Insight into redox regulation of apoptosis in cancer cells with multiparametric live-cell microscopy

Cellular redox status and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important regulators of apoptotic potential, playing a crucial role in the growth of cancer cell and their resistance to apoptosis. However, the relationships between the redox status and ROS production during apoptosis remain poorly explored. In this study, we present an investigation on the correlations between the production of ROS, the redox ratio FAD/NAD(P)H, the proportions of the reduced nicotinamide cofactors NADH and NADPH, and caspase-3 activity in cancer cells at the level of individual cells. Two-photon excitation fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was applied to monitor simultaneously apoptosis using the genetically encoded sensor of caspase-3, mKate2-DEVD-iRFP, and the autofluorescence of redox cofactors in colorectal cancer cells upon stimulation of apoptosis with staurosporine, cisplatin or hydrogen peroxide. We found that, irrespective of the apoptotic stimulus used, ROS accumulation correlated well with both the elevated pool of mitochondrial, enzyme-bound NADH and caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, a shift in the contribution of bound NADH could develop independently of the apoptosis, and this was observed in the case of cisplatin. An increase in the proportion of bound NADPH was detected only in staurosporine-treated cells, this likely being associated with a high level of ROS production and their resulting detoxification. The results of the study favor the discovery of new therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of the cellular redox balance, which could help improve the anti-tumor activity of drugs and overcome apoptotic resistance.

FUCCI-Red: a single-color cell cycle indicator for fluorescence lifetime imaging

The phase of the cell cycle determines numerous aspects of cancer cell behaviour including invasiveness, ability to migrate and responsiveness to cytotoxic drugs. To non-invasively monitor progression of cell cycle in vivo, a family of genetically encoded fluorescent indicators, FUCCI (fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator), has been developed. Existing versions of FUCCI are based on fluorescent proteins of two or more different colors fused to cell-cycle-dependent degradation motifs. Thus, FUCCI-expressing cells emit light of different colors in different phases providing a robust way to monitor cell cycle progression by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry but limiting the possibility to simultaneously visualize other markers. To overcome this limitation, we developed a single-color variant of FUCCI, called FUCCI-Red, which utilizes two red fluorescent proteins with distinct fluorescence lifetimes, mCherry and mKate2. Similarly to FUCCI, these proteins carry cell cycle-dependent degradation motifs to resolve G1 and S/G2/M phases. We showed utility of FUCCI-Red by visualizing cell cycle progression of cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures and monitoring development of tumors in vivo by confocal and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Single-channel registration and red-shifted spectra make FUCCI-Red sensor a promising instrument for multiparameter in vivo imaging applications, which was demonstrated by simultaneous detection of cellular metabolic state using endogenous fluorescence in the blue range.

In vivo metabolic and SHG imaging for monitoring of tumor response to chemotherapy

Although chemotherapy remains one of the main types of treatment for cancer, treatment failure is a frequent occurrence, emphasizing the need for new approaches to the early assessment of tumor response. The aim of this study was to search for indicators based on optical imaging of cellular metabolism and of collagen in tumors in vivo that enable evaluation of their response to chemotherapy. The study was performed on a mouse colorectal cancer model with the use of cisplatin, paclitaxel, and irinotecan. The metabolic activity of the tumor cells was assessed using fluorescence lifetime imaging of the metabolic cofactor reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate), NAD(P)H. Second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging was used to analyze the extent and properties of collagen within the tumors. We detected an early decrease in the free/bound NAD(P)H ratio in all treated tumors, indicating a shift toward a more oxidative metabolism. Monitoring of collagen showed an early increase in the amount of collagen followed by an increase in the extent of its orientation in tumors treated with cisplatin and paclitaxel, and decrease in collagen content in the case of irinotecan. Our study suggests that changes in cellular metabolism and fibrotic stroma organization precede morphological alterations and tumor size reduction, and that this indicates that NAD(P)H and collagen can be considered as intrinsic indicators of the response to treatment. This is the first time that these parameters have been investigated in tumors in vivo in the course of chemotherapy with drugs having different mechanisms of action. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Can "Indirect" Contact Laser Surgery be Used for Fluorescence-Image Guided Tumor Resections? Preliminary Results

Ensuring the complete removal of tumor tissue is the main challenge during resection operations. Recently, a technique of “indirect” contact laser surgery has been developed. In this study we assess the possibility of using such surgery for fluorescence image-guided tumor resection. Mouse colon adenocarcinoma CT-26 cells stably expressing the fluorescent protein mKate-2 was used as the tumor model. Resections of the tumor nodes were performed with either a scalpel blade, a laser scalpel with a bare tip, or a laser scalpel with a strongly absorbing coating on the fiber tip. Tumor-positive resection margins were detected using an IVIS Spectrum fluorescence imaging system. After tumor resection with the scalpel blade over half of the animals needed one additional resection to remove residual tumor cells. Animals in this group showed tumor recurrence within 7 days. Fluorescence imaging of the tumor bed, performed after resection to assess the presence of tumor cell clusters, was sufficiently effective only with a bloodless resection. The laser scalpels both with the bare tip and with the strongly absorbing coating on the tip provided such bloodless tumor resection in contact mode. Fewer animals required additional resections when the bare tipped scalpel was used and this also resulted in a reduction in tumor recurrence. After resections were carried out with the laser scalpel with the strongly absorbing coating on the tip, fluorescence was detected in the operative field and this led to undertaking additional resections, although subsequent investigation suggested that this was “false” fluorescence, resulting from the effects of the scalpel rather than the presence of residual tumor cells. The method of laser resection with a strongly absorbing coating on the tip therefore did not appear to demonstrate definite advantages over laser resection with a bare tip when removing tumors.

Flavoprotein miniSOG as a genetically encoded photosensitizer for cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Genetically encoded photosensitizers are a promising optogenetic instrument for light-induced production of reactive oxygen species in desired locations within cells in vitro or whole body in vivo. Only two such photosensitizers are currently known, GFP-like protein KillerRed and FMN-binding protein miniSOG. In this work we studied phototoxic effects of miniSOG in cancer cells.

METHODS

HeLa Kyoto cell lines stably expressing miniSOG in different localizations, namely, plasma membrane, mitochondria or chromatin (fused with histone H2B) were created. Phototoxicity of miniSOG was tested on the cells in vitro and tumor xenografts in vivo.

RESULTS

Blue light induced pronounced cell death in all three cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Caspase 3 activation was characteristic of illuminated cells with mitochondria- and chromatin-localized miniSOG, but not with miniSOG in the plasma membrane. In addition, H2B-miniSOG-expressing cells demonstrated light-induced activation of DNA repair machinery, which indicates massive damage of genomic DNA. In contrast to these in vitro data, no detectable phototoxicity was observed on tumor xenografts with HeLa Kyoto cell lines expressing mitochondria- or chromatin-localized miniSOG.

CONCLUSIONS

miniSOG is an excellent genetically encoded photosensitizer for mammalian cells in vitro, but it is inferior to KillerRed in the HeLa tumor.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to assess phototoxicity of miniSOG in cancer cells. The results suggest an effective ontogenetic tool and may be of interest for molecular and cell biology and biomedical applications.

Phototoxic effects of fluorescent protein KillerRed on tumor cells in mice

KillerRed is known to be a unique red fluorescent protein displaying strong phototoxic properties. Its effectiveness has been shown previously for killing bacterial and cancer cells in vitro. Here, we investigated the photototoxicity of the protein on tumor xenografts in mice. HeLa Kyoto cell line stably expressing KillerRed in mitochondria and in fusion with histone H2B was used. Irradiation of the tumors with 593 nm laser led to photobleaching of KillerRed indicating photosensitization reaction and caused significant destruction of the cells and activation of apoptosis. The portion of the dystrophically changed cells increased from 9.9% to 63.7%, and the cells with apoptosis hallmarks from 6.3% to 14%. The results of this study suggest KillerRed as a potential genetically encoded photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer.

[Noninvasive estimation of the oxygen state of experimental tumor by diffuse optical spectroscopy]

The potentialities of diffuse optical spectroscopy for the noninvasive estimation of the oxygen state of experimental tumors have been demonstrated. The distribution of total, oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, as well as the level oxygen saturation of blood have been shown using two tumor models differing in the histological structure and functional characteristics. The results obtained by the optical method have been verified by immunohistochemical examination of tissue specimens with the exogenous hypoxia marker pimonidazole.

Comparative study of tumor hypoxia by diffuse optical spectroscopy and immunohistochemistry in two tumor models

The capabilities of diffuse optical spectroscopy for noninvasive assessing of oxygen status in experimental tumors have been demonstrated. Specific features of the distribution of total hemoglobin, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and blood-oxygen saturation were shown on two tumor models having different histological structure and functional characteristics. The results obtained by the optical technique were verified by immunohistochemical study of tissue samples marked with exogenous marker of hypoxia--pimonidazole.

OCT-guided laser hyperthermia with passively tumor-targeted gold nanoparticles

The goal of this study is the development of a method of local laser hyperthermia with gold nanoparticles under noninvasive optical monitoring of nanoparticle accumulation in tumor tissue in vivo. Bifunctional plasmon resonant nanoparticles that are optimal for OCT diagnostics and laser heating at the wavelength of 810 nm were used in the study. The OCT examination showed that the accumulation of gold nanoparticles in the tumor invading into skin was maximal 4-5 h after intravenous injection. It was demonstrated that nanoparticle accumulation in tumor allowed more local heating and enhanced thermal sensitivity of tumor tissue. Laser hyperthermia that heated tumor up to 44-45 °C at maximum nanoparticle accumulation induced apoptotic death of tumor cells and inhibited tumor growth by 104% on the 5th day after treatment.

In vivo visualization of Tradescantia leaf tissue and monitoring the physiological and morphological states under different water supply conditions using optical coherence tomography

The optical coherence tomography (OCT) capabilities of plants were evaluated using leaves of Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D. Hunt. The internal structure of the leaf tissues was visualized in vivo and the physiological and morphological states of the tissues under different water supply conditions were monitored using OCT. The OCT technique provides non-invasive two-dimensional images directly on intact plants. The acquisition time of a two-dimensional image with a size of 200x200 pixels and a spatial resolution of 15 microm is 1-3 s. It was shown that OCT is a useful tool for monitoring the physiological and morphological states of plant tissues supplied with varying amounts of water and under the influence of different chemical factors.

[Optic coherent tomography: a new high-resolution technology of visualization of tissue structures. Communication II. Optical images of benign and malignant entities]

This is the second communication of a series of publications on Russian studies in the field of optical coherent tomography (OCT), the newest noninvasive highly resolving technology of visualization of the structure of biological tissues. By using the investing tissues as an example, this paper demonstrates the universal types of changes in their optical properties. Optimal images permit differentiate benign and malignant processes with a high degree of diagnostic accuracy. Diverse benign processes occurring in the epithelium are detected on the OCT images as changes in its height, the scattering properties and stroke of a basilar membrane. The absence of any structure on the image is the main OCT criterion for malignancy. The diagnostic efficiency of OCT is high in recognizing neoplasia of various mucous membranes: the sensitivity of the technique is 77-98%; its specificity and diagnostic accuracy are 71-96 and 81-87%, respectively.

[Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of the oral cavity mucosa. Part II. Benign and malignant diseases]

This paper is the last one in the series of publications on the investigation of the capability of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in diagnostic of state of oral cavity mucosa. Part II demonstrates the diversity of optical images, different forms specific to leukoplakia, lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of the investigation of 56 pathologic lesions of 43 patients with precancer and cancer of oral cavity. The OCT sensitivity in malignancy detection in oral cavity is high - 83%, specificity is 98%, and accuracy is 81%. The kappa coefficient of interobserver agreement is 0.76.

[Optic coherent tomography in evaluation of the buccal mucosa status. Communication 1. Normal mucosa]

The potentialities of optic coherent tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of the buccal mucosa status were studied and the results are presented in two communications. Communication 1 demonstrates the tomograms of various parts of normal buccal mucosa and methods of their identification as exemplified by analysis of 1180 in vivo and 43 ex vivo OCT images. Using parallel histo-tomographic comparison, the authors distinguished the main signs of optic images, depending on the type of epithelium and characteristic features of the connective tissue stroma in various parts of the buccal mucosa. These signs are essential for understanding the optic images of the mucosa in disease, which will be shown in communication 2.

In vivo optical coherence tomography feasibility for bladder disease

PURPOSE

Optical coherence tomography is a new imaging modality capable of imaging luminal surface of biological tissue in the near infrared range with a spatial resolution close to the cellular level. We identified characteristic optical coherence tomography patterns for nonproliferative and proliferative inflammation, and malignant alterations of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Optical coherence tomography was performed to image the bladder of 66 patients. The probe passed through the operating channel of a cystoscope and was pressed onto the mucosal site of interest. A mucosal biopsy of the image site was obtained. Optical coherence tomography was used to construct 680 images of the bladder and the images were compared with histology slides.

RESULTS

Optical coherence tomography images of normal bladder showed 3 layers, namely the mucosa or transitional epithelium, submucosa and smooth muscle. In exudative processes there were poor light scattering areas in the connective tissue layer. Images of bladders with proliferative cystitis revealed nonuniform thickening of the epithelium or hyperplasia. Squamous metaplasia appeared as thicker and less transparent epithelium with a jagged boundary. Images of transitional cell carcinoma were characterized by the complete loss of a regular layered structure of the bladder wall and the penetration depth of optical imaging was slight.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the characteristic optical coherence tomography pattern of nonproliferative and proliferative inflammation, and the characteristic appearance of severe dysplasia and transitional cell carcinoma. This technique may be useful as a guide for biopsy and for assisting in establishing resection margins.

Optical coherence tomography monitoring for laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study is to apply a new bioimaging modality, the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), for intraoperative control in laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 26 patients with laryngeal carcinoma in situ and in T(1), T(2) stage. We used an endoscopic OCT device for imaging at a wavelength of 0.83 microm with the acquisition rate of approximately 0.5 frames/s for a single (200 x 200 pixel) tomogram. All patients were operated with a surgical YAG:Nd laser at two switchable wavelengths of 1.44 microm and 1.32 microm by laryngofissure, direct microlaryngoscopy, and fibrolaryngoscopy.

RESULTS

Information on structural alterations in laryngeal mucosa to the depth of 2 mm, obtained by OCT, makes it possible to precisely locate tumor borders, thus giving an opportunity to control the surgical treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. The YAG:Nd laser scalpel with wavelengths of 1.32 microm and 1.44 microm is successful in surgical procedures both in open and closed larynx due to efficient coagulation and minimization of collateral tissue damage area. Combination of the two wavelengths in the single laser unit and intraoperative OCT monitoring result is a new modality for minimally invasive larynx surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT is promising to become a new diagnosing method of laryngeal carcinoma and a tool for laser treatment monitoring.

Optical coherence tomography monitoring for laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study is to apply a new bioimaging modality, the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), for intraoperative control in laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 26 patients with laryngeal carcinoma in situ and in T(1), T(2) stage. We used an endoscopic OCT device for imaging at a wavelength of 0.83 microm with the acquisition rate of approximately 0.5 frames/s for a single (200 x 200 pixel) tomogram. All patients were operated with a surgical YAG:Nd laser at two switchable wavelengths of 1.44 microm and 1.32 microm by laryngofissure, direct microlaryngoscopy, and fibrolaryngoscopy.

RESULTS

Information on structural alterations in laryngeal mucosa to the depth of 2 mm, obtained by OCT, makes it possible to precisely locate tumor borders, thus giving an opportunity to control the surgical treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. The YAG:Nd laser scalpel with wavelengths of 1.32 microm and 1.44 microm is successful in surgical procedures both in open and closed larynx due to efficient coagulation and minimization of collateral tissue damage area. Combination of the two wavelengths in the single laser unit and intraoperative OCT monitoring result is a new modality for minimally invasive larynx surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT is promising to become a new diagnosing method of laryngeal carcinoma and a tool for laser treatment monitoring.

[The role of cytochrome c in preventing postresuscitation functional disorders of the central nervous system]

The effect of intracarotid injection of cytochrome c on the course of the early postresuscitation period was studied in experimental animals (albino rats) after 5-min clinical death from acute blood loss. It was shown that the drug normalizes the disturbed metabolic processes in the brain, reduces the structural changes consequent upon total ischemia, stabilizes the activity of the cardiovascular system and, as a result of this, contributes to restoration of functional activity of the central nervous system in the early postresuscitation period.

[Effect of various levels of hypothermic ischemia on ATPase activity of the functional element of the myocardium]

Activity of ATPase in functional element of myocardium (its qualitative and quantitative aspects) has been researched in normal tissue and in one with various levels of hypothermic ischemia (28-30 degrees C and 10-12 degrees C) by methods of electron microscopic histochemistry on dogs. It has been found that hypothermia of myocardium (10-12 degrees C) optimally prevents ischemic disorders of energetic processes. Reproduction activity of ATPase during reperfusion of myocardium after that hypothermia maintains contractile function of heart in proper high level.

[The adaptive-compensatory reactions of the pulmonary microcirculatory bed in experimental pneumonia]

Pulmonary microcirculation was studied in anesthetized interbred male cats with acute pneumonia in acute experiments by the method of intravital microscopy. Due to the reticular structure of the lung microcirculatory channel and the change of the direction of the blood flow in microvessels stretching to the focus of inflammation, collateral circulation developed rapidly and facilitated redistribution of the blood flow in the pulmonary lobe involved in the inflammation.

[Erythrocyte and microcirculatory functions during artificial circulation]

Erythrocyte morphology, their aggregation ability and microcirculatory pattern in the mesentery of the small intestine have been studied stepwise on 12 dogs under artificial blood circulation. It has been shown that erythrocyte lesions followed by pathological aggregation play an important role in the pathogenesis of microcirculatory failure. Prolonged artificial circulation provokes structural reorganization in erythrocytes, thus affecting both blood rheology and gas exchange.

[Optimal timing of radical surgery for tumors of the pancreaticoduodenal zone associated with jaundice]

In cancer of the pancreatoduodenal zone complicated by obturative jaundice it is expedient to perform pancreatogastroduodenal resection in two steps: the first step is laparoscopic hepatocholecystostomy, the second step should be fulfilled 10-12 days after normalization of bilirubinemia. The data obtained were taken into consideration in pancreatogastroduodenal resection performed in 20 patients.

[Effect of sodium oxybutyrate on macroergic phosphates, function and ultrastructure of the myocardium in blood loss]

Experiments on dogs with long-term hypotony caused by blood loss have demonstrated irreversible lesions in the majority of cardiomyocytes and hypodynamic condition of the heart with a high content of macroergic phosphates in the myocardium. Intravenous injection of sodium hydroxybutyrate in a dose of 180-200 mg/kg after 60 min of hypotony seems to improve energy transport and utilization in the ischemic myocardium. It increases the working capacity and power of the heart muscle, pump function of the heart and makes longer the period of ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes.