 4 followed by subcutaneous granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-2 induces strong immunologic and antitumor activity in metastatic colon cancer patients. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23:8950-8. [PMID: 16061910 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.12.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor cell killing by anticancer drugs may be supported by their immuno- and pharmacologic effects. Chemotherapy is in fact able to (A) upregulate tumor-associated antigen expression, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or other target molecules such as thymidylate synthase (TS); and (B) downregulate tumor cell resistance to the death signals induced by tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This provides the rationale for combining chemo- and immunotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We describe the results of a translational phase II trial designed to evaluate the toxicity, antitumor activity and immunologic effects of gemcitabine + FOLFOX-4 (oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and folinic acid) polychemotherapy followed by the subcutaneous administration of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and low-dose interleukin-2 in colorectal carcinoma patients. The study involved 29 patients (16 males and 13 females with a mean age of 69 years), 21 of whom had received a previous line of treatment, and 19 had liver involvement. RESULTS The treatment was well tolerated and induced very high objective response (68.9%) and disease control rates (96.5%), with an average time to progression of 12.5 months. An immunologic study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) taken from 20 patients showed an enhanced proliferative response to colon carcinoma antigen and a significant reduction in suppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (CD4+CD25T-reg+). A cytofluorimetric study of the PBMCs of five HLA-A(*)02.01+ patients who achieved an objective response showed an increased frequency of cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors specific for known CEA- and TS-derived epitopes. CONCLUSION The results show that our regimen has strong immunologic and antitumor activity in colorectal cancer patients and deserves to be investigated in phase III trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Correale
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, Siena University School of Medicine, Viale Bracci 11, 53100 Siena, Italy
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36
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Correale P, Cusi MG, Tsang KY, Del Vecchio MT, Marsili S, Intrivici C, La Placa M, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, Francini G. Immunological and anti-tumor activity of a novel a chemo-immunotherapy regimen with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, levo-folinic acid, and 5-fluorouracil followed by GM-CSF and Interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.2538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Correale
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. G. Cusi
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - K. Y. Tsang
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Del Vecchio
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Marsili
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Intrivici
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. La Placa
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Aquino
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - E. Bonmassar
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Francini
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
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Aquino A, Formica V, Prete SP, Correale PP, Massara MC, Turriziani M, De Vecchis L, Bonmassar E. Drug-induced increase of carcinoembryonic antigen expression in cancer cells. Pharmacol Res 2005; 49:383-96. [PMID: 14998548 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2003.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2003] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Most of gastrointestinal, breast and lung cancer cells express carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Therefore, this protein represents a suitable target for innovative diagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies of various tumours. Presently CEA can be involved in three main approaches concerning cancer detection and therapy, i.e. (a) detection of tumour cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow or lymph node using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based measurement of CEA mRNA; (b) targeting of anticancer agents or radionuclides by tumour-selective anti-CEA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); (c) use of antitumour vaccines capable of eliciting major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted immune responses against CEA-derived peptides. Actually, it has been shown that the expression of CEA can be up-regulated by pharmacological agents including, antineoplastic drugs (i.e. 5-fluorouracil), cytokines (i.e. interferons or interleukin-6), differentiating agents (i.e. sodium butyrate) and protein kinase inhibitors (i.e. staurosporine). Therefore, the use of drugs capable of increasing CEA expression, could amplify the sensitivity of diagnostic procedures that rely on CEA determination. Moreover, the same agents could increase the efficacy of vaccines based on immunogenic CEA-derived peptides restricted by the MHC. The purpose of this review is to describe several agents that are able to increase CEA expression and to discuss the rational bases for new strategies in cancer detection and therapy aimed at increasing the expression of tumour-associated antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy. angelo.aquino@uniroma@.it
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Colonna-Romano G, Cossarizza A, Aquino A, Scialabba G, Bulati M, Lio D, Candore G, Di Lorenzo G, Fradà G, Caruso C. Age- and gender-related values of lymphocyte subsets in subjects from Northern and Southern Italy. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 8:99-107. [PMID: 14764380 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(02)00109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Colonna-Romano
- Department of Biopathology and Biomedical Methodology, Corso Tukory, Palermo, Italy.
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39
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Bonmassar L, Massara MC, Cottarelli A, Aquino A, Formica V, Prete SP, Lacal PM, Marchetti P, Concolino F, Faraoni I, D'Atri S. Preclinical studies on detection of circulating melanoma cells in patients: telomerase as a recognition marker of malignancy. J Chemother 2004; 16:479-86. [PMID: 15565916 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2004.16.5.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies based on a "simulation design", were performed with cultured melanoma cells prelabeled with 51Cr, added to normal blood and subjected to separation and recognition steps. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated on ficollhypaque gradient, and melanoma cells were separated from lymphocytes using anti-CD45 immunomagnetic beads. Malignant cells were then recognized by measuring telomerase activity (TRAP and TRAP-ELISA assays). It was found that: (a)recovery of prelabeled cells present in MNC did not exceed 75%; (b) further recovery of prelabeled cells after separation from lymphocytes did not exceed 68%. Therefore, the overall recovery of prelabeled cells did not exceed 48%; (c) the entire procedure was able to reliably detect as few as 30 malignant cells added to normal blood, providing a telomerase signal significantly higher than that found in absence of melanoma cells. These results furnish the technical bases for developing a tumor detection assay in the blood of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonmassar
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
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Lima M, Antonellini C, Aquino A, Dòmini M, Libri M, Centonze N, Ruggeri G, Pigna A. Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis. Pediatr Med Chir 2003; 25:370-2. [PMID: 15058839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis represents a rare condition that accounts in approximately 1 in 100.000 laparotomies performed for suspected acute appendicitis. L.B., female, born at term after a normal pregnancy. Shortly after birth she presented respiratory distress; chest x-ray showed a left diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). At operation was noted the absence of the appendix and of the mesenteriolum as well together with the presence of a mesenterium commune. Other associated anomalies were detected: dextroposition of the heart, hypoplasia cnemis, hexadactylism of right foot, congenital hip displacement and bilateral congenital cataract. Etiopathogenesis of the agenesis of the appendix can be easily understood from an embryological point of view, following the cecal pole development. Diagnosis of this malformation is possible only after an accurate laparotomic or laparoscopic exploration around the ileocecal and retrocecal zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lima
- Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Bologna.
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Correale P, Aquino A, Giuliani A, Pellegrini M, Micheli L, Cusi MG, Nencini C, Petrioli R, Prete SP, De Vecchis L, Turriziani M, Giorgi G, Bonmassar E, Francini G. Treatment of colon and breast carcinoma cells with 5-fluorouracil enhances expression of carcinoembryonic antigen and susceptibility to HLA-A(*)02.01 restricted, CEA-peptide-specific cytotoxic T cells in vitro. Int J Cancer 2003; 104:437-45. [PMID: 12584740 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines directed against tumor associate antigen (TAA) have produced encouraging results in preclinical models but not in cancer patients. A major limitation of this strategy is the relative degree of tolerance to these antigens and the low and heterogeneous tumor cell expression of TAA and major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Previous studies have shown that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can upregulate the expression of membrane-associated carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), and MHC molecules in colon and breast carcinoma cell lines. We have investigated whether this drug can also enhance their sensitivity to the lytic effects of CEA-peptide specific Cytotoxic T cell lymphocytes (CTL). The CEA peptide-specific CTLs generated in our laboratory from normal HLA-A(*)02.01(+) donor PBMCs, were able to kill HLA-A(*)02.01(+)/CEA(+) breast (MCF-7-T103) and colon (HLA-A(*)02.01 gene-transfected HT-29 and C22.20) carcinoma cells in HLA-A(*)02.01 restricted manner. The treatment of target cells with 5-FU, enhanced their CEA expression and susceptibility to CTL-mediated lysis. Cold competition assays confirmed these results, thus supporting the hypothesis that immune target cell lysis and 5-FU mediated enhancement were dependent on CEA peptide presentation by cancer cells. 5-FU treatment of functionally "mature" CTL after in vitro expansion, did not reduce their cytolytic activity against MT-2 target cells but, when the anti-metabolite was added during the immune-sensitization phase, CTL generation was significantly inhibited. These results provide a rationale for investigating a possible new role of 5-FU as an immuno targeting amplifier agent in breast and colorectal cancer patients immunized with CEA-directed cancer vaccines.
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Del Bufalo D, Biroccio A, Trisciuoglio D, Bruno T, Floridi A, Aquino A, Zupi G. Bcl-2 has differing effects on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells depending on the antineoplastic drug used. Eur J Cancer 2002; 38:2455-62. [PMID: 12460791 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(02)00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of bcl-2 in the susceptibility of the MCF7 ADR human breast carcinoma line overexpressing the P-170 glycoprotein (P-170) to various drugs. The sensitivity to four multidrug resistance (MDR)-related drugs (doxorubicin (ADR), vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL), actinomycin D (ACTD)) and three MDR-non-related drugs (cisplatin (DDP), bischloroethylnitrosourea (BCNU), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) was evaluated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in three bcl-2-overexpressing clones obtained from the MCF7 ADR line. We found that the bcl-2-overexpressing clones show increased resistance to DDP and BCNU, while no difference to 5-FU were observed between the control cells and bcl-2 transfectants. Surprisingly, bcl-2-overexpressing clones displayed an increased sensitivity compared with the control cells to the MDR-related drugs ADR, VCR, VBL and ACTD. Focusing on DDP and ADR, we found that the increased resistance of the bcl-2 transfectants to DDP was correlated to their ability to prevent apoptosis, while the enhanced sensitivity to ADR was associated with an increased ADR accumulation and a decreased ADR efflux. Moreover, while bcl-2 overexpression does not induce changes in P-170 glycoprotein expression, it did induce a reduction of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and basal protein kinase C (PKC) activity, both of which have a crucial role in the regulation of the MDR phenotype. In conclusion, the effect of bcl-2 on antineoplastic sensitivity observed in this study underscores the idea that bcl-2 may have distinct biological effects depending on the anticancer drug used.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Del Bufalo
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Mauro A, Ciccarelli C, De Cesaris P, Scoglio A, Bouché M, Molinaro M, Aquino A, Zani BM. PKCalpha-mediated ERK, JNK and p38 activation regulates the myogenic program in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. J Cell Sci 2002; 115:3587-99. [PMID: 12186945 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously suggested that PKCalpha has a role in 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-mediated growth arrest and myogenic differentiation in human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD). Here, by monitoring the signalling pathways triggered by TPA, we demonstrate that PKCalpha mediates these effects by inducing transient activation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNKs) and sustained activation of both p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) (all referred to as MAPKs). Activation of MAPKs following ectopic expression of constitutively active PKCalpha, but not its dominant-negative form, is also demonstrated. We investigated the selective contribution of MAPKs to growth arrest and myogenic differentiation by monitoring the activation of MAPK pathways, as well as by dissecting MAPK pathways using MEK1/2 inhibitor (UO126), p38 inhibitor (SB203580) and JNK and p38 agonist (anisomycin) treatments. Growth-arresting signals are triggered either by transient and sustained JNK activation (by TPA and anisomycin, respectively) or by preventing both ERK and JNK activation (UO126) and are maintained, rather than induced, by p38. We therefore suggest a key role for JNK in controlling ERK-mediated mitogenic activity. Notably, sarcomeric myosin expression is induced by both TPA and UO126 but is abrogated by the p38 inhibitor. This finding indicates a pivotal role for p38 in controlling the myogenic program. Anisomycin persistently activates p38 and JNKs but prevents myosin expression induced by TPA. In accordance with this negative role, reactivation of JNKs by anisomycin, in UO126-pre-treated cells, also prevents myosin expression. This indicates that, unlike the transient JNK activation that occurs in the TPA-mediated myogenic process, long-lasting JNK activation supports the growth-arrest state but antagonises p38-mediated myosin expression. Lastly, our results with the MEK inhibitor suggest a key role of the ERK pathway in regulating myogenic-related morphology in differentiated RD cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Balduzzi A, Fossile E, Formica V, Torino F, Bonmassar L, Di Giacomo A, Cappelletti D, Cardillo A, Graziani G. A novel method for monitoring response to chemotherapy based on the detection of circulating cancer cells: a case report. J Chemother 2002; 14:412-6. [PMID: 12420861 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2002.14.4.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe a novel method for detecting micrometastasis in the blood stream of cancer patients based on RT-PCR amplification of tumor-associated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA. To increase sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR, CEA transcript was selectively up-regulated in cancer cells by exposure of peripheral blood to non-toxic concentrations of staurosporine (ST). Thereafter, polyA(+) RNA was extracted from tumor cells captured by means of magnetic beads coated with a monoclonal antibody against a common human epithelial antigen. Finally, RNA was subjected to RT-PCR analysis of CEA transcript. Using this approach, we demonstrated an ST-mediated increase in CEA transcript in blood specimens collected from a patient with metastatic colon cancer before receiving treatment with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. After a few cycles of chemotherapy, CEA-positive tumor cells were no longer detected. Clinical follow-up of this patient indicated that treatment with chemotherapy induced a dramatic reduction in liver metastasis. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that lack of CEA transcript detection might be consistent with disappearance or at least marked reduction of circulating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Balduzzi A, Formica V, Fossile E, Bonmassar L, Concolino F, Bonmassar E, Graziani G. Treatment of peripheral blood with staurosporine increases detection of circulating carcinoembryonic antigen positive tumor cells. Int J Cancer 2002; 100:119-21. [PMID: 12115597 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Prete SP, Cappelletti D, Baier S, Nasuti P, Guadagni F, De Vecchis L, Greiner JW, Bonmassar E, Graziani G, Aquino A. Pharmacological modulation of carcinoembryonic antigen in human cancer cells: studies with staurosporine. Int Immunopharmacol 2002; 2:641-51. [PMID: 12013504 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5769(01)00192-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary studies, performed in our laboratory, showed that staurosporine (ST), a protein-kinase (PK) inhibitor, increases the expression of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in a human colon cancer cell line. The present study explores the cellular and molecular effects of ST on the CEA expression in breast cancer MCF-7 line and in a number of colon cancer cell lines characterized by the different basal levels of the antigen, including two cloned sublines (i.e. C22.20 and C6.6, expressing low and high CEA levels, respectively). In all cases, increase of the CEA expression was observed at drug concentrations devoid of marked cytostatic effects (e.g. 5 nM) and was accompanied by the enhanced CEA shedding in the supernatant. Moreover, the increase of the CEA levels both occurred in the cell membranes and in the cytosolic compartments and appeared to be the result of the enhanced CEA gene transcription. Similar results have been previously obtained with interferon-gamma. However, ST treatment, different from interferon-gamma, did not up-regulate the level of the HLA class I molecules. A preliminary investigation also showed that other PKC inhibitors did not substantially modulate the CEA expression. Therefore, the biochemical mechanism underlying the effect of ST should not be correlated with that involved in the PKC inhibition. The present study suggests that ST and, presumably, its analogs used in the cancer treatment could enhance the CEA expression on neoplastic cells in patients affected by the CEA-positive malignancies. This appears to be of potential clinical interest for the development of new immunotherapeutic or diagnostic approaches based on the pharmacological modulation of this antigenic marker.
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Dòmini M, Aquino A, Fakhro A, Tursini S, Marino N, Di Matteo S, Lelli Chiesa P. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and gastrointestinal haemorrhage: which treatment? Eur J Pediatr Surg 2002; 12:129-33. [PMID: 12015660 DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-30172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a paediatric case of "Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome" (BRBNS) or Bean's syndrome, a rare systemic disorder characterised by cutaneous and gastrointestinal vascular malformations that often lead to overt life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding or occult blood loss with severe anaemia and iron deficiency. CASE REPORT A 6-year-old girl with multiple characteristic cutaneous vascular lesions was admitted for a massive rectal bleeding. A few months previously she was endoscopically treated for gastric angiomas which developed into melaena. Preoperative investigations revealed the recurrence of gastric lesions. At laparotomy, more than 25 angiomas of the GI tract were found. Multiple intestinal resections were carried out. RESULTS No intraoperative or postoperative problems occurred and the girl is completely healthy without further bleeding after a follow-up period of three years. CONCLUSIONS BRBNS belongs to the group of vascular venous malformations. Most of the time it occurs sporadically, but it can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Recent analysis identified a locus on chromosome 9 responsible for venous malformations. BRBNS patients present typical skin lesions, with some lesions having a rubber-like nipple appearance; the number of skin and GI lesions and the severity of anaemia are correlated. Treatment is dependent on the extent of gut involvement and the severity of the clinical picture. In the absence of massive bleeding, a conservative treatment will be sufficient; otherwise resections are mandatory, but additional lesions may subsequently develop. Management with electrocautery or laser photocoagulation are usually not effective even if some reports recommend them. Pharmacological treatment is useless. Prognosis of BRBNS is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Clinica Chirurgica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" di Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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Giuliani A, Prete SP, Graziani G, Aquino A, Balduzzi A, Sugita M, Brenner MB, Iona E, Fattorini L, Orefici G, Porcelli SA, Bonmassar E. Influence of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guérin on in vitro induction of CD1 molecules in human adherent mononuclear cells. Infect Immun 2001; 69:7461-70. [PMID: 11705921 PMCID: PMC98835 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.12.7461-7470.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonpeptide antigens (including glycolipids of microbial origin) can be presented to T cells by CD1 molecules expressed on monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These HLA unrestricted responses appear to play a role in host immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria. It is known that vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has limited efficacy in many clinical settings, although the reasons for its inadequacy remain unclear. Here we have investigated the influence of BCG on the induction of CD1b on human monocytes by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is believed to be the principal inducer of this antigen-presenting molecule. Although BCG alone led to a slight induction of CD1b expression, this agent reduced markedly the ability of GM-CSF to induce high levels of CD1b that were typically observed in uninfected cells. Inhibition of CD1b expression in BCG-infected monocytes was apparent at both the mRNA transcript and CD1b protein levels. Down-regulation of CD1b expression by BCG was mediated, at least in part, by one or more soluble factors and could not be reversed with high concentrations of GM-CSF or a variety of other cytokines. The present results suggest that BCG could diminish the efficiency of CD1-restricted T-cell responses against nonpeptide mycobacterial antigens by reducing CD1 expression on antigen-presenting cells. These findings have potential implications for understanding the nature of the immune response elicited by BCG in humans and suggest potential strategies that could be important for the development of better vaccines for the prevention of tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giuliani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
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Correale P, Sabatino M, Cusi MG, Micheli L, Nencini C, Pozzessere D, Petrioli R, Aquino A, De Vecchis L, Turriziani M, Prete SP, Sanguedolce R, Rausa L, Giorgi G, Francini G. In vitro generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes against HLA-A2.1-restricted peptides derived from human thymidylate synthase. J Chemother 2001; 13:519-26. [PMID: 11760216 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2001.13.5.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine antimetabolite active against colorectal carcinoma and other malignancies of the digestive tract. Over-expression or mutation of thymidylate synthase (TS), the target enzyme of the 5-FU metabolite, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, is strictly correlated with cancer cell resistance to 5-FU. On this basis we investigated whether TS is a potential target for active specific immunotherapy of human colon carcinoma, which acquires resistance to 5-FU. Three TS-derived epitope peptides which fit defined amino acid consensus motifs for HLA-A2.1 binding were synthesized and investigated for their ability to induce human TS-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses in vitro. CTL lines specific for each peptide were established by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from an HLA-A2.1+ healthy donor with autologous dendritic cells loaded with TS peptide. Specific CTL lines showed HLA-A2.1-restricted cytotoxicity in vitro to HLA-A2.1+ target cells pulsed with the specific TS peptide and to HLA-class I matching colon carcinoma target cells over-expressing TS enzyme after exposure to 5-FU. Recognition by CTL lines suggests that these TS peptides may be potential candidates for use in a peptide-based vaccine against 5-FU resistant colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Correale
- Oncopharmacology Center, School of Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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Abstract
The foot postures of 39 subjects were evaluated for excessive pronation by means of six static weightbearing and five nonweightbearing measurements, and two types of footprint indexes. Visual evidence of windlass function was recorded by video. Chi-square analysis revealed that excessive pronation does not affect the establishment of the windlass mechanism. The position of the forefoot relative to the rearfoot, subtalar joint axis position, and navicular drift/foot length ratio were significantly associated with dynamic windlass function. These results suggest that selected static measurements may have value in predicting some aspects of dynamic foot function during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Podiatry, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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