Dynamic chromatin remodeling on the HER2 promoter in human breast cancer cells

Deregulation of the HER2 oncogene occurs in 30% of human breast cancers and correlates with poor prognosis and increased propensity for metastasis. Since the molecular basis of HER2 overexpression in human cancers is not known, we sought to determine whether chromatin remodeling pathways are involved in the regulation of HER2 expression. We report that compared with breast cancer cells expressing a low level of HER2, HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells contained significantly higher levels of acetylated and phosphorylated histone H3, and acetylated histone H4 associated with the HER2 promoter. Decreased recruitment of histone deacetylases in the promoter is also noted in the HER2-overexpressing cell. The association of acetylated histone H4 with HER2 gene chromatin and HER2 expression in breast cancer cells was upregulated by an inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor also reduced the association of histone deacetylase-1 and -2 with the HER2 promoter. In addition, the tumor promoters 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and okadaic acid stimulated the association of phosphorylated histone H3 on serine 10 with the HER2 promoter and also stimulated HER2 expression. These findings identify histone acetylation and histone phosphorylation as novel regulatory modifications that target HER2 gene chromatin, and suggest that elevated levels of these chromatin-relaxing components in the vicinity of the HER2 gene promoter may constitute an important non-genomic mechanism of HER2 overexpression in human breast cancer.

Thyroid nodules in Graves' disease: implications in an endemically iodine deficient area

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The presence of thyroid nodules with Graves' disease raises concern about co-existent thyroid malignancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of thyroid carcinoma and the need for surgical intervention in, patients with Graves' disease with co-existent nodules in an endemically iodine deficient area (IDA).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 130 surgically managed patients of Graves' disease (1990-1999). Out of these 35 (26.9%) cases had palpable nodules. No patient had history of previous head and neck irradiation or radioiodine therapy. The clinico-pathological findings and follow-up of these cases were noted.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients with nodules was 40.2 +/- 9.5 years and male to female ratio was 1:2.2. The overall incidence of thyroid carcinoma in Graves' disease was 6.2% (8/130 cases), while the incidence, in cases having nodule with Graves' disease was 17.1% (6/35 cases). The median age of patients with carcinoma was 45 years (5 women and 1 man). Besides laboratory investigations for hyperthyroidism, preoperative investigations included fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and thyroid scintigraphy in 29 and 25 cases respectively. Incidence of malignancy in palpable cold nodules was 20%. FNAC could not predict malignancy with certainty in any of these cases. Five patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma while one had follicular carcinoma. Median tumour diameter was 10 mm. Tumour was multi-centric in two cases while one case had metastases to cervical lymph node. In follow-up (median =5.5 years) one patient died of unrelated cause, while rest are alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Nodules are frequently associated with Graves' disease in IDA. Incidence of carcinoma is high in palpable cold nodule. We recommend early thyroidectomy in these cases.

An ab initio study of electronic structure and spectra of 8-bromoguanine: a comparative study with guanine

Ground state geometries of the four tautomeric forms keto-N9H, keto-N7H, enol-N9H and enol-N7H of 8-bromoguanine (8BG) were optimized using the ab initio RHF procedure employing a mixed basis set consisting of the 6-311 + G* basis set for the nitrogen atom of the amino group and the bromine atom, and the 4-31G basis set for all other atoms. These calculations were followed by correlation correction of the total energy at the MP2 level using the same basis set. The different tautomeric forms of 8BG in the ground state were solvated using the isodensity surface polarized continuum model (IPCM) of the SCRF theory both at the RHF and MP2 levels. Excited states were generated employing configuration interaction among singly excited configurations (CIS) obtained using a limited window of filled and empty molecular orbitals. Formation of hydrogen-bonded complexes between 8BG and three water molecules in the ground and excited states was considered in order to account for solvent effects approximately. Excited state geometry was optimized in each case for the lowest singlet excited state which was found to be of pi-pi* type. Vibrational frequency analysis was performed in order to ensure that the stationary points located on the potential energy surfaces by geometry optimization were minima. It is found that 8BG would occur in the ground state dominantly in the keto-N7H form both at the aqueous solution-air interface and inside the bulk liquid. The observed absorption and fluorescence spectra of 8BG can be explained satisfactorily considering only the keto-N7H form of the molecule. The enol tautomers of 8BG do not appear to be important from the point of view of ground state properties or electronic spectra. The observed differences between the behaviors of guanine and 8BG can be easily explained on the basis of the results obtained.

Parathyroid carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare tumor with an incidence of 0.5 to 4%. Preoperative differentiation from benign adenoma is very difficult. Several features, though nonspecific, have been used in differentiating parathyroid carcinoma from the adenoma.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective analysis during the period of nine years, four cases of parathyroid carcinoma were diagnosed on the basis of per-operative local invasion and on histological evidence of capsular invasion and vascular invasion.

RESULT

We have different observations to make. Diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma which was done on the basis of intra operative suspicion only. One patient died on 6th post operative day due to development of pancreatitis. At the follow-up of two years there was no local recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

It is preferable to have a high index of suspicion for parathyroid carcinoma when these features are present than to miss the opportunity for surgical cure by failing to consider it in the differential diagnosis.

Benign thymic hyperplasia after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia

Thymic hyperplasia can occur after cytotoxic therapy for various malignancies. The possible cause could be rebound enlargement after initial atrophy caused by these drugs. During the treatment of hematological malignancies this could be a cause of great concern. We report here a case of thymic hyperplasia after chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Awareness of this unusual side-effect may prevent needless investigation and therapy.

Shear stress enhances microcin B17 production in a rotating wall bioreactor, but ethanol stress does not

Stress, including that caused by ethanol, has been shown to induce or promote secondary metabolism in a number of microbial systems. Rotating-wall bioreactors provide a low stress and simulated microgravity environment which, however, supports only poor production of microcin B17 by Escherichia coli ZK650, as compared to production in agitated flasks. We wondered whether the poor production is due to the low level of stress and whether increasing stress in the bioreactors would raise the amount of microcin B17 formed. We found that applying shear stress by addition of a single Teflon bead to a rotating wall bioreactor improved microcin B17 production. By contrast, addition of various concentrations of ethanol to such bioreactors (or to shaken flasks) failed to increase microcin B17 production. Ethanol stress merely decreased production and, at higher concentrations, inhibited growth. Interestingly, cells growing in the bioreactor were much more resistant to the growth-inhibitory and production-inhibitory effects of ethanol than cells growing in shaken flasks.

A multicentric study with arteether in patients of uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Two hundred and sixty seven patients of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria completed study in a multicentric phase III clinical trial of Arteether. Arteether was given intramuscularly in a dose of 150 mg daily for three consecutive days. Each patient was followed upto 28 days of alpha, beta arteether therapy. The cure rate was 97% with fever clearance time between 1-7 days (24-168 hours) and parasite clearance time between 1-3 days (24-72 hours). Parasite reappearance rate was found to be 3% and reported at only three of the centres. Following the treatment no adverse effect was observed on haematological, biochemical and vital clinical parameters.

Arabidopsis and the heat stress transcription factor world: how many heat stress transcription factors do we need?

Sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome revealed a unique complexity of the plant heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family. By structural characteristics and phylogenetic comparison, the 21 representatives are assigned to 3 classes and 14 groups. Particularly striking is the finding of a new class of Hsfs (AtHsfC1) closely related to Hsf1 from rice and to Hsfs identified from frequently found expressed sequence tags of tomato, potato, barley, and soybean. Evidently, this new type of Hsf is well expressed in different plant tissues. Besides the DNA binding and oligomerization domains (HR-A/B region), we identified other functional modules of Arabidopsis Hsfs by sequence comparison with the well-characterized tomato Hsfs. These are putative motifs for nuclear import and export and transcriptional activation (AHA motifs). There is intriguing flexibility of size and sequence in certain parts of the otherwise strongly conserved N-terminal half of these Hsfs. We have speculated about possible exon-intron borders in this region in the ancient precursor gene of plant Hsfs, similar to the exon-intron structure of the present mammalian Hsf-encoding genes.

Arabidopsis and the heat stress transcription factor world: how many heat stress transcription factors do we need?

Sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome revealed a unique complexity of the plant heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family. By structural characteristics and phylogenetic comparison, the 21 representatives are assigned to 3 classes and 14 groups. Particularly striking is the finding of a new class of Hsfs (AtHsfC1) closely related to Hsf1 from rice and to Hsfs identified from frequently found expressed sequence tags of tomato, potato, barley, and soybean. Evidently, this new type of Hsf is well expressed in different plant tissues. Besides the DNA binding and oligomerization domains (HR-A/B region), we identified other functional modules of Arabidopsis Hsfs by sequence comparison with the well-characterized tomato Hsfs. These are putative motifs for nuclear import and export and transcriptional activation (AHA motifs). There is intriguing flexibility of size and sequence in certain parts of the otherwise strongly conserved N-terminal half of these Hsfs. We have speculated about possible exon-intron borders in this region in the ancient precursor gene of plant Hsfs, similar to the exon-intron structure of the present mammalian Hsf-encoding genes.

Arabidopsis and the heat stress transcription factor world: how many heat stress transcription factors do we need?

Sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome revealed a unique complexity of the plant heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family. By structural characteristics and phylogenetic comparison, the 21 representatives are assigned to 3 classes and 14 groups. Particularly striking is the finding of a new class of Hsfs (AtHsfC1) closely related to Hsf1 from rice and to Hsfs identified from frequently found expressed sequence tags of tomato, potato, barley, and soybean. Evidently, this new type of Hsf is well expressed in different plant tissues. Besides the DNA binding and oligomerization domains (HR-A/B region), we identified other functional modules of Arabidopsis Hsfs by sequence comparison with the well-characterized tomato Hsfs. These are putative motifs for nuclear import and export and transcriptional activation (AHA motifs). There is intriguing flexibility of size and sequence in certain parts of the otherwise strongly conserved N-terminal half of these Hsfs. We have speculated about possible exon-intron borders in this region in the ancient precursor gene of plant Hsfs, similar to the exon-intron structure of the present mammalian Hsf-encoding genes.

Arabidopsis and the heat stress transcription factor world: how many heat stress transcription factors do we need?

Sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome revealed a unique complexity of the plant heat stress transcription factor (Hsf) family. By structural characteristics and phylogenetic comparison, the 21 representatives are assigned to 3 classes and 14 groups. Particularly striking is the finding of a new class of Hsfs (AtHsfC1) closely related to Hsf1 from rice and to Hsfs identified from frequently found expressed sequence tags of tomato, potato, barley, and soybean. Evidently, this new type of Hsf is well expressed in different plant tissues. Besides the DNA binding and oligomerization domains (HR-A/B region), we identified other functional modules of Arabidopsis Hsfs by sequence comparison with the well-characterized tomato Hsfs. These are putative motifs for nuclear import and export and transcriptional activation (AHA motifs). There is intriguing flexibility of size and sequence in certain parts of the otherwise strongly conserved N-terminal half of these Hsfs. We have speculated about possible exon-intron borders in this region in the ancient precursor gene of plant Hsfs, similar to the exon-intron structure of the present mammalian Hsf-encoding genes.

Influence of hypothyroid state on 45Ca(2+) influx and sensitivity of rat uterus to nifedipine and diltiazem

The influence of methimazole-induced hypothyroidism on spontaneous rhythmic contractions and Ca2+ channel function of rat uterus was examined. Hypothyroidism significantly reduced the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous rhythmic contractions. Nifedipine (10(-12)-10(-6) M) and diltiazem (10(-9)-10(-4) M) caused concentration-related inhibition of the myogenic responses of the oestrogenised rat uterus obtained from both eu- and hypothyroid rats. However, nifedipine was less potent (IC(50); 5.4 x 10(-9) M; n=6) in hypothyroid rat uterus as compared to euthyroid controls (IC(50): 8.13 x 10(-12) M; n=9) to inhibit the rhythmic contractions. Similarly, diltiazem was less potent (IC(50): 4.57 x 10(-6) M; n=9) to inhibit the uterine spontaneous contractions in hypothyroid than in euthyroid rat uterus (IC(50): 6.4 x 10(-8) M; n=6). A similar decrease in the sensitivity to nifedipine and diltiazem for reversal of K+ (100 mM)-induced tonic contraction was observed in uterus obtained from hypothyroid rats compared to the controls. Both nifedipine and diltiazem were less potent for causing concentration-related inhibition of K+-stimulated 45Ca2+ influx in uterine strips taken from the hypothyroid rats. Thus, the IC(50) values of nifedipine (1.83 x 10(-8) M; n=12) and diltiazem (1.8 x 10(-6) M; n=9) were significantly greater in tissues obtained from hypothyroid rats compared to the controls (IC(50) of nifedipine, 1.15 x 10(-11) M; n=12, diltiazem, 8.1 x 10(-8) M; n=8). Nifedipine-sensitive influx of 45Ca2+ - stimulated either by K+ (100 mM) or Bay k8644 (1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2'-(trifluromethyl)phenyl]-3-pyridine carboxylic acid methyl ester) (10(-8) M) was significantly less in uterine strips from hypothyroid rats compared to the controls. The results of the present study suggest that the inhibition of uterine rhythmic contractions may be attributable to a reduction in rat myometrial Ca2+ channel function in the hypothyroid state.

Role of surgery in the management of Graves' disease

Seventy-two patients, 50 women and 22 men, were operated on for Graves' disease. Their median age was 35 years. The indications for surgery included patients with large goitre, relapse after antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy, allergic reactions to ATD, non-compliance and finally an associated nodule with suspicion of carcinoma. Patients were rendered euthyroid with ATD before surgery and were pretreated with Lugol's iodine. Standard subtotal thyroidectomy was performed in 64 patients, total thyroidectomy in 7 patients, and one patient underwent a completion thyroidectomy after an initial subtotal thyroidectomy. The weight of the thyroid remnant on either side was estimated emperically between 3 g and 5 g. There was no postoperative death or thyrotoxic crisis. There was no case of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve damage or hypoparathyroidism. Eight patients (11.1%) had temporary unilateral vocal cord palsy and 4 patients (5.5%) had temporary hypocalcemia. One patient (1.4%) developed recurrent hyperthyroidism. Postoperative transient hypothyroidism developed in 87.5% cases, all within the first postoperative year. The functional results at 2 years were as follows: Out of 47 cases followed 31 patients (65.9%) became euthyroid while 15 (31.9%) were still hypothyroid and requited long term substitutive treatment. Ophthalmopathy worsened in only one patient. Thyroidectomy has reasonable role in the management of Graves' disease, because the patients have had their diseases rapidly terminated, were hospitalised for an average period of only 3.5 days and have had no permanent functional insult except for hypothyroidism.

Total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disorders in an endemic region

Total thyroidectomy is increasingly being accepted as a treatment of choice for differentiated thyroid cancer. However, because of presumed increased morbidity associated with this procedure, it is still not considered a viable option for management of benign thyroid disorders. To assess the safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy for management of benign thyroid disorders, we analyzed our data from 127 total thyroidectomies performed for benign thyroid disorders. Demographic details, biochemical findings, indications for operation, specimen weight, and complications were noted. Among these patients, 52 had a toxic goiter and 75 had a nontoxic goiter. The mean duration of the goiters being present was 6.08 +/- 6.06 years (0.9--26.0 years), and the mean weight of the specimens was 136.88 +/- 120.68 g. The incidence of occult malignancy was 6.3% (n = 8), and those of permanent hypothyroidism and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were 1.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Total thyroidectomy should be considered a treatment of choice for multinodular goiter and Graves' disease in a setting of palpable nodule(s) or ophthalmopathy (or both). It is particularly relevant in endemic regions where patients present with a long-standing, large nodular goiter with virtually no normal thyroid tissue. Reoperation for recurrent goiter in such a setting would be fraught with distressing complications.

Occult breast carcinoma: a report of four cases and review of literature

We report four occult carcinoma breast cases in which extensive axillary node metastases was the first manifestation. Upper outer quadrentectomy with axillary dissection was done in three patients while modified radical mastectomy was done in one. Primary tumor could be found in three patients, one had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) & two had infiltrating duct carcinoma (IDC). However primary tumor was not detected in breast tissue of the fourth patient. Extensive lymph node metastases were found in three out of 14,15 out of 15(SCC), 24 out of 24 and 1 out of three axillary nodes respectively. Results of immunohistochemical staining for estrogen and progesterone receptors on three cases were negative. All patient received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We have reviewed the literature and discussed the approach to diagnosis and management in female patients presenting with metastatic carcinoma in the axillary nodes with emphasis on the appropriate pre-treatment evaluation.

Regulation of elongation factor-1alpha expression by growth factors and anti-receptor blocking antibodies

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and its receptors regulate normal and cancerous epithelial cell proliferation, a process that could be suppressed by anti-receptor blocking antibodies. Polypeptide elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) is a multifunctional protein whose levels are positively correlated with the proliferative state of cells. To identify genes, whose expression may be modulated by anti-receptor blocking antibodies, we performed a differential display screening and isolated differentially expressed cDNAs. Isolates from one clone were 100% identical to human EF-1alpha. Both EGF and heregulin-beta1 (HRG) induced EF-1alpha promoter activity and mRNA and protein expression. Growth factor-mediated EF-1alpha expression was effectively blocked by pretreatment with humanized anti-EGF receptor antibody C225 or anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) antibody herceptin. Mutants and pharmacological inhibitors of p38(MAPK) and MEK, but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, suppressed both constitutive and HRG-induced stimulation of EF-1alpha promoter activity in MCF-7 cells. Deletion analysis of the promoter suggested the requirement of the -393 to -204 region for growth factor-mediated transcription of EF-1alpha. Fine mapping and point mutation studies revealed a role of the SP1 site in the observed HRG-mediated regulation of the EF-1alpha promoter. In addition, we also provide new evidence to suggest that HRG stimulation of the EF-1alpha promoter involves increased physical interactions with acetylated histone H3 and histone H4. These results suggest that regulation of EF-1alpha expression by extracellular signals that function through human EGF receptor family members that are widely deregulated in human cancers and that growth factor regulation of EF-1alpha expression involve histone acetylation.