Attacking effect of diabetes mellitus and chronic neurogenic pain on malignant process:Are mitochondria of the heart damaged?

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Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the mechanisms for the development of heart disease that requires close study. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in such patients due to the development of heart failure. Chronic pain may be associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and little is known about its potential biological consequences. The purpose of this study was to analyze parameters of free radical oxidation and mitochondrial respiration in heart cells in experimental animals with malignant tumors growing in presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic neurogenic pain. Methods: The study included outbred female rats (n = 32) weighing 180-220 g and C57BL/6 female mice (n = 84) weighing 21-22 g. Experimental groups of rats were: intact animals (n = 8), controls (n = 8) with DM, comparison group (n = 8) with subcutaneously inoculated Guerin’s carcinoma, and main group (n = 8) with Guerin’s carcinoma subcutaneously inoculated after 1 week of persistent hypothyroidism. Experimental groups of mice were: intact animals (n = 21), controls (n = 21) with a model of chronic neurogenic pain (CNP) created by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation, comparison group (n = 21) with subcutaneously inoculated melanoma (B16/F10), and main group (n = 21) with melanoma subcutaneously inoculated 3 weeks after the CNP model was created (CNP+B16/F10). Heart mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation. Levels of cytochrome C (ng/g of protein), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) (ng/g of protein), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (nM/g of protein) were measured in mitochondrial samples by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 program. Results: DM in rats upregulated 8-OHdG by 6.3 times and MDA by 1.9 times (p < 0.05) and downregulated cytochrome C by 1.5 times (p < 0.05) in heart cell mitochondria, compared to intact values. DM+Guerin’s carcinoma in rats increased 8-OHdG by 14.0 times and MDA by 1.7 times (p < 0.05) and decreased cytochrome C by 1.5 times (p < 0.05), compared to intact values. CNP in mice did not affect the studied parameters in mitochondria of the heart. CNP+B16/F10 in mice increased 8-OHdG by 7.1 times and MDA by 1.6 times (p < 0.05) and decreased cytochrome C by 1.6 times (p < 0.05) in heart cell mitochondria. Conclusions: Comorbidity (diabetes mellitus, chronic neurogenic pain) together with malignant pathology aggravates mitochondrial dysfunction of heart cells which results in DNA damage and destabilization of the respiratory chain mediated by free radical oxidation processes.

Whose mitochondria are more stable, male or female ones? Response of neurosteroid status of mitochondria of cerebral cortex cells to melanoma development in presense of chronic pain

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Background: Gender differences in brain physiology and gender differences in pathology are usually recognized, but often are disregarded in clinical and experimental studies, resulting in numerous inaccuracies in data interpretation. The purpose of this study was to analyze levels of neurosteroid hormones in mitochondria of the cerebral cortex cells in C57BL/6 mice with subcutaneous B16/F10 melanoma growing in presence of chronic neurogenic pain (CNP). Methods: The study included male and female C57BL/6 mice (n = 336) aged 8 weeks initially weighing 21-22 g. Experimental groups were: intact animals; controls with a CNP model created by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation; comparison group 3 weeks after subcutaneous inoculation of 0.5 ml suspension of B16/F10 melanoma cells diluted 1:10; main group 3 weeks after subcutaneous melanoma growth in presence of CNP (CNP+B16/F10). Levels of estradiol (pg/g protein), estrone (pg/g protein) (DBC, Canada); progesterone (ng/g protein), total and free testosterone (pg/g protein) (XEMA, Russia) were measured in mitochondrial samples by ELISA (Tecan Infinite F50 analyzer, Austria). Results: Levels of estradiol in intact females were 3.1 times higher than in males, while estrone, progesterone, total and free testosterone were lower by 6.4, 2.7, 2.0 and 2.5 times, respectively. Only in females with CNP estradiol decreased by 3.4 times, compared to intact values, and estrone increased by 1.7 times (p<0.05), testosterone by 3.9 times. Estradiol in animals with B16/F10 decreased compared with intact values by 3.1 times in females and by 1.5 times in males (p<0.05). Females with B16/F10 showed the highest levels of progesterone exceeding intact values by 3.1 times. In the group with CNP+B16/F10, females showed lower levels of estradiol and estrone (by 1.4 times, p<0.05) and free testosterone (by 1.6 times, p<0.05), compared to the levels in CNP; on the opposite, males had 1.5 times (p<0.05) higher estrone and 2.9 times lower progesterone. Conclusions: Low levels of estradiol involved in the protective mechanism of neurosteroids were the dominant factor in mitochondria of cerebral cortex cells in females with CNP and malignant neoplasms. Males did not demonstrate such dominant factor. In animals with CNP+B16/F10, the response nature of cerebral cortex mitochondria changed: all defense mechanisms in the brain of females were suppressed by the 3rd week of tumor development in presence of pain. In males, mitochondria of cerebral cortex cells were more resistant to the influence of two pathologies, and only few changes in the neurosteroid status were recorded.

Integral effects of xenon: Inhibition of postovariectomy syndrome development in young women with cervical and breast cancers

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Background: The development of deep postovariectomy disorders in young women with cervical and breast cancers is of extreme concern. They are associated with the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of regulation, estrogen involution, a sharp depression of the psycho-emotional state, and social distancing. In fact, these postovariectomy syndrome (POES) events are associated with low-reactivity stress syndrome. Our purpose included the transition of dominant stress into archetypes of anti-stress adaptive reactions under the influence of programmable exponential dose regimens of xenon-oxygen therapy (XOT) in the early period after the removal of the female reproductive organs. Methods: 123 patients of reproductive age diagnosed with cervical cancer pT1B2N0M0 and 24 patients with hormone-positive breast cancer pT2N1M0 and concomitant gynecological pathology underwent hysterectomy with oophorectomy and developed POES. All patients received a cycle (5 procedures) of low-dose inhalation XOT. The therapy consisted in a gradual increase in the percentage of xenon in the inhaled xenon-oxygen mixture with a reciprocal decrease in exposure time, an exponential regimen in the concentration range from 12–14% to 20–24% and exposure from 25 to 10 minutes. Blood levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured by RIA (Immunotech, Czech Republic) before and after XOT. The psycho-emotional status was assessed by the generally accepted quality of life scales for cancer patients MOS-SF-36 and ESAS, the type of adaptive reactions was identified by Garkavi using the analysis of Schilling's leukogram, the severity of POES was determined by the menopausal index (MMI). Results: The POES manifestation and the dominance of acute stress were due to the inversion of hormonal metabolism - a decrease in the level of estradiol 487.3±52.4 and progesterone 1.8±0.1 relative to the initial levels 1017.9±83.4 nmol/L and 11.8±0.7 nmol/L, respectively, with an increase in FSH by 5.8 times, and LH by 2.4 times (p < 0.05). An accompanying XOT resulted in a significant MMI decrease (p < 0.05), training and calm activation reactions prevailed in 80% cases with harmonious changes in the regulation of hormonal processes and a clear regression of the acute estrogen deficiency (elevation of estradiol levels to 751.4±61.4 nmol/L and a decrease in FSH and LH by 1.5 and 2.1 times, respectively (p < 0.05)). MOS-SF-36 and ESAS assessment showed a significant decrease in pathological symptoms. Conclusions: XOT in the early postoperative period in cancer patients of the reproductive age with POES normalized their hormonal status, corrected functional disorders and improved their quality of life.

Modification of prophylactic anticoagulation regimen reduces the incidence of thrombotic complications after venous reconstruction

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Background: Surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC) with venous reconstruction is associated with a high risk of venous thrombosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the blood fibrinolytic system in the postoperative period in PC patients after venous reconstruction. Methods: The study included patients with PC (T3N0-1M0), mean age 63 years. Patients of the main group (n = 11) underwent pancreaticoduodenal or corporocaudal resection with venous reconstruction (portal and superior mesenteric veins), mesenteric cross-clamping time 7-40 minutes (average 23 minutes). Patients of the control group (n = 11) received similar surgical treatment without venous resection. All patients received postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation: standard nadroparin 0.4 ml once a day in the control group and a modified regimen of nadroparin 0.1 ml per 10 kg of body weight per day in a low bleeding risk in the main group. Levels of tPA, uPA, PAI-1 and suPAR, and tPA-act, uPA-act, and PAI-1-act activity were determined in the blood plasma by ELISA (Technoclone, Austria; R&D Systems, USA) on days 1-3, 5-7 and 8-14 after surgery. Results: No thrombotic complications were registered in the main group during the 30-day observation period, while 2 patients (18.2%) in the control group were diagnosed with distal venous thrombosis on days 10-14. The frequency of hemorrhagic complications was similar in both groups (9.1% vs 9.1%). Levels of PAI-1 decreased by 2.4 times in both groups on days 1-3 after surgery, tPA increased by 1.7 times (p < 0.01), and tPA-act increased in the main group by 2.9 times. On days 5-7, no changes were registered in the control group, while patients of the main group showed decreased tPA-act by 3.2 times and elevated suPAR and PAI-1 by 2.2 times (p < 0.01) and PAI-1-act by 3.6 times. However, levels of PAI-1-act decreased by 2.2 times (p < 0.01) in the main group on days 8-14, and in control group PAI-1 increased by 2.4 times (р < 0.05). Thus, patients in the main group had 2.4 times higher levels of tPA on days 1-3, compared to the control group, and higher suPAR on days 5-7 (by 1.8 times, p < 0.01), PAI-1 and PAI-1-act by 2.0 times (p < 0.01), and higher tPA (by 4.4 times) on days 8-14. Conclusions: The proposed scheme of prophylactic anticoagulation showed its efficacy and safety. It activated fibrinolysis 1-3 days after surgery. Further on, we could observe signs of enhanced prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory state despite the ongoing anticoagulant therapy, which, however, was not manifested by thrombotic complications. Levels of tPA increased significantly by days 8-14 after venous reconstruction and intestinal ischemia, while inhibitor levels remained high, which can be considered a change in the balance towards activation of fibrinolysis and enhancement of anti-inflammatory processes.

Mitochondrial therapy can inhibit melanoma development

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Background: Mitochondria of tumor cells undergo adaptive changes for even more active reproduction of tumor cells in the acidic and hypoxic microenvironment of tumor tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antitumor effect of mitochondrial therapy in BALB/c Nude mice of both genders with B16/F10 melanoma growth. Methods: Male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) BALB/c Nude mice were injected subcutaneously with 0.5 ml of a suspension of B16/F10 mouse melanoma tumor cells in saline at a dilution of 1:20. Mitochondria (MC) were isolated from rat liver. 24 hours after subcutaneous transplantation of B16/F10 melanoma, mice were intraperitoneally injected with freshly isolated mitochondria (3.3 mg of protein per animal in 0.3 ml of saline). Further, mitochondrial therapy (MC therapy) was carried out according to the scheme on days 3, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21. Male BALB/c Nude mice with subcutaneous inoculation of B16/F10 melanoma receiving intraperitoneal injections with 0.3 ml of saline served as controls. Results: Subcutaneous tumors in mice of both genders could be determined on the 5th day from the moment of tumor transplantation. In males, the regressive effect of MC therapy was recorded from the 8th day of tumor growth. The average tumor volume in males with MC therapy on day 8 was 3.0 times less than in the control group. On days 12 and 15, the regressive difference in tumor volumes between the groups was 1.8 times (p < 0.05) (MC therapy). On day 19, a slower tumor growth was recorded in the group with MC therapy, where the tumor volume was 2 times lower compared to the control volumes. At the end of the experiment on day 22, the difference in the average tumor volumes was 3.2 times, i.e. a significant inhibition of tumor growth was determined in males treated with MC therapy. A sizeable tumor node in females treated with MC therapy formed longer than in males, remaining as a flat tumor spot for up to 8 days. The inhibition of the growth of a large tumor node was determined on day 12 of melanoma growth, and the difference with the control values was 1.8 times (p < 0.05). On day 15, the tumor volumes in females with MC therapy decreased by 2.2 times compared with the control values, on day 19 - by 2.1 times. As a result, by the end of the experiment (day 22), the difference with the control group was 2.7 times. Conclusions: MC therapy inhibits the growth of B16/F10 melanoma in male and female BALB/c Nude mice. Formation of a sizeable tumor node and the start the tumor growth inhibition differs in time depending on the gender of experimental animals.

Sex dependence of hypothyroidism on malignant tumor growth

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Background: Experimental data showed proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) on cancer cells which regulate gene expression and stimulate estrogen-like effects. The purpose of the study was to analyze effects of hypothyroidism on the development of malignant tumors in male and female rats. Methods: Female (n = 15) and male (n = 15) white outbred rats weighing 150 g and more received mercazolil (2.5 mg/100 g of weight) daily for 30 days (total dose of 75 mg/100 g of weight). Blood levels of T3, T4 and TSH were measured in all animals. When persistent hypothyroidism was observed, Guerin's carcinoma (GC, group 1) and sarcoma 45 (S45, group 2) were inoculated at a dose of 2 million cells in 0.5 ml of saline under the skin of the back to animals of both genders. The control group included rats of both genders with subcutaneous inoculation of Guerin's carcinoma and sarcoma-45 in the same dosage and volume but without preliminary reproduction of the hypothyroidism model. Results: Average tumor volumes in females with GC and hypothyroidism were less than in animals of the control group: after 4 days by 1.3 times (p < 0.05), after 7 and 10 days by 1.4 times (p < 0.05), after 14 days by 1.5 times (p < 0.05), after 18 days by 1.3 times (p < 0.05), and after 21 days by 1.4 times (p < 0.05). The survival of female rats in the main group was 1.6 times higher (p < 0.05) than in rats of the control group. Average tumor volumes in females with S45 and hypothyroidism were less than in animals of the control group: after 4 days by 1.4 times (p < 0.05), after 7 and 10 days by 1.6 and 3.2 times (p < 0.05), after 14 days by 3.9 times, and after 18 days by 4.8 times. The survival of female rats in the main group was 1.8 times higher (p < 0.05) than in rats of the control group. Average tumor volumes in males of the main group with GC and hypothyroidism after 18 and 21 days were similar to the values in animals of the control group. Their survival did not differ from the survival of control males. Average tumor volumes in males of the main group with S45 and hypothyroidism after 10 and 21 days were similar to the values in animals of the control group. Their survival did not differ from the survival of control males. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism in female rats with GC and S45 inhibited the growth of malignant tumors and improved the survival of animals, while in males no such inhibiting effect was observed.

Melanoma: Morphological essays of energetic tumor death under the influence of live mitochondria

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Background: Global trials form a new mitochondrial paradigm for suppressing the growth of malignant tumors. The unique role of mitochondria (MC) in the processes of metabolism, proliferation, and cell death was proven by the establishment of signaling pathways and critical conditions for the self-organization and degradation of MC. There are still many unsolved problems in the development of a new strategy, including the absence of an integral picture of morphological changes in the tumor under the influence of mitochondrial therapy (MCT), and this determined the purpose of the study. Methods: The study included male and female Balb/c Nude mice weighing 21-22 g. B16/F10 melanoma was transplanted to mice subcutaneously, and suspension of live liver MC was injected intraperitoneally. MC were isolated by differential centrifugation (Avanti J-E high-speed centrifuge, BECKMAN COULTER, USA). After an MCT cycle, the melanoma structure was examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining and light microscopy (LEICA DM LS2). Results: Control samples of melanoma (without MCT) showed abundant vascularization with dense growth of epithelial-like cells with branched cytoplasm, an eccentric nucleus and a moderate content of melanin pigment. Massive hypoxic death, autolysis and autoxidation of tumor cells were registered in male mice after MCT, as well as matrix hyalinosis, pronounced subcutaneous tissue edema with segregation and necrotization of fat accumulations. The formation of a large cavity filled with detritus indicated signs of total tumor necrosis and ischemia. The accumulation of hyperchromic granules indicated the activation of granulocytic and phagocytic elements in the mechanism of tumor regression. Female mice showed rare small areas of necrosis, as well as pronounced fragmentation of nuclei and cytoplasm of cells in most fields of view induced by bioenergetic hypoxia, with the formation of apoptotic bodies. Along the edge of the cells subjected to autophagocytosis, melanin accumulated as it left the cells and accumulated as large granules, while small ones filled the space of the vessels. The process of melanoma regression was confirmed by a significant increase in free fibrous areas, where only faint cell shadows remained. Conclusions: The initial state of melanoma degrades under the influence of MCT inducing bioenergetic hypoxia in male and female Balb/c Nude mice in different ways. Gender, in fact, hormonal differences determine the dominance of different ways of cell death, necrosis (in males) and apoptosis (in females), while maintaining the MCT access to the processes of preventing tumor growth.

Mechanisms of thrombosis pathogenesis and prevention vary in patients with ovarian and endometrial cancers

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Background: Thrombosis in patients with gynecologic cancers worsens the outcome of antitumor treatment and is one of the leading causes of their death. The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is involved in both the regulation of thrombus formation and the development of cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics of the KKS components in the blood in patients with endometrial cancer (EM) and ovarian cancer (OC) with and without secondary thrombosis (VTEC). Methods: The study included 39 patients, mean age 58.0±4.2 years: main groups – patients with OC T1c-3cN0M0 (n = 10) or EC T1a-2N0M0 (n = 9) with VTEC; comparison groups - patients with OC (n = 10) or EC (n = 10) without VTEC. EC was represented by adenocarcinomas (G1-G3), OC by serous carcinomas (90%) and clear cell adenocarcinomas (10%). The control group included healthy women of the corresponding age (n = 10). Blood levels of kallikrein 1 (K1), kallikrein 14 (K14), and kininogen (KG) were measured by ELISA after the surgery. Results: EC patients with VTEC showed 1.5 times (p < 0.05) higher blood levels of K1, compared to donors, while other indices were unchanged. EC patients without VTEC had 4 times lower KG levels, compared to donors and EC+VTEC. In OC, regardless of the presence or absence of VTEC, levels of K1 in the blood increased, as well as in women with EC+VTEC, by 1.5 times (p < 0.05) compared with donors, which was combined with a twofold increase in KG in OC+VTEC and a decrease in KG by 1.4 times in OC patients without VTEC. Blood levels of K14 increased only in OC patients without VTEC by an average of 1.9 times (p < 0.05) compared with donors and OC+VTEC. Conclusions: The revealed changes in some KKS components in the blood demonstrate the similarity (K1 increase) and differences (KG increase only in OC) in the pathogenesis of thrombosis associated with gynecologic cancers. The mechanisms of protection against VTEC in the early postoperative period also showed common (KG decrease) and specific features associated with the characteristics of cancer (K14increase only in OC). The development of therapy aimed at correcting the identified disorders will allow an antitumor treatment program for this category of patients with maximum efficiency improving their quality of life and survival.

Chronic neurogenic pain inducing chemiluminescence of mitochondrial associates in cardiomyocytes

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Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is has a significant impact on the development of heart disease and is a characteristic feature of the heart physiopathology. Our purpose was to analyze some mechanisms of apoptosis regulation and self-organization in the mitochondria of the heart cells in mice with melanoma growing in presence of chronic neurogenic pain (CNP). Methods: The study included female C57BL/6 mice (n = 105) divided into groups: intact animals (n = 21); controls (C, n = 21) with a CNP model created by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation under xylazine/zoletil anesthesia; main group (CNP+B16/F10, n = 63) with B16/F10 melanoma transplanted after CNP creation. After decapitation, mitochondria of the heart were isolated by differential centrifugation. Levels of cytochrome C (ng/mg of protein), caspase 9 (ng/mg of protein), Bcl-2 (ng/mg of protein), AIF (ng/mg of protein), Ca2+ (mmol/g of protein) were determined in mitochondrial samples by ELISA. Results: CNP downregulated levels of Ca2+ by 3.2 times, Bcl-2 by 1.3 times (p < 0.05) and caspase 9 by 1.5 times (p < 0.05), compared to intact mice. AIF levels, on the contrary, were elevated by 2.3 times, and cytochrome C did not differed statistically significantly from intact values. After a week of B16/F10 growth in presence of CNP, levels of Ca2+ in the mitochondria of the heart increased by 5.3 times relative to C values. Further on, Ca2+ decreased to almost undetectable values. The AIF levels changed abruptly: after 1 week it increased by 3.7 times, after 2 weeks it declined to C levels, and after 3 weeks it became 5.2 times lower than in C and 2.3 times lower than in intact animals. Bcl-2 and cytochrome C changed similarly: Bcl-2 after 1 week of melanoma growth in presence of CNP increased 1.7 times (p < 0.05) compared to C, and then after 2-3 weeks it declined and became on average 2.2 times lower than in the mitochondria of the C group; levels of cytochrome C after 1 week did not differed significantly from the values in C, and after 2-3 weeks they decreased by 2.2 times. The levels of caspase 9 in CNP+B16/F10 were on average 2.4 times higher than C values throughout the study. The cold light of high brightness - chemiluminescence was recorded in samples of mitochondrial suspension after 2-3 weeks of CNP+B16/F10. The glow in heart mitochondrial samples was accompanied by bright flashes and a 10-15 second intense white glow with a gradual fading and settling of a large filamentous aggregation of mitochondria on the substrate layer. CNP contributed to the energy supply system blocking in the energy systems of cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: Mitochondrial mechanisms of apoptosis and self-organization of subcellular energy structures in the conditions of malignant tumor growth in presence of CNP are mediated by disruption of polyenzymatic apoptosis regulation systems, and a high level of oxidative stress that induces chemiluminescence of cardiomyocyte mitochondrial associates.

Method to Create Multiple Primary Malignant Neoplasms with Stimulation of Tumor Growth under Conditions of Primary Immunodeficiency in Experiment

The experimental model of synchronous multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMT) was created. B16/F10 melanoma (0.5 ml of suspension diluted 1:20 in saline) and sarcoma 45 (0.5 million tumor cells in 0.5 ml saline) were simultaneously subcutaneously inoculated to male BALB/c nude mice. In the model of synchronous MPMT, the tumors appeared faster by 2.4 times and had greater volumes: melanoma by 2.2 times and sarcoma by 3.2 times; melanoma metastasized into sarcoma in 71.4% cases; the survival of mice with MPMT was lower. The altered dynamics of malignant growth in the MPMT model is based on the mutual influence of tumors, which results in the exchange of "structural information".

DNA damage in circulating leukocytes measured with the comet assay may predict the risk of death

The comet assay or single cell gel electrophoresis, is the most common method used to measure strand breaks and a variety of other DNA lesions in human populations. To estimate the risk of overall mortality, mortality by cause, and cancer incidence associated to DNA damage, a cohort of 2,403 healthy individuals (25,978 person-years) screened in 16 laboratories using the comet assay between 1996 and 2016 was followed-up. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a worse overall survival in the medium and high tertile of DNA damage (p < 0.001). The effect of DNA damage on survival was modelled according to Cox proportional hazard regression model. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.42 (1.06–1.90) for overall mortality, and 1.94 (1.04–3.59) for diseases of the circulatory system in subjects with the highest tertile of DNA damage. The findings of this study provide epidemiological evidence encouraging the implementation of the comet assay in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases.

Experimental Modeling of Multiple Primary Malignant Processes with One Tumor Suppressed by Another under Conditions of Primary Immunodeficiency

The phenomenon of multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMT) is characterized by the presence of several primary neoplasms in the same patient. An experimental model of MPMT with one dominating tumor was developed. Female BALB/c nude mice received simultaneous subcutaneous inoculation of Guerin's carcinoma (5×10⁵ tumor cells in 0.5 ml saline) and B16/F10 melanoma (0.5 ml suspension diluted 1:20 with saline). Control females received transplantation of either melanoma or carcinoma alone in the same doses and volumes. In animals with MPMT model, tumors appeared 3-fold faster than after isolated transplantation of melanoma or Guerin's carcinoma and were larger by 7.5 and 2.2 times, respectively; the survival of mice with MPMT was lower. Guerin's carcinoma in the MPMT model metastasized to melanoma and almost completely suppressed its growth. Thus, a MPMT model was created with carcinoma suppressing the malignant growth of melanoma.

Comorbidity affects Вcl-2 levels in mitochondria in C57BL/6 mice with transplantable B16/F10 melanoma

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Background: Overexpression of the Bcl-2 protein inhibits apoptosis and promotes carcinogenesis. Stress causes signaling leading to cell buffering with Bcl-2 protein above acceptable levels. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence of comorbidity – chronic neurogenic pain (CNP) – on the Bcl-2 levels in mitochondria of cells of melanoma, the heart, skin and brain in female mice with growing tumors. Methods: Female С57ВL/6 mice were divided into groups: intact group (n = 21); control group with a CNP model – bilateral sciatic nerve ligation (n = 21); group M – B16/F10 melanoma (n = 63); CNP+M group – B16/F10 melanoma was transplanted 3 weeks after the CNP model creation (n = 63). The concentration of Bcl-2 (ng/mg of protein) was determined in mitochondrial samples by ELISA (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Austria). Statictical analysis of results: Statistica 10.0. Results: CNP decreased the Bcl-2 level in heart mitochondria by 1.3 times (p < 0.05), but increased it in skin and brain mitochondria by 5.8 and 1.3 times, respectively. Similar changes were observed in melanoma growth 1 week after its transplantation: Bcl-2 levels decreased in heart mitochondria by 1.3 times, and increased in the skin and brain by 8.9 and 1.3 times, respectively. After 2 weeks of the tumor growth, Bcl-2 in brain mitochondria decreased by 1.7 times, and it started declining in the skin by the 3rd week – by 4 times, compared to intact females. Bcl-2 in tumor mitochondria exceeded the values in the skin by more than 4 times throughout the experiment. Tumor growth in presence of CNP caused a decrease in Bcl-2 in brain mitochondria by 2.4 times after 3 weeks, and in the heart and skin – by 2 and 1.7 times, respectively, after 2 weeks. Bcl-2 in tumor mitochondria in presence of CNP was lower than in the intact skin on average by 1.8 times throughout the experiment. Conclusions: CNP as a comorbidity caused a modulating effect on the mechanisms of survival and apoptosis of cells both in the tumor and in the main organs providing the vital functions of the body - the brain and heart, and also affects the target organ of melanoma - the skin. The results demonstrated the ability of comorbidity to change levels of Bcl-2 in mitochondria depending on the stage of tumor development.

Organic iodine-based preparation inhibits growth of B16/F10 melanoma in C57BL6 mice with thyroid disorders

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Background: The thyroid gland is the most important regulator of the body's response to stressful influences, including malignant growth. Iodine is a constituent of thyroid hormones, and it plays an important role in anti-tumor protection. The purpose of the study was to analyze the levels of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland of male and female mice with B16/F10 melanoma, as well as the effect of an organic iodine-based preparation on the survival of animals with transplanted melanoma. Methods: Levels of total (T3, T4) and free (FT3, FT4) thyroid hormones were measured by RIA in the thyroid of male and female С57ВL/6 mice (n = 80) with transplantable B16/F10 melanoma. The effect of an organic iodine-based preparation on the dynamics of the melanoma growth was studied in the main group of animals (n = 42) receiving per os 1,3-diethylbenzimidazolium triiodide in a single dose of 0.4 mg/kg throughout the experiment; the control group (n = 20) received distilled water. The tumor volume and survival of mice were measured. Results: The lowT3/lowT4 syndrome developed in females with transplantable B16/F10 melanoma starting from week 2 of the experiment, diagnosed by decreasing levels of FТ3 and FТ4 by 3 times and lower and normal levels of T3 and T4. In males, melanoma growth caused the thyroid hypofunction expressed in a decrease in the levels of T3 and T4 by 2 times, and FT3 and FT4 by 1.5 times. The latent period prior to the tumor onset was 10-12 days in females and 5-7 days in males. The survival of females was 5-6 weeks, males – 3-4 weeks. The administration of the organic iodine-based preparation extended the latent period in females up to 14-18 days, in males up to 10-14 days; the survival of females increased by 1.8 times, males by 1.5 times. 9% of females in the main group showed complete tumor resorption without relapses throughout their lives. Conclusions: The growth of transplantable B16/F10 melanoma in male and female С57ВL/6 mice was accompanied by suppression of the thyroid function with the development of uncontrolled hypothyroidism in males and the lowT3/lowT4 syndrome in females, which correlates with the survival of animals.

Neurotrophins in the brain of C57BL/6-Plautm1.1BugThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu mice with B16/F10 melanoma growing with comorbid pathology

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Background: 10% of cancer patients have comorbidities accompanied by chronic pain. Neurotrophins and fibrinolytic system are involved in carcinogenesis and pain pathogenesis. The purpose of the study was to measure levels of neurotrophins in white matter of the brain of urokinase-deficient (uPA–) mice with B16/F10 melanoma growing in presence of chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). Methods: The study included female mice С57ВL/6 (normal genome uPA+, n = 40) and C57BL/6-Plautm1.1BugThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu (urokinase gene-knockout uPA–, n = 28) with B16/F10 melanoma (M) implanted subcutaneously 2 weeks after bilateral sciatic nerve ligation (CNP model). Intact mice (I) were controls. Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, nerve growth factor NGF-β and neurotrophins 3 and 4 (NT3, NT4) were measured by ELISA in white matter of the brain after 3 weeks of tumor growth in presence of CNP. Results: Tumor volume in (uPA–) females by week 3 of carcinogenesis was 0.04 cm3, which was 70 times smaller than in (uPA+) females. Tumor volume in (uPA–) females with CNP was 5.76 cm3, which was 144 times larger than in (uPA–) females without CNP, and in (uPA+) females – 2.5 cm3. The brain of I (uPA–) showed higher levels of NT3 (by 1.3 times, p < 0.05), NT4 (by 2.6 times) and NGF-β (by 1.9 times, p < 0.05) and lower BDNF (by 1.7 times, p < 0.05), compared to I (uPA+). Both strains of mice with M or CNP demonstrated decreased levels of NGF-β, more pronounced in animals with a combination of these factors. (uPA–) females with CNP+M showed a decrease of NT3 and BDNF by 2 times, with NGF-β 2.2 times higher than in (uPA+) mice. Conclusions: The study revealed underlying differences in levels of neurotrophins in the brain of (uPA–) females which could contribute to the creation of conditions for the inhibition of tumor growth. Changes in the levels of NGF-β in mice with melanoma or CNP were nonspecific. Changes in the BDNF, NT3 and NGF-β balance in the brain of (uPA–) mice may be part of the mechanism of greater stimulation of melanoma growth under the influence of CNP.

Aminergic status in the brain of urokinase gene-deficient mice with malignant tumors growing in presence of chronic neurogenic pain

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Background: The fibrinolytic system of the brain is important for its normal functioning and participation in processes that are significant in various stressful influences, including tumor growth and chronic neurogenic pain (CNP). These pathological conditions change the activity of the brain neurotransmitter system. On the other hand, urokinase deficiency is associated with significant inhibition of tumor growth, while CNP – with its stimulation. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of CNP on the levels of biogenic amines in the brain of mice with urokinase deficiency (uPA-/-) with transplanted B16/F10 melanoma. Methods: The study included male and female mice: С57ВL/6 (uPA+/+, n = 48) and C57BL/6-Plautm1.1Bug-ThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu (urokinase gene-knockout - uPA-/-, n = 48). Mouse strains were divided into subgroups (each n = 6): intact; with CNP (bilateral sciatic nerve ligation); 21 days after subcutaneous transplantation of B16/F10 melanoma; 21 days of B16/F10 melanoma growth in presence of CNP (B16/F10+CNP), with tumor transplantation 2 weeks after the sciatic nerve ligation. Levels of adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), histamine, serotonin (5HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5OHIA) were determined in the brain by ELISA (Cusabio, China). Statistical processing - Statistica 10.0. Results: Levels of NA, DA and 5HT in the brain of intact uPA-/- mice were 3.5, 2.1 and 1.9 times higher (p < 0.05), respectively, than in intact uPA+/+ animals, while histamine and 5OHIA were on average 2.0 times lower. The dynamics of cerebral levels of biogenic amines in uPA-/- mice with pathological factors, alone or combined, had practically no gender specificity, with rare exceptions. So, 5HT levels increased up to 4.5 times in uPA-/- mice of both sexes in response to CNP or B16/F10 growth. Melanoma growth in presence of CNP, on the contrary, decreased 5HT by 3-10 times and DA by 1.6 times (p < 0.05) both in males and females, and decreased NA by 1.6 times (p < 0.05) in females. Conclusions: CNP together with melanoma inhibits the initial activation of the HA-, DA- and 5HT-ergic systems in the brain of uPA-/- mice, which may be an important pathogenetic mechanism of the cancellation of genetically determined inhibition of subcutaneous B16/F10 melanoma growth in urokinase deficiency.

Comorbidity: Chronic neurogenic pain affects malignant growth and changes balance of neurosteroids in brain of rats

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Background: Sex steroids in the brain regulate neurogenesis and the body's response to stress. Chronic neurogenic pain (CNP) and the tumor growth are stress factors that often accompany each other. The purpose of the study was to analyze levels of sex steroid hormones in white matter of the brain of rats with tumor development in presence of CNP. Methods: The study included white outbred male rats (n = 74). In the main groups, a CNP model was created by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation, and after 45 days, M1 sarcoma was transplanted subcutaneously (n = 11) or into the subclavian vein (n = 11). Two comparison groups (each n = 13) included sham operated animals with M1 sarcoma transplanted subcutaneously or into the subclavian vein. Control groups (each n = 13) included animals with CNP or sham operated rats. Levels of testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone (P4) were measured by ELISA (Cusabio, China) in the brain tissues obtained on day 21 of the tumor growth. Results: Tumors transplanted subcutaneously with and without CNP grew in 100% of animals. Tumor volumes were 1.5 times (p<0.05) greater in animals with CNP, compared with rats without CNP, while the survival in the groups was similar. Levels of all studied hormones, except for E1, in the brain tissue in subcutaneous sarcoma growth were lower in presence of CNP than without it: T and E3–on average by 1.4 times (p<0.05), E2 and P4–by 3.5 times (p<0.05). In rats with intravenous transplantation of M1, tumor nodes in the lungs were registered only in rats with CNP, and the survival of animals was 36 days shorter (p<0.05) than in rats of the corresponding control group. Such specificity of selective neoplastic growth in the pulmonary tissue was combined with lower cerebral T and E3 levels than in the corresponding control–on average by 1.4 times (p<0.05), E2–by 7.2 times, and higher levels of E1–by 1.3 (p<0.05) and P4–by 2.0 times, compared to animals which did not develop the neoplastic process in the lungs without pain. Conclusions: The presence of CNP stimulates the growth of M1 sarcoma in standard subcutaneous inoculation and allows the development of tumors in the lung in intravenous inoculation. The specificity of malignant growth in presence of CNP is accompanied by changes in the brain levels of neurosteroids in rats.

Suppression of tumor development by another tumor in primary immunodeficiency in experiment

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Background: Multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMTs) are characterized by the presence of several primary neoplasms in one patient. The purpose of the study was to create an experimental model of MPMTs with one dominating tumor. Methods: The study included 21 female BALB/c Nude mice. The main group included mice with simultaneous subcutaneous inoculation of tumors: Guerin's carcinoma (0.5 million tumor cells in 0.5 ml of saline solution) under the right scapula and B16/F10 melanoma (0.5 ml of suspension diluted 1:20 in saline solution) under the left scapula. Control groups included females with melanoma or carcinoma inoculated at the same dosage and volume as in the main group. Results: In a MPMT model, tumors appeared 3 times faster than in controls and demonstrated larger volumes: melanoma – by 7.5 times, carcinoma – by 2.2 times; the survival of mice with MPMTs decreased. Carcinoma in a MPMT model metastasized to melanoma and almost completely suppressed its growth. Melanoma was represented by a small “island” of tumor tissue 3-4 mm in diameter and was located just under the skin at the site of injection of melanoma cells. The light part of the same loose pasty consistency as the dark part, with a diameter of 6-7 mm, was located around the dark “center” of melanoma. The rest part of the tumor located under the left scapula looked like an elongated grayish-pink node of a dense elastic consistency - just like the tumor located under the right scapula, which was much larger in volume. The right and left tumors did not merge with each other; there was a small distance of about 2-3 mm between them. A small lesion of caseous necrosis, 6–7 mm in diameter, was recorded in the center of the right tumor node of Guerin's carcinoma; there was no necrosis in the left tumor. Smaller size, the absence of necrosis and visually more “young” carcinoma tissue on the left indicated its later appearance than that on the right, which, in combination with the remnants of melanoma fused to the left tumor and the absence of “contact” between the left tumor and the right one, indicated the metastatic nature of Guerin’s carcinoma on the left. B16/F10 melanoma did not metastasize. Conclusions: In simultaneous subcutaneous inoculation of murine B16/F10 melanoma and rat Guerin’s carcinoma to female BALB/c Nude mice, carcinoma cells metastasized to melanoma and suppressed its growth.

Simultaneous stimulation of growth of malignant tumors with epithelioid and sarcomatous nature in experiment

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Background: The relevance of studying multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMTs) is determined by poor understanding of their pathogenesis. Our purpose was to create an experimental model of synchronous MPMTs with the stimulation of malignant growth of tumors with different histostructure. Methods: The study included 20 male BALB/c Nude mice. The main group included mice with simultaneous subcutaneous inoculation of tumors: murine B16/F10 melanoma (0.5 ml of suspension diluted 1:20 in saline solution) below the left scapula and rat sarcoma 45 (0.5 million tumor cells in 0.5 ml of saline solution) below the right scapula. Control groups included males with melanoma or sarcoma inoculated at the same dosage and volume as in the main group. Results: In the model of synchronous MPMTs, tumors appeared faster than in controls: melanoma–by 3 times, sarcoma–by 2 times; their volume was larger: melanoma–by 2.2 times, sarcoma–by 3.2 times. Melanoma metastasized, in addition to typical sites (the lungs, spleen, liver), into sarcoma 45 to the side adjacent to the chest, under the tumor node. The survival of mice with MPMTs was lower. The morphological structure of melanoma metastasis into sarcoma 45 was represented by large lamellar-rounded epithelium-like cells of melanosarcoma type with transparent cytoplasm and nuclei with a high frequency of pathological mitosis figures. Bundles of elongated spindle-shaped melanocytes with processes of the cytoplasm were determined in some melanoma areas, as well as alveolar and concentric structures. Conclusions: Synchronous subcutaneous inoculation of murine B16/F10 melanoma and rat sarcoma 45 to male BALB/c Nude mice increases their malignant potential due to an exchange of “structural information"; as a result, sarcoma acquires impulses of proliferative activity of melanoma, which, in turn, adapts and “mimics” a tumor into which it is going to metastasize.

Ensuring the most effective strategy for cancer treatment of patients with brain tumors

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Background: The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in the total activity of trypsin-like proteinases (TLPs) in the blood plasma in patients with brain tumors for the preoperative differential diagnosis of benign, primary and secondary malignant brain tumors. Methods: TLPs were measured in 164 patients with brain tumors. The blood had been collected from the patients in a standard plastic tube with 3.8% sodium citrate (9:1) 3 days prior to the surgery. Citrate blood was centrifuged; citrated plasma was obtained and used to determine the total TLP activity by the unified kinetic method. Results were compared with the data in donors. Results: TLP activity in 37 (22.6%) of 164 patients was within the normal range (258–402 IU/mL, on the average 333.0±27.1 IU/mL). Benign brain tumors (meningioma) were diagnosed in all 37 patients after the tumor removal and histological analysis. In 74 (45.1%) of 164 patients, TLP activity was within 1158–1626 IU/mL (on the average 1331.0±102.4 IU/mL, p < 0.05), i.e. 3.8-5.3 times higher than the norm in donors (malignancy coefficient on average 4.4±0.3 times). Primary malignant brain tumors (glioblastoma) were diagnosed in all 74 patients after the tumor removal and histological analysis. In 53 (32.3%) of 164 patients, TLP activity was within 1794–2868 IU/mL (on the average 2227.0±174.1 IU/mL, p < 0.05), i.e. 5.9-9.4 times higher than the norm in donors (malignancy coefficient on average 7.3±0.5 times). Secondary malignant brain tumors (metastases) were diagnosed in all 53 patients after the tumor removal and histological analysis. Conclusions: The specificity of the proposed method for the differential diagnosis of brain tumors was very high: for benign tumors - 97.2%, for primary malignant tumors - 98.6% and for secondary malignant tumors - 98.1%. So, TLP activity indices in the blood plasma are an informative auxiliary laboratory test that will help in clarifying and/or confirming the differential diagnosis of brain tumors.

The hCOMET project: International database comparison of results with the comet assay in human biomonitoring. Baseline frequency of DNA damage and effect of main confounders

The alkaline comet assay, or single cell gel electrophoresis, is one of the most popular methods for assessing DNA damage in human population. One of the open issues concerning this assay is the identification of those factors that can explain the large inter-individual and inter-laboratory variation. International collaborative initiatives such as the hCOMET project - a COST Action launched in 2016 - represent a valuable tool to meet this challenge. The aims of hCOMET were to establish reference values for the level of DNA damage in humans, to investigate the effect of host factors, lifestyle and exposure to genotoxic agents, and to compare different sources of assay variability. A database of 19,320 subjects was generated, pooling data from 105 studies run by 44 laboratories in 26 countries between 1999 and 2019. A mixed random effect log-linear model, in parallel with a classic meta-analysis, was applied to take into account the extensive heterogeneity of data, due to descriptor, specimen and protocol variability. As a result of this analysis interquartile intervals of DNA strand breaks (which includes alkali-labile sites) were reported for tail intensity, tail length, and tail moment (comet assay descriptors). A small variation by age was reported in some datasets, suggesting higher DNA damage in oldest age-classes, while no effect could be shown for sex or smoking habit, although the lack of data on heavy smokers has still to be considered. Finally, highly significant differences in DNA damage were found for most exposures investigated in specific studies. In conclusion, these data, which confirm that DNA damage measured by the comet assay is an excellent biomarker of exposure in several conditions, may contribute to improving the quality of study design and to the standardization of results of the comet assay in human populations.

[Influence of malignant growth and chronic neurogenic pain on neurosteroid levels in rat brain]

The aim of the study was to determine the level of sex steroid hormones in white matter of the brain of rats with tumors combined with chronic neurogenic pain (CNP), which was modeled by bilateral sciatic nerve ligation. The study included albino male rats (n=74). In the main group, M1 sarcoma was transplanted subcutaneously (n=11) or into the subclavian vein (n=11) 45 days after CNP modeling. Two comparison groups (n=13 each) included sham operated animals (without CNP) with M1 sarcoma transplanted subcutaneously and intravenously. Control groups included animals with CNP and sham operated animals. Rats were euthanized on day 21 of the carcinogenesis. Levels of total and free testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and progesterone (P4) in the brain white matter were measured using ELISA kits ("Cusabio", China). CNP caused a decrease in the total and free T by 1.5 times (p<0.05), E2 and P4 by 1.9 and 3 times, respectively, E3 by 1.6 times (p<0.05), as well as an increase in E1 by 1.4 times (p<0.05) as compared to the corresponding levels in the brain white matter of rats without CNP. CNP stimulated M1 sarcoma growth in both subcutaneous and intravenous transplantation. Regardless of the tumor site, the dynamics of total T, E2 and E3 in the brain had similar features, but the dynamics of free T, P4 and E1 differed. Thus, changes in the level of neurosteroids in the white matter of rat brain with CNP and tumor growth alone or associated with CNP are a reaction to stress.

Influence of chronic neuropathic pain on VEGFA in tumors of mice with genetically determined inhibition of tumor growth

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Background: Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) demonstrates the ability to stimulate tumor growth and neoangiogenesis. Our purpose was to study VEGFA levels in the growth of B16/F10 melanoma with CNP in mice with genetically determined inhibition of tumor growth. Methods: Females of С57ВL/6 mice (normal genome (uPA+), n = 26) and C57BL/6-Plautm1.1BugThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu mice (urokinase gene knockout (uPA–), n = 16) received subcutaneous transplantation of B16/F10 melanoma 2 weeks after bilateral sciatic nerve ligation (CNP model). After 3 weeks of carcinogenesis in CNP, tumor volumes were measured and levels of VEGFA were studied in tumors by ELISA. Results: Tumor volumes in (uPA+) females with CNP in week 3 of carcinogenesis were similar to that in (uPA+) females without CNP and were on average 2.6 cm3 (2.5 and 2.8 cm3 respectively). Tumor volumes in (uPA–) females were 0.04 cm3, i.e. 70 times lower (p < 0.001) than in (uPA+) females without CNP. Tumor volumes in (uPA–) females with CNP were 144 times higher (p < 0.001) than in (uPA–) females without CNP and were 5.76 cm3. VEGFA levels in tumors of (uPA+) females with CNP were 11.1 times higher (p < 0.001) than in (uPA+) females without CNP. VEGFA in tumors of (uPA–) females with CNP was 5.2 times higher (p < 0.001) than in (uPA–) females without CNP. Conclusions: The CNP state showed higher VEGFA concentrations in tumor tissues of female mice with normal genome and uPA-deficient females (with genetically determined inhibition of tumor growth) which may cause a larger tumor volume in (uPA–) female mice.

Diagnostic criteria of pancreatic pathology

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Background: Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors provide malignant tumors with new blood and lymphatic vessels. However, it is unknown whether their level in the blood can help to determine the tumor nature or to distinguish malignant pathology from chronic organ inflammation. The purpose of the study was to reveal the dynamics of VEGF in the blood of patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included male patients with chronic pancreatitis (n = 9), pancreatic adenocarcinoma T1-3N0-1M0 (n = 10) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors T1-3N0-1M0 (n = 12) before treatment. Healthy males (n = 21) were controls. Blood levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 were determined by ELISA using standard test systems (Cusabio, China). Results: VEGF-A in the blood of patients with pancreatic cancer increased: in adenocarcinoma by 2.6 times, in neuroendocrine tumors by 1.7 times (p < 0.05), while chronic pancreatitis was characterized with reduced VEGF-A in the blood – 2.2 times lower than in healthy people. Serum concentration of VEGF-C increased only in patients with adenocarcinoma – 1.3 times higher than the norm (p < 0.05). The amount of VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 receptors increased in the blood of patients with chronic pancreatitis (by 2.2 and 1.6 times respectively, p < 0.05) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (2.2 and 1.3 times, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The rise of VEGF-A in the blood is a sign of malignant pancreatic pathology; its combination with the accumulation of VEGF-C in the blood is a diagnostic criterion for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and a combination with an increase in VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R3 is a diagnostic criterion for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. In contrast, chronic pancreatitis is characterized by reduced VEGF-A together with the increase in both types of receptors in the blood.

Effect of urokinase gene knockout and chronic neurogenic pain on melanoma growth in the experiment

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Background: Studies have shown that the axis of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA–uPAR) has a pleiotropic effect in different stages of cancer. The purpose of the study was to reveal characteristics of the B16/F10 melanoma development in mice with the uPA gene knockout with and without chronic neurogenic pain (CNP). Methods: The study included male and female С57ВL/6 mice (n = 102) and C57BL/6-Plautm1.1BugThisPlauGFDhu/GFDhu mice with the uPA gene knockout (n = 48). B16/F10 melanoma was transplanted subcutaneously to the animals in the main groups 2 weeks after bilateral sciatic nerve ligation (CNP model). Mice with the standard melanoma transplantation were the controls. Results: The survival of uPA gene-knockout mice with melanoma was similar to that in controls and was 1.5 times (p < 0.05) longer in females than in males; the melanoma onset in these mice was observed a week earlier; the dynamics of tumor growth showed a pronounced gender dependence: in females, the tumor practically did not grow, and its volume before the death did not exceed 1.0 cm3, while in males the tumor was characterized by an active growth with two peaks of the volume increase (weeks 2 and 4); melanoma metastasized weakly - single metastases to the lungs (in females) or no metastases but with hemorrhages in the lungs and heart (in males). CNP reduced the survival of uPA gene-knockout females, similar to mice with the normal genome, but did not affect the survival of males; primary tumors in uPA gene-knockout mice emerged a few days later than in the control, but grew more intensively, with gender differences smoothed out; increased metastasis was demonstrated by the initiation of metastatic lesions of the lungs and liver in males, while hemorrhages in the lungs maintained, and by an increased number of metastases in the lungs with the appearance of lung hemorrhages in females. Conclusions: The uPA gene knockout differently changes the course of B16/F10 melanoma in male and female mice. CNP enhances the tumor growth, erasing gender differences, and activates metastasis of melanoma.

Glutathione system in the blood of gastric cancer patients with various tumor histotypes and prevalence of the disease

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Background: The role of oxidative stress in tumor growth and the multifaceted functional significance of glutathione have led to an interest in studying the components of the glutathione-dependent system in gastric cancer (GC), which occupies a leading position in cancer incidence and mortality. The aim of this work was to study the functioning of the glutathione system in the red blood cells of patients with gastric cancer in a comparative aspect depending on the histotype of the tumor and the prevalence of the disease. Methods: The study included 89 patients with GC divided into 6 groups depending on the histotype of the tumor. Separately, the results of the study were analyzed in patients with T4 status according to TNM and in patients with stage IV cancer. The content of reduced glutathione and the activity of glutathione-dependent enzymes were studied by conventional spectrophotometric methods in the red blood cells of patients. Statistical processing of the results was performed using the Statistika 6.0 program with Student’s t-test for two independent groups. Results: An increase in the content of glutathione in patients with GC compared with the group without oncopathology was revealed. The maximum increase was observed in patients with low-grade adenocarcinoma - by 42.5%, while in signet ring cell cancer (SRCC) there was only a tendency to increase by 17.8%. Glutathione reductase activity was reduced in adenocarcinoma by 23.4-26.2% and did not change in SRCC. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase was increased in all groups and especially in SRCC - by 76% and 23-29%, respectively. In patients with T4 status and at stage 4 of the process, lower activity of the studied glutathione-dependent enzymes was revealed compared with all other groups of patients. Conclusions: The data indicate a greater functional potential of the glutathione system in SRCC. A significant increase in the activity of glutathione transferase with a sufficiently high level of reduced glutathione contributes to the development of treatment resistance in patients with SRCC.

Influence of urokinase gene knockout on tissue levels of biogenic amines in mice with melanoma

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Background: The plasminogen activation system and biogenic amines are involved in melanoma pathogenesis, but currently, the mutual influence of the components of these systems on each other is unknown. The purpose of the study was to reveal the dynamics of biogenic amines in the brain and intact and tumorous skin (B16/F10 melanoma) in C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice with uPA gene knockout. Methods: The study included male and female C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-This Plau6FDhu/GFDhu mice, n = 38; the comparison group included C57BL/6 mice without uPA gene knockout, n = 61. Melanoma was transplanted under the skin of the back. Levels of biogenic amines were measured in tissues taken in week 3 of carcinogenesis by ELISA using standard test systems (Cusabio, China). Results: The total content of biogenic amines was elevated in tissues of intact C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice: in the skin – due to the noradrenaline (NA) rise by 4.8 times in males and by 4.9 times in females, histamine (H) – by 3.6 times in males and 1.6 times (p < 0.05) in females, serotonin (5HT) by 3.4 times in males and 8.3 times in females; in the brain – due to the NA rise by 3.5 times in males and 3.2 times in females, dophamine by 2.1 times in males and 2.9 times in females, while H levels declined. Distinctive features of the melanoma development in C57BL/6-PlautmI.IBug-ThisPlau6FDhu/GFDhu mice included: lower levels of adrenaline with high NA concentrations and an enhanced synthesis and inactivation of 5HTin the brain. The content of catecholamines in the tumor nodes was the same as in C57BL/6 mice, with a high concentration of H recorded in the tumor and skin, together with a high 5HT level in the skin. Conclusions: The uPA gene knockout limits the development of stress at the central regulatory and peripheral effector levels, and modulates the immune antitumor response by increasing serotonergic mediation in the brain and increasing serotonin and histamine levels in the skin of mice with B16/F10 melanoma.

Prooxidant effect of α-tocopherol in pancreatic tumors

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Background: The coexistence of neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinoma is rare, and treatment of such mixed tumors is challenging due to the differences in their natural course and response to systemic therapy. There is growing evidence that vitamins affect the biology of pancreatic tumors. The purpose of the study was to measure concentrations of retinol (RET), α-tocopherol (α-TCP) and diene conjugates (DC) in the blood of patients with pancreatic cancer in order to reveal its pathogenetic characteristics. Methods: Blood levels of RET and α-TCP (ELISA methods, Cloud-Clone Corp, USA), their ratio and DC concentrations (biochemical method) were measured before treatment if 42 patients with pancreatic cancer: adenocarcinoma (AC), T1-3N0-1M0, n = 9; AC with a neuroendocrine component (AC+NE) (up to 30%), n = 21; neuroendocrine tumors (NET), T1-3N0-1M0, n = 12. 22 healthy men of similar age were controls. All patients gave their voluntary informed consent for the study. Results: RET levels in all patient were statistically significantly lower than in controls: in AC by 3.8 times, in AC+NE by 1.9 times, in NET by 3.7 times (p = 0.0000). Concentrations of α-TCP in AC were 1.6 times (p = 0.0011) lower than in controls, in AC+NE were similar, and in NET α-TCP was 1.5 times higher than in controls (p = 0.0000). The ratio of α-TCP/RET in all patients significantly exceeded control values: in AC by 2.2 times, in AC+NE by 1.6 times, in NET by 5.7 times (p = 0.0000). Levels of DC in all patients were higher than in controls: in AC by 2.5, in AC+NE by 2.1, in NET by 2.7 times (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Changes in serum levels of RET and α-TCP differ in patients with AC, NET and mixed tumors, which causes changes in the balance of vitamins and can contribute to a prooxidant effect, as evidenced by an increase in DC levels.

Insulin-like growth factors in the blood of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma receiving therapy with monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab)

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Background: IGF-1 and IGF-2 are powerful mitogenic factors with anti-apoptotic effect. Their overproduction leads to neoangiogenesis and metastasis. Monitoring the level of these factors can serve as a potential predictive tool. The purpose of the study was to study blood levels of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity depending of the efficacy of chemotherapy (CT) and cetuximab. Methods: The study included 50 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity T3-4N0-1M0, stage III-IV. The main group (n = 30) received 2 CT cycles with cetuximab: cisplatin 100 mg/m2, intravenously, day 1, 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2/day, intravenously, 96-hour continuous infusion, in combination with cetuximab 400 mg/m2 on day 1 in a loading dose, then 250 mg/m2 on days 8 and 15. The control group (n = 20) received 2 CT cycles: intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1, intravenous 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2/day, 96-hour continuous infusion on days 1-4. Results were compared with the values in 20 non-cancer donors. Levels of IGF-1 (mcg/L) and IGF-2 (ng/mL) were measured in the blood serum by ELISA using standard test systems (Mediagnost, Germany). Statistical analysis of results was performed using the Statistica 6.0 program (Stat-Soft, 2001). Results: Before treatment, levels of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in patients were lower than in donors by 53.5% and 20.3%, respectively. In patients with partial regression after CT, IGF-1 levels significantly increased by 33% (p < 0,05), compared to the values before treatment, while IGF-2 was both within donor and initial values and the IGF-1/IGF-2 ratio was similar to the initial level but 33.3% lower than in donors. The patients in the main group with partial regression normalized IGF-1 levels increasing it compared to initial values – by 87%. IGF-2 levels did not differ statistically significantly from the initial values and were 32.5% lower than in donors. The IGF-1/IGF-2 ratio was 58% higher than before treatment. Conclusions: CT and cetuximab normalized blood levels of IGF-1 in oral cancer patients with partial tumor regression.

Characteristics of growth factors in the blood allowing determination of neuroendocrine component in pancreatic diseases

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Background: Insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and II), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and its receptor (TGFβR2) are involved in cancer pathogenesis. At the same time, the features of these parameters in the blood related to the disease nature have yet to be determined. The purpose of the study was to analyze the dynamics of IGF-I, IGF-II, TGFβ and TGFβR2 in the blood of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included male patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma T1-3N0-1M0 (A, n = 18), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET, n = 12) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma with the neuroendocrine component T1-3N0-1M0 (A+NEC, n = 12) before the treatment. Healthy males (n = 21) were controls. Blood levels of IGF-I and IGF-II were measured by ELISA using standard test systems (Meddiagnost, Germany), as well as levels of TGFβ (BenderMedSystem, Austria) and TGFβR2 (RayBiotech, USA). Results: Patients with pancreatic cancer showed increased blood levels of IGF-II: in PA – by 1.9 times (p˂0.05), in NET – by 2.7 times and in A+NEC – by 3.4 times compared to values in healthy donors. TGFβ was elevated only in patients with A by 1.5 times (p˂0.05). TGFβR2 in the blood of patients with NET and A+NEC was increased by 4.8 and 4.5 times respectively, while in patients with A it was similar to control values. The TGFβ/TGFβR2 ratio was calculated; A+NEC was prognosed in patients with its level of 1.32±0.2. Conclusions: High blood levels of IGF-II were registered in patients with pancreatic cancer. The TGFβ/TGFβR2 ratio served as informative laboratory tests to predict the nature of pancreatic disease.

Biomarkers of resistance to cetuximab in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

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Background: Treatment of advanced HNSCC (T3 and T4) involves the use of anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies targeting the EGF-EGFR and VEGF-VEGFR cascades responsible for the cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and apoptosis. The purpose of the study was the search for biomarkers of resistance to cetuximab in HNSCC patients. Methods: Tumor biopsy was performed in patients with HNSCC (n = 40) (Т3-4N0-1M0) before and after two cycles of chemotherapy with cetuximab - 400 mg/m2 administered on day 1 and 250 mg/m2 per week, cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1, fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2 - 96-hour continuous infusion. Patients were divided into group 1 (progression, n = 11) and group 2 (stabilization and partial remission, n = 29). Levels of VEGF-A (pg/mL) (BenderMedSystem, Austria) and TGF-β (pg/mL) (eBioscience, USA) were determined in biopsy samples by ELISA, and the VEGF-A/TGF-β ratio was calculated. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the Statistica 10.0 program with M±m determination. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: Before treatment, levels of VEGF-A in biopsy samples were 634.8±37.2, TGF-β – 1092.5±71.9, and VEGF-A/TGF-β – 0.58±0.03. After 2 cycles of chemotherapy with cetuximab, results in group 1 for VEGF-A were 680.3±41.2, TGF-β – 1773.7±111.4, and VEGF-A/TGF-β – 0.384±0.021; in group 2: VEGF-A – 487.7±26.1, TGF-β – 572.3±34.7, and VEGF-A/TGF-β – 0.85±0.043. Thus, after 2 cycles of chemotherapy with cetuximab, TGF-β in group 1 increased by 1.6 times and VEGF-A/TGF-β – by 1.5 times (p < 0.05). In group 2, VEGF-A decreased by 1.3 times, TGF-β by 1.9 times, and VEGF-A/TGF-β increased by 1.46 times (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Decreased levels of markers and increased VEGF-A/TGF-β can predict cetuximab efficacy. Increased TGF-β and reduced VEGF-A/TGF-β allow predicting resistance to chemotherapy with cetuximab.

[The activity of redox-regulatory systems in the primary and recurrence tumors in vulvar cancer]

The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST), the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated in the samples of the tumor, peritumoral zone and healthy tissue, taken at the line of resection, were obtained from 14 patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, and 13 patients with local recurrence appeared in the period from 3 months to 7 years. by conventional spectrophotometric methods. The content of GSH and the activity of SOD, GPx, GR, GST were significantly increased, while MDA was decreased in the tissue of the primary carcinoma of the vulva in compared with the healthy tissue. Differences in the functioning of the investigated system of enzymes in the peritumoral zone were also revealed in the primary and recurrent tumoral process. Similar but much less pronounced changes were also observed in the recurrent tumor. It is suggested that such dynamics of activity of the studied system with the progression of cancer process can be the result of adaptation to changes in the local biochemical status of healthy (nonmalignant) tissue of the organ carrying the tumor and reflect the metabolic features of the recurrent tumor.

[The level of endogenous intoxication iт oncologic gynecologic patients.]

The leading role of syndrome of endogenous intoxication in structure of clinical manifestations of tumor disease conditions actuality of studying components determining its development, in dynamics of malignant process and under anti-tumor therapy. Among all studied groups of oncogynecological patients, the most expressed decreasing of functional activity of albumin binding toxic compounds is observed under ascitic form of ovary cancer. In the group of patients with ovary cancer of stage I-II and also in condition of remission of process in patients with ovary cancer of stage III, the values of total and effective concentration of albumin and its binding capacity, on the contrary, are approaching to donor values. Under cervical carcinoma and vulva cancer the statistically significant decreasing of effective concentration of albumin and its binding capacity was established. However, thisdecreasing is manifested in minor degree than in patients with ascitic form of ovary cancer.

[Study of the growth patterns of Act. antibioticus and the biosynthesis of oleandomycin]

The study of some regularities of the oleandomycin-producing organism growth during the first stage of cultivation showed that an increase in the ammount of starch in the medium from 2 to 10 per cent promoted the growth and its specific rate. When the organism was cultivated on media with 2--6 per cent of starch, addition of ammonium sulfate in a concentration of 0.25--0.5 per cent was favourable for its growth. When the amount of starch was 8--10 per cent, ammonium sulfate in a concentration of 0.25--1.5 per cent had almost no effect on the growth and its specific rate. It was found that an increase in the amount of starch in the medium without ammonium sulfate promoted the mycelium growth and oleandomycin biosynthesis by 20 per cent, the time of cultivation being prolongated. Ammonium sulfate significantly stimulated the mycelium growth and decreased biosynthesis of oleandomycin. Additional introduction of starch solution in a concentration of 1 or 2 per cent during the first hours of the culture growth (24 hours) on the medium with 2 per cent of starch stimulated the growth, its specific rate and biosynthesis of oleandomycin by 20--30 per cent and the cultivation time increased. Simulataneous addition of starch and ammonium sulfate to the culture during the first hours of the growth (24 hours) decreased the biosynthesis of oleandomycin. The maximum respiration rate of the culture in flasks was registered in 24 hours, then it was followed by a decrease. Addition of starch and ammonium sulfate during the cultivation process, i.e. in 24, 48 and 72 hours increased every time the rate of the organism respiration.