Estrogen and Progesterone Binding Proteins in Human Colorectal Cancer. A Preliminary Characterization of Estradiol Receptor

Estradiol receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) were assayed in tumors from 20 patients with primary colorectal cancer. Ten of 20 tumors contained high affinity sites for 17β-estradiol and progesterone. The highest concentration of ER was 56 fmol/mg of protein. The ER dissociation constant ranged from 1.6 × 10−10 M to 8 × 10−10 M (mean 4.6 ± 2.6). The highest concentration of PgR was 42 fmol/mg of protein. The PgR dissociation constant ranged from 3 × 10−9 to 9 × 10−9 M (mean 5.65 ± 2.1). Four out of 20 specimens analyzed were from male patients and all resulted negative for both receptors. Sixty per cent of ER positive tumors were also PgR positive, whereas only 20 % of ER negative were PgR positive. Sucrose gradient centrifugation showed that cytoplasmic ER of colorectal cancer sedimented at 3 S in the absence of protease inhibitors and at 4.5 S in the presence of 1 mM phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF) both in low and in high ionic strength. When chromatographed on Sephadex G-200 almost all ER was quantitatively recovered in the included fractions. Molecular weights of ER eluted from Sephadex G-200 ranged from 90,000 to 50,000 daltons. Elution profile and molecular weight heterogeneity suggest that, in spite of the presence of PMSF, there is a limited proteolysis of ER. Partially purified colorectal cancer ER did not bind to sepharose-heparin. The isoelectric point of ER was 6.4–6.5.

High-Throughput Quantification of GFP-LC3+ Dots by Automated Fluorescence Microscopy

Macroautophagy is a specific variant of autophagy that involves a dedicated double-membraned organelle commonly known as autophagosome. Various methods have been developed to quantify the size of the autophagosomal compartment, which is an indirect indicator of macroautophagic responses, based on the peculiar ability of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B; best known as LC3) to accumulate in forming autophagosomes upon maturation. One particularly convenient method to monitor the accumulation of mature LC3 within autophagosomes relies on a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged variant of this protein and fluorescence microscopy. In physiological conditions, cells transfected temporarily or stably with a GFP-LC3-encoding construct exhibit a diffuse green fluorescence over the cytoplasm and nucleus. Conversely, in response to macroautophagy-promoting stimuli, the GFP-LC3 signal becomes punctate and often (but not always) predominantly cytoplasmic. The accumulation of GFP-LC3 in cytoplasmic dots, however, also ensues the blockage of any of the steps that ensure the degradation of mature autophagosomes, calling for the implementation of strategies that accurately discriminate between an increase in autophagic flux and an arrest in autophagic degradation. Various cell lines have been engineered to stably express GFP-LC3, which-combined with the appropriate controls of flux, high-throughput imaging stations, and automated image analysis-offer a relatively straightforward tool to screen large chemical or biological libraries for inducers or inhibitors of autophagy. Here, we describe a simple and robust method for the high-throughput quantification of GFP-LC3⁺ dots by automated fluorescence microscopy.

Embolization of traumatic and non-traumatic peripheral vascular lesions with Onyx

PURPOSE

The aim of our study is to verify the feasibility and the efficacy of Onyx as embolization agent in the treatment of traumatic and non-traumatic peripheral vascular lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the period between September 2006 and March 2012, we treated with Onyx 26 patients (14 males/12 females; age range, 18-85 years old; mean age, 65 years old), 11 of which with traumatic peripheral vascular lesions and 15 with non-traumatic vascular lesions (9 neoplastic hemorrhagic lesions, 3 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and 3 aneurysms). Follow-up controls were performed with clinical examination and by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

All peripheral vascular lesions were embolized with Onyx; 3 patients with aneurysms were treated with Onyx associated with endovascular coils. Four elective and 22 emergency embolization procedures were performed. In all patients, we obtained cessation of bleeding and the complete and permanent embolization of all vascular lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Onyx is an effective and safe embolization agent for peripheral vascular lesions.

Phosphatidylethanolamine positively regulates autophagy and longevity

Autophagy is a cellular recycling program that retards ageing by efficiently eliminating damaged and potentially harmful organelles and intracellular protein aggregates. Here, we show that the abundance of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) positively regulates autophagy. Reduction of intracellular PE levels by knocking out either of the two yeast phosphatidylserine decarboxylases (PSD) accelerated chronological ageing-associated production of reactive oxygen species and death. Conversely, the artificial increase of intracellular PE levels, by provision of its precursor ethanolamine or by overexpression of the PE-generating enzyme Psd1, significantly increased autophagic flux, both in yeast and in mammalian cell culture. Importantly administration of ethanolamine was sufficient to extend the lifespan of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), mammalian cells (U2OS, H4) and flies (Drosophila melanogaster). We thus postulate that the availability of PE may constitute a bottleneck for functional autophagy and that organismal life or healthspan could be positively influenced by the consumption of ethanolamine-rich food.

Effect of autologous transplantation of bone marrow cells concentrated with the MarrowXpress system in patients with critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI), a vascular disease affecting lower limbs, with high morbidity and mortality, is becoming a challenge due to the aging of the population. Patients without direct revascularization options have the worst outcomes. To date, 25% to 40% of CLI patients are not candidates for surgical or endovascular approaches, facing a major amputation as the ultimate option. This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of transplantation of autologous bone marrow concentrates in "no-option" patients to restore blood perfusion by collateral flow and limb salvage. We performed a nonrandomized, noncontrolled pilot study for no-option CLI patients using intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow concentrate. Variation of blood perfusion parameters, evaluated by laser doppler flowmetry after 6 and 12 months, was set as primary endpoint. Thirteen enrolled patients showed improvements in objective measurements of perfusion. This uncontrolled study provided evidence that transplantation of autologous bone marrow concentrates was well tolerated by CLI patients without significant adverse effects, demonstrating improved perfusion, confirming the feasibility and safety of the procedure.

Genista sessilifolia DC. extracts induce apoptosis across a range of cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVES

Restorative properties of medicinal plants such as Genista sessilifolia DC. have often been suggested to occur, in epidemiological studies. However, full characterization of effective principles responsible for this action has never previously been performed. Here, we have characterized G. sessilifolia's anti-cancer effects and identified the chemical components involved in this anti-tumour action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell cycle, apoptosis, necrosis, differentiation analyses, high-performance liquid chromatography, western blotting, RNA extraction, real-time PCR and primers have all been observed/used in the study.

RESULTS

We report that G. sessilifolia methanol extract has anti-cancer activity on solid and haematological cancer cells. G. sessilifolia extract's anti-proliferative action is closely bound to induction of apoptosis, whereas differentiation is only weakly modulated. Analysis of G. sessilifolia extract, by high-performance liquid chromatography, identifies fraction 18-22 as the pertinent component for induction of apoptosis, whereas fractions 11-13 and 27-30 both seem to contribute to differentiation. G. sessilifolia extract induces apoptosis mediated by caspase activation and p21, Rb, p53, Bcl2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD), tumour necrosis factor receptor super-family, member 10 (TRAIL) overexpression and death receptor 5 (DR5). Accordingly, fraction 18-22 inducing apoptosis was able to induce TRAIL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that G. sessilifolia extract and its fraction 18-22 containing genistin and isoprunetin, were able to induce anti-cancer effects supporting the hypothesis of a pro-apoptotic intrinsic content of this natural medicinal plant.

Autologous bone marrow cell therapy for peripheral arterial disease

Inadequate blood supply to tissues caused by obstruction of arterioles and/or capillaries results in ischemic injuries – these injuries can range from mild (eg, leg ischemia) to severe conditions (eg, myocardial infarction, stroke). Surgical and/or endovascular procedures provide cutting-edge treatment for patients with vascular disorders; however, a high percentage of patients are currently not treatable, owing to high operative risk or unfavorable vascular involvement. Therapeutic angiogenesis has recently emerged as a promising new therapy, promoting the formation of new blood vessels by the introduction of bone marrow–derived stem and progenitor cells. These cells participate in the development of new blood vessels, the enlargement of existing blood vessels, and sprouting new capillaries from existing blood vessels, providing evidence of the therapeutic utility of these cells in ischemic tissues. In this review, the authors describe peripheral arterial disease, an ischemic condition affecting the lower extremities, summarizing different aspects of vascular regeneration and discussing which and how stem cells restore the blood flow. The authors also present an overview of encouraging results from early-phase clinical trials using stem cells to treat peripheral arterial disease. The authors believe that additional research initiatives should be undertaken to better identify the nature of stem cells and that an intensive cooperation between laboratory and clinical investigators is needed to optimize the design of cell therapy trials and to maximize their scientific rigor. Only this will allow the results of these investigations to develop best clinical practices. Additionally, although a number of stem cell therapies exist, many treatments are performed outside international and national regulations and many clinical trials have been not registered on databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov or EudraCT. Therefore, more rigorous clinical trials are required to confirm the first hopeful results and to address the challenging issues.

A phase II trial of autologous transplantation of bone marrow stem cells for critical limb ischemia: results of the Naples and Pietra Ligure Evaluation of Stem Cells study

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a vascular disease affecting lower limbs, which is going to become a demanding challenge because of the aging of the population. Despite advances in endovascular therapies, CLI is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients without direct revascularization options have the worst outcomes. To date, 25%-40% of CLI patients are not candidates for surgical or endovascular approaches, ultimately facing the possibility of a major amputation. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow (BM) transplantation performed in "no-option" patients, in terms of restoring blood perfusion by collateral flow and limb salvage. A multicenter, prospective, not-controlled phase II study for no-option CLI patients was performed. Patients were subjected to intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow and followed for 12 months after the treatment. Variation of blood perfusion parameters, evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry or transcutaneous oximetry, was set as the primary endpoint at 12 months after treatment and amputation-free survival as the secondary endpoint. Sixty patients were enrolled and treated with BM transplantation, showing improvement in objective and subjective measures of perfusion. Furthermore, survival analysis demonstrated improved amputation-free survival rates (75.2%) at 12 months after the treatment. This study provides further evidence that autologous bone marrow transplantation is well tolerated by CLI patients without adverse effects, demonstrating trends toward improvement in perfusion and reduced amputation rate, confirming the feasibility and safety of the procedure.

Circulating cytokines present in the serum of peripheral arterial disease patients induce endothelial dysfunction

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic condition caused by atherosclerosis and is a severe complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We hypothesised that chronic condition of arterial disease engenders inflammation and endothelial damage in response to circulating cytokines released in the blood stream of PAD patients. We explored the levels of circulating cytokines in PAD patients with and without diabetes by multiplex cytokine array compared with non-PAD controls. Serum from PAD patients with or without diabetes showed high levels of VEGF, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and EGF. VEGF levels correlated with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, significantly. Endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed to the different altered cytokines to evaluate changes in cell growth, migration and tubule-like formation, displaying impairment on proliferation, migration and tubule formation. Our findings demonstrate that a set of cytokines is significantly increased in the serum of PAD patients. These cytokines act to induce endothelial dysfunction synergistically. VEGF strongly correlated with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, opening new therapeutic perspectives.

Differential accumulation of BPA in some tissues of offspring of Balb-C mice exposed to different BPA doses

Pregnant adult Balb-C mice were exposed daily to two different doses of Bisphenol A (BPA) by subcutaneous injection beginning on gestational day 1 through the seventh day after delivery. The mothers were sacrificed on postpartum day 21, and the offspring were sacrificed at 3 months of age. Control mice were subjected to the same experimental protocol but received saline injections. The liver, muscles, hindbrain and forebrain of the offspring were dissected and processed using HPLC to assess the level of BPA in the tissues and to determine its dependence on the exposure dose and gender. For comparison, the same tissues were dissected from the mothers and analysed. We report the following results: (1) the level of BPA that accumulated in a given tissue was dependent on the exposure dose; (2) the rank order of BPA accumulation in the various tissues was dependent on the gender of the offspring; (3) the average BPA concentrations in the liver and muscle of the female offspring were higher than in the males; and (4) the average BPA concentration in the central nervous system (i.e., the hindbrain and forebrain) of the male offspring was higher than in the females.

Psidium guajava L. anti-neoplastic effects: induction of apoptosis and cell differentiation

OBJECTIVES

Curative properties of medicinal plants such as Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) have often been indicated by epidemiological studies on populations in which these fruits are consumed daily. However, complete characterization of the active principles responsible for this ability has never been performed. Here, we have characterized P. guajava's anti-cancer potential and identified the parts of the fruit involved in its anti-neoplastic action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied morphology of our cells, cell cycle characteristics and apoptosis and performed immunostaining, differentiation and western blot analyses.

RESULTS

We report that the P. guajava extract exerted anti-cancer control on both haematological and solid neoplasias. P. guajava extract's anti-tumour properties were found to be tightly bound to induction of apoptosis and differentiation. Use of ex vivo myeloid leukaemia blasts corroborated that P. guajava was able to induce cell death but did not exhibit anti-cancer effects on all malignant cells investigated, indicating selective activity against certain types of tumour. Analyses of P. guajava pulp, peel and seeds identified the pulp as being the most relevant component for causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, whereas peel was responsible for causing cell differentiation. P. guajava itself and its pulp-derived extract were found to induce apoptosis accompanied by caspase activation and p16, p21, Fas ligand (FASL TNF super-family, member 6), Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) and tumour necrosis factor receptor super-family, member 10b (DR5), overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that P. guajava L. extract was able to exert anti-cancer activity on cultures in vitro and ex vivo, supporting the hypothesis of its anti malignant pro-apoptotic modulation.

Bisphenol A content in fish caught in two different sites of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor (ED) that is abundant in the environment because of its extensive use in human-manufactured products. In this study, the BPA concentration was measured in the muscle and liver of five edible fish, characterized by different habitat and habits, caught in two different sites of the Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy). Our results show that: (i) fish livers are about 2.5 times more polluted than muscle; (ii) fish caught in the Gulf of Naples are more polluted than those from the Latium coasts, ranging from 1.2-fold more for White Bream to 6.6-fold for Grey Mullet; and (iii) the percentages of fish found to be BPA-polluted in the Gulf of Naples ranged from 73% (for Bass) to 90% (for Mullet), while the Latium fish range from 60% (for Bass) to 90% (for Mullet). These data indicate that consumers of fish caught in the Gulf of Naples are at a greater risk for BPA-induced endocrine pathologies compared to those who consume fish caught along the Latium coasts.

Differential accumulation levels in the brain of rats exposed to the endocrine disruptor 4-tert-octylphenol (OP)

Octylphenol (OP) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that accumulates in various organs. It has also been shown to exert noxious effects on the central nervous system. In the present study, we measured in Sprague-Dawley rats the degree of OP accumulation in different areas of the brain and investigated the effect of OP in pain modulation. Two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 20 days with 50mg/kg BW/day of OP (group 1) or vehicle (group 2). At the end of the treatment, the formalin test was performed to evaluate the effect of OP exposure on pain. Soon after, rats were sacrificed, and the accumulation of OP in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, thalamus, striatum, mesencephalus and ventral hindbrain was measured by HPLC analysis. The results showed a greater accumulation of OP in the cerebral cortex compared to all the other areas; there was also more accumulation in the cerebellum compared to the mesencephalus and thalamus. No accumulation was found in the striatum. These results suggest that there is a preferential accumulation of OP in different areas of the brain with consequences to neural behaviour. On the contrary, experiments on facial grooming did not show significant effects of OP on pain.

Pre-natal exposure of mice to bisphenol A elicits an endometriosis-like phenotype in female offspring

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Exposure to endocrine disruptors during critical period of development causes long-lasting effects, being the genital system one of the targets. This study describes the effects on female genital system caused by developmental exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) during pre- and peri-natal development in mice. To this end, timed pregnant Balb-C mice were treated from day 1 of gestation to 7 days after delivery with BPA (100, or 1000 microg/kg/day). After delivery, pups were held for 3 months; then, pelvic organs were analyzed in their entirety and livers of both pups and moms were studied for the presence of BPA. We found in the adipose tissue surrounding the genital tracts of a consistent number of treated animals, endometriosis-like structure with the presence of both glands and stroma and expressing both estrogen receptor and HOXA-10. Moreover, cystic ovaries, adenomatous hyperplasia with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia were significantly more frequent in treated animals respect to the controls. Finally, BPA was found in the livers of exposed moms and female offspring. In conclusion, we describe for the first time an endometriosis-like phenotype in mice, elicited by pre-natal exposition to BPA. This observation may induce to thoroughly reconsider the pathogenesis and treatment of endometriosis, considering the high incidence of endometriosis and the problems caused by associated infertility.

Beneficial effects of VEGF secreted from stromal cells in supporting endothelial cell functions: therapeutic implications for critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the end stage of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). One third of CLI patients progresses to leg amputation with high associated morbidity and mortality. In no-option patients with end-stage critical limb ischemia, bone marrow cell transplantation has shown promising results, improving leg perfusion to the level of reducing major amputations and allowing limb salvage. We recently reported the successful application of an innovative protocol based on repeated autologous bone marrow cell transplantation, which resulted in an effective and feasible strategy for achieving long-term revascularization in patients with severe CLI. In an effort to understand the clinical benefit provided by stem cells therapy in patients with CLI, we characterized the marrow-derived stromal cells of CLI patients and we provided a correlation between the in vitro features of these cells and the clinical follow up at 12 months. We showed that cells derived from CLI patients had a reduced capacity to proliferate, adhere, and migrate, but that they stimulated proliferation and migration of endothelial cells through the release of VEGF-A, supporting the idea that the paracrine mechanisms underpinned the biological effects of long-term angiogenesis in CLI patients.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery versus standard linear or pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass: endothelial activation and inflammatory response

OBJECTIVE

Poor outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have been linked to perioperative endothelial activation and systemic inflammatory responses. The use of pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (PCPB) or off-pump CABG (OPCABG) may minimise these phenomena. We compared biochemical and clinical outcomes among patients who underwent CABG with PCPB, CABG with linear CPB (LCPB) or OPCABG.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive patients undergoing isolated elective CABG were prospectively randomised trial to receive pulsatile CPB (group A, 20 patients), linear CPB (group B, 20 patients) or OPCABG (group C, 20 patients). Levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukins-2, -6, and -8), anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10) and endothelial markers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemo-attractant protein (MCP)-1) were measured before, during and after surgery.

RESULTS

VEGF and MCP-1 levels increased significantly during surgery in all groups, but they increased the least and were the lowest overall with OPCABG. They rose most and peaked overall with LCPB. Interleukin-2 levels remained stable during OPCABG but decreased equally during PCPB and LCPB. Interleukin-6 and -8 levels rose significantly during both types of CPB versus OPCABG. Interleukin-10 levels increased significantly in all groups during surgery, but they rose least and were the lowest overall with OPCABG and rose most and were the highest overall with PCPB. Intubation times, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were significantly longer in the LCPB group than the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LCPB appears to promote endothelial activation and cytokine secretion, which may delay recovery. OPCABG was associated with slight endothelial activation and cytokine response. PCPB significantly attenuates endothelial/cytokine leakage, resulting in hospital outcomes comparable with those after OPCABG.

In vivo veritas: Thrombosis mechanisms in animal models

Experimental models have enhanced our understanding of atherothrombosis pathophysiology and have played a major role in the search for adequate therapeutic interventions. Various animal models have been developed to simulate thrombosis and to study in vivo parameters related to hemodynamics and rheology that lead to thrombogenesis. Although no model completely mimics the human condition, much can be learned from existing models about specific biologic processes in disease causation and therapeutic intervention. In general, large animals such as pigs and monkeys have been better suited to study atherosclerosis and arterial and venous thrombosis than smaller species such as rats, rabbits, and dogs. On the other hand, mouse models of arterial and venous thrombosis have attracted increasing interest over the past two decades, owing to direct availability of a growing number of genetically modified mice, improved technical feasibility, standardization of new models of local thrombosis, and low maintenance costs. To simulate rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, models of arterial thrombosis often involve vascular injury, which can be achieved by several means. There is no animal model that is sufficiently tall, that can mimic the ability of humans to walk upright, and that possesses the calf muscle pump that plays an important role in human venous hemodynamics. A number of spontaneous or genetically engineered animals with overexpression or deletion of various elements in the coagulation, platelet, and fibrinolysis pathways are now available. These animal models can replicate important aspects of thrombosis in humans, and provide a valuable resource in the development of novel concepts of disease mechanisms in human patients.

Molecular analysis of the apoptotic effects of BPA in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Background:

BPA (bisphenol A or 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-phenol)propane) is present in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, which can be used in impact-resistant safety equipment and baby bottles, as protective coatings inside metal food containers, and as composites and sealants in dentistry. Recently, attention has focused on the estrogen-like and carcinogenic adverse effects of BPA. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing activity of this compound.

Methods:

Cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation analyses; western blots.

Results:

BPA is able to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in three different acute myeloid leukemias. Although some granulocytic differentiation concomitantly occurred in NB4 cells upon BPA treatment, the major action was the induction of apoptosis. BPA mediated apoptosis was caspase dependent and occurred by activation of extrinsic and intrinsic cell death pathways modulating both FAS and TRAIL and by inducing BAD phosphorylation in NB4 cells. Finally, also non genomic actions such as the early decrease of both ERK and AKT phosphorylation were induced by BPA thus indicating that a complex intersection of regulations occur for the apoptotic action of BPA.

Conclusion:

BPA is able to induce apoptosis in leukemia cells via caspase activation and involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis.

Beneficial effects of low doses of red wine consumption on perturbed shear stress-induced atherogenesis

Moderate wine intake is associated with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis is enhanced in arterial segments exposed to disturbed flow. Perturbed shear stress increases also the endothelial expression of oxidation-sensitive responsive genes (such as ELK-1 and p-JUN). This study evaluates the effects of chronic consumption of red wine on perturbed shear stress-induced atherogenesis. Results indicated that chronic treatment with red wine significantly attenuated the activation of redox-sensitive genes (ELK-1 and p-JUN) and increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (which was decreased by perturbed shear stress) in cultured human coronary endothelial cells (EC) and in atherosclerosis-prone areas of hypercholesterolemic mice. Oral administration of red wine to hypercholesterolemic mice reduced significantly the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, short-term supplementation with red wine to C57BL/6J mice significantly increased upregulation of aortic eNOS and SIRT1 expression induced by physical training. These findings establish that administration of low doses of red wine can attenuate the proatherogenic effects induced by perturbed shear stress in vitro and in vivo. This evidence may have implications for the prevention of atherosclerotic lesion progression and its clinical manifestations.

Feijoa sellowiana derived natural Flavone exerts anti-cancer action displaying HDAC inhibitory activities

Curative properties of some medicinal plants such as the Feijoa sellowiana Bert. (Myrtaceae), have been often claimed, although the corresponding molecular mechanism(s) remain elusive. We report here that the Feijoa acetonic extract exerts anti-cancer activities on solid and hematological cancer cells. Feijoa extract did not show toxic effects on normal myeloid progenitors thus displaying a tumor-selective activity. In the Feijoa acetonic extract, fractionation and subsequent purification and analyses identified Flavone as the active component. Flavone induces apoptosis which is accompanied by caspase activation and p16, p21 and TRAIL over-expression in human myeloid leukemia cells. Use of ex vivo myeloid leukemia patients blasts confirms that both the full acetonic Feijoa extract and its derived Flavone are able to induce apoptosis. In both cell lines and myeloid leukemia patients blasts the apoptotic activity of Feijoa extract and Flavone is accompanied by increase of histone and non-histone acetylation levels and by HDAC inhibition. Our findings show for the first time that the Feijoa apoptotic active principle is the Flavone and that this activity correlates with the induction of HDAC inhibition, supporting the hypothesis of its epigenetic pro-apoptotic regulation in cancer systems.

Brain protection using autologous bone marrow cell, metalloproteinase inhibitors, and metabolic treatment in cerebral ischemia

Despite advances in imaging, understanding the underlying pathways, and clinical translation of animal models of disease there remains an urgent need for therapies that reduce brain damage after stroke and promote functional recovery in patients. Blocking oxidant radicals, reducing matrix metalloproteinase-induced neuronal damage, and use of stem cell therapy have been proposed and tested individually in prior studies. Here we provide a comprehensive integrative management approach to reducing damage and promoting recovery by combining biological therapies targeting these areas. In a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia (middle cerebral artery occlusion) gene delivery vectors were used to overexpress tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP1 and TIMP2) 3 days before ischemia. After occlusion, autologous bone marrow cells alone or in combination with agents to improve NO bioavailability were administered intraarterially. When infarct size, BrdU incorporation, and motor function recovery were determined in the treatment groups the largest beneficial effect was seen in rats receiving the triple combined therapy, surpassing effects of single or double therapies. Our study highlights the utility of combined drug, gene, and cell therapy in the treatment of stroke.

Comparison between total endothelial progenitor cell isolation versus enriched Cd133+ culture

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a role in endogenous neovascularization of ischaemic tissues. Isolation and characterization of EPCs from circulating mononuclear cells are important for developing targeted cellular therapies and reproducibility of data are the major scientific goals. Here we compared two currently employed isolation methods, i.e. from total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and from enriched CD133(+) cells, by defining the cell morphology and functional activities. We show that EPCs from cultured PBMCs resulted in an adherent population of 23% +/- 4% merged cells positive for Dil-Ac-LDL and lectin, whereas the percentage of double positive cells in cultured CD133(+) enriched cells was 50% +/- 7% (P < 0.01). These data were obtained through a novel and a more complete method of analysis of cell calculations (specifically by dividing each microscope field into 120 subfields). When stimulated with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-alpha and glucose, cell number was reduced in EPCs from total PBMCs and, more consistently, in CD133(+) enriched cells. However, both cultured total PBMCs and CD133(+) enriched cells respond similarly to TNF-alpha or glucose-induced p38-phosphorylation. EPCs from both procedures show similar results in terms of phenotype and response to modulators of their functional activities. However, when the cell phenotype of CD133(+) enrichment-derived cells was compared with that of cells from the total PBMC, a significant increase in CD133(+) expression was observed (P < 0.01) This may have relevance during intervention studies using cultured EPCs.

Effects of a pomegranate fruit extract rich in punicalagin on oxidation-sensitive genes and eNOS activity at sites of perturbed shear stress and atherogenesis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is enhanced in arterial segments exposed to disturbed flow. Perturbed shear stress increases the expression of oxidation-sensitive responsive genes (such as ELK-1 and p-CREB). Polyphenolic antioxidants contained in the juice derived from the pomegranate contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress and atherogenesis during disturbed shear stress.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effects of intervention with the Pomegranate Fruit Extract (PFE) rich in polyphones (punicalagin, which is a potent antioxidant) on ELK-1, p-CREB, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression induced by high shear stress in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

At the doses used in the study, both the PFE and the regular pomegranate juice concentrate reduced the activation of ELK-1 and p-CREB and increased eNOS expression (which was decreased by perturbed shear stress) in cultured human endothelial cells and in atherosclerosis-prone areas of hypercholesterolemic mice. PFE and pomegranate juice increased cyclic GMP levels while there was no significant effect of both compounds on the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline. Administration of these compounds to hypercholesterolemic mice significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerosis and isoprostane levels and increased nitrates. This protective effect was relevant with PFE. Vasomotor reactivity was improved and EC(25) values in response to Ach and NONOate were significantly increased in treated mice in comparison to controls.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the proatherogenic effects induced by perturbed shear stress can be also reversed by chronic administration of PFE.

Autologous bone marrow cell therapy and metabolic intervention in ischemia-induced angiogenesis in the diabetic mouse hindlimb

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major health problem especially when associated to diabetes. Administration of autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) is emerging as a novel intervention to induce therapeutic angiogenesis in experimental ischemic limb models and in patients with PAD. Since tissue ischemia and diabetes are associated with an overwhelming generation of oxygen radicals and detrimental effects due to formation of glycosylation end-products, metabolic intervention with antioxidants and L-arginine can confer beneficial effects beyond those achieved by BMC alone. The effects of cotreatment with intravenous BMCs and metabolic vascular protection (1.0% vitamin E, 0.05% vitamin C, and 6% L-arginine) were examined in the ischemic hindlimb of diabetic and non diabetic mice. BMC therapy increased blood flow and capillary densities and Ki67 proliferative marker, and decreased interstitial fibrosis. This effect was amplified by metabolic cotreatment, an intervention inducing vascular protection, at least in part, through the nitric oxide pathway, reduction of systemic oxidative stress, and macrophage activation.

Role of oxidative stress in experimental sepsis and multisystem organ dysfunction

Massive increase in radical species can lead to oxidative stress, promoting cell injury and death. This review focuses on experimental evidence of oxidative stress in critical illnesses, sepsis and multisystem organ dysfunction. Oxidative stress could negatively affect organ injury and thus overall survival of experimental models. Based on this experimental evidence, we could improve the rationale of supplementation of antioxidants alone or in combination with standard therapies aimed to reduce oxidative stress as novel adjunct treatment in critical care.

Pomegranate juice reduces oxidized low-density lipoprotein downregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human coronary endothelial cells

We examined the hypothesis that pomegranate juice (PJ) can revert the potent downregulation of the expression of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (NOSIII) induced by oxidized low-density liporotein (oxLDL) in human coronary endothelial cells. Western blot and Northern blot analyses showed a significant decrease of NOSIII expression after a 24-h treatment with oxLDL. Accordingly, we observed a significant dose-dependent reduction in nitric oxide bioactivity represented by both basal and bradykinin-stimulated cellular cGMP accumulation. These phenomena were corrected significantly by the concomitant treatment with PJ. Our data suggest that PJ can exert beneficial effects on the evolution of clinical vascular complications, coronary heart disease, and atherogenesis in humans by enhancing the NOSIII bioactivity.

Expression of transcription factor Yin Yang 1 in human osteosarcomas

The transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is known to be present in some human cancer cell lines and its expression correlates with immune-mediated apoptosis. By using Western blot analysis, we have shown that the YY1 protein is strongly expressed in human osteosarcoma cells and localised mainly in the nucleus. Moreover, by using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR techniques, we have analysed the expression of YY1 protein in biopsies from human osteosarcomas. The YY1 protein was not detectable by immunohistochemistry in osteoid tissue. However, its expression was restricted to osteosarcoma tissues. These data were confirmed by densitometric analysis of RT-PCR for YY1 expression. Thus, YY1 gene activation appears to be an early event in the process of osteoblastic transformation and its detection may represent, together with the analysis of other established markers, a useful diagnostic tool in human osteosarcomas.

Cooperation between Myc and YY1 provides novel silencing transcriptional targets of alpha3beta1-integrin in tumour cells

We show that human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) have downregulation of alpha3beta1-integrin compared to normal bone cells; this was further described in human osteosarcomas and in a primary murine sarcoma. The alpha3 gene was silenced in Saos-2 cells causing a low expression of alpha3beta1-integrin and reduction in collagen attachment with increasing migratory capacity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay performed on alpha3 promoter established that Myc and Yin Yang protein (YY1) cooperate in tandem to downregulate the alpha3 gene. This silencing mechanism involves the binding of Myc and YY1 to DNA and formation of complexes among Myc/Max, YY1, CREB-binding protein and deacetylation activity. The promoter containing deletions of E-boxes or YY1 cassettes failed to downregulate the transcription of a reporter gene as well as the inhibition of deacetylation activity. Overexpression of both Myc and YY1 was necessary to determine the alpha3-integrin promoter downregulation in normal osteoblasts. This downregulation of alpha3beta1-integrin can contribute to the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype. YY1 regulated negatively the Myc activity through a direct interaction with the Myc/Max and deacetylase complexes. This represents a novel silencing mechanism with broad implications in the transcription machinery of tumours.

Therapeutic effects of concurrent autologous bone marrow cell infusion and metabolic intervention in ischemia-induced angiogenesis in the hypercholesterolemic mouse hindlimb

Lower-limb ischemia is a major health problem especially when associated to hypercholesterolemia. Because of the absence of effective treatment in the advanced stages of the disease, amputation is undertaken to alleviate unbearable symptoms. Since tissue ischemia and hypercholesterolemia are associated with an overwhelming generation of oxygen radicals, metabolic intervention with antioxidants and l-arginine can induce beneficial effects beyond those achieved by a novel therapeutic approach represented by the use of autologous bone marrow cells (BMCs). The protective effect of BMCs and vascular protection by metabolic cotreatment (1.0% vitamin E added to the chow, 0.05% vitamin C and 6% l-arginine added to the drinking water) were examined in ischemia-induced angiogenesis in the hypercholesterolemic mouse hindlimb. Intravenous BMC therapy improved blood flow and increased capillary densities. This beneficial effect was amplified by metabolic cotreatment, an intervention inducing vascular protection, at least in part, through the nitric oxide pathway, reduction of systemic oxidative stress and macrophage activation.

Physical training and metabolic supplementation reduce spontaneous atherosclerotic plaque rupture and prolong survival in hypercholesterolemic mice

Moderate physical exercise (PE) combined with metabolic treatment (MT) (antioxidants and l-arginine) are well known to reduce atherosclerotic lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic mice. However, the long-term beneficial effects on unstable atheroma remain poorly understood. We started early PE training in large groups of 6-week-old hypercholesterolemic mice (by graduated swimming) alone or in combination with nutritional supplementation (1.0% vitamin E added to the chow and 0.05% vitamin C and 6% l-arginine added to the drinking water). Inactive controls did not receive PE. The spontaneous development of atherosclerotic plaque rupture (associated with advanced atherosclerosis) and survival rates were evaluated. Moderate PE elicited an increase in plasma levels of nitric oxide. Early combined treatment with PE and MT in the hypercholesterolemic mice significantly reduced lesions (also detected noninvasively at 10 months) and spontaneous atherosclerotic plaque rupture and prolonged survival more effectively than each intervention alone. Thus, early concerted actions of MT and PE improve the natural history of atherosclerotic lesions and reduce the plaque instability in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Nitric oxide and atherosclerosis: an update

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that has gained recognition as a crucial modulator of vascular disease. NO has a number of intracellular effects that lead to vasorelaxation, endothelial regeneration, inhibition of leukocyte chemotaxis, and platelet adhesion. Endothelium damage induced by atherosclerosis leads to the reduction in bioactivity of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) with subsequent impaired release of NO together with a local enhanced degradation of NO by increased generation of reactive oxygen species with subsequent cascade of oxidation-sensitive mechanisms in the arterial wall. Many commonly used vasculoprotective agents have their therapeutic actions through the production of NO. L-Arginine, the precursor of NO, has demonstrated beneficial effects in atherosclerosis and disturbed shear stress. Finally, eNOS gene polymorphism might be an additional risk factor that may contribute to predict cardiovascular events. However, further studies are needed to understand the possible clinical implications of these correlations.

The role of oxidative stress in adult critical care

Oxidative stress defines an imbalance in production of oxidizing chemical species and their effective removal by protective antioxidants and scavenger enzymes. Evidence of massive oxidative stress is well established in adult critical illnesses characterized by tissue ischemia-reperfusion injury and by an intense systemic inflammatory response such as during sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Oxidative stress could exacerbate organ injury and thus overall clinical outcome. We searched MEDLINE databases (January 1966 to June 2005). For interventional studies, we accepted only randomized trials. Several small clinical trials have been performed in order to reduce oxidative stress by supplementation of antioxidants alone or in combination with standard therapies. These studies have reported controversial results. Newer large multicenter trials with antioxidant supplementation should be performed, considering administration at an early stage of illness and a wider population of critically ill patients.

Beneficial effects of concurrent autologous bone marrow cell therapy and metabolic intervention in ischemia-induced angiogenesis in the mouse hindlimb

Lower-limb ischemia is a major health problem. Because of the absence of effective treatment in the advanced stages of the disease, amputation is undertaken to alleviate unbearable symptoms. Novel therapeutic approaches include the intramuscular use of autologous bone marrow cells (BMCs). Because tissue ischemia is associated with an overwhelming generation of oxygen radicals and negative effects due to perturbed shear-stress, metabolic intervention with antioxidants and l-arginine could potentially induce beneficial effects beyond those achieved by BMCs. The protective effect of autologous BMCs and vascular protection by metabolic cotreatment (1.0% vitamin E added to the chow and 0.05% vitamin C and 6% l-arginine added to the drinking water) were examined in ischemia-induced angiogenesis in the mouse hindlimb, a model of extensive acute peripheral arterial occlusion. i.v. BMC therapy improved blood flow and increased capillary densities and expression of Ki-67, a proliferation-associated protein. This beneficial effect was amplified by metabolic cotreatment, an intervention inducing vascular protection, at least in part, through the nitric oxide pathway, reduction of systemic oxidative stress, and macrophage activation. Therefore, although a cautious approach is mandatory when experimental findings are extended to human diseases, autologous BMCs together with metabolic intervention could be an effective clinical treatment for peripheral arterial disease.

Glycoxidation of low-density lipoprotein promotes multiple apoptotic pathways and NFkappaB activation in human coronary cells

Apoptosis of arterial cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is thought to contribute to the progression of vascular dysfunction and atherogenesis. It is well established that diabetes mellitus is accompanied by both glycosylation and oxidation LDL, but the biological effects of these modified lipoproteins are poorly understood. We demonstrate here that glycosylated oxLDL (glc-oxLDL) promotes apoptotic signaling in human coronary smooth muscle cells. This was associated by a decrease of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, an increase of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and activation of caspase 3. Glc-oxLDL also activated NFK: B and decreased IK: B, these effects were more pronounced than those achieved with oxLDL. Our study shows that glc-oxLDL influences a broad cascade of signaling transduction pathways, which may not only result in apoptosis, but also could affect NFkappaB in human coronary cells. This cascade of events may influence the evolution of atherogenesis and vascular complications in diabetic patients.

[Childhood infection and endothelial dysfunction: a potential synergistic link in atherosclerosis]

The prodromal stage of atherosclerotic lesions is already formed during human fetal development. The presence of infections during childhood may increase synergistically the progression of atherogenesis. After delivery, especially those children exposed to severe maternal hypercholesterolemia should be followed up for the onset and development of acute and chronic infections and be included in clinical and noninvasive examinations of vascular function.

Animal models of hypertension: an overview

Hypertension is a multifactorial disease involving complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Development of experimental models of hypertension allowed dissection and isolation of various factors associated with regulation of blood pressure, inheritance of hypertensive traits, and cellular responses to injury. The phenotype-driven approach is taking advantage of selective breeding of animals (primarily rats) that exhibit a desired phenotype, like the useful SHR. Genotype-driven models include transgenic techniques, in which mice are the most successful for selective deletion or overexpression of target genes. Notably, a combination of comparative genomics strategies and phenotypic correlates enhances the utility of hypertension models and their clinical relevance. Indeed, experimental models enabled development of targeted interventions aimed at decreasing not only blood pressure but also target organ injury. Continued utilization of experimental models simulating human hypertension, particularly those that combine other clinically relevant comorbidities like obesity or hypercholesterolemia, may afford development of effective strategies to address this common disease. Nevertheless, a cautious approach is mandatory when experimental findings in these models are extrapolated to human hypertension.

New advances in microarrays: finding the genes causally involved in disease

Much progress has been made in the technologies available to assess global alterations in mRNA levels in clinical research samples. Although such transcript profiling can provide a powerful research tool, the broad range of options can be bewildering for the inexperienced investigator, and more often than not the limitations and pitfalls of this approach are not fully appreciated. It is important to recognize that the major goal of transcript profiling experiments can be to identify novel therapeutic targets or delineate complex patterns of gene expression that provide a potentially pathognomonic phenotype. Microarrays are therefore potentially powerful tools to address the need for high-throughput analysis techniques, but a careful postanalysis follow-up and validation of microarray experiments will be needed soon (1). A projected decrease in cost and complexity may facilitate increased availability of this technology in the physician's office, and future applications may then allow tailoring of clinical diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies.

New Trends in Anti-Atherosclerotic Agents

New approaches to atherosclerosis-related diseases include novel uses of proven treatments and development of innovative agents. Several commonly used cardiovascular drugs such as dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors containing the sulphydryl group, or highly lipophilic beta-blockers have some anti-atherosclerotic activities. Moreover, new clinical trials suggesting that additional reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with statin therapy results in additional benefit in coronary heart disease prevention. Notably, new cholesterol transport or bile acid transport inhibitors have been found to produce significant reductions in intestinal cholesterol absorption and experimental atherosclerosis. Inhibitors of acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase, which can reduce cholesterol storage in macrophages and in arterial lesions, have also been developed. Finally, newer therapeutical strategies against atherogenesis may include the use of antioxidants and cholestyramine during pregnancy or the development of metalloproteinase inhibitors.

Beneficial effects of pomegranate juice on oxidation-sensitive genes and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity at sites of perturbed shear stress

Atherosclerosis is enhanced in arterial segments exposed to disturbed flow. Perturbed shear stress increases the expression of oxidation-sensitive responsive genes (such as ELK-1 and p-JUN) in the endothelium. Evidence suggests that polyphenolic antioxidants contained in the juice derived from the pomegranate can contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress and atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of intervention with pomegranate juice (PJ) on oxidation-sensitive genes and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression induced by high shear stress in vitro and in vivo. Cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (EC) exposed to high shear stress in vitro and hypercholesterolemic mice were used in this study. PJ concentrate reduced the activation of redox-sensitive genes (ELK-1 and p-JUN) and increased eNOS expression (which was decreased by perturbed shear stress) in cultured EC and in atherosclerosis-prone areas of hypercholesterolemic mice. Moreover, oral administration of PJ to hypercholesterolemic mice at various stages of disease reduced significantly the progression of atherosclerosis. This experimental study indicates that the proatherogenic effects induced by perturbed shear stress can be reversed by chronic administration of PJ. This approach may have implications for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations.

Tandem action of exercise training and food restriction completely preserves ischemic preconditioning in the aging heart

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) has been proposed as an endogenous form of protection against ischemia reperfusion injury. IP, however, does not prevent post-ischemic dysfunction in the aging heart but may be partially corrected by exercise training and food restriction. We investigated the role of exercise training combined with food restriction on restoring IP in the aging heart. Effects of IP against ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated hearts from adult (A, 6 months old), sedentary 'ad libitum' fed (SL), trained ad libitum fed (TL), sedentary food-restricted (SR), trained- and food-restricted senescent rats (TR) (24 months old) were investigated. Norepinephrine release in coronary effluent was determined by high performance liquid cromatography. IP significantly improved final recovery of percent developed pressure in hearts from A (p<0.01) but not in those from SL (p=NS) vs unconditioned controls. Developed pressure recovery was partial in hearts from TL and SR (64.3 and 67.3%, respectively; p<0.05 vs controls) but it was total in those from TR (82.3%, p=NS vs A; p<0.05 vs hearts from TL and SR). Similarly, IP determined a similar increase of norepinephrine release in A (p<0.001) and in TR (p<0.001, p=NS vs adult). IP was abolished by depletion of myocardial norepinephrine stores by reserpine in all groups. Thus, IP reduces post-ischemic dysfunction in A but not in SL. Moreover, IP was preserved partially in TR and SR and totally in TR. Complete IP maybe due to full restoration of norepinephrine release in response to IP stimulus.