Profiling of peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis by chemokine protein array

PURPOSE

Chemokines play essential role not only in controlling leukocyte function and trafficking but also in the angiogenesis and modulation of inflammatory responses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A novel array-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate peritoneal fluid chemokines of 25 infertile women with endometriosis and 18 controls. For our preliminary studies we chose mini-array containing nine different chemokines: MDC/CCL22, TARC/CCL17, MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, MIP-1alpha/CCL3, -1beta/CCL4, -1delta/CCL15, -3alpha/CCL20, and -3beta/CCL19.

RESULTS

We found significantly higher MIP-3beta/CCL19 (P = 0.0036) concentrations in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis as compared to patients with primary infertility without any signs of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results suggest that MIP-3beta/ /CCL19 might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis but its precise role remains to be established. Novel types of screening methods based on high-throughput technologies offer great opportunities to study immunobiology of endometriosis. It will hopefully provide new possibilities for discovery of new markers and potential drug targets.

Expression of glucose transporter GLUT-1 and estrogen receptors ER-alpha and ER-beta in human breast cancer

We attempted to describe a GLUT-1 expression in breast cancer and characterize correlation between GLUT-1 and ERs alpha and beta expression as well as correlate this with clinicopathologic features. Sixty-nine patients were involved in the study. GLUT-1, ER-alpha and ER-beta immunocytochemistry was performed using the streptavidin- biotin method. Thirty-seven (53.6%) out of total 69 were GLUT-1 positive. Of GLUT- 1 positive 45.3% were ER-alpha-positive, whereas 81.3% of ER-alpha-negative were GLUT-1 positive. Statistically significant correlation was observed between GLUT-1 and ER-alpha expression status but neither between GLUT-1 and ER-beta nor with clinicopathologic features. No statistically significant correlation was found between expression level (expressed as immunocytoreactive score) of GLUT-1, ER-alpha and ER-beta. Since most of ER-alpha-negative (81.3%) were GLUT-1 positive and significant correlation exists between the two receptors it is reasonable to assume that some functional relation might exists between the expression of two receptors.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of benign breast disease. Markers of apoptosis and proliferation

Aim of the study was to compare the fine needle aspiration cytology findings of benign breast lesions with incidence of proliferation markers and apoptosis. This study included 37 patients with palpable breast lumps, referred for USG guided FNA. FNAC were prospectively classified as C2-benign, C4-suspicious of malignancy, and C5-malignant. The specimens were simultaneously stained for Ki-67, MPM2, Bcl2 and P53. The diagnoses in group-C2 were following: simple cyst, multiple cysts, simple cyst with apocrine metaplasia, inflammatory cyst, benign dysplasia (BD) and benign solid tumors. The final diagnoses, after histopathological verification, in cases of primary classification as C4 and C5 were as follow: proliferative fibroadenoma (FAp) and breas cancer, respectively. Great majority of C2/BD aspirates were negative for proliferative antigens Ki-67 and PCNA. These antigens were detected in part of benign solid tumors, as anticipated in suspicious solid tumor, and in all of cancer aspirates. Bcl-2 immunopositive cells were detected approximately in one quarter of C2/BD, nearly in half of C2 solid tumors and in one C4/FAp. Most of diagnosed specimens were P53-negative. Immunocytodetection of Ki67, MPM2, Bcl2, P53 might be promising, supportive method in the classification of benign breast lesions. FNAC increases the reliability of diagnosis when complemented by immunocytochemical staining. It could be helpful procedure of establishing more accurately the biology of these lesions and possibly serve as an essential factor in clinical follow-up. Nevertheless, further study on larger group of patients comparing cytological and histopathological diagnosis is required to estimate reliability of its predictive value.

Protein kinase C involvement in proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells

Members of protein kinase C (PKC) family have been widely implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Increased protein C activity in malignant breast tissue and in most aggressive breast cancer cell lines suggests possible role of PKC in the development and progression of breast cancer. PKC may be therefore a target for breast cancer treatment. In our study we attempted to investigate the effect of: phorbol ester (PMA)-PKC activator, and bisindolylmaleimide II (GF II), a highly selective PKC inhibitor, on the proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis and necrosis in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Our results provide evidence for multidirectional effects of PKC on the proliferation of this type of breast cancer cells. The effects of both compounds were different after short time of exposition (1-3 h). PMA induced proliferation, while GF II showed an opposite effect. After 24 h, however, both compounds exhibited relatively high inhibitory effect on the proliferation and proved to be effective in induction of necrosis and apoptosis.

The influence of glyco-nitric oxide conjugate on proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a nitric oxide donor: Glyco-2-SNAP on the proliferation status of two breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. The study was performed by the thymidine incorporation method as well as by the immunocytochemical detection of the Ki-67 antigen. We found that the donor significantly inhibits the process of proliferation. The effect of the Glyco-2-SNAP is significant in both lines, however stronger in MDA -MB-231 cells where the donor at 100 microM inhibited DNA synthesis from 70462.000 dpi (SD +/-2066.175, n=4) for control to about 3120.250 dpi (SD +/-971.689 n=4). In UCF-7 cells the control gave 31142.500 dpi (SD +/-712.9214, n=4) and the treatment with 100 microM of Glyco-2 SNAP resulted in 4095.50 dpi. (SD +/-315.723, n=4). In both lines SNAP, classical NO donor also had an inhibitory effect but much higher concentrations. Ki-67 protein expression was significantly influenced by Glyco-2-SNAP at 100 microM (42.5% +/-6.45) concentrations in MDA-MB 231. No effect of G-SNAP was seen in MCF-7 cells. The control staining for both lines was about 90%. Our results presesent the possibility of exploiting a novel kind of NO donor as a potential mode of treatment that may be an alternative to classical therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.

Chemokine growth-regulated-alpha: a possible role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disease in women at reproductive age. We investigated the concentration of neutrophil-activating factor (growth-regulated gene-alpha; GRO-alpha) (a member of the chemokine family), in peritoneal fluid of infertile women with or without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid was obtained laparoscopically from 22 women with and 21 without visible endometriotic lesions. GRO-alpha concentration was measured by the use of an ELISA kit. Median concentration of GRO-alpha was 87.65 +/- 56.19 pg/ml in the study group and 60.72 +/- 11.98 pg/ml in the control group. The distribution of data differed from normal, therefore logarithmic transformation of data was performed. Concentration of GRO-alpha was significantly higher in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis when compared with controls (p = 0.05). No correlation between concentration of GRO-alpha, stage of endometriosis, duration of infertility or sex steroid hormone levels was found. The study shows that GRO-alpha may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, possibly by chemoattraction and activation of neutrophils present in higher numbers in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. It is also feasible that the angiogenic properties of GRO-alpha might prompt the progression of endometriotic lesions.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1: a possible role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases which play a role in the degradation and turnover of extracellular matrix proteins. Their action is regulated by specific tissue inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).

METHODS

We measured the concentrations of total and active MMP-9 in peritoneal fluid of infertile women with mild or moderate endometriosis (n = 22) and compared them with those in a control group of infertile patients (n = 21).

RESULTS

We found that the mean (+/-SD) total concentrations of MMP-9 in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis was 6.2 +/- 1.8 ng/ml, in comparison with 2.9 +/- 2.6 ng/ml in the control group (P = 0.001). Concentrations of active MMP-9 did not differ significantly between the groups. The concentrations of TIMP-1, after logarithmic transformation, were significantly lower (P = 0.017) in endometriotic peritoneal fluids than in peritoneal fluid of control women, 1.02 +/- 0.21 ng/ml and 1.16 +/- 0.18 ng/ml respectively. No correlation between stage of disease, steroid hormone concentration, MMP-9 (total and active) and TIMP-1 was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that a disturbed equilibrium exists between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. This may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

[The role of nitric oxide in carcinogenesis and progression of neoplastic processes]

The aim of the review is to outline the current knowledge about the role of nitric oxide in the processes of proliferation and apoptosis in tumor. Special emphasis has been placed on its direct cytotoxic influence on a cell where as a highly active free radical it may compromise different cellular functions. Nitric oxide literature, regarding its role in the pathogenesis of some gynecological and breast cancer has been briefly reviewed.

[Pentoxifylline and verapamil influence on the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis]

OBJECTIVES

Disturbances in topical immunological response during endometriosis, cell and humoral, is of particular interest nowadays. Increase in the number and activity of peritoneal macrophages depends to a large extent on calcium concentration. Pentoxifylline and verapamil are both known for their ability to regulate calcium homeostasis.

DESIGN

Evaluation of the pentoxifilline and verapamil influence on the phagocytic activity of the peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incubation of the peritoneal fluid with latex in four sets: 1) control with medium for 30 minutes; 2) with pentoxyfilline (3.8 mmol/l) for 30 minutes; 3) with verapamil 0.4 mmol/1; 4) with pentoxyfilline and verapamil together. Percentage of phagocyting cells, phagocytosis index and a score of phagocyting activity was calculated after 30 minutes incubation. Verapamil showed to increase all parameters of phagocytosis in comparison with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Verapamil is effective reagent in activity of peritoneal fluid macrophages. Further studies on larger group of patients are necessary to see if the changes are statistically relevant.

[The role of adhesive molecules in pathogenesis of endometriosis. Laboratory findings and clinical aspects]

Adhesive molecules have played an important and well-established role in cell-to-cell communication for a long time. They reveal specific functions in an ongoing disturbed immunological reactions, including endometriosis. This review is to describe the role of topical factors involved in the pathogenesis of arising and course of endometriosis, taking adhesive molecules into special consideration. It does not only include the mechanisms and the effects of their action but also some advantages that can be gained from the knowledge of their function. The attention is also drawn to the putative role of certain proteolitical enzymes and their inhibitors which when more active can intensify or reduce the symptoms of the disease.