[Effect of LAS on physico-chemical properties and microorganism activity in soil environment]

Using a well drained paddy soil and the derived soil under vegetables in the Taihu Lake region, China, experiments of soil capillary rise, colloid dispersion and adsorption of toxic organics and heavy metals by soil under various degrees of LAS addition were conducted. Also incubation experiments of microorganism activity in soil with added LAS in different concentrations were carried out in laboratory. LAS addition resulted in lower capillary rise of soil solution, higher dispersion of soil colloids and lower capacity of soil for organic pollutants but no significant influence on adsorption of heavy metal cations. The nitrification and amonification in soil were very sensitive to LAS stress while denitrification turned to be stimulated. LAS addition gave stronger growth of soil bacteria while decreased growth of fungus. Meanwhile, soil respiration was stimulated in the first week of incubation and compressed afterwards by LAS at concentration over 5 mg/kg. It seemed that some species of microorganisms were tolerant of LAS in the studied soils.

Key role for sulfur in peptide metabolism and in regulation of three hydrogenases in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus grows optimally at 100 degrees C by the fermentation of peptides and carbohydrates. Growth of the organism was examined in media containing either maltose, peptides (hydrolyzed casein), or both as the carbon source(s), each with and without elemental sulfur (S(0)). Growth rates were highest on media containing peptides and S(0), with or without maltose. Growth did not occur on the peptide medium without S(0). S(0) had no effect on growth rates in the maltose medium in the absence of peptides. Phenylacetate production rates (from phenylalanine fermentation) from cells grown in the peptide medium containing S(0) with or without maltose were the same, suggesting that S(0) is required for peptide utilization. The activities of 14 of 21 enzymes involved in or related to the fermentation pathways of P. furiosus were shown to be regulated under the five different growth conditions studied. The presence of S(0) in the growth media resulted in decreases in specific activities of two cytoplasmic hydrogenases (I and II) and of a membrane-bound hydrogenase, each by an order of magnitude. The primary S(0)-reducing enzyme in this organism and the mechanism of the S(0) dependence of peptide metabolism are not known. This study provides the first evidence for a highly regulated fermentation-based metabolism in P. furiosus and a significant regulatory role for elemental sulfur or its metabolites.

Evaluation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody seroconversion induced by minocycline, sulfasalazine, or penicillamine

OBJECTIVE

Case reports have suggested that minocycline, sulfasalazine, and penicillamine are associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis. This study evaluated ANCA seroconversion due to these agents in serum samples prospectively collected in randomized, double-blind, controlled trials.

METHODS

The sources of study sera were 3 clinical trials: 1) a 48-week trial of minocycline for early rheumatoid arthritis, with 64 patients receiving minocycline compared with 68 receiving placebo; 2) a 37-week trial of sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis, with 51 receiving sulfasalazine compared with 38 receiving placebo; and 3) a 104-week trial of penicillamine for early systemic sclerosis, with 15 undergoing high-dose penicillamine treatment versus 12 receiving low-dose penicillamine. ANCA were measured in the baseline and study-end serum samples by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for perinuclear ANCA (pANCA) and cytoplasmic ANCA (cANCA) patterns, and by antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) and proteinase 3 (anti-PR3). Laboratory personnel were blinded to the group identity of the samples. ANCA results were interpreted using an ANCA scoring system that combines the results of IIF and ELISA testing.

RESULTS

No patient in any of the active study drug groups demonstrated ANCA seroconversion according to the final interpretation of the combined IIF and ELISA results. Twelve of the 248 patients (5%) were positive for anti-MPO with pANCA at baseline. No subject was positive for anti-PR3 with cANCA. There were no findings suggestive of vasculitis in any of these patients.

CONCLUSION

From our study results, there was no suggestion of ANCA seroconversion induced by minocycline, sulfasalazine, or penicillamine. However, these findings do not rule out the possibility of rare, sporadic cases of either ANCA seroconversion or true drug-induced vasculitis with these drugs.

Characterization of novel UCP5/BMCP1 isoforms and differential regulation of UCP4 and UCP5 expression through dietary or temperature manipulation

Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins have been implicated in the maintenance of metabolic rate and adaptational thermoregulation. We recently reported the identification of a brain-specific mitochondrial uncoupling protein homologue, UCP4. Here we characterized another newly described member of the uncoupling protein family, termed UCP5 (also called BMCP1). UCP5 transcripts are present in multiple human and mouse tissues, with an especially high abundance in the brain and testis. Expression of UCP5 in mammalian cells reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential. Multiple isoforms of UCP5 were identified and exhibited tissue-specific distribution and different potency in reduction of membrane potential. Furthermore, the mRNA abundance of both UCP4 and UCP5 is modulated by nutritional status or temperature in a tissue-specific manner in mice. Brain UCP4 and UCP5 mRNA transcripts rose by 1.5- and 1.7-fold, respectively, and liver UCP5 expression increased by 1.8-fold in response to acute cold exposure. A high-fat diet increased UCP5 mRNA in liver by 1.6-fold selectively in the obesity-resistant A/J but not in the obesity-prone C57BL/6J mouse strain. Liver UCP5 expression decreased significantly with a 24 h fast and was restored to the normal level after refeeding. In contrast, brain transcripts for both genes were not significantly altered by fasting or high-fat diet. These findings are consistent with the notion that UCP4 and UCP5 may be involved in tissue-specific thermoregulation and metabolic changes associated with nutritional status.

Impact of endotoxin on UCP homolog mRNA abundance, thermoregulation, and mitochondrial proton leak kinetics

Linking tissue uncoupling protein (UCP) homolog abundance with functional metabolic outcomes and with expression of putative genetic regulators promises to better clarify UCP homolog physiological function. A murine endotoxemia model characterized by marked alterations in thermoregulation was employed to examine the association between heat production, UCP homolog expression, and mitochondrial proton leak ("uncoupling"). After intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS, approximately 6 mg/kg) injection, colonic temperature (T(c)) in adult female C57BL6/J mice dropped to a nadir of approximately 30 degrees C by 8 h, preceded by a four- to fivefold drop in liver UCP2 and UCP5/brain mitochondrial carrier protein 1 mRNA levels, with no change in their hindlimb skeletal muscle (SKM) expression. SKM UCP3 mRNA rose fivefold during development of hypothermia and was correlated with an LPS-induced increase in plasma free fatty acid concentration. UCP2 and UCP5 transcripts recovered about three- to sixfold in both tissues starting at 6-8 h, preceding a recovery of T(c) between 16 and 24 h. SKM UCP3 followed an opposite pattern. Such results are not consistent with an important influence of UCP3 in driving heat production but do not preclude a role for UCP2 or UCP5 in this process. The transcription coactivator PGC-1 displayed a transient LPS-evoked rise (threefold) or drop (two- to fivefold) in SKM and liver expression, respectively. No differences between control and LPS-treated mouse liver or SKM in vitro mitochondrial proton leak were evident at time points corresponding to large differences in UCP homolog expression.

Aromatic DNA adducts in coke-oven workers, in relation to exposure, lifestyle and genetic polymorphism of metabolic enzymes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of multiple factors, including exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lifestyle, genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1, glutathione transferase (GST)M1, GSTP1, N-acetyltransferase (NAT)2 and gene p53, as well as any family history of cancer, on DNA adduct levels in coke-oven workers.

METHODS

Sixty-five coke-oven workers employed at the largest iron-steel factory in China were recruited for the study. Personal data were collected at the interview. DNA adduct levels in total white blood cells (WBCs) were detected using 32P-postlabeling techniques. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.

RESULTS

The subjects were divided into low and high exposure groups, according to personal exposure to PAHs. The mean adduct value was 1.57 (range 0.54 to 4.35) per 10(8) nucleotides. A tendency for increased levels of DNA adducts in the high exposure group was observed, compared with the low exposure group (P = 0.07). In the low exposure group, DNA adducts were found to be positively associated with urinary cotinine (r = 0.44, P = 0.01). The rare allele homozygotes of CYP1A1 showed significantly higher DNA adduct levels than those of other CYP1A1 genotypes. Individuals with the NAT2 wild type had significantly increased DNA adduct levels than those with other NAT2 genotypes in the high exposure group. The p53 genetic polymorphism revealed a significantly positive effect on DNA adducts formation. There was a significantly higher adduct level in the subjects with a family history of cancer than those without, in the high exposure category.

CONCLUSIONS

Effects of several variables, such as smoking, genetic polymorphism of 2 CYP1A1, NAT2, and gene p53, and a family history of cancer on DNA adduct levels were found, suggesting that these variables should be considered when evaluating the genotoxic effect of occupational exposure to PAHs using WBCs DNA adducts.

Increased death receptor 5 expression by chemotherapeutic agents in human gliomas causes synergistic cytotoxicity with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in vitro and in vivo

The intractability of malignant gliomas to multimodality treatments plays a large part in their extremely poor prognosis. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family that induces apoptosis preferentially in tumor cells through binding to its cognate death receptors, DR4 and DR5. Here we show that the DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drugs, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP) and etoposide, elicited increased expression of DR5 in human glioma cells. Exposure of such cells in vitro to soluble human TRAIL in combination with CDDP or etoposide resulted in synergistic cell death that could be blocked by soluble TRAIL-neutralizing DR5-Fc or the caspase inhibitors, Z-Asp-CH2-DCB and CrmA. Moreover, systemic in vivo administration of TRAIL with CDDP synergistically suppressed both tumor formation and growth of established s.c. human glioblastoma xenografts in nude mice by inducing apoptosis without causing significant general toxicity. The combination treatment resulted in complete and durable remission in 29% of mice with the established s.c. xenografts and also significantly extended the survival of mice bearing intracerebral xenografts. These results provide preclinical proof-of-principle for a novel therapeutic strategy in which the death ligand, TRAIL, is safely combined with conventional DNA-damaging chemotherapy.

Allosteric inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase dimerization discovered via combinatorial chemistry

Potent and selective inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (EC ) were identified in an encoded combinatorial chemical library that blocked human iNOS dimerization, and thereby NO production. In a cell-based iNOS assay (A-172 astrocytoma cells) the inhibitors had low-nanomolar IC(50) values and thus were >1,000-fold more potent than the substrate-based direct iNOS inhibitors 1400W and N-methyl-l-arginine. Biochemical studies confirmed that inhibitors caused accumulation of iNOS monomers in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. High affinity (K(d) approximately 3 nM) of inhibitors for isolated iNOS monomers was confirmed by using a radioligand binding assay. Inhibitors were >1,000-fold selective for iNOS versus endothelial NOS dimerization in a cell-based assay. The crystal structure of inhibitor bound to the monomeric iNOS oxygenase domain revealed inhibitor-heme coordination and substantial perturbation of the substrate binding site and the dimerization interface, indicating that this small molecule acts by allosterically disrupting protein-protein interactions at the dimer interface. These results provide a mechanism-based approach to highly selective iNOS inhibition. Inhibitors were active in vivo, with ED(50) values of <2 mg/kg in a rat model of endotoxin-induced systemic iNOS induction. Thus, this class of dimerization inhibitors has broad therapeutic potential in iNOS-mediated pathologies.

[An epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome in Beijing - a stratified randomized study by clustering sampling]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its risk factors in Beijing.

METHODS

Phase I: a screening program for IBS was carried out in Beijing area according to symptoms using both Manning (modified including constipation) and Rome criteria. Random clustered sampling involving 2 486 subjects of the inhabitants was carried out under stratification of city, suburban and rural areas. Sample size of each studied area was in proportion to the population of the area. The range of age was 18 - 70. All subjects studied were requested to fill in a questionnaire assisted by trained doctors or medical students during the visit to their families. Phase II: a small number of patients who fulfilled the Manning criteria were further selected to undergo detail clinical examination in the hospital including laboratory examination, abdominal ultrasonography, colonoscopy or/and barium enema to exclude organic disease of the colon. Prevalence of IBS of the population was then adjusted by the rate of correct diagnosis during phase II study. Minnesota Multi - Personality Indices was used in some cases. Potential risk factors were explored by comparing frequencies among IBS group and non - IBS group using chi(2) and logistic analysis of multifactors.

RESULTS

The adjusted point prevalence of IBS in Beijing according to Manning criteria was 7.26%, in contrast to Rome criteria - 0.82%. Higher prevalence rate of IBS in the city (10.50%) than in rural areas (6.14%) (P < 0.001) was noticed. Male to female ratio was 1:1.15 with majority of IBS fell in age 18 - 40 (51.6%), and among intellectuals. Our study indicated that history of dysentery (OR = 3.00), exposure to coldness (OR = 1.55), ingestion of cold food and raw materials (OR = 1.24) might serve as the most important risk factors (P < 0.001). Patients with IBS seemed to have a higher tendency of abnormal personalities.

CONCLUSION

IBS is a common disorder in Beijing which deserves greater care.

[Distribution and transferring of carbon in kast soil system of peak forest depression in humid subtropical region]

Taking Guilin Yaji Karst Experiment Site as an exemple and with the methods of field monitoring and laboratory analysis, this paper studied the distribution and transferring of carbon in the karst soil system of peak forest depression in the humid subtropical region of China. The carbon pools in biomass, litters and soil organic matter(SOM) and their mobility as expressed by oxidizability and decomposition rate of SOM, the concentration of soil CO2 and the emission rate of CO2 from soil were investigated. The mobile carbon pool in the system supplied a rich source of CO2, which drived the karst process. When active karst process happened in Spring and Summer, over 60% of carbon in the output water was derived from soil CO2, as traced by delta 13 C distribution in the system. Therefore, owing to the carbon transfer in the pathway of air-plant-soil-water, karst process took place rather under soil-rock-water interface than under air-rock-water interface. Thus, the epigenetic karst process was driven and accelerated by soil as an interface of carbon environmental geochemistry.

Requirement of calmodulin binding by HIV-1 gp160 for enhanced FAS-mediated apoptosis

Accelerated apoptosis is one mechanism proposed for the loss of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp160, contains two C-terminal calmodulin-binding domains. Expression of gp160 in Jurkat T-cells results in increased sensitivity to FAS- and ceramide-mediated apoptosis. The pro-apoptotic effect of gp160 expression is blocked by two calmodulin antagonists, tamoxifen and trifluoperazine. This enhanced apoptosis in response to FAS antibody or C(2)-ceramide is associated with activation of caspase 3, a critical mediator of apoptosis. A point mutation in the C-terminal calmodulin-binding domain of gp160 (alanine 835 to tryptophan, A835W) eliminates gp160-dependent enhanced FAS-mediated apoptosis in transiently transfected cells, as well as in vitro calmodulin binding to a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal calmodulin-binding domain of gp160. Stable Tet-off Jurkat cell lines were developed that inducibly express wild type gp160 or gp160A835W. Increasing expression of wild type gp160, but not gp160A835W, correlates with increased calmodulin levels, increased apoptosis, and caspase 3 activation in response to anti-FAS treatment. The data indicate that gp160-enhanced apoptosis is dependent upon calmodulin up-regulation, involves the activation of caspase 3, and requires calmodulin binding to the C-terminal binding domain of gp160.

Epidemiologic study of the irritable bowel syndrome in Beijing: stratified randomized study by cluster sampling

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Beijing and its risk factors.

METHODS

Phase I: a screening for IBS in Beijing area according to symptoms using both Manning (modified including constipation) and Rome criteria. 2486 subjects were studied by cluster sampling of the inhabitant groups according to a stratified design of urban, suburban and rural areas, and sample size of each area studied was in proportion to the population of the area. Selection of the inhabitant groups was made by simple random sampling. Age of subjects enrolled in the study was 18-70 years. All subjects fulfilling the selection criteria were requested to fill in a questionnaire assisted by trained doctors or medical students during the visit to their families. Phase II: an aliquot of patients who fulfilled at least the Manning criteria were further selected according to their scoring series to undergo detail clinical examination in the hospital including laboratory examination, abdominal ultrasonography, colonoscopy or/and barium enema to exclude organic disease of the colon. Prevalence of IBS of the population was then adjusted by the rate of correct diagnosis during Phase II study. Study using Minnesota Multi-Personality Indices (MMPI) was done in some cases. Probable risk factors were explored by comparing their frequencies among IBS group and non-IBS group using chi 2 and logistic analysis of multifactors.

RESULTS

The adjusted point prevalence of IBS in Beijing is 7.26% according to Manning criteria, and is 0.82% according to Rome criteria. There is a higher prevalence rate in city (10.50%) than in rural areas (6.14%) by stratified analysis (P < 0.001). Male to female ratio is 1:1.15. And IBS is more common in people aged between 18-40 years (51.6%), and among the intellectuals. Our study indicated that history of dysentery (OR 3.00), exposure to cool (OR 1.55) and ingestion of cold food and raw materials (OR 1.24) may be the most important risk factors (P < 0.001), and IBS patients may have a higher tendency of psychological abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

IBS is a common disorder in Beijing and should be taken into consideration in the human welfare strategy.

Regional correlation between estimated UVB levels and skin cancer mortality in Japan

Most ecological studies investigating the relationship between incidence and/or mortality of skin cancer and surrogate measures of ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) have been conducted among the Caucasian population. The objective of the present study was therefore to assess the geographical correlation between ambient UVB estimates and regional mortality rates for skin cancer in Japan. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for malignant melanoma and other malignant neoplasms of the skin was calculated by sex, region and time-period for all deaths occurring in the period 1973-1994. The Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated between estimated ambient UVB and regional SMRs for the two types of skin cancer. There was no geographical correlation between UVB and skin cancer mortality, except for a significantly negative correlation in malignant melanoma among males and a significantly negative correlation in other malignant neoplasms of the skin confined to unexposed anatomic sites of the body among females. The characteristic ecological relationship adds to the importance of conducting further epidemiological studies at the individual level in Japan.

[Application of IL-1 beta and 8 mRNA and some other indices in monitoring the activity of ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the monitoring action of the expression of IL-1 beta, IL-8 mRNA, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the active ulcerative celitis (UC).

METHODS

Twenty active UC patients, 23 inactive UC patients; and 14 non-UC inflammation patients were selected. Twelve patients who complained of flatulence, abdominal pain and constipation receiving endoscopic examination were used as control. MPO and SOD activity, IL-1 beta and IL-8 mRNA expression (hybridization in situ) were determined on the endoscopic biopsy specimens of all patients. In 20 active UC patients, 14 patients received endoscopic examination and 4 indices detection were done once again after 2 months' treatment with prednisone and SASP.

RESULTS

Mucosal MPO activities of active UC patients, inactive UC patients, and non-UC inflammation patients are higher than those of control patients, (19.37 +/- 0.54, 11.59 +/- 1.41, and 12.97 +/- 0.49) U/g tissue vs (9.49 +/- 0.51) U/g tissue (P < 0.01). SOD activities are lower than that of control patients, (5.03 +/- 07,7. 7.66 +/- 0.79, and 6.98 +/- 0.61) U/mg protein vs (8.82 +/- 0.58) U/mg protein (P < 0.05). Mucosal MPO activity of active UC patients is also higher than that of inactive and non-UC inflammation patients (P < 0.01); while SOD activity is lower than them (P < 0.01). After 2 months' medical treatment, MPO activity of 14 active UC patients decreased, (12.61 +/- 0.74) U/g tissue vs (19.31 +/- 0.44) U/g tissue (P < 0.01), while SOD activity elevated (7.44 +/- 0.55) U/mg protein vs (5.10 +/- 1.05) U/mg protein (P < 0.05), compared with that of before treatment. Positive expression of IL-1 beta mRNA appeared in the epithelial and inflammatory cells of all active UC patients, 9 inactive UC patients, and 7 non-UC inflammation patients. While expression of IL-8 mRNA only appeared positively in all active UC patients. In 14 active UC patients, there were no detection of interleukin mRNA expression after 2 months' treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Mucosal MPO, SOD, IL-1 beta, and IL-8 mRNA could be used as 4 indices monitoring the activity of UC. And IL-1 beta mRNA is also helpful to supervise early or late UC activity.

Knock-out of the neural death effector domain protein PEA-15 demonstrates that its expression protects astrocytes from TNFalpha-induced apoptosis

Apoptosis is a very general phenomenon, but only a few reports concern astrocytes. Indeed, astrocytes express receptors for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, a cytokine demonstrated on many cells and tissues to mediate apoptosis after recruitment of adaptor proteins containing a death effector domain (DED). PEA-15 is a DED-containing protein prominently expressed in the CNS and particularly abundant in astrocytes. This led us to investigate if PEA-15 expression could be involved in astrocytic protection against deleterious effects of TNF. In vitro assays evidence that PEA-15 may bind to DED-containing protein FADD and caspase-8 known to be apical adaptors of the TNF apoptotic signaling. After generation of PEA-15 null mutant mice, our results demonstrate that PEA-15 expression increases astrocyte survival after exposure to TNF.

Small molecule antagonists of the bradykinin B1 receptor

Screening Pharmacopeia's encoded combinatorial libraries has led to the identification of potent, selective, competitive antagonists at the bradykinin B1 receptor. Libraries were screened using a displacement assay of [3H]-des-Arglo-kallidin ([3H]-dAK) at IMR-90 cells expressing an endogenous human B1 receptor (Bmax = 20,000 receptors/cell, K(D) = 0.5+/-0.1 nM) or against membranes from 293E cells expressing a recombinant human B1 receptor (Bmax = 8,000 receptors/cell, K(D) = 0.5 +/- 0.3 nM). Compound PS020990, an optimized, representative member from the class of compounds, inhibits specific binding of 3H-dAK at IMR-90 cells with a KI of 6 +/- 1 nM. The compound inhibits dAK-induced phosphatidyl inositol turnover (K(Bapp) = 0.4 +/- 0.2 nM) and calcium mobilization (K(Bapp) = 17 +/- 2 nM) in IMR-90 cells. Compounds from the lead series are inactive at the B2 receptor and are > 1000-fold specific for B1 vs. a variety of other receptors, ion channels and enzymes. PS020990 and other related chemotypes therefore offer an excellent opportunity to explore further the role of B1 receptors in disease models and represent a potential therapeutic avenue.

Apoptosis and tumorigenesis in human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Involvement of Fas/APO-1 (CD95) and calmodulin

We have previously demonstrated that tamoxifen inhibits the growth of human cholangiocarcinoma cells in culture and inhibits tumor growth when cells are injected into nude mice. However, the mechanism of action of tamoxifen remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that tamoxifen and trifluoperazine, both potent calmodulin antagonists, induce apoptosis in vitro, probably acting via the Fas system, in human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines heterogeneously express Fas antigen on their surface. Fas-negative and Fas-positive surface-expressing cells were isolated, cloned, and cultured. Fas antibody, tamoxifen, and trifluoperazine induced dose-dependent apoptosis only in Fas-positive cells; Fas-negative cells were unaffected. Furthermore, apoptosis induced by tamoxifen in Fas-positive cells was blocked by an inhibitory Fas antibody. Tamoxifen was not acting through an anti-estrogenic mechanism, because neither Fas-negative nor Fas-positive cells expressed estrogen receptors and the pure anti-estrogen compound, ICI 182780, did not induce apoptosis in either cell line. Fas-negative cells, but not Fas-positive cells, were able to produce tumors when subcutaneously injected into nude mice. These findings suggest Fas may be a candidate oncogene involved in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma. Furthermore, the similarity between the pro-apoptotic effects of tamoxifen and trifluoperazine support an underlying molecular mechanism for Fas-mediated apoptosis that involves calmodulin.

Fas expression prevents cholangiocarcinoma tumor growth

Cholangiocarcinoma continues to have a dismal prognosis with an overall survival rate of less than 10%. An increased understanding of the molecular oncogenesis of this tumor is needed. Fas/APO-1 (CD95) receptor and Fas ligand have been implicated as key factors in apoptosis. In this study we have examined the role of the Fas receptor in the growth of cholangiocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the Fas receptor in the induction of apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma and to assess the role of the Fas receptor in cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis. Human cholangiocarcinoma cells, SK-ChA-1, were evaluated for Fas receptor expression using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Distinct cell populations (Fas-positive and Fas-negative) were isolated by FACS and cloned from single cell dilutions. Fas expression was assessed by FACS and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell populations were further characterized by their sensitivity to anti-Fas monoclonal antibody at 72 hours. Cell viability and apoptotic index were evaluated by trypan blue cell count and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Distinct cell populations were evaluated for their ability to form tumors in BALB/c nude mice (2.5 x 10(6) cells per subcutaneous injection). After 4 weeks, tumors were evaluated for tumor area by caliper measurement and Fas expression by RT-PCR. Maintenance of biliary phenotype was assured by means of AE-1 (cytokeratin) immunohistochemistry. Populations of Fas-positive and Fas-negative cells were identified, isolated, and confirmed by FACS and RT-PCR. Treatment of Fas-positive cells with anti-Fas monoclonal antibody produced an 80% reduction in cell viability compared to no decrease in viability in Fas-negative cells by trypan blue cell count. TUNEL staining showed an apoptotic index of 75% for Fas-positive cells incubated with anti-Fas monoclonal antibody and no significant evidence of apoptosis in the Fas-negative cells. When cholangiocarcinoma cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, only Fas-negative cells formed tumor nodules; Fas-positive cells failed to form tumor nodules. The analyzed tumors lacked Fas messenger RNA by RT-PCR but maintained the biliary cytokeratin AE-1 by immunohistochemistry. Fas receptor expression is an important mediator of apoptosis in cultured human cholangiocarcinoma cells and appears to be a critical determinant of cholangiocarcinoma tumor growth in nude mice.

TRAIL (Apo-2L) and TRAIL receptors in human placentas: implications for immune privilege

Mechanisms accounting for protection of the fetal semiallograft from maternal immune cells remain incompletely understood. In other contexts, interactions between TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand/Apo-2L) and its receptors kill activated lymphocytes. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the potential of the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system to protect the placenta against immune cell attack. Analysis by Northern blotting demonstrated mRNAs encoding TRAIL as well as the four TRAIL receptors (DR4, DR5, DcR1/TRID, DcR2/TRUNDD) in human placentas. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that TRAIL protein is prominent in syncytiotrophoblast, an uninterrupted placental cell layer that is continuously exposed to maternal blood, as well as in macrophage-like placental mesenchymal cells (Hofbauer cells). Studies on cell lines representing trophoblasts (Jar, JEG-3 cells) and macrophages (U937, THP-1 cells) showed that both lineages contained TRAIL mRNA and that steady state levels of transcripts were increased 2- to 11-fold by IFN-gamma. By contrast, cell lineage-specific differences were observed in expression of the TRAIL-R genes. Although all four lines contained mRNA encoding the apoptosis-inducing DR5 receptor, only trophoblast cells contained mRNA encoding the DcR1 decoy receptor and only macrophages contained DcR2 decoy receptor transcripts. DR4 mRNA was present only in THP-1 cells and was the only TRAIL-R transcript increased by IFN-gamma. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the two trophoblast cell lines were resistant, whereas the two macrophage lines were partially susceptible to killing by rTRAIL. Collectively, the results are consistent with a role for the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system in the establishment of placental immune privilege.

[Experimental studies in vitro on the alpha-fetoprotein-specific promoter mediated target gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-specific promoter mediated target gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro.

METHODS

Retroviral vector (LX2.2CD) in which the cytosine deaminase (CD) gene was driven by the 2.2 kb recombinant human AFP TRS. After transfecting three human hepatoma cell lines and one non-hepatoma cell line with LX2.2 CD, anti-G418 clones integrated CD gene were selected, and inhibitory experiment of cell growth was performed.

RESULTS

5-fluorocytosine (5FC) could confer the chemosensitivity to transduced AFP-producing hepatoma cells (HuH-7 and huH-1/c1-2), but not to AFP-nonproducing hepatoma cells (HLE) or nonhepatoma cells (GLC). On the other hand, when transfecting the above four tumor cell lines with another retroviral vector pCD2 (CD gene was driven by 5'LTR internal promoter), no cell selection was found in 5FC-induced cell grow inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant retrovival transfer of the CD gene under the control of the AFP TRS followed by 5FC may well be a promising trageted gene therapy for hepatoma.