Secretion of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 during uveal melanoma-monocyte in vitro interactions

Investigating Vitreous Cytokines in Choroidal Melanoma

Due to the close relationship between the vitreous and posterior eye layers, the microenvironment of these layers can affect the composition of the vitreous. Molecular analysis of the vitreous may therefore provide important insights into the pathogenesis of chorioretinal diseases. In this study, vitreous cytokines (n = 41) were evaluated to gain further insights into the tumor microenvironment in uveal melanoma (UM) arising from the choroid (CM). Cytokine levels were measured using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay panel in vitreous samples obtained from 32 eyes, including 18 with CM and 14 controls. Median fluorescence intensity values were extracted and used as relative quantification of the cytokine abundance. Vitreous cytokine levels were compared between the CM and non-CM groups and between different prognostic categories within the CM group (classified as having low or high metastatic risk using tumor biopsy-based gene expression profiling). Correlations between vitreous cytokine levels and tumor dimensions were also evaluated. Our analysis revealed twenty-six vitreous cytokines significantly upregulated in CM-affected eyes compared to the control eyes. Within the CM group, six vitreous cytokines showed altered levels (five upregulated and one downregulated) in eyes with high- vs. low-risk tumors. Levels of these six plus several other cytokines showed correlations with the tumor dimensions. In conclusion, our study has uncovered several UM-relevant vitreous cytokines, worthy of follow-up in larger studies as potential candidates for liquid biopsy-based biomarker development and/or new therapeutic targeting.

Intraocular activation of angiogenic and inflammatory pathways in uveal melanoma

PURPOSE

To identify and quantify angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines in aqueous and vitreous humor in eyes with untreated uveal melanoma and to analyze clinicopathologic correlations.

METHODS

Intraocular fluid samples of patients (uveal melanoma aqueous n = 21, vitreous n = 34) and controls (cataract aqueous n = 41, vitreomacular traction aqueous n = 35, vitreous n = 36) were taken intraoperatively and analyzed using Luminex xMAP suspension array technology. Beadlyte kits were used for detection of 28 different cytokines.

RESULTS

Flt-3 ligand, interleukin (IL) 1α, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, platelet-derived growth factor AA, and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly elevated in aqueous and vitreous of melanoma eyes when compared with controls. Eotaxin was significantly elevated in aqueous, and IL-7 and RANTES were significantly elevated in vitreous samples of melanoma eyes. Interferon-γ inducible protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (aqueous and vitreous), Flt-3 ligand, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 (vitreous) correlated with tumor dimensions. Further correlations were found between infiltration of Bruch membrane and Flt-3 ligand, MCP-1 (aqueous and vitreous), IL-8, interferon-γ inducible protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, and platelet-derived growth factor AA (vitreous). Analyzing 16 paired aqueous and vitreous melanoma samples, Flt-3 ligand, IL-7, interferon-γ inducible protein 10, MCP-1, and platelet-derived growth factor AA were significantly elevated in vitreous, and IL-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in aqueous samples.

CONCLUSION

A range of significantly elevated angiogenic, inflammatory, and chemotactic cytokines in eyes with uveal melanoma supports the link between inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Expression of 12 cytokines in aqueous humour of uveal melanoma before and after combined Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy

PURPOSE

To determine the aqueous humour levels of 12 cytokines in eyes with uveal melanoma and whether their expression changes after combined Ru-106 brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).

METHODS

Aqueous humour samples were collected from 20 patients with previously untreated uveal melanoma undergoing combined Ru-106 brachytherapy and TTT, both at the time of plaque placement and removal. Using multiplex biochip array technology, 12 different cytokines were measured, including interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Aqueous humour from 20 patients undergoing cataract surgery was used as control.

RESULTS

IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ and MCP-1 were highly expressed in uveal melanoma, whereas IL-2, IL-10 and TNF- α were low in expression. There was a positive correlation between tumour height and IL-8 level (p = 0.020). Vascular endothelial growth factor tends to be highly expressed in melanoma-containing eyes (p = 0.056). Levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β increased after the mean 117 ± 38 hrs of brachytherapy and adjunctive TTT with a tumour apex dose of 61 ± 28 Gy and a scleral contact dose of 786 ± 226 Gy. Increase in levels of IL-6 (p = 0.003) and IL-8 (p = 0.046) positively correlated with scleral contact dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ and MCP-1 may be implicated in the progression of uveal melanoma. Ocular irradiation from a Ru-106 plaque promoted an increase in the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β, modulation of which could be useful in managing radiation-related side effects.

Uveal melanoma: the inflammatory microenvironment

Uveal melanoma is a highly malignant intraocular tumor with quite homogeneous tumor tissue and a diffuse leukocytic infiltration. In contrast with many other malignancies, the presence of infiltrating macrophages and T cells is associated with a poor prognosis rather than a good one. The clear link between inflammation and cancer in this malignancy provides a paradigm for macrophage plasticity and function. Macrophages in uveal melanoma have an M2-like phenotype and are associated with the loss of one specific chromosome - monosomy 3. The central players involved in this process and discussed in this review include macrophages, T lymphocytes, chemokines and cytokines, including the macrophage-attraction molecules. When a tumor acquires the ability to release significant amounts of macrophage-attraction molecules it causes the expansion of a population of myeloid immature cells that may not only help the tumor to suppress immune reactions but also aid in the construction of new blood vessels for tumor growth. A better understanding of the molecular basis of a local myelomonocytic cell population will bring a better understanding of the immunopathology of this disease and will lead to therapeutic interventions in uveal melanoma. This review focuses on the roles of the local inflammatory microenvironment in the development and progression of uveal melanoma.

The effects of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and inhibition on human uveal melanoma cell proliferation and macrophage nitric oxide production

Background

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression has previously been identified in uveal melanoma although the biological role of COX-2 in this intraocular malignancy has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a COX-2 inhibitor on the proliferation rate of human uveal melanoma cells, as well as its effect on the cytotoxic response of macrophages.

Methods

Human uveal melanoma cell lines were transfected to constitutively express COX-2 and the proliferative rate of these cells using two different methods, with and without the addition of Amfenac, was measured. Nitric oxide production by macrophages was measured after exposure to melanoma-conditioned medium from both groups of cells as well as with and without Amfenac, the active metabolite of Nepafenac.

Results

Cells transfected to express COX-2 had a higher proliferation rate than those that did not. The addition of Amfenac significantly decreased the proliferation rate of all cell lines. Nitric oxide production by macrophages was inhibited by the addition of melanoma conditioned medium, the addition of Amfenac partially overcame this inhibition.

Conclusion

Amfenac affected both COX-2 transfected and non-transfected uveal melanoma cells in terms of their proliferation rates as well as their suppressive effects on macrophage cytotoxic activity.

Depression in cancer patients: a critical review

Cancer patients experience several stressors and emotional upheavals. Fear of death, interruption of life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in social role and lifestyle are all important issues to be faced. Moreover, Depressive Disorders may impact the course of the disease and compliance. The cost and prevalence, the impairment caused, and the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty surrounding depressive symptoms among cancer patients make these conditions a priority for research. In this article we discuss recent data, focusing on detection of Depressive Disorders, biological correlates, treatments and unmet needs of depressed cancer patients.

How in vitro techniques have increased our understanding of uveal melanoma cellular biology

The past decade has seen a rapid increase in powerful in vitro techniques allowing for the specific study of the biologic properties of tumours. In this review we discuss the role of in vitro studies in providing insight into the biologic mechanisms involved in uveal melanoma. We also review the basis of these studies for the development of adjuvant therapies to aid in the treatment of systemic disease in patients with uveal melanoma.