Acrosomal status and mitochondrial activity of human spermatozoa vitrified with sucrose

This study investigates the ability of sucrose to protect spermatozoa against mitochondrial damage, artificial cryoinduction of capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Spermatozoa were isolated using the swim-up procedure performed using three different media: (a) human tubal fluid (HTF, control) medium; (b) HTF with 1% human serum albumin (HSA); and (c) HTF with 1% HSA and 0.25 M sucrose. From each group, 30 mul suspensions of cells were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen and stored for at least 24 h. Cells were thawed by quickly submerging the spheres in HTF with 1% HSA at 37 degrees C with gentle agitation. Sperm motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential integrity, spontaneous capacitation, and acrosome reaction were investigated. Sperm viability, acrosome reaction, and capacitation were detected using the double fluorescence chlortetracycline-Hoechst 33258 staining technique. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using a unique fluorescent cationic dye, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1-1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzamidazolocarbocyanin iodide, commonly known as JC-1. The number of progressively motile spermatozoa was significantly higher in the sucrose-supplemented medium group (57.1+/-3.2%, P<0.05) when compared with controls (19.4+/-1.9%). The combination of HSA and sucrose (65.2+/-2.6%) has a stronger cryoprotective effect on the integrity of mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05) compared with HSA alone (32.6+/-4.7%). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa with non-permeable cryoprotectants such as HSA and sucrose can effectively cryopreserve the cells without significant loss of important physiological parameters.

Immunotherapy of cancer by IL-12-based cytokine combinations

Cancer is a multi-faceted disease comprising complex interactions between neoplastic and normal cells. Over the past decade, there has been considerable progress in defining the molecular, cellular and environmental contributions to the pathophysiology of tumor development. Despite these advances, the conventional treatment of patients still generally involves surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, and the clinical outcome for many of these efforts remains unsatisfactory. Recent studies have highlighted the feasibility of using immunotherapeutic approaches that seek to enhance host immune responses to developing tumors. These strategies include immunomodulatory cytokines, with TNF-alpha, type I or type II IFNs, IL-2, IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18 being among the most potent inducers of anti-tumor activity in a variety of preclinical studies. More recently, some exciting new cytokines have been characterized, such as IL-21, IL-23, IL-27 and their immunomodulatory and antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo suggest that they may have considerable promise for future immunotherapy protocols. The promise of cytokine therapy does indeed derive from the identification of these novel cytokines but even more fundamentally, the field is greatly benefiting from the ever-expanding amount of preclinical data that convincingly demonstrate synergistic and/or novel biologic effects, which may be achieved through the use of several combinations of cytokines with complementary immune-stimulating capabilities. One cytokine in particular, IL-12, holds considerable promise by virtue of the fact that it plays a central role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, can by itself induce potent anticancer effects, and synergizes with several other cytokines for increased immunoregulatory and antitumor activities. This review discusses the antitumor activity of IL-12, with a special emphasis on its ability to synergize with other cytokines for enhancement of immune effector cell populations and regulation of host-tumor cell interactions and the overall tumor microenvironment.

Rats selectively-bred for behavior related to affective disorders: proclivity for intake of alcohol and drugs of abuse, and measures of brain monoamines

Several lines of rats potentially useful for studying affective disorders have been developed in our laboratory though selective breeding for behavioral characteristics. The propensity of these lines to consume alcohol and other drugs of abuse (amphetamine and cocaine) was examined. Also, measurement of the concentration of brain monoamines - norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin - as well as estimation of their metabolism by measurement of the major extracellular metabolites of these monoamines was carried out to examine possible relationships of brain chemistry to the behavioral characteristics shown by these lines, as well as to their propensity for drug usage. The lines of rats are: Swim Low-active (SwLo) and Swim High-active (SwHi), which show either very low (SwLo) or very high (SwHi) amounts of motor activity in a swim test; Swim-test Susceptible (Susceptible or SUS) and Swim-test Resistant (Resistant or RES), which are highly susceptible (SUS) or highly resistant (RES) to having their swim-test activity depressed by being exposed to a stressful condition prior to the swim test; and Hyperactive (HYPER), which show spontaneous nocturnal hyperactivity compared to non-selectively bred (i.e., normal) rats as well as both extreme hyperactivity and behavioral depression after being exposed to a stressful condition. Regarding alcohol and drug usage, SUS rats readily consume alcohol while all other lines including non-selected, normal rats do not, and SwLo rats show a strong tendency to consume amphetamine and cocaine. Marked differences in brain monoamines were found between the various lines and normal rats, with salient differences seen in norepinephrine, particularly in the hippocampus, and in dopamine in forebrain regions (striatum and nucleus accumbens).

Depression in an animal model: focus on the locus ceruleus

When rats are exposed to highly stressful events over which they have no control, they subsequently show many of the symptoms seen in depression in humans. In the attempt to discover neurochemical factors underlying depression, the neurochemical basis of stress-induced behavioural depression in rats has been studied extensively. Initial research (1968-1976) indicated that behavioural depression in this model was produced by alteration of noradrenaline (NA) concentrations in the brain. More recent research has indicated that the critical change may be a large depletion of NA in the locus ceruleus (LC). Behavioural depression may result when such NA depletion is sufficient to reduce NA release in the LC region, leading to a 'functional blockade' of inhibitory alpha 2-receptors in that brain region. Studies have now shown that behavioural depression after uncontrollable shock can be mimicked by pharmacological blockade of alpha 2-receptors in the LC region. Conversely, behavioural depression can be eliminated by either infusion of clonidine into the LC to replace at the alpha 2-receptors the NA depleted after uncontrollable shock, or infusion of pargyline into the LC to prevent the depletion of NA that otherwise follows uncontrollable shock. If alpha 2-receptors are functionally blocked in depression, then release of NA in regions innervated by the LC should be increased and stimulation of postsynaptic adrenoceptors outside the LC should be higher than normal. Thus, higher-than-normal stimulation of postsynaptic NA receptors should also produce behavioural depression; this has been demonstrated.

[Pseudo-Kaposi Sarcoma or Kaposi Sarcoma? Kaposi-sarcoma-like skin lesions in a patient with AIDS]

We report on a patient with AIDS stage C3, who received haemodialysis for terminal renal insufficiency and presented with Kaposi sarcoma-like skin lesions on the left hand, distal of his dialysis shunt. Histology, immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis did not support the initially favoured diagnosis of a Kaposi sarcoma, but revealed a pseudo-Kaposi sarcoma related to the Stewart-Bluefarb-syndrome.

Differential modulation of NK and NKT cells in the liver and spleen following IL-18 + IL-12 treatment of mice (98.9)

IL-18 + IL-12 treatment elicited significant antitumor activity in the liver via an increase in NK cells and a concurrent decrease in the detectable number of NKT cells. To determine both the fate of NKT cells and the origins of NK influx into the liver following IL-18 + IL-12 treatment, we optimized liver leukocyte isolation techniques and determined that IL-18 + IL-12 was not causing NKT cells to down-modulate their TCR, as was previously reported with anti-CD3 or α-GalCer activation. Also, no discernable apoptosis was detected at 6 or 24 hours. However, IL-18 + IL-12 treatment caused an increase in NKT cells in the spleen that coincided with a decrease in these cells in the liver. We also observed a decrease in NK cells in the spleen that coincided with an increase of these cells in the liver. These findings suggest that IL-18 + IL-12 induces a well coordinated but opposing relocation of selected subsets. To identify potential genes involved in cell migration, we used a chemokine array and identified the differential gene expression in the spleen and liver. In the spleen, we found that IL-18 + IL-12 induced CCL19 in the spleen which is the ligand for CCR7 on NKT cells. In contrast, in the liver this treatment induced CCL9 and CCL20 which are respective ligands for CCR1 and CCR6 on NK cells. These data delineate potentially novel, redistribution mechanisms whereby proinflammatory cytokines may modulate the liver leukocyte repertoire.

Friend or Foe? IFNγ Mediates Pro-Metastatic Gene Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment (48.34)

Several immunotherapeutic models have shown that interferon gamma (IFNγ) is required for tumor regression. Treatment with IFNγ as a sole therapy, however, has resulted in disappointing outcomes. Cytokine therapies, such as IL-2/IL-12 and IL-12/IL-18, each involves IFN-γ mediated reduction in primary tumors but they can have an unanticipated increase in secondary metastases. Therefore, tumor responsiveness to IFNγ may alter its progression and metastasic potential. Mouse renal carcinoma cells expressing a dominant negative IFNγ-receptor had a reduced ability to metastasize, suggesting that IFNγ may exert potentially pro-metastatic effects in the tumor microenvironment. The goal of this study is to identify changes in gene expression in the tumor microenvironment in response to IFNγ treatment. Using qPCR gene profiling, we identified the increased expression of several pro-metastatic genes specifically in the tumor microenvironment after IFNγ treatment, namely heparanase, CD44, s100a4, and matrix metalloproteinase 7. We are now investigating whether the upregulation of these genes is caused by host and/or tumor responses to IFNγ. Our results suggest that IFNγ regulates extra-cellular matrix remodeling protein expression in the local microenvironment, which may contribute to tumor metastases.

Influence of hypo- and hyperglycaemia on plasma leptin concentrations in healthy women and in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance and obesity play an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is known that experimentally induced insulin resistance diminishes the stimulatory effect of insulin on leptin secretion. It is not yet known whether the long-term insulin resistance as found in PCOS patients alters the leptin response to hypo- and hyperglycaemia.

METHODS

We induced hyper- and hypoglycaemia by glucose clamp technique in 7 patients with PCOS and 20 healthy controls. After a plasma glucose level of 8.8 mmol/l was reached, the plasma glucose level was reduced stepwise to 6.8, 4.8 and 2.8 mmol/l.

RESULTS

The PCOS patients required lower glucose infusion rates to reach the glycaemic targets (P < 0.05). Serum insulin and C-peptide concentrations increased significantly during the clamp compared with the baseline in both groups (P < 0.001 for insulin, and P < 0.001, P < 0.005 for C-peptide control and PCOS, respectively) and increased significantly more in PCOS patients compared with the control group (both P < 0.05). Basal leptin levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (P = 0.005). In the controls, the leptin concentration increased significantly during the clamp (P < 0.001 for each glycaemic target), whereas in the PCOS group, leptin secretion increased only during hypoglycaemia (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the healthy controls, the response of leptin secretion to hyper- and hypoglycaemia was diminished in PCOS patients. Changes in leptin secretion seem not to be caused by hyper- and hypoglycaemia, but rather by hyperinsulinaemia. Reduced insulin sensitivity seems to be responsible for the diminished leptin response, which might contribute to the obesity found in PCOS patients.

IFN-gamma mediates CD4+ T-cell loss and impairs secondary antitumor responses after successful initial immunotherapy

Protective cell-mediated immune responses in cancer are critically dependent on T-helper type 1 (T(H)1) cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). We have previously shown that the combination of CD40 stimulation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) leads to synergistic antitumor responses in several models of advanced metastatic disease. We now report that after this treatment and other immunotherapy regimens, the CD4+ T-cell population, in contrast to CD8+ T cells, did not significantly increase but rather exhibited a substantial level of apoptosis that was dependent on IFN-gamma. Mice immunized with tumor cells and treated with an immunotherapy regimen that was initially protective were later unable to mount effective memory responses compared with immunized mice not receiving immunotherapy. Immunotherapy given to tumor-bearing Ifngr-/- mice resulted in restoration of secondary responses. Thus, although immunotherapeutic regimens inducing strong IFN-gamma responses can lead to successful early antitumor efficacy, they may also impair the development of durable antitumor responses.

Rapid and efficient nonviral gene delivery of CD154 to primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Interactions between CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD154) are essential in the regulation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Forced expression of human CD154 in B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells can upregulate costimulatory and adhesion molecules and restore antigen-presenting capacity. Unfortunately, B-CLL cells are resistant to direct gene manipulation with most currently available gene transfer systems. In this report, we describe the use of a nonviral, clinical-grade, electroporation-based gene delivery system and a standard plasmid carrying CD154 cDNA, which achieved efficient (64+/-15%) and rapid (within 3 h) transfection of primary B-CLL cells. Consistent results were obtained from multiple human donors. Transfection of CD154 was functional in that it led to upregulated expression of CD80, CD86, ICAM-I and MHC class II (HLA-DR) on the B-CLL cells and induction of allogeneic immune responses in MLR assays. Furthermore, sustained transgene expression was demonstrated in long-term cryopreserved transfected cells. This simple and rapid gene delivery technology has been validated under the current Good Manufacturing Practice conditions, and multiple doses of CD154-expressing cells were prepared for CLL patients from one DNA transfection. Vaccination strategies using autologous tumor cells manipulated ex vivo for patients with B-CLL and perhaps with other hematopoietic malignancies could be practically implemented using this rapid and efficient nonviral gene delivery system.

Regulation of GnRH I receptor gene expression by the GnRH agonist triptorelin, estradiol, and progesterone in the gonadotroph-derived cell line alphaT3-1

The secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) concentration are modulated by ovarian steroids and GnRH. To elucidate whether this regulation is due to alterations at the transcriptional level, we examined the GnRH I-R mRNA expression in the gonadotroph-derived cell line alphaT3-1 treated with different estradiol and progesterone paradigms and the GnRH I agonist triptorelin. alphaT3-1 cells were treated with different steroid paradigms: 1 nM estradiol or 100 nM progesterone for 48 h alone or in combination. Cells were exposed to 10 nM or 100 pM triptorelin for 30 min, 3 h, 9 h, or, in pulsatile way, with a 5-min pulse per hour. The GnRH I-R mRNA was determined by Northern blot analysis. GnRH I-R mRNA from cells treated with continuous triptorelin decreased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Pulsatile triptorelin increased GnRH I-R gene expression. Progesterone alone further enhanced this effect, whereas estradiol and its combination with progesterone diminished it. Continuous combined treatment with estradiol and progesterone lead to a significant decrease of GnRH I-R mRNA by 30% and by 35% for estradiol alone. The addition of 10 nM triptorelin for 30 min or 3 h could not influence that steroid effect. In conclusion, estradiol and progesterone exclusively decreased GnRH I-R mRNA in alphaT3-1 cells no matter whether they are treated additionally with the GnRH I agonist triptorelin. The enhanced sensitivity of gonadotrophs and GnRH I-R upregulation by estradiol is not due to increased GnRH I gene expression because GnRH I-R mRNA is downregulated by estradiol and progesterone. Other pathways of the GnRH I-R signal transduction might be involved.

Stimulation through CD40 on Mouse and Human Renal Cell Carcinomas Triggers Cytokine Production, Leukocyte Recruitment, and Antitumor Responses that Can Be Independent of Host CD40 Expression

CD40, a member of the TNFR superfamily, is expressed on a variety of host immune cells, as well as some tumors. In this study, we show that stimulation of CD40 expressed on both mouse and human renal carcinoma cells (RCCs) triggers biological effects in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of the CD40+ Renca mouse RCC tumor cells in vitro with an agonistic anti-CD40 Ab induced strong expression of the genes and proteins for GM-CSF and MCP-1, and induced potent chemotactic activity. Similarly, administration of alphaCD40 to both wild-type and CD40-/- mice bearing Renca tumors resulted in substantial amounts of TNF-alpha and MCP-1 in the serum, increased the number of total splenocytes and MHC class II+ CD11c+ leukocytes, and when combined with IFN-gamma, inhibited the progression of established Renca tumors in vivo in both wild-type and CD40-/- mice. Similarly, treatment of CD40+ A704 and ACHN human RCC lines with mouse anti-human CD40 Ab induced strong expression of genes and proteins for MCP-1, IL-8, and GM-CSF in vitro and in vivo. Finally, in SCID mice, the numbers of ACHN pulmonary metastases were dramatically reduced by treatment with species-specific human CD40 Ab. These results show that CD40 stimulation of CD40+ tumor cells can enhance immune responses and result in antitumor activity.

Efficient responses in a murine renal tumor model by electroloading dendritic cells with whole-tumor lysate

Electroporation of dendritic cells (DCs) with tumor lysate elicited greater antitumor responses in vitro and in vivo, using less lysate than standard coincubation. Electroloaded DCs had normal surface marker expression and matured into competent antigen-presenting cells. In a renal carcinoma (RENCA) model, mice were pretreated with lysate-loaded DCs before tumor challenge. Mice that received DCs electroloaded with RENCA lysate had significantly smaller tumors (9+/-6 mm2) than mice given DCs coincubated with the same lysate (23+/-5 mm2). To evaluate a metastatic therapeutic tumor model, mice were first injected with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and then given 2 doses of cryopreserved LLC lysate-loaded DCs. Mice treated with electroloaded DCs had a 50% reduction in lung metastases compared with control mice that received no DCs or DCs loaded with liver lysate. In contrast, DCs coincubated with LLC lysate were indistinguishable from controls. Tumor lysate-electroloaded but not-coincubated DCs also primed syngeneic mouse splenocytes in vitro to produce interferon-gamma and, specifically, lyse tumor cells. The electroloaded DCs elicited specific T-cell responses with less lysate than the amount reported in standard coincubation procedures. This approach may be particularly useful when small amounts of tumor material are available.

The subdiaphragmatic vagus nerves mediate activation of locus coeruleus neurons by peripherally administered microbial substances

Our earlier studies demonstrated that representative microbial substances--lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and poly-inosine: poly-cytosine (poly(I):(C))--increased the spontaneous discharge rates and sensory-evoked responses of isolated locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in a dose- and time-related manner after i.p. injection into rats. We then turned our attention to the mechanism by which microbial substances administered into the peritoneal cavity affect the LC neurons. The involvement of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerves was examined in this regard since several brain responses to peripherally administered lipopolysaccharide have been found to depend upon the integrity of these nerves. The experiments reported here show that lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and poly(I):(C) all failed to excite LC neurons after i.p. injection into rats that had previously been subjected to complete transection of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerves. Furthermore, selective transection of the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve trunks indicated that the dorsal trunk, and not the ventral trunk, was necessary to excite LC neurons in response to i.p. lipopolysaccharide. The inability of LC neurons to respond to i.p. lipopolysaccharide in vagotomized rats is unlikely to be attributed to a desensitization of the neurons to lipopolysaccharide since i.c.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide excited LC neurons in vagotomized rats as it did in vagus-intact rats. These findings suggest that a variety of microbial substances excited LC neurons after administration into the peritoneal cavity in a manner involving the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerves.

Polymorphic variation in hOGG1 and risk of cancer: a review of the functional and epidemiologic literature

The gene encoding human 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) is involved in DNA base excision repair. The encoded DNA glycosylase excises 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-OHdG), a highly mutagenic base produced in DNA as a result of exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polymorphisms in this gene may alter glycosylase function and an individual's ability to repair damaged DNA, possibly resulting in genetic instability that can foster carcinogenesis. In order to elucidate the possible impact of polymorphisms in hOGG1, we performed a literature review of both functional and epidemiologic studies that assessed the effects of these polymorphisms on repair function, levels of oxidative DNA damage, or associations with cancer risk. Fourteen functional studies and 19 epidemiologic studies of breast, colon, esophageal, head and neck, lung, nasopharyngeal, orolaryngeal, prostate, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and stomach cancers were identified. Although the larger functional studies suggest reduced repair function with variant alleles in hOGG1, the evidence is generally inconclusive. There is some epidemiologic evidence that risk for esophageal, lung, nasopharyngeal, orolaryngeal, and prostate is related to hOGG1 genotype, whereas risk of breast cancer does not appear related. In studies that explored potential interactions with environmental factors, cancer risk for hOGG1 genotypes differed depending on exposure, especially for colon cancer. In summary, there is limited evidence that polymorphisms in hOGG1 affect repair function and carcinogenesis. Larger, well-designed functional and epidemiologic studies are needed to clarify these relationships, especially with respect to interactions with other DNA repair enzymes and interactions with environmental factors that increase carcinogenic load.

Rapid, in vivo, evaluation of antiangiogenic and antineoplastic gene products by nonviral transfection of tumor cells

Using a nonviral, electroporation-based gene transfection approach, we demonstrate the efficient and consistent transfection of two poorly immunogenic tumor cell lines: B16F10 melanoma and renal carcinoma (RENCA). Three genes, IL-12, angiostatin (AS), and an endostatin:angiostatin fusion protein (ES:AS) were subcloned into a DNA plasmid containing EBNA1-OriP, which was then transfected into B16F10 and RENCA cells. Significant levels of protein were secreted into the culture supernatants of transfected cells in vitro. Transfected tumor cells were injected subcutaneously into mice. All the three transgenes were capable of significantly delaying and reducing the formation of primary B16F10 and RENCA tumors, as well as B16F10 lung metastases. By day 11 post-injection, all control mice that received either mock-transfected or empty vector DNA-transfected B16F10 tumor cells had developed large primary tumors. In contrast, mice that received IL-12-transfected B16F10 cells did not develop appreciable tumors until day 17, and these were significantly smaller than controls. Similar results were observed for the RENCA model, in which only one of the IL-12 mice had developed tumors out to day 31. Expression of AS or ES:AS also significantly delayed and reduced primary tumors. Overall, ES:AS was more effective than AS alone. Furthermore, 25% of the AS mice and 33% of the ES:AS mice remained tumor-free at day 17, by which point all control mice had significant tumors. Mouse survival rates also correlated with the extent of tumor burden. Importantly, no lung metastases were detected in the lungs of mice that had received either AS or ES:AS-transfected B16F10 tumor cells and significantly fewer metastases were found in the IL-12 group. The consistency of our transfection results highlight the feasibility of directly electroporating tumor cells as a means to screen, identify, and validate in vivo potentially novel antiangiogenic and/or antineoplastic genes.

[The use of oral antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome]

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. It is a complex metabolic-endocrine disorder with severe long-term health consequences like type 2 diabetes. The increased risk for cardiovascular diseases in women with PCOS is due to diabetes, adipositas and dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. This makes the use of oral antidiabetic drugs most compelling. The majority of studies have shown amelioration of the typical symptoms like hyperandrogenism and cycle irregularities. Ovulation and pregnancy rates increased. Furthermore these drugs might be cardioprotective by improving insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the use of different oral antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of PCOS and their influence on fertility, the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

[Allergic contact dermatitis to common ivy (Hedera helix L.)]

Common ivy (Hedera helix L.) is a ubiquitous plant in Europe whose major allergen falcarinol has moderate allergic potential. It is not related to poison ivy (Toxicodendron spp.). There are no cross reactions between the allergens of common ivy (falcarinol) and poison ivy (urushiol). Contact with common ivy or falcarinol may lead to sensitization and then a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. There are only few cases described in the literature. We report on a male hobby gardener with appropriate clinical history and positive patch test. The pathogenic mechanism is a type IV reaction following a sensitization exposure. Gardeners and landscape architects with frequent exposure to common ivy and thus a high risk of sensitization should wear appropriate protective clothing.