Effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions in nitrate-treated rabbits

The effect of garlic supplementation on zootechnical performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits exposed to experimental nitrate poisoning was evaluated. Adult male 6-8 week-old albino rabbits (n= 24) were randomly divided into four groups (A - D) and subjected to nitrate intoxication through the oral administration of sodium nitrate solution at 2 ml/kg bodyweight per day for 40 days. Group A was a control that received no treatment except sodium nitrate. Rabbits in groups B and C were treated with 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day) through intraperitoneal and oral routes, respectively. Rabbits in group D were treated with both 1% methylene blue solution (2 mg/kg bodyweight per day, intraperitoneally) and aqueous garlic extract (500 mg/kg bodyweight per day, orally). On completion of the treatment period, the groups were compared in growth performance, biochemical profile and histopathological changes of hepato-renal tissues. Although the total feed consumption of the groups remained comparable, Group C showed relatively better weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Likewise, garlic extract significantly increased the serum bilirubin concentration and reduced the level of other biochemical attributes in comparison with control animals. The hepatic and renal tissues of Groups C and D remained normal, whereas those of the control group exhibited distinct histopathological alterations. It was concluded that garlic supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of nitrate intoxication on production performance and hepato-renal functions of rabbits.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer has been suspended in Norway

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal cancer has emerged as an alternative to the traditional abdominal approach. However, concerns have been raised about local recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate local recurrence after TaTME. Secondary aims included postoperative mortality, anastomotic leak and stoma rates.

Methods

Data on all patients who underwent TaTME were recorded and compared with those from national cohorts in the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Registry (NCCR) and the Norwegian Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery (NoRGast). Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to compare local recurrence.

Results

In Norway, 157 patients underwent TaTME for rectal cancer between October 2014 and October 2018. Three of seven hospitals abandoned TaTME after a total of five procedures. The local recurrence rate was 12 of 157 (7·6 per cent); eight local recurrences were multifocal or extensive. The estimated local recurrence rate at 2·4 years was 11·6 (95 per cent c.i. 6·6 to 19·9) per cent after TaTME compared with 2·4 (1·4 to 4·3) per cent in the NCCR (P < 0·001). The adjusted hazard ratio was 6·71 (95 per cent c.i. 2·94 to 15·32). Anastomotic leaks resulting in reoperation occurred in 8·4 per cent of patients in the TaTME cohort compared with 4·5 per cent in NoRGast (P = 0·047). Fifty-six patients (35·7 per cent) had a stoma at latest follow-up; 39 (24·8 per cent) were permanent.

Conclusion

Anastomotic leak rates after TaTME were higher than national rates; local recurrence rates and growth patterns were unfavourable.

Case Series: A Minimally Invasive Tunneling Approach for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Background

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common peripheral neuropathy in the United States. All three current surgical treatment approaches, consisting of in situ decompression, medial epicondylectomy, and transposition, require large curvilinear incisions and dissections that cross the medial epicondyle. However, the use of a large curvilinear incision may not be necessary for in situ decompression and may be achieved with small incisions proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle. This may limit the risk of peri-incisional pain and numbness, similar to the benefits provided by endoscopy.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate a minimally invasive tunneling approach for in situ ulnar nerve decompression utilizing 2 cm incisions proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients at Emory University Hospital with CuTS who underwent minimally invasive tunneling for in situ decompression. Seven cases were identified. Patient demographics and data on post-operative complications were collected. Pre-operative severity was graded as a Modified McGowan severity. The primary outcome was evaluated using the post-surgical Messina Criterion. Secondary outcomes were reports of peri-incisional pain or numbness evaluated at follow-up. Descriptive statistics are presented.

Results

Pre-operatively, one of the seven cases was Grade I McGowan and the remaining six were Grade 2a or 2b. Post-operatively, on the Messina Criterion, four of seven patients were rated as having “Good” outcomes, two of seven had “Fair”, while one of seven had “Poor.” There was one post-operative surgical site infection. Among the other six cases, there were no reports of peri-incisional pain or numbness.

Conclusions

The use of less-invasive tunneling approach to in situ decompression yielded positive outcomes in this case series with no reports of peri-incisional pain or numbness. A prospective trial may be useful to explore the theoretical benefits of this novel tunneling approach.

Calcitriol counteracts endothelial cell pro-inflammatory processes in a chronic kidney disease-like environment

In advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypocalcemia, high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) coexist and are considered to play a role in the development of chronic vasculopathies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a CKD-like environment on cultured endothelial cell (EC) functions and to assess the impact of calcitriol on the expression of parameters such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), receptor of AGEs (RAGE), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Human umbilical vein cord endothelial cells (HUVEC) were grown in medium containing low Ca(2+) concentration stimulated with AGE-HSA and PTH and treated with calcitriol for additional incubation. mRNA expression was established by reverse transcriptase-PCR, protein expression by Western blot analysis, IL-6 secretion by ELISA, NOS activity by conversion of [(14)C]arginine to [(14)C]citrulline and DNA-binding activity of NFκB-p65 assayed colorimetrically in nuclear extracts. The CKD-like environment characterized by the association of low Ca(2+) and high levels of AGEs and PTH, depressed eNOS system activity and enhanced RAGE and IL-6 expression/secretion. DNA-binding activity of nuclear NFκB-p65 was increased and the expression of IκBα decreased. Addition of calcitriol normalized the expression, secretion and activity of eNOS, RAGE and IL-6. The enhanced NFκB activity was also counteracted probably due to the increased IκBα expression. The effect of CKD-like environment on EC may partly explain the increased vasculopathies in CKD patients, in contrast to calcitriol, which suggests a vascular protective action.

Parathyroid hormone stimulates the endothelial expression of vascular endothelial growth factor

BACKGROUND

We showed previously that parathyroid hormone (PTH) may stimulate the endothelial expression of pro-atherosclerotic and pro-inflammatory markers. Considering the impact of PTH on vasculature, we decided to evaluate its effect on mRNA and intra-cellular protein expressions of endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) taking into account that VEGF may play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunctions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein cords endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated for 24 h with 10(-12)-10(-10) mol L(-1) PTH. The VEGF-165 mRNA expression (critical in stimulating endothelial cell proliferation) was evaluated by RT/PCR and the intra-cellular VEGF protein expression by flow cytometry. The pathways by which PTH may have an effect on VEGF expression were also evaluated.

RESULTS

PTH (10(-10) mol L(-1)) significantly increased VEGF-165 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). The addition of 50 nmol L(-1) protein kinase C (PKC) and 10 micromol L(-1) protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors significantly reduced the VEGF-165 mRNA expression (P = 0.01). We also examined whether nitric oxide (NO) may be involved in the PTH-induced stimulation of VEGF-165 expression. Pre-treatment of the cells with 200 micromol L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor) was found to inhibit VEGF-165 mRNA expression (P = 0.006). VEGF protein could not be detected in the medium of HUVEC but it was present in the cell cytoplasm. PTH had no significant effect on cytoplasmatic VEGF protein expression.

CONCLUSION

The stimulatory effect of PTH on endothelial VEGF-165 mRNA expression is partly through PKC and PKA pathways and is also NO dependent.

Calcitriol blunts pro-atherosclerotic parameters through NFkappaB and p38 in vitro

BACKGROUND

Disturbances in vitamin D(3) metabolism are associated with an increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D3, on pro-atherosclerotic parameters in human umbilical vein cord endothelial cells (HUVEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Calcitriol at 10(-10) and/or 10(-9) mol L(-1) was given to cultured HUVEC which were either non-stimulated or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated. Inter cellular adhesion molecule-1 and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, were determined by flow cytometry analysis. The receptor of advanced glycation end product (RAGE) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expressions by RT-PCR and IL-6 secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nuclear p65 DNA-binding activity was measured by transcription factor assay kit and the inhibitor-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha), phosphorylated-IkappaBalpha (P-IkappaBalpha) and phosphorylated-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein levels were determined by Western blot. Results Calcitriol decreased the adhesion molecules expression, as well as the LPS-induced mRNA expressions of RAGE and IL-6 and LPS induced IL-6 secretion. Furthermore, the LPS induced nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB)-p65 DNA-binding activity was also decreased by calcitriol. IkappaBalpha levels were increased and p-IkappaBalpha levels decreased after calcitriol treatment. The increased levels of activated p38 MAPK after LPS treatment were also decreased due to pre-incubation with calcitriol.

CONCLUSIONS

The decreased NFkappaB and p38 activities followed by calcitriol treatment may explain the anti-inflammatory/atherosclerotic properties of calcitriol that were observed previously and were emphasized in this study, demonstrating the inhibitory effect of calcitriol on the pro-inflammatory parameters: adhesion molecules, RAGE and IL-6.

In vitro effect of advanced glycation end-products on human polymorphonuclear superoxide production

BACKGROUND

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are elevated in the sera of diabetic patients. The latter are prone to severe bacterial infections. Advanced glycation end-products have been shown to modulate immune competent cell activities. In this study we examined the in vitro effect of advanced glycation end-products on superoxide anion generation by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Advanced glycation end-products were prepared by incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glucose for 90 days. Superoxide production was measured as the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c. The effect of advanced glycation end-products on superoxide production was evaluated in both baseline (nonstimulated) and stimulated (by either formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, or phorbol-myristate-acetate) polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

RESULTS

The baseline superoxide production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was significantly increased by advanced glycation end-products in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, in stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes advanced glycation end-products significantly inhibited superoxide production, again in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of advanced glycation end-products was observed after dialyzing AGE-BSA, thereby eliminating the possible influence of reactive carbohydrates. No modification of superoxide production was seen with BSA and only a mild inhibitory effect of glucose at high concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced glycation end-products depress superoxide production by stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes. As superoxide plays an essential role in bactericidal activity, this polymorphonuclear leukocyte dysfunction may be a contributory factor to the increased prevalence and severity of bacterial infection seen in diabetic patients.

The effect of advanced glycation end-products and aminoguanidine on TNFalpha production by rat peritoneal macrophages

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the inhibitor of their formation, aminoguanidine, on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) production (as a functional marker) by rat peritoneal macrophages (PMphi).

DESIGN

Charles River rats underwent a daily intraperitoneal injection of peritoneal dialysis solution [(PDS), 4.25 g/dL dextrose; Dialine, Travenol, Ashdod, Israel] for a 2-month period (group E). Another group of rats was subjected to the same protocol with the addition of 25 mg/kg aminoguanidine (group A). Three control groups were utilized: (1) rats that were injected daily with aminoguanidine only (group AO), (2) rats that were injected with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (group D), and (3) rats in which no intervention was carried out (group C). After 2 months, PMphi were isolated from rat peritoneal effluent and their TNFalpha production measured by ELISA in cell-free culture supernatants, in both the basal state and after 24-hour stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The concentrations of AGEs in peritoneal effluent were assayed and correlated to TNFalpha levels. PMphi obtained from normal rats were then incubated for 24 hours with (1) the peritoneal effluent of each of the above respective groups, with or without LPS; (2) increasing concentrations of AGEs (0-250 microg/mL); and (3) increasing concentrations of aminoguanidine (0-7.5 mg/mL), and TNFalpha secretion again determined.

RESULTS

After 2 months of daily intraperitoneal injection of PDS, in the basal state, TNFalpha production was significantly higher in PMphi isolated from the peritoneal effluent groups (groups E, A, and AO) compared to controls (group C). Following LPS stimulation, a further increase in TNFalpha secretion was seen, with a significantly greater response in group AO versus groups E, A, and D. Effluent AGEs were markedly elevated only in group E. No correlation was found between TNFalpha secretion by these PMphi and the concentration of AGEs. On incubation with the respective peritoneal effluents (groups E, A, and AO), in both the basal and stimulated state, TNFalpha production by PMphi from normal rats was significantly enhanced compared to group C. Incubation with increasing concentrations of AGEs or aminoguanidine resulted in an increase of TNFalpha secretion by these PMphi.

CONCLUSIONS

Following intermittent intraperitoneal administration of glucose-based PDS, rat PMphi are chronically activated, as evidenced by increased basal TNFalpha secretion. The peritoneal effluent of such treated animals is capable of stimulating TNFalpha production by normal rat PMphi. These data suggest that glucose-based PDS acts as a primer of PMphi, which retain their ability to further stimulation by LPS. Although, in vitro, AGEs promote TNFalpha secretion by normal rat PMphi, in vivo, their influence is probably modulated by other factors. Aminoguanidine has a specific inducing effect on rat PMphi, independent of glucose-based PDS.

Low molecular weight heparin reduces proteinuria and modulates glomerular TNF-alpha production in the early phase of adriamycin nephropathy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Heparin has been shown to be renoprotective in a number of experimental nephropathies. The inflammatory component in the early phase of Adriamycin (ADR) induced nephropathy has been established. A microdose of low molecular weight heparin (Fragmin; F) has been noted to exert immunomodulatory effects independent of its anticoagulant activity. We assessed the effects of microdoses of F on daily proteinuria and glomerular production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandins 8 and 15 days after induction of ADR nephropathy.

METHODS

Following intravenous injection of ADR (7 mg/kg) to Wistar rats weighing 200 +/- 20 g, F 20 microg/day/rat s.c. was administered for 8 and 15 days (groups F8 and F15). The respective control groups (C8 and C15) received normal saline subcutaneously. Proteinuria, serum albumin, and creatinine clearance were evaluated on days 8 and 15. The production of TNF-alpha and prostaglandins from glomerular supernatants was measured by radioimmunoassay on days 8 and 15.

RESULTS

F significantly reduced proteinuria (mg/day) on day 8: 13.6 +/- 1.2 in F8 versus 40.3 +/- 2.7 in C8 (p = 0.008). The glomerular production of TNF-alpha (pi/ml) was significantly lower on day 8 in rats treated with F: 356 +/- 33 in F8 versus 764 +/- 81 in C8 (p = 0.006). A decrease in the prostaglandin E2/thromboxane B2 ratio was noted in the F group between 8 and 15 days (1.1 in F8 vs. 0.9 in F15, p = 0.005) which principally reflects an increase of thromboxane B2. The antiproteinuric effect of F shown after 8 days was no longer present after 15 days (354 +/- 91 mg/day in F15 vs. 499 +/- 69 mg/day in C15, p = 0.33). The same trend was seen for the glomerular production of TNF-alpha. Light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for interstitial and glomerular macrophages were negative.

CONCLUSION

The lowering effect of microdoses of F on the proteinuria seen during the early phase of ADR nephropathy may be mediated by a decreased production of glomerular TNF-alpha, supporting the anti-inflammatory action of low molecular weight heparin.

Intraperitoneal infusion of glucose-based dialysate in the rat--an animal model for the study of peritoneal advanced glycation end-products formation and effect on peritoneal transport

OBJECTIVE

Glucose-based dialysate induces non enzymatic glycation within the peritoneal cavity. To evaluate the relationship between the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and peritoneal transfer for small solutes and macromolecules, we developed a model of simulated peritoneal dialysis (PD) in normal rats.

METHODS

Male albino rats of the Charles River strain were divided into two sets of 3 groups (15-25 rats in each group). In the experimental (E) group, the rats were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected daily with a commercially available 4.25% dextrose solution. In the control puncture (CP) group, the peritoneum was punctured daily, but no PD solution infused. In an age-matched control (CC) group, no intervention was given. Two study protocols were used. Protocol A (duration 20 weeks) consisted of a daily i.p. injection of 10 mL PD solution per 100 g body weight. In protocol B, a double volume of PD solution was introduced (20 mL per 100 g body weight). At 9, 16, and 20 weeks in protocol A, and at 9 weeks in protocol B, urea, creatinine, microalbumin [(MAL) measured using specific anti-rat albumin monoclonal antibody], and AGEs (measured by fluorescent assay with excitation at 370 nm and emission at 440 nm) were measured in peritoneal effluent and serum.

RESULTS

At no time during the study were AGEs detected in serum from any group in either protocol. In both protocols, no differences were found between the control groups (CP, CC) with respect to all parameters. In protocol A, the dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of urea was significantly higher in the experimental group as compared with the control groups at 9, 16, and 20 weeks [9 weeks: 0.59 +/- 0.03 (E) vs 0.39 +/- 0.02 (CP) vs 0.46 +/- 0.02 (CC), p < 0.0004 and p < 0.002, respectively; 16 weeks: 0.71 +/- 0.08 (E) vs 0.42 +/- 0.01 (CP) vs 0.46 +/- 0.01 (CC), p < 0.0001 and p < 0.02, respectively; 20 weeks: 0.57 +/- 0.03 (E) vs 0.39 +/- 0.01 (CP) vs 0.41 +/- 0.02 (CC), p < 0.002 and p < 0.004, respectively]. At 16 and 20 weeks, dialysate MAL levels were significantly increased in group E [16 weeks: 354.00 +/- 80.35 microg/mL (E) vs 134.75 +/- 14.36 microg/mL (CP) vs 110.69 +/- 7.83 microg/mL (CC), p < 0.04 and p < 0.03, respectively; 20 weeks: 283.17 +/- 14.71 microg/mL (E) vs 105.14 +/- 12.11 microg/mL (CP) vs 135.50 +/- 19.03 microg/mL (CC), p < 0.00001 and p < 0.0001, respectively]. In protocol B, at completion of the study (week 9), D/P urea, effluent MAL, and AGEs were significantly higher in the experimental group as compared with the control groups [D/P: 0.67 +/- 0.04 (E) vs 0.46 +/- 0.07 (CP) vs 0.41 +/- 0.02 (CC), p < 0.0002 and p < 00001, respectively; MAL: 336.8 +/- 63.30 microg/mL (E) vs 125.71 +/- 16.77 microg/mL (CP) vs 119.00 +/- 39.75 microg/mL (CC), p < 0.008 and p < 0.007, respectively; AGEs: 265.77 +/- 33.49 U/mg creatinine (E) vs 163.10 +/- 21.99 U/mg creatinine (CP) vs 83.17 +/- 22.66 U/mg creatinine (CC), p < 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively]. Peritoneal effluent AGEs were found to be significantly correlated with D/P urea and dialysate MAL (r = 0.42, p < 0.04, and r = 0.7, p = 0.00001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In situ generation of AGEs constitutes the chief origin of peritoneal AGEs. Advanced glycation end-products affect peritoneal permselectivity for both small and large solutes. The rat model of simulated peritoneal dialysis developed in this experiment provides a reliable method for studying peritoneal AGE formation and effect on peritoneal transfer of small solutes and macromolecules.

THF-gamma 2-mediated reduction of pulmonary metastases and augmentation of immunocompetence in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-melanoma

Immunotherapy with the immunomodulating thymic humoral factor-gamma 2 (THF-gamma 2) octapeptide, combined with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) chemotherapy, will be used for enhancing host immune response to arrest pulmonary metastases of a B16-F10.9 melanoma tumor. In this experimental model of pulmonary metastasis, the highly metastatic B16-F10.9 melanoma tumor cells (2 x 10(5)) were inoculated into the footpad of mice to form a primary tumor. The tumor-bearing leg was surgically removed on reaching the size of 5.5 mm, which resulted in the appearance of metastases in the lungs of the animals. After tumor excision, mice were treated intraperitoneally with a single dose of BCNU (20 or 35 mg/kg) followed by a series of intraperitoneal THF-gamma 2 injections (1 microgram/0.5 ml/injection). Relative to untreated mice and those receiving chemotherapy alone, the antitumor action of the combined THF-gamma 2 chemoimmunotherapy protocol was significantly augmented according to the following in vivo parameters: (a) decreased postsurgical spontaneous metastatic burden; (b) prolonged survival time; (c) increased resistance to tumor cell challenge; and (d) massive infiltration of lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear cells, and macrophages in the lung tissue. The THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy also prevented a decrease in lymphocyte reactivity, otherwise induced by the tumor/BCNU chemotherapy. THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy resulted in restoration of the response to Lipopolysaccharide mitogenic stimulation and the allogeneic response. Our data suggest that postoperative THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy could be a valuable adjunct to anticancer chemotherapy as a treatment for metastatic arrest of melanoma tumor.

Inhibition of murine Lewis lung carcinoma metastases by combined chemotherapy and intranasal THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy

Previous research in our laboratories has shown that the immunoregulatory octapeptide, THF-gamma 2, potentiates the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapy in experimental animal models of local plasmacytoma and repairs drug-induced defects in immunocompetence. The highly metastatic, murine D122 lung carcinoma model has been shown to be useful for evaluating the efficacy of experimental antimetastatic therapeutic modalities. The goal of the present study was to determine whether intranasal thymic humoral factor-gamma 2 (THF-gamma 2) immunotherapy, after a single dose of chemotherapy, could inhibit the development of lung metastases, restore immunocompetence, and increase survival in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice bearing highly metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma (D122) solid footpad tumors. Relative to untreated mice and those receiving chemotherapy alone, mice receiving combined chemoimmunotherapy showed the following significant differences: (a) decreased lung metastatic load as assessed by lung weight, (b) prolonged survival time, (c) massive infiltration of lymphoid cells in the lungs, and (d) restoration of impaired immune parameters to normal values in melphalan-treated mice. THF-gamma 2 prevented tumor emboli from colonizing the target tissue, probably by inducing expansion of the lymphoid cell compartment. When used as an adjunct to anticancer chemotherapy, intranasal THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy is a simple and safe treatment modality that seems to be promising for inhibiting lung metastases.

Thymic humoral factor-gamma 2 (THF-gamma 2) immunotherapy reduces the metastatic load and restores immunocompetence in 3LL tumor-bearing mice receiving anticancer chemotherapy

In mice bearing immunogenic tumors, adding thymic humoral factor-gamma 2 (THF-gamma 2)1 immunotherapy as an adjunct to anticancer chemotherapeutic regimens not only potentiates the antitumor activity of each drug but also repairs tumor/chemotherapy-induced damage to T-cell populations and functions. The Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) is a weakly immunogenic, highly metastatic tumor in C57BL/6 mice. To investigate whether the immunoregulatory octapeptide is also effective against a tumor that does not elicit an antitumor immune response, we assessed the effect of combination THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy and chemotherapy in 3LL-bearing mice. The results indicate that THF-gamma 2 combined with either Melphalan or 5-Fluorouracil was more effective in reducing metastatic load than either chemotherapeutic drug alone and was characterized by massive infiltration of lymphatic cells. The combined chemoimmunotherapy treatment also prolonged the survival time in all treated animals and repaired T-cell defects and impaired in vitro cellular immune response parameters, induced either by the tumor or by chemotherapy. THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy reversed the decrease in the number of bone-marrow myeloid colonies (GM-CFU) induced by chemotherapy treatment of tumor-bearing mice, supporting the hypothesis that THF-gamma 2 directly stimulates the proliferation of myeloid stem cells. The overall results imply, that when administered as an adjunct to chemotherapy, THF-gamma 2 immunotherapy is equally effective against immunogenic and nonimmunogenic tumors.

Induction of macrophage antitumor activity by a mycobacterial fraction. In vivo and in vitro studies

A Methanol Extraction Residue (MER) of BCG tubercle bacillus induced cytostatic activity in vitro against the murine tumor-cell lines YAC-1 and MOPC-315 in resident murine peritoneal macrophages isolated from BALB/c mice. The induction of antitumor activity was not associated with increase in release of TNF-alpha. Macrophages from mice hyperimmunized with MER (MER 3x) or from mice injected once with MER in aqueous suspension released more PGE2 following stimulation in vitro with LPS. Macrophages cultured with either MER or MER+LPS prolonged the survival time of mice bearing palpable RPC5 plasmacytoma s.c. tumors.

Activation in vitro of peritoneal macrophages by a nocardia fraction

The Nocardia fraction NLD-RB1040 (Nocardia Lysozyme Digest) induced cytostatic activity in vitro against the YAC-1 tumor-cell line, in resident murine peritoneal macrophages isolated from BALB/c mice. The induction of antitumor activity by the Nocardia fraction was not correlated with induced changes in production of TNF alpha, PGE2 or nitrite by human peritoneal macrophages collected from renal patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), or changes in production of TNF a by murine macrophages.

Asialo-positive cells are overexpressed whereas IL-2 induced LAK activity is impaired in mice hyperimmunized with an immunomodulating mycobacterial fraction

Previously reported studies revealed that extensive immunization with the Methanol Extraction Residue (MER) of BCG tubercle bacillus in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA) induced marked suppression of T and B cell functions and that immunosuppression was correlated with marked decrease in splenic T-cell population and marked increase in the splenic macrophage population. The purpose of the present work was to determine if extensive immunization with MER in IFA also induced changes in splenic asialo antigen positive (NK) population and in the potential of induction of splenic LAK activity in vitro by recombinant IL-2. By comparison with other test groups, namely mice injected with IFA only, injected once with MER in aqueous suspension and normal, untreated mice, hyperimmunization with MER resulted in marked increase in expression of asialo positive (NK) splenic cells whereas induction of splenic LAK activity by IL-2 was markedly depressed. Splenic macrophages originated from MER hyperimmunized mice had no effect on induction of LAK activity by IL-2 in a normal splenic population.

Immunosuppression by an immunogenic immunomodulating mycobacterial fraction is correlated to changes in phenotype distribution of murine lymphoid cells

Previously reported studies revealed that extensive immunization with the Methanol Extraction Residue (MER) of BCG tubercle bacillus in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA) induced marked suppression of T and B cell functions in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of the present work was to determine whether immunosuppression induced by hyperimmunization with MER is correlated with changes in morphological characteristics and in phenotype pattern of spleen and peritoneal lymphoid cells. Hyperimmunization with MER resulted in a marked increase in the number of spleen cells and in enlargement and granulation of spleen and peritoneal cells. Similar changes in size and granulation were also observed in isolated fractions of splenic T and B cells. Extensive immunization with MER also induced marked decrease in the total number of T cells (Thy 1,2 positive). The decrease in T cells was observed in all three T-cell subsets investigated: Lyt-1, Lyt-2 and L3T4 positive. Although the number of splenic B cells was decreased in samples (10,000 cells), taken from MER hyperimmunized mice, this decrease was compensated by overall increase in the number of spleen cells. The marked decrease in the percentage of splenic T cells was counterbalanced by marked increase in the splenic macrophage population: increase in MAC-1, MAC-2 and MAC-3 positive cells. It is concluded that extensive immunization with MER induces morphological changes in spleen and peritoneal cells, marked decrease in the number of splenic T cells and marked increase of the splenic macrophagic population. It is postulated that these changes are correlated with induction of immunosuppression by a similar procedure of extensive immunization with the agent.

Immunological reactivity to a mycobacterial fraction is associated with nonspecific suppression of immunological responsiveness in vivo

Previously reported studies revealed that spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized against a methanol extraction residue (MER) fraction of tubercle bacilli are defective in the in vitro generation of antibodies to SRBC and in allogeneic responsiveness against C57BL spleen cells. We now show that mice repeatedly immunized with MER also exhibit a depressed capacity to respond to antigenic stimulation in vivo. Thus mice repeatedly injected with MER were impaired in their ability to react to antigenic stimulation by SRBC and by C57BL spleen cells. Impairment in the response to SRBC immunization was expressed at the level of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) as well as of antibody production. The response of MER hyperimmunized mice to contact sensitization with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) was not impaired, but the lymph node cells of DNFB-sensitized animals had a depressed ability to respond to in vitro stimulation by the monovalent hapten dinitrobenzene sulfonate (DNBS). The present findings indicate that extensive exposure to an immunogenic immunomodulating mycobacterial fraction can lead to a depressed responsiveness to unrelated antigenic stimulation.

A synthetic thymic hormone, THF-gamma 2, repairs immunodeficiency of mice cured of plasmacytoma by melphalan

BALB/c mice cured of large MOPC-315 plasmacytomas by melphalan remain deficient in their spleen T-cell functions. This was manifested by impairment of the allogeneic and the antibody responses in vitro to SRBC and in decreased numbers of T-cells including their subsets CD4 and CD8. IL-2 production and specific cytotoxicity against MOPC-315 tumor cells were, on the other hand, maintained. Treatment of these cured mice by in-vivo administration of THF-gamma 2, an octapeptide from calf thymus, repaired these deficits. This was evidenced by in vitro tests with spleen cells which manifested an increased allogeneic response and elevated generation of primary antibody response, restoration of T-cell subpopulations to normal and an enhanced IL-2 production above normal levels. The potential use of THF-gamma 2 as supportive therapy in cancer treatment is suggested.

Immunocompetence status as related to growth progression of mouse MOPC-315 plasmacytoma

The immunocompetence status of mice bearing MOPC-315 plasmacytoma was determined at various days after tumor inoculation. Changes in T and B-cell functions appeared gradually. The allogeneic response of spleen cells from BALB/c tumor-bearing mice against C57BL spleen cells was impaired from the 4th day after the tumor inoculation (nonpalpable tumor stage). The primary antibody response in vitro against SRBC was depressed at 18 days, and the mitogenic response of splenic cells to PHA and to LPS was depressed at 25 days after the tumor inoculation. T cells taken from day 18 tumor-bearing mice partially suppressed the MLR response of normal splenocytes. Mice bearing large MOPC-315 tumors responded less to SRBC immunization than normal, noninoculated mice. The relative percentage of Lyt 1, Lyt 2 and L3T4 T-cell subsets decreased starting from the 11th day after tumor inoculation.

THF-gamma 2, a thymic hormone, increases immunocompetence and survival in 5-fluorouracil-treated mice bearing MOPC-315 plasmacytoma

The effect of the thymic hormone, THF-gamma 2, on the immunocompetence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated BALB/c mice, bearing MOPC-315 tumor, was examined. Treatment of noninoculated or tumor-bearing mice with THF-gamma 2 after 5-FU injection, resulted in an increase in the antibody response to sheep red blood cells and in the allogeneic response in spleen cell cultures and had no effect on the concanavalin-A-induced interleukin-2 secretion beyond that caused by 5-FU alone. Treatment with either 5-FU alone or 5-FU and THF-gamma 2 resulted in restoration to normal values of Lyt1- and L3T4-positive populations in tumor-bearing mice. THF-gamma 2 prolonged the survival time of mice bearing MOPC-315 tumor beyond that observed in mice treated with 5-FU alone.