EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL MARKERS INDUCED BY IONIZING RADIATION AT THE LATE PERIOD AFTER EXPOSURE IN A WIDE RANGE OF DOSES

OBJECTIVE

To study radiation induced biological markers of the late period after exposure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A study was performed in 235 Chornobyl accident male clean-up workers exposed in 1986-1987 (doses of external exposure: (M ± SD: 419.48 ± 654.60; range 0.10-3,500 mSv); age 58,34 ± 6,57 years. Controlgroup included 45 non-exposed subjects (mean age: 50.60 ± 5.37 (M ± SD). Gene expression was performed by RT-PCR on 7900HT Analyzer using TLDA for BCL2, CDKN2A, CLSTN2, GSTM1, IFNG, IL1B, MCF2L, SERPINB9, STAT3, TERF1, TERF2,TERT, TNF, TP53, CCND1 genes. Relative telomere length (RTL) was analysed by flow-FISH; immune cell subsets,γ-H2AХ and CyclinD1 expression by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A statistically significant and dose-dependent decrease in expression of the BCL2, SERPINB9, CDKN2A, andSTAT3 genes was demonstrated in parallel to a dose-dependent overexpression of MCF2L and upregulation of TP53 (upto 100 mSv). IL1B expression was the highest in exposed to doses from 0.1 to 100 mSv with a negative correlationbetween at IL1B expression and CD19+3-, CD3-HLA-DR+, CD4+8- cell counts and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Hyperexpression ofTNF gene in doses above 100 mSv to 1,000 mSv was shown, and in higher doses a combination of TNF downregula-tion with increase in IFNG gene expression were demonstrated with correlations with numbers of CD3+16+56+ andCD25+ lymphocytes and inhibition of expression CLSTN2. An increased expression of γ-H2AХ and Cyclin D1 corre-lated to radiation dose, telomere shortening to age and concommittant pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Cellular immunity, gene expression, telomere length, intracellular protein parameters are shown to beamong perspective biological markers at a late period after radiation exposure.

The involvement and possible mechanism of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is characterized by ectopic bone formation in the ligamentum flavum and is considered to be a leading cause of thoracic spinal canal stenosis and myelopathy. However, the underlying etiology is not well understood. An iTRAQ proteomics was used to reveal the involvement of inflammation factors in TOLF. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Protein profiling analysis showed that the protein level of TNF-α increased in the ossified ligamentum flavum of TOLF, which was confirmed by western blot. The effects of TNF-α on primary ligamentum flavum cells was examined. Cell proliferation assay demonstrated that primary cells from the ossified ligamentum flavum of TOLF grew faster than the control. Flow cytometry assay indicated that the proportions of cells in S phase of cell cycle of primary cells increased after TNF-α stimulation. To address the effect of TNF-α on gene expression, primary cells were derived from ligamentum flavum of TOLF patients. Culture cells were stimulated by TNF-α. RNA was isolated and analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. G1/S-specific proteins cyclin D1 and c-Myc were upregulated after TNF-α stimulation. On the other hand, osteoblast differentiation related genes such as Bmp2 and Osterix (Osx) were upregulated in the presence of TNF-α. TNF-α activated Osx expression in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK inhibitor U0126, but not JNK kinase inhibitor SP600125, abrogated TNF-α activation of Osx expression. This suggests that TNF-α activates Osx expression through the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK pathway. Taken together, we provide the evidence to support that TNF-α involves in TOLF probably through regulating cell proliferation via cyclin D1 and c-Myc, and promoting osteoblast differentiation via Osx.

A cyclin D1-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of germinal center B-cell-like subtype in the right tonsil: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Cyclin D1-positive tumor cells are commonly found in mantle cell lymphoma but they are very rare in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

CLINICAL FINDINGS/PATIENT CONCERNS

Here we present a rare case of cyclin D1-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the right tonsil of a 50-year-old man. Computed tomographic imaging detected a mass, about 2.5 cm × 1.8 cm in size, in the left side of the oropharynx.

DIAGNOSES

Microscopically, the tumor cells were located under the pharyngeal mucosa and diffusely arranged. The tumor cells were large, with marked nuclear atypia. On performing immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells showed diffuse positive staining for CD10, CD20, cyclin D1, and Pax-5, and negative staining for CD3, CD15, CD30, CD56, and CK. Bcl-6 and Mum-1 expression were observed in 60% and 80% of tumor cells, respectively. The tumor Ki67 index was about 60%. Based on these findings, The tumor was diagnosed as a rare cyclin D1-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma rather than a mantle cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

Cyclin D1-positive large B-cell lymphoma is rare, but as large B-cell lymphoma is a common type of lymphoma, cyclin D1-positive large B-cell lymphoma should be considered a major possibility during differential diagnosis, including in the tonsils.

Identification of HLA ligands and T-cell epitopes for immunotherapy of lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Every year, as many people die of lung cancer as of breast, colon and rectum cancers combined. Because most patients are being diagnosed in advanced, not resectable stages and therefore have a poor prognosis, there is an urgent need for alternative therapies. Since it has been demonstrated that a high number of tumor- and stromal-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) is associated with an increased disease-specific survival in lung cancer patients, it can be assumed that immunotherapy, e.g. peptide vaccines that are able to induce a CTL response against the tumor, might be a promising approach.

METHODS

We analyzed surgically resected lung cancer tissues with respect to HLA class I- and II-presented peptides and gene expression profiles, aiming at the identification of (novel) tumor antigens. In addition, we tested the ability of HLA ligands derived from such antigens to generate a CTL response in healthy donors.

RESULTS

Among 170 HLA ligands characterized, we were able to identify several potential targets for specific CTL recognition and to generate CD8+ T cells which were specific for peptides derived from cyclin D1 or protein-kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic polypeptide and lysed tumor cells loaded with peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first molecular analysis of HLA class I and II ligands ex vivo from human lung cancer tissues which reveals known and novel tumor antigens able to elicit a CTL response.

Analysis of p53, p16(INK4a), pRb and Cyclin D1 expression and human papillomavirus in primary ovarian serous carcinomas

AIM

To evaluate the prognostic relevance of key cell cycle regulatory proteins p53, p16(INK4a), pRb and Cyclin D1 expression, the presence of high risk HPVs and their association with clinicopathological parameters and the clinical follow up in ovarian cancer patients.

METHODS

53 cases of primary ovarian serous carcinomas were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of p53, p16(INK4a), pRb and Cyclin D1 proteins. Tumor DNA was extracted from paraffin blocks and subjected to HPV 16 and 18 testing. The association between HPV 16 and 18 E6 oncoprotein and cell cycle proteins expression in ovarian carcinomas also was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that a majority of moderately and poorly differentiated ovarian carcinomas are characterized by strong expression of p53 and p16(INK4a) proteins. In contrast, strong staining with cyclin D1 antibody was observed in well differentiated tumors. The correlation between strong p53, pRb, Cyclin D1 and clinical stages of disease was also observed. We show that patients with high positivity for p53, p16(INK4a) and Cyclin D1 had a poor prognosis and reduced overall survival. The presence of HPV 16/18 DNA was detected in 17% of ovarian carcinomas. The tumor tissues that reacted positively to HPV E6 antibody in focal and diffuse manners had also significantly low p53 expression profile.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that p53, p16(INK4a) and Cyclin D1 expression and HPV infection may represent a promising tool toward the identification of ovarian cancer patients with poorer prognosis and shorter survival who might therefore need a more aggressive therapy and HPV screening.

Cyclin D1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes are present in the repertoire of cancer patients: implications for cancer immunotherapy

PURPOSE

Cyclin D1, a key cell cycle regulator, is overexpressed in multiple types of cancer. Such tumor-associated genes may be useful targets for cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, it had previously been suggested that efficient T cells recognizing cyclin D1-derived epitopes are absent from the repertoire because of thymic deletion. We attempted to induce autologous CTL from healthy donors and patients with cyclin D1-overexpressing tumors using a highly efficient T-cell expansion system based on CD40-activated B cells as antigen-presenting cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Cyclin D1-derived, HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes were predicted by multiple computer algorithms, screened in HLA-A2-binding assays, and used for T-cell stimulation. The generated CTL lines and clones were analyzed by IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay or cytolysis assay.

RESULTS

After screening, at least two naturally processed and presented HLA-A*0201-binding cyclin D1 epitopes were identified. CTL specific for these epitopes could be successfully generated from HLA-A2(+) donors. T cells efficiently recognized target cells pulsed with the cognate peptide and cyclin D1-expressing tumor cell lines in an HLA-A*0201-restricted manner. More importantly, HLA-A*0201-matched, primary cyclin D1(+) tumor cells were efficiently recognized by cyclin D1-specific CTL. These CTL could be generated from patients with mantle cell lymphoma and cyclin D1(+) colon cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results underscore that cyclin D1 needs to be considered as a target for broad-based antitumor immunotherapy.

[Immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear factor, p38, and cyclin D1 proteins in premalignant lesions and carcinomas of the colorectal mucosa]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-kappaB p65), nuclear factor-kappaB1 p50 (NF-kappaB p50) have been shown to play a role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine production, and oncogenesis. Recently, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ NF-kappaB/ cyclin D1 signaling pathway has been shown to play an important part in the pathogenesis of human cancers. This study was designed to investigate the expression of NF-kappaB p65, NF-kappaB p50, p38 MAPKalpha, and cyclin D1 proteins in premalignant lesions of colon and colorectal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Paraffin sections of 20 normal mucosa, 20 low-grade tubular adenoma, 20 high-grade tubular adenoma and 64 adenocarcinoma tissues were analysed immunohistochemically for the expression of NF-kappaB p65, NF-kappaB p50, p38 MAPKalpha, and cyclin D1 proteins.

RESULTS

The expression of NF-kappaB p65, NF-kappaB p50, and p38 MAPKalpha proteins were significantly higher in adenocarcinoma tissue in comparison with that in normal mucosa, low-grade tubular adenoma, and high-grade tubular adenoma tissues. Expression of NF-kappaB p50 was more frequent in poorly differentiated histologic grade, presence of nodal metastasis, and advanced stage. Expression of p38 MAPKalpha protein was higher in advanced tumor stage, presence of nodal metastasis and advanced stage. Synchronous expression of NF-kappaB p65, NF-kappaB p50, p38 MAPKalpha, and cyclin D1 proteins were significantly higher in adenocarcinoma tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

With the increased expression of NF-kappaB p65, NF-kappaB p50, and p38 MAPKalpha proteins, p38 MAPK/ NF-kappaB/ cyclin D1 signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma.

The contribution of bifunctional SkipDewax pretreatment solution, rabbit monoclonal antibodies, and polymer detection systems in immunohistochemistry

CONTEXT

In immunohistochemistry, nonstandardized antigen retrieval protocols and fluids, poor-quality antibodies, and the presence of endogenous biotin frequently lead to incorrect results. Recently, advanced reagents including bifunctional SkipDewax pretreatment solution (BSPS), rabbit monoclonal (RM) antibodies, and biotin-free polymer detection systems (PDSs) have been developed, which, it is claimed, resolve these problems.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether BSPS, RM antibodies, and biotin-free PDSs improve the accuracy of immunohistochemistry; to optimize a new protocol consisting of a combination of BSPS, RM antibodies, and PDSs; and to compare it with a conventional protocol.

DESIGN

The efficacies of BSPS, RM antibodies, and PDSs were compared with those of their respective conventional reagents using multitissue spring-roll sections. The new protocol was compared with a conventional protocol using Ki-67 immunostaining of 49 colorectal carcinoma specimens.

RESULTS

For antigen retrieval, BSPS resulted in similar or better tissue staining than an EDTA solution, but the efficacy of BSPS decreased when it was reused. Most RM antibodies resulted in a greater proportion of positive cells than the corresponding non-RM antibodies, which did not produce satisfactory results in the absence of antigen retrieval. The PDSs Bond, ChemMate, and SuperPicture resulted in a high percentage of positive cells, good staining intensities, and low backgrounds. Other PDSs, except that from Ventana, resulted in high backgrounds and false positivity. The new combined protocol resulted in better Ki-67 staining than the conventional assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Bifunctional SkipDewax pretreatment solution, RM antibodies, and PDSs improve staining quality and diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry assays and provide a foundation for standardization.

[The expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal dysplasia]

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS

p53 is known to play a central role in sensing and signaling for the growth arrest and apoptosis in cells with DNA damage. Mutation of p53 is a frequent event in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). p16 protein binds to cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibiting the ability of CDK4 to interact with cyclin D1, and stimulates the passage through the G1 phase of cell cycle. We observed the expression patterns and frequencies of p53, p16, and cyclin D1 in esophageal dysplasia and in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

METHODS

In 15 patients of ESCC, 5 patients of esophageal dysplasia and 5 volunteers with normal esophagus, tissue specimens were taken from esophageal lesions during the operation or endoscopic examination. We used specific monoclonal antibodies for p53 protein, p16(INK4 ) protein and cyclin D1. Immunoreactivity was scored.

RESULTS

Mean age of all groups was 66 years old (range 47-93) and men to women ratio was 19:1. p53 mutation was observed in 87% (13/15) of ESCC, in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia, in 0% (0/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.001). p16 expression was seen in 40% (2/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 27% (4/15) of ESCC and 100% (5/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.016). Cyclin D1 expression was not significantly different among 20% (1/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 53% (8/15) of ESCC and 20% (1/5) of normal mucosa. Either the expression of p53 mutation or the loss of p16 occurred in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia and in 93% (14/15) of ESCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of p53 mutation and the loss of p16 might play a central role in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and contribute to the development of precancerous lesion such as dysplasia. In addition, there is a possibility that the mutations of p53 and p16 silencing would be the early events in ESCC development.

Cyclin D1 protein overexpression and CCND1 amplification in breast carcinomas: an immunohistochemical and chromogenic in situ hybridisation analysis

Conflicting results on the prevalence of cyclin D1 ovexpression and its correlation with CCND1 amplification and outcome of breast cancer patients have been reported. Owing to limited sensitivity and specificity of most antibodies against cyclin D1, evaluation of cyclin D1 immunoexpression is reported to be problematic. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of cyclin D1 expression in breast carcinomas using the SP4 rabbit monoclonal antibody; to correlate cyclin D1 expression with amplification, assessed using chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH); and to analyse the relationship between CCND1 amplification and overexpression with clinicopathological parameters and outcome in a tissue microarray containing replicate tumour samples from 245 breast cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry for cyclin D1 was performed using the SP4 and the results were scored according to the Allred scoring system. CISH was carried out using the Zymed CCND1 SpotLight probe. CISH signals were counted in 60 morphologically unequivocal neoplastic cells. Amplification was defined as >5 signals per nucleus in more than 50% of cancer cells, or when large gene copy clusters were seen. Strong cyclin D1 expression and CCND1 amplification were found in 67.4 and 14.5% of the cases, respectively. A strong correlation between cyclin D1 overexpression and CCND1 amplification was demonstrated (P<0.0001). Cyclin D1 expression showed a positive correlation with hormone receptor expression (both ER and PgR, P<0.0001). An inverse correlation was observed between an immunohistochemical panel of 'basal-like' markers and both cyclin D1 overexpression (P<0.0001) and CCND1 amplification (P<0.0001). On univariate analysis cyclin D1 expression showed a correlation with longer overall survival (OS). Neither cyclin D1 nor CCND1 were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival or OS. The results of this study confirm the association between cyclin D1 overexpression and positivity for hormone receptors and the lack of CCND1 amplification in basal-like breast carcinomas.

Cyclin D1 and D3 Expression in Vestibular Schwannomas

OBJECTIVES

The G1 regulators of the cell cycle, cyclin D(1) and D(3), have been implicated in the regulation of Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate cyclin D(1) and D(3) protein expression and the corresponding clinical characteristics of vestibular schwannomas.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Tissue sections of 15 sporadic vestibular schwannomas were prepared. Immunohistochemical analysis of the vestibular schwannomas was performed with anticyclin D(1) and anticyclin D(3) antibodies. The immunoreactivity was evaluated in comparison with adjacent vestibular nerves. Tissue sections of breast carcinoma and prostate carcinoma were used as positive controls for cyclin D(1) and D(3) staining, respectively. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and cyclin D expression were reviewed, and statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

While the breast carcinoma control expressed abundant cyclin D(1) protein, none of the 15 vestibular schwannomas showed detectable cyclin D(1) staining. In contrast, seven of 15 vestibular schwannomas stained positive for the cyclin D(3) protein. Cyclin D(3) staining was taken up in the nucleus of schwannoma tumor cells in greater proportion than Schwann cells of adjacent vestibular nerve. Although sample size was small, no significant difference in the average age of presentation, tumor size, and male to female ratios for the cyclin D(3)(+) or cyclin D(3)(-) groups was found.

CONCLUSION

The Cyclin D(1) protein does not appear to play a prominent role in promoting cell cycle progression in vestibular schwannomas. In contrast, cyclin D(3) expression was seen in nearly half of the tumors examined, suggesting that it may have a growth-promoting role in some schwannomas. Further studies are needed to define its cellular mechanism.

Cell cycle inhibition by an anti-cyclin D1 antibodychemically modified for intracellular delivery

Antibodies, especially monoclonal antibodies, are highly specific for their target antigens and have found extensive clinical application in the treatment of infectious diseases and neoplasia. However, they have a major shortcoming which, if overcome, would greatly expand their utility: an inability to penetrate the outer membrane of cells and act on intracellular targets. We demonstrated previously that this deficiency could be overcome by covalent linkage of an oligoarginine sequence to the conserved carbohydrate moiety present in the CH2 region of immunoglobulins. Immune specificity was maintained but no attempt was made to test for biological activity related to specificity. Here, we report that a polyarginated monoclonal anti-cyclin D1 enters cells and inhibits cell cycle progression. We demonstrate this with NIH 3T3 cells and with two tumor cell lines, HT29 and SW480. As many tumors overexpress cyclin D1, an intracellular anti-cyclin D1, properly targeted, has the potential to be a novel broad range inhibitor of tumor cell multiplication. Moreover, success with intracellular anti-cyclin D1 suggests that polyarginated antibodies, in general, could be a new, widely applicable experimental tool to investigate and influence intracellular processes, whether native to cells or introduced into cells by outside entities such as viruses.

SP4, a Novel Anti-Cyclin D1 Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody, Is a Highly Sensitive Probe for Identifying Mantle Cell Lymphomas Bearing the t(11;14)(q13;q32) Translocation

Immunohistochemistry is the most widely used approach in the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, its reliability may be hampered by several technical reasons, necessitating the use of alternative techniques such as the identification of the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation to characterize such lesions. The authors compared two monoclonal antibodies (DCS-6 and SP4) for assessing cyclin D1 immunoreactivity in a series of 22 MCLs. Their results documented that SP4, a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody, is more effective than the mouse monoclonal antibody DCS-6, one of the most commonly used reagents in daily practice. Although DCS-6 and SP4 were capable of identifying cyclin D1 immunoreactivity in 95.4% and 100% of the cases analyzed, respectively, the prevalence of cyclin D1 immunoreactive neoplastic cells was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher with SP4 (86.6 +/- 13.1%) than with DCS-6 (39.8 +/- 32%). Moreover, the staining intensity was faint in 16 (76.2%) cases and moderate to strong in 5 (23.8%) cases immunostained with DCS- 6, while all the cases showed a moderate to strong immunoreactivity with SP4 (P < 0.0001). According to an arbitrary score based on the percentage of immunoreactive neoplastic cells and staining intensity, only 10 (45.4%) cases were considered high cyclin D1 expressors after staining with DCS-6, whereas all the cases were high expressors with SP4 (P < 0.0001). These data provide evidence that the SP4 monoclonal antibody may be a fast, easy-to-interpret, and reliable surrogate for the detection of the (11;14) translocation by molecular techniques.

Antibody selection in immunohistochemical detection of cyclin D1 in mantle cell lymphoma

An assessment in Nordic immunohistochemical Quality Control (NordiQC) revealed that only 23% participant laboratories performed optimal staining for detection of cyclin D1 (CyD1) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). False-negative results were secondary to suboptimal protocols. We compared the 5 anti-CyD1 antibodies (monoclonal SP4, P2D11F11, and DCS-6 and polyclonal CP236 and 06-137) used in the Scandinavian laboratories. Evaluated were 31 MCLs, 16 other malignant lymphomas, and 19 samples of normal tissues. Sensitivity was as follows: CP236, 100%; SP4, 95%; P2D11F11, 90%; DCS-6, 84%; and 06-137, 53%. SP4 produced the strongest staining. Correlation of CyD1 with the proliferative index was best with polyclonal antibodies CP236 and 06-137. The use of heat-induced epitope retrieval in an alkaline buffer such as 1/10 mmol/L of Tris-EDTA buffer, pH 9, seemed mandatory. For the optimal detection of CyD1 expression, both SP4 and CP236 antibodies should be available in the laboratory.

Mantle cell lymphoma--a clinicopathological study of 13 cases

Mantle cell lymphoma is an uncommon non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In a period of four years, 13 cases of mantle cell lymphoma were diagnosed in our department, comprising 3.1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed. The mean age of presentation was 52 years with a slight male preponderance. The disease was nodal in twelve and extra-nodal in tonsil in one. Five patients had bone marrow involvement. Five cases showed a nodular pattern on lymph node biopsy while the remaining eight had a diffuse pattern. Immunophenotyping showed positivity for CD20 and cyclin D1. Despite certain morphological similarity to other low-grade lymphomas, mantle cell lymphoma has a characteristic appearance of its own. It is more aggressive than other low-grade lymphomas and hence needs to be accurately diagnosed.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma With Trisomy 12 and Focal Cyclin D1 Expression: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma usually are distinctly different in regard to clinical presentation, morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular/genetic findings. In spite of this, select cases may show overlapping characteristics and represent a diagnostic challenge. Cyclin D1 immunohistochemical staining is usually envisioned as a definitive method for resolving this differential diagnosis, with positivity supporting a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. We report a case involving a 58-year-old man with a diagnosis of CLL/SLL for several years. A lymph node excision was performed after increased adenopathy was noted in the cervical region. The excised lymph node showed typical morphologic findings of CLL/SLL, including the presence of characteristic proliferation centers. Cyclin D1 staining, using 3 different antibodies, was present in scattered prolymphocytes and paraimmunoblasts, mostly within proliferation centers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and conventional cytogenetics demonstrated trisomy 12 and an absence of t(11;14) in lymph node tissue. Focal cyclin D1 expression by immunohistochemistry in nodal CLL/SLL is quite unusual and is discussed as a potential diagnostic pitfall.

Identification of a naturally processed cyclin D1 T-helper epitope by a novel combination of HLA class II targeting and differential mass spectrometry

T-helper (Th) cells play an important role in orchestrating the effector function of CTL in anti-tumor immunity. However, only a limited number of Th cell epitopes has been characterized. Here we describe a novel approach for identifying naturally processed and presented peptides derived from chosen antigens. This method combines a transfection step of antigen-presenting cells with a vector encoding a fusion protein between the Ii chain and the antigen of interest, elution of the HLA-bound peptides and identification of the antigen-derived peptides by mass spectrometric comparison to the non-transfected cells. In vitro-stimulated Th cells against the identified peptide of interest specifically recognize transfectants overexpressing the cognate antigen. Using this approach, we were able to identify the HLA-DR4-restricted Th cell epitope NPPSMVAAGSVVAAV derived from cyclin D1, which is frequently overexpressed in tumors. This method will help in identifying peptide candidates for vaccination studies for tumor immunotherapy.

Increased cell proliferation of mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 in vitro induced by excretory/secretory product(s) from Opisthorchis viverrini

Infection by Opisthorchis viverrini is a strong risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. However, the mechanism by which the parasite is involved in carcinogenesis is not clear. In addition to the direct damage of the bile duct epithelium via direct contact with O. viverrini, the excretory/secretory (ES) product(s) released from the parasites may play important roles in this process. We therefore investigated the responses of a fibroblast cell line, NIH-3T3, to ES product(s) released from O. viverrini by using a non-contact co-culture technique. In this culture system, the parasites in the upper chamber had no direct contact with the NIH-3T3 cells in the lower chamber of the culture plate. The results indicated a marked increase in NIH-3T3 cell proliferation in the non-contact co-culture condition with either 0% or 10% calf serum in the medium compared with that without parasites. ES product(s) increased cell proliferation by stimulating the expression of phosphorylated retinoblastoma (pRB) and cyclin D1, the key proteins in driving cells through the G1/S transition point of the cell cycle. This led to the induction of cells going into the S-phase of the cell cycle. ES product(s) also changed the morphology of NIH-3T3 cells to a refractive and narrow shape, which allowed the cells to proliferate in the limited culture area. For the first time, we have been able to demonstrate increased cell proliferation induced by the ES product(s) from O. viverrini; this finding may clarify how O. viverrini ES product(s) affect human bile duct epithelium during cholangiocarcinogenesis.

Mechanisms involved in prostaglandin E2-mediated neuroprotection against TNF-α: possible involvement of multiple signal transduction and β-catenin/T-cell factor

Cerebrospinal fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels are elevated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), which suggests that they are involved in neurodegeneration. We previously reported that TNF-alpha derived from human macrophages, in response to beta-amyloid or amyloidogenic C-terminal peptide, is a main mediator of inflammatory neurotoxicity. In a continuation of this work, the present study investigated the direct effect of PGE2, one of the major prostaglandins produced in the brain, on cell viability in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells treated with TNF-alpha. PGE2 did not promote neurotoxicity, but rather had a strong protective effect against TNF-alpha by ameliorating TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis and also by rescuing the intracellular level of beta-catenin, a key transducer of the Wnt signaling pathway. PGE2-mediated stabilization of beta-catenin was accompanied by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (Tcf/Lef)-mediated transcriptional activation, which was followed by an increase in the cyclinD1 level. Pharmacological studies provided further evidence supporting the notion that PGE2-mediated neuroprotection against TNF-alpha involves the stimulation of Tcf/Lef signaling through EP1-, EP2-, and EP4-mediated increases of beta-catenin in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, this PGE2 effect appears to be dependent on the activation of protein kinase A, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phospholipase C, and to a lesser extent protein kinase C. Thus, the molecular mechanism governing the inhibitory effect of PGE2 against TNF-alpha may involve the activation and cross talk of multiple signal transduction and play an important role in regulating the survival of neurons during the neurotoxic inflammatory response associated with neurodegenerative diseases including AD.

Consistent immunostaining for cyclin D1 can be achieved on a routine basis using a newly available rabbit monoclonal antibody

Rabbit monoclonal antibody (MAb), which has become available only recently, theoretically combines the advantage of the high affinity attributable to its rabbit origin and the high specificity due to its monoclonal nature. Since immunohistochemical demonstration of cyclin D1 is notoriously difficult, this study aims to assess whether a newly available rabbit MAb against cyclin D1 (SP4) can improve the consistency of immunostaining, especially for the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). A total of 150 cases of lymphoproliferative lesions, including 30 cases of MCL, histologic mimickers of MCL, and various types of lymphomas and leukemias, were studied. Immunostaining was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections using a labeled streptavidin-biotin peroxidase system in an automated immunostainer. All cases of MCL expressed cyclin D1, with a higher median staining score (8 out of a maximum of 12) compared with mouse MAb DCS-6 (score 4). In addition, 2 of 15 cases of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), 3 of 12 cases of multiple myeloma, and 2 of 5 cases of hairy cell leukemia were also positive. Comparable staining results could also be achieved by an optimized manual staining protocol. This study thus confirms the superior performance of the rabbit MAb SP4, which should permit consistent immunostaining for cyclin D1 to be readily achieved. The value of cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of MCL from other low-grade B-cell lymphomas is also affirmed, but with the caveat that rare cases of B-CLL can also be cyclin D1 positive.

Expression of CD44 and cyclin D1 in fine needle aspiration cytology of papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To compare the expression pattern of CD44 and cyclin D1 immunostaining in fine needle aspiration specimens of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and nonpapillary lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was performed on 80 fine needle aspiration cytologic smears of thyroid lesion retrospectively using monoclonal antibodies and on histologic material from a proportion of cases.

RESULTS

Most papillary carcinomas expressed intense cell membrane or diffuse cytoplasmic staining for CD44 (97.8%). Focal immunoreactivity was observed in follicular neoplasms (28.5%) and nodular goiter (4.7%). There was no difference in CD44 immunostaining between follicular carcinoma and adenoma. Cyclin D1 was expressed in the nuclei of most papillary carcinomas (79.2%). Focal nuclear immunoreactivity was noted in nodular goiters (23.5%) and follicular neoplasms (10%). In resected specimens, all papillary carcinomas (19 cases) showed intense membranous or granular CD44 immunoreactivity. Focal cyclin D1 expression was noted in 52.6%. There was no difference in CD44 and cyclin D1 expression between the group of papillary carcinomas with regional lymph node metastasis as compared to those without metastasis. Positive staining for both CD44 and cyclin D1 would strongly favor papillary carcinoma, although further studies on cytologic material are necessary to verify this diagnostic approach.

CONCLUSION

Most papillary carcinomas express CD44 and cyclin D1, whereas it is less common in follicular neoplasms and nodular goiter. This may be helpful in diagnostically difficult cases.

New additions to antibody panels in the characterisation of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders

Advances in flow cytometry techniques and the availability of monoclonal antibodies that detect key functional molecules on lymphocytes have contributed greatly to a more precise diagnosis of the chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition to the diagnostic value, the expression of certain markers such as p53 or CD38 provides relevant prognostic information to the clinician. Beyond their diagnostic and prognostic value, immunological markers play a major role in the detection of minimal residual disease, enabling the clinician to estimate more accurately the response to chemotherapy. Those monoclonal antibodies that are relevant to the characterisation of the chronic lymphoproliferative disorders and that could be incorporated in a routine practice are discussed.

Cyclins D1, E, A expression and synergistic cytotoxicity to a cholangiocarcinoma cell line from recombinant TNF-alpha and PHA supernate

We studied the cytotoxic effects of recombinant TNF-alpha and supernate of phytohemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells individually and in combination against a cholangiocarcinoma cell line. Levels of cyclins D1, E and A in the cell line were detected by immunoblotting, and the cell cycle stage was assayed by propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. Viable and apoptotic cells were assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion, DAPI staining, agarose DNA laddering and propidium iodide staining. At the beginning of each experiment, the majority of cholangiocarcinoma cells expressed cyclin A and were in S phase as determined by propidium iodide staining. Treatment of such cells with recombinant TNF-alpha resulted in cytotoxic effects clearly evident at 36 hours post exposure. There was a synergistic killing effect when recombinant TNF-alpha was combined with PHA supernate and this effect could be partly neutralized by monoclonal anti TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12 and IFN-gamma.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce apoptosis in head and neck cancer cell lines

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can inhibit tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer due to the induction of apoptosis. Disturbances of cellular pathways ultimately leading to apoptosis may contribute to the process of neoplastic transformation and immortalization. In this study we wanted to determine the influence of different NSAIDs (indomethacin, ibuprofen and sodium salicylate) and hydrocortisone on Bcl-2 expression and the apoptotic behavior of head and neck tumor cell lines and normal oral keratinocytes. Bcl-2 expression was determined by monoclonal antibody staining and fluorescence-activated cell-sorting measurement. Apoptotic cells were visualized with a epifluorescence microscope after staining with CytoDeath M30 antibody. Indomethacin (1 mM) and ibuprofen (1 mM) significantly reduced Bcl-2 expression in the cancer cell lines tested and might be thought responsible for the observed increase in apoptosis. At all concentrations tested the influence of sodium salicylate and hydrocortisone on Bcl-2 expression was not significant. In contrast, the NSAIDs tested had only a minor influence on normal oral keratinocytes. Our results demonstrate a significant reduction in growth and an increase in apoptosis, possibly due to a reduction in Bcl-2 expression. after exposure to indomethacin and ibuprofen in the head and neck cancer cell lines tested.

DNA ploidy and cyclin D1 expression in basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) may be subdivided into primary with a favorable biologic course (BCC1) and recurrent and/or metastatic (BCC2). No clear association between primary tumor location, histologic subtype, or other clinicopathologic variables and predisposition for BCC2 has been found. Histopathologic criteria are limited for prognostication. To identify prognostic factors useful for planning therapy, we studied cyclin D1 immunohistochemical expression, DNA ploidy, and epiluminescence light microscopic (ELM) patterns in 60 cases of BCC (30 BCC1 and 30 BCC2) in the head and neck region, half of which were hyperpigmented. Cyclin D1 was absent in 27 cases, expressed at low level in 4 cases, and overexpressed in 30 cases. Seven BCCs were euploid, 28 exhibited a mixed cellular population, and 25 were aneuploid. Among aneuploid tumors, hypodiploidy was found in 12. Among the 30 pigmented carcinomas, only 15 showed a typical ELM pattern. No association between pigmentation and more aggressive biologic behavior of BCC was found. These results and follow-up data seem to indicate that an unfavorable outcome can be predicted by hyperexpression of cyclin D1, aneuploidy, and an atypical ELM pattern for pigmented cases. A definite hypodiploid peak was associated with worse prognosis. The analysis of cyclin D1 expression and DNA ploidy may help identify BCC with an aggressive phenotype and a poor clinical outcome.

Podocyte cell cycle regulation and proliferation in collapsing glomerulopathies

BACKGROUND

Mature podocytes are growth-arrested because of the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Under pathological conditions, podocytes may undergo mitosis, but not cell division. Exceptions to this rule are collapsing glomerulopathies (CGs), including HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and idiopathic CG, where podocytes undergo a dysregulation of their differentiated phenotype and proliferate.

METHODS

To shed light on the mechanism underlying podocyte proliferation in CG, we analyzed the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67, cyclins (A, D1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p27, p57), and podocyte differentiation marker synaptopodin in eight cases of HIVAN and two cases of idiopathic CG. Normal fetal and adult kidneys served as controls.

RESULTS

Both HIVAN and idiopathic CG showed a marked reduction in the expression of p27, p57, and cyclin D1 (absent in 69, 62, and 80% of all glomeruli, respectively). Cyclin A and Ki-67 were expressed in 11 and 29% of all glomeruli. Moreover, there was partial loss of synaptopodin and cyclin D1 expression in nonaffected glomeruli.

CONCLUSIONS

The loss of p27 and p57 leading to expression of cyclin A may account for the activation of podocyte proliferation in CG. Furthermore, the loss of cyclin D1 from histologically normal glomeruli suggests a possible role of cyclin D1 in mediating the dysregulation of the podocyte cell cycle in CG. These novel findings offer insight into the molecular regulation of mature podocyte differentiation. Podocyte proliferation in CG provides evidence in support of a previously underestimated plasticity of mature podocytes.

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing CD5, CD10 and CD23 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue: production and assessment of their value in the diagnosis of small B-cell lymphoma

AIMS

Assessment of the expression of antigens CD5, CD10 and CD23 can be of value in the differential diagnosis of small B-cell lymphoma. Correct subclassification is important since optimal treatment regimes differ between the subtypes. The aim of this study was to generate monoclonal antibodies recognizing these antigens in paraffin-embedded tissue and to assess their efficacy using a panel of cases of small B-cell lymphoma of various subtypes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

For each antibody synthetic recombinant protein and conventional murine hybridoma technology was employed. Monoclonal antibodies effective in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were successfully generated, designated NCL-CD5-4C7, NCL-CD10-270 and NCL-CD23-1B12, respectively. A series of 58 cases of small B-cell lymphoma including examples of each subtype (lymphocytic, follicle centre cell, mantle cell, marginal zone and lymphoplasmacytoid) was assembled and immunostaining for the respective antigens carried out using the monoclonal antibodies produced. Our results indicate that the antibodies are specific for their respective antigens and give the predicted phenotypic profile in the small B-cell lymphoma subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These novel monoclonal antibodies may be of value in routine diagnostic practice.

Cyclin D1 is a possible predictor of sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiotherapy is currently performed on patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The preoperative administration revealed that the patients who responded well to chemoradiotherapy had favorable outcomes, whereas the poor responders conversely resulted in worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify molecular markers predicting sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy prior to this treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our clinical protocol for chemoradiotherapy for esophageal SCC were enrolled in 34 patients comprising 20 patients who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 14 patients who were treated chemoradiotherapy without surgery. The expressions of cyclin D1, p53 and Ki-67 were investigated immunohistochemically in biopsy specimens obtained before the treatment from all 34 patients. The immunoreactivities were compared with responsiveness to chemoradiotherapy as evaluated by macroscopic or microscopic method.

RESULTS

The mean rate of primary tumor reduction as estimated by esophagography was 75.3% in the cyclin D1 negative group whereas 42.7% reduction rate was observed in the cyclin D1 positive group. The difference in the reduction rate between cyclin D1 positive and negative groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0025). The immunoreactivities of p53 and Ki-67 did not show a significant correlation with responsiveness to chemoradiotherapy. In neoadjuvant group, patients with cyclin D1-positive tumors showed significantly worse overall survival than patients with cyclin D1-negative tumors (p = 0.0380).

CONCLUSIONS

Among 34 patients with esophageal SCC, differences in the responsiveness to chemoradiotherapy were correlated with cyclin D1 immunoreactivity assessed in the biopsy specimens. Thus the cyclin D1 protein may be a useful predictor of sensitivity to concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal SCC.

Cyclin D1 expression as a prognostic parameter in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is the most common thyroid cancer. At the time of clinical presentation, most papillary carcinomas are still confined to the thyroid gland, and appropriate surgical treatment achieves a 95% 5-year survival rate. Certain carcinomas, however, behave in a much more aggressive fashion. Because specific therapies do not exist, for those tumors that have escaped local control, patients with disseminated disease have little or no chance of permanent cure or long-term survival. Cyclin D1, a protein that plays a critical role in the control of the cell cycle, has been shown to be overexpressed in a variety of human neoplasias and may serve as a prognostic parameter of disease progression. To explore the role played by cyclin D1 in the pathogenesis of thyroid papillary carcinoma, we have quantitated, by computerized image analysis, the immunohistochemical expression of cyclin D1 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 35 conventional papillary carcinomas of the thyroid and correlated the results with established clinicopathologic parameters and available survival data.

Retardation of cell proliferation after expression of p202 accompanies an increase in p21(WAF1/CIP1)

p202 is an IFN-inducible, primarily nuclear, phosphoprotein (52-kDa) whose constitutive overexpression in transfected cells inhibits colony formation. To investigate the molecular mechanism(s) by which expression of p202 protein impairs colony formation, we established stable cell lines that inducibly express p202. Using this cell model, we demonstrate that the induced expression of p202 in asynchronous cultures of these cells was accompanied by: (a) an increase in steady-state levels of p21(WAF1/CIP1/SDI1) (p21) mRNA and protein; (b) a decrease in Cdk2 protein kinase activity; and (c) an increase in the functional form of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Transient transfection of a p202-encoding plasmid in Saos-2 cells, which do not harbor a wild-type p53 protein, resulted in an increase in p21 protein, which indicated that p202 could regulate expression of p21 protein independent of p53 protein. Moreover, we demonstrate that expression of p202 in these cells increased cell doubling time without accumulation of cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle. Taken together, these results are consistent with the possibility that p202 protein contributes to the cell growth retardation activity of the IFNs, at least in part, by modulating p21 protein levels.

Neuronal damage and plasticity identified by microtubule-associated protein 2, growth-associated protein 43, and cyclin D1 immunoreactivity after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An objective of therapeutic intervention after cerebral ischemia is to promote improved functional outcome. Improved outcome may be associated with a reduction of the volume of cerebral infarction and the promotion of cerebral plasticity. In the developing brain, neuronal growth is concomitant with expression of particular proteins, including microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), and cyclin D1. In the present study we measured the expression of select proteins associated with neurite damage and plasticity (MAP-2 and GAP-43) as well as cell cycle (cyclin D1) after induction of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat.

METHODS

Brains from rats (n=28) subjected to 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion and 6 hours, 12 hours, and 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days (n=4 per time point) of reperfusion and control sham-operated (n=3) and normal (n=2) rats were processed by immunohistochemistry with antibodies raised against MAP-2, GAP-43, and cyclin D1. Double staining of these proteins for cellular colocalization was also performed.

RESULTS

Loss of immunoreactivity of both MAP-2 and GAP-43 was observed in most damaged neurons in the ischemic core. In contrast, MAP-2, GAP-43, and cyclin D1 were selectively increased in morphologically intact or altered neurons localized to the ischemic core at an early stage (eg, 6 hours) of reperfusion and in the boundary zone to the ischemic core (penumbra) during longer reperfusion times.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective expressions of the neuronal structural proteins (MAP-2 in dendrites and GAP-43 in axons) and the cyclin D1 cell cycle protein in neurons observed in the boundary zone to the ischemic core are suggestive of compensatory and repair mechanisms in ischemia-damaged neurons after transient focal cerebral ischemia.

Generation of human tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells against peptides presented by non-self HLA class I molecules

The cyclin-D1 protein, which was found to be overexpressed in various human tumors, promotes cell cycle progression from the G1 into the S phase. It is normally expressed at low levels in several tissues and is likely to induce immunological tolerance. We have recently shown in a murine system that T cell tolerance to a widely expressed protein was circumvented by raising cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from MHC-mismatched donors. In this study, we tested whether it is possible to raise human allo-restricted CTL against the cyclin-D1 protein. The human cell line T2 is deficient in the genes encoding the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), resulting in inefficient loading of HLA-A2 class I molecules with endogenous peptides. Thus, a large number of A2 molecules can bind exogenously supplied synthetic peptides. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HLA-A2-negative donors were stimulated with T2 cells presenting cyclin-D1-derived synthetic peptides. Cloning of bulk cultures revealed that a large proportion of CTL clones were peptide specific. One peptide induced CTL which lysed cyclin-D1-expressing breast cancer cells, but not control Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B lymphoid cells. The results show that HLA-A2-negative donors can be used to isolate tumor-reactive CTL specific for cyclin-D1 peptides presented by HLA-A2 class I molecules.