Effect of thalidomide and arsenic trioxide on the release of tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor from the KG-1a human acute myelogenous leukemia cell line

Effects of thalidomide on growth and VEGF-A expression in SW480 colon cancer cells

Lymphatic and hematogenous spread are the most common ways for tumors to metastasize. Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) particularly VEGF-A is important in the process of angiogenesis. The current research has indicated that thalidomide (THD) may be able to inhibit angiogenesis, stimulate the activity of the immune system and inhibit the adherence of cancer cells to stromal cells. These changes may lead to suppression of tumor occurrence and development. To date, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of THD on colon cancer SW480 cells have not been reported. In the present study, the effects of THD and a combination of THD and oxaliplatin (L-OHP) on the proliferation of SW480 cells have been investigated. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF-A and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) was analyzed using MTT assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The results indicated that THD was able to inhibit SW480 cells in dose-and-time dependent manner and inhibit the expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1α. Furthermore, treatment with THD and L-OHP had synergistic inhibitory effect, which may provide a novel treatment strategy for advanced colorectal cancer.

Evaluation of cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: the role of TNF-alpha and FLT3-ITD

OBJECTIVES

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are highly resistant to therapy. The presumed molecular basis of this resistance is the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and other cytokines on endothelial adhesion molecule expression. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules correlate in AML.

METHODS

Baseline serum levels of 17 cytokines and 5 soluble adhesion molecules were measured in 53 AML patients using biochip array technology. Age, leukocyte count, secondary AML, CRP, FLT3-ITD and remission were variables. Statistical analysis was performed in R version 3.1.2.

RESULTS

VCAM-1 correlated with ICAM-1 (P < 0.0001), E-selectin (P < 0.0001), leukocyte count (P = 0.0005) and TNF-α (P = 0.0035). E-selectin correlated with leukocyte count (P < 0.0001), P-selectin (P = 0.0032) and MCP-1 (P = 0.0119). CRP correlated with IL-6 (P < 0.0001), leukocyte count negatively correlated with IL-7 (P = 0.0318). FLT3-ITD was associated with higher E-selectin (P = 0.0010) and lower IL-7 (P = 0.0252). Secondary AML patients were older. Failure of induction therapy was associated with significantly higher CRP and lower P-selectin. Leukocyte count (P < 0.0001), FLT3-ITD (P = 0.0017) and secondary AML (P = 0.0439) influenced the principal component.

CONCLUSIONS

Leukemic cells can modulate the microenvironment. Cytokine, adhesion molecule levels and leukocyte count correlate in AML. Understanding these mechanisms may form the basis of novel therapeutic approaches.