Evaluation of serum osteopontin level and gene polymorphism as biomarkers: analyses from the Nordic Adjuvant Interferon alpha Melanoma trial

Malignant melanoma is highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and few therapeutic options. Interferon alpha (IFN-α) has been tested as adjuvant immunotherapy in high-risk melanoma patients in a number of studies, but its beneficial role is controversial. Although IFN-α treatment can prolong relapse-free survival, the effect on overall survival is not significant. However, a small subset of patients benefits from the treatment, signifying the need for biomarkers able to identify a responding subgroup. Here we evaluated whether serum osteopontin (OPN) could function as a biomarker identifying patients with poor prognosis that might benefit from IFN-α. The choice of osteopontin was based on the knowledge about the dual role of this protein in cancer and immune response, an apparent association between OPN and IFN signaling and a prognostic value of OPN in multiple other tumor types. Serum samples from 275 high-risk melanoma patients enrolled in the Nordic Adjuvant IFN Melanoma trial were analyzed for circulating OPN concentrations and OPN promoter polymorphisms in position -443. The potential relation between serum OPN levels, the genotypes and survival in non-treated patients and patients receiving adjuvant IFN-α was investigated. Although slightly better survival was observed in the treated patients that had high levels of OPN, the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, serum OPN (its level or the genotype) cannot distinguish melanoma patients with poor prognosis, or patients that might benefit from adjuvant treatment with IFN-α.

Osteopontin is a prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

In a previously published report we characterized the expression of the metastasis-associated proteins S100A4, osteopontin (OPN) and ephrin-A1 in a prospectively collected panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors. The aim of the present follow-up study was to investigate the prognostic impact of these potential biomarkers in the same patient cohort. In addition, circulating serum levels of OPN were measured and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the -443 position of the OPN promoter were analyzed.

METHODS

Associations between immunohistochemical expression of S100A4, OPN and ephrin-A1 and relapse free and overall survival were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Serum OPN was measured by ELISA, polymorphisms in the -443 position of the tumor OPN promoter were analyzed by PCR, and associations between OPN levels and promoter polymorphisms and clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome were investigated.

RESULTS

High expression of OPN in NSCLC tumors was associated with poor patient outcome, and OPN was a strong, independent prognostic factor for both relapse free and overall survival. Serum OPN levels increased according to tumor pT classification and tumor size, and patients with OPN-expressing tumors had higher serum levels than patients with OPN-negative tumors. S100A4 was a negative prognostic factor in several subgroups of adenocarcinoma patients, but not in the overall patient cohort. There was no association between ephrin-A1 expression and patient outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

OPN is a promising prognostic biomarker in NSCLC, and should be further explored in the selection of patients for adjuvant treatment following surgical resection.

Expression of S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The metastasis-promoting protein S100A4 induces expression of ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in osteosarcoma cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate S100A4-mediated stimulation of ephrin-A1 and osteopontin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, and to characterize the expression of these biomarkers in primary tumor tissue from NSCLC patients.

Methods

Four NSCLC cell lines were treated with extracellular S100A4, and ephrin-A1 and osteopontin expression was analyzed by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining for S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin was performed on tissue microarrays containing primary tumor samples from a cohort of 217 prospectively recruited NSCLC patients, and associations with clinicopathological parameters were investigated.

Results

S100A4 induced ephrin-A1 mRNA and protein expression in adenocarcinoma, but not in squamous carcinoma cell lines, whereas the level of osteopontin was unaffected by S100A4 treatment. In primary tumors, moderate or strong immunoreactivity was observed in 57% of cases for cytoplasmic S100A4, 46% for nuclear S100A4, 86% for ephrin-A1 and 77% for osteopontin. Interestingly, S100A4 expression was associated with ephrin-A1 also in vivo, but there was no association between S100A4 and osteopontin. Expression levels of S100A4 and ephrin-A1 were significantly higher in adenocarcinomas compared to other histological subtypes, and S100A4-positive tumors were smaller and more differentiated than tumors without expression.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that S100A4, ephrin-A1 and osteopontin are involved in the biology of NSCLC, and further investigation of their potential use as biomarkers in NSCLC is warranted.

Osteopontin--an important downstream effector of S100A4-mediated invasion and metastasis

Substantial evidence has linked the small calcium-binding protein S100A4 to metastatic progression. S100A4-mediated effects include stimulation of angiogenesis, regulation of cell death and increased cell motility and invasion, but the exact molecular mechanisms by which the protein exerts these effects are incompletely elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that S100A4 induces NF-κB-dependent expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN) in a selection of osteosarcoma cell lines. OPN is, as S100A4, known to result in a variety of cellular effects potentially leading to increased angiogenesis and metastasis, and several of the activated signaling pathways are common for the two proteins. In our study, extracellular S100A4 was found to upregulate enzymes of the plasminogen activator system and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, especially urokinase plasminogen activator and MMP-13. Furthermore, increased motility and invasion was observed in vitro as a result of S100A4 treatment. OPN expression was inhibited by the use of siRNA molecules, and a partial blocking of S100A4-induced effects on protease expression and invasive capacity was detected. In conclusion, our results suggest regulation of OPN as a downstream molecular mechanism of S100A4 signaling. This novel finding adds more information to how S100A4 mediates tumor development and metastatic progression. The observation of a link between S100A4 and OPN, and also identification of common downstream effect molecules, highlights them, their receptors or downstream proteins, as targets for therapeutic approaches.

Coexpression and nuclear colocalization of metastasis-promoting protein S100A4 and p53 without mutual regulation in colorectal carcinoma

Nuclear localization of the metastasis-associated protein S100A4 has been shown to correlate with advanced disease stage in primary colorectal carcinomas (CRC), but nuclear function and its relevance for the metastatic capacity of tumor cells is still unclear. Among several nuclear interacting protein partners suggested for S100A4, the tumor suppressor protein p53 has attracted particular interest, and previous studies suggest direct and indirect modes of interaction between the two proteins. The present study was undertaken to assess coexpression and potential interaction in CRC. TP53 mutational status and S100A4 expression were investigated in a selected series of primary CRC specimens (n = 40) and cell lines (n = 17) using DNA sequencing, western blot, and double immunostaining. Additionally, S100A4 and p53 were experimentally up- and down-regulated in vitro to assess reciprocal effects. For the first time, S100A4 and p53 coexpression was demonstrated in individual CRC cells, with nuclear colocalization as a particularly interesting feature. In contrast to previous studies, no correlation was observed between TP53 mutational status and S100A4 expression, and no evidence was obtained to support reciprocal regulation between the two molecules in the HCT116 isogenic cell line model. In conclusion, S100A4 and p53 were shown to be colocalized in individual nuclei of CRC cells, and it might be speculated whether the proteins interact in this subcellular compartment.

Sex differences in risk of lung cancer: Expression of genes in the PAH bioactivation pathway in relation to smoking and bulky DNA adducts

It is controversial whether women have a higher lung cancer susceptibility compared to men. We previously reported higher levels of smoking-related bulky DNA adducts in female lungs. In a pilot study (27 cases), we also found a higher level of female lung cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) gene expression. In the present extended study we report on the pulmonary expression of several genes involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioactivation in relation to sex, smoking and DNA adducts. CYP1A1, CYP1B1, aryl hydrocarbon receptor and microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR in 121 normal lung tissue samples. The expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 was significantly higher among current smokers compared to ex-smokers and never-smokers. Among current smokers, females had a 3.9-fold higher median level of CYP1A1 compared to males (p = 0.011). CYP1B1 expression was not related to sex. Lung DNA adducts (measured by 32P-postlabeling) were highly significantly related to CYP1A1 (p < 0.0001) irrespective of smoking-status. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that CYP1A1 plays a significant role in lung DNA adduct formation and support a higher susceptibility to lung cancer among females.

Analysis of resveratrol as a lung cancer chemopreventive agent in A/J mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

Resveratrol inhibits PAH bioactivation through reduced expression of the CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 genes in human bronchial epithelial cells. Ad libitum access to a diet containing resveratrol showed no effect on benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice. Also, resveratrol did not change CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression or benzo[a]pyrene protein adduct levels in the lung tissue. The lack of chemopreventive activity may have been caused by insufficient concentrations or nonreactive forms of resveratrol in the lungs.

Role of estrogen receptor in regulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolic activation in lung

Epidemiological and biochemical studies have indicated that females may be at greater risk of smoking associated lung cancer compared with males. Among lung cancer patients, female smokers have been found to have higher levels of PAH-related DNA adducts and CYP1A1 gene expression in their normal lung tissue compared to male smokers. A possible role of steroid hormones in these sex differences via interactions between aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor mediated cellular effects has been suggested. In the present study the impact of the estrogen receptor (ERalpha) on CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression was studied in vitro in human bronchial epithelial cells. Transient transfection of the BEP2D cell line with ERalpha influenced neither constitutive expression of CYP1A1 or CYP1B1 nor induction of these genes by TCDD as measured by real-time RT-PCR. ERalpha had no effect on the constitutive or TCDD-induced enzymatic activity of CYP1A1 (EROD). We also studied the effect of steroid hormones on lung PAH metabolic activation in A/J mice. Intact and ovariectomized female mice were orally exposed to a single dose of benzo[a]pyrene. Ovariectomy did not influence the levels of either benzo[a]pyrene-derived protein or DNA adducts in the lung tissue measured by HPLC and 32P-postlabeling, respectively. In conclusion, the present data do not support the hypothesis of a role of estrogen or the ERalpha in regulating the metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in lung.

Resveratrol inhibits benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation in human bronchial epithelial cells

Resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene), a phytoalexin present in various plants and foods, has in several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential. We investigated the in vitro effect of resveratrol on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) -induced DNA adducts in human bronchial epithelial cells. This was compared to the effect of resveratrol on the expression of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and the formation of B[a]P metabolites. Exposure of BEAS-2B and BEP2D cells to B[a]P and increasing concentrations of resveratrol resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of DNA adduct formation quantified by ³²P-postlabelling. Supporting this result, resveratrol was shown to inhibit CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression, as measured by real-time reverse transcriptase—polymerase chain reaction. Also, a significant correlation was found between the number of DNA adducts and the mRNA levels of these genes. Using HPLC analysis, a concomitant decrease in the formation of B[a]P-derived metabolic products was detected. In conclusion, these data lend support to a chemopreventive role of resveratrol in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced carcinogenesis.

Expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in human lung tissue and cell lines

Epidemiological studies have indicated that females may be at greater risk of smoking associated lung cancer compared with males. Several lines of biochemical evidence support these observations. A possible role of circulating steroid hormones in the etiology of lung cancer has been hypothesized. In the present paper, we have studied the expression of the estrogen receptors (ER)-alpha and ER beta in histologically normal human lung tissue and lung tumor cell lines. Relative ER mRNA levels were measured by reverse transcriptase-PCR and normalized to the level of expression of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH). In lung tissue, an ER alpha transcript was found at various levels in 38 out of 46 cases (83%). ER beta was expressed in all cases. The ERs were expressed at similar levels in females and males, and the levels of ER alpha and ER beta mRNA were significantly related (P<0.0001). Compared with the lung tissue, ER expression levels were lower in 16 human lung tumor cell lines and two immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell lines. Five of the tumor cell lines (31%) expressed detectable levels of ER alpha and both of the immortalized cell lines showed a weak ER alpha expression level. All cell lines expressed the ER beta. The lung cell lines BEAS-2B and DB354 showed significantly reduced cell proliferation in response to tamoxifen and a minor increased growth in response to 17 beta-estradiol. In conclusion, ER genes are abundantly expressed in both histologically normal human lung and lung tumor cell lines. This indicates a possible role of ERs in lung carcinogenesis.

Logic and reliability of evaluations of competence to stand trial

Because the trier of fact determines the weight to be assigned to an examiner's opinion by assessing the strength and persuasiveness of his or her analysis of the data, it is essential that forensic reports communicate the examiner's reasoning process. This study analyzes community examiners' reports on competence to stand trial (CST), emphasizing the nature of examiners' (1) expressed conceptualizations of CST and (2) reasoning establishing a nexus between CST impairments and symptoms of psychopathology. Expert raters coded 100 randomly selected CST reports with respect to a variety of issues, including the examiners' description of the defendant's psycholegal deficits, provision of specific reasoning to link these deficits to psychopathology, and agreement with a paired examiner's global and specific opinions about the defendant's impairments. CST reports were found to (1) reflect basic operationalizations of competence that fail to incorporate legally relevant facets such as a defendant's decisional capacities and (2) adequately document clinical findings, but fail to describe the reasoning underlying psycholegal conclusions. Examiners demonstrated moderately high levels of agreement on defendant's global CST, but expressed radically divergent bases for this opinion. These findings are discussed in light of legal, ethical, and professional standards of practice.

Synthesis and biological activities of some human gastrin analogs

The synthesis of analogs of the C-terminal tridecapeptide of gastrin is described. These pseudopeptide analogs were obtained either by replacing the C-terminal phenylalanine amide with 2-phenylethylalcohol or with 2-phenylethylamine, or by replacing the peptide bond between Trp and Leu, or between Leu and Asp with an aminomethylene (CH2NH). The ability of these compounds to stimulate gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats and to inhibit binding of labeled CCK-8 to isolated cells from rabbit fundic mucosa was tested. [desPhe13, Leu11]-HG-12-I-beta-phenylethylester 33, [desPhe13, Leu11]-HG-12-II-beta-phenylethylester 38, [desPhe13, Leu11]-HG-12-I-beta-phenylethylamide 32, and [desPhe13, Leu11]-HG-12-II-beta-phenylethylamide 37 acted as gastrin receptor antagonists, while [Trp10-psi(CH2NH)-Leu11]-HG-13-I 31 and [Trp10-psi(CH2NH)-Leu11]-HG-13-II 36 acted as agonists. Unexpectedly, [Leu11-psi(CH2NH)-Asp12]-HG-13-I 30 and [Leu11-psi (CH2NH)-Asp12]-HG-13-II 35 were almost devoid of affinity for the gastrin receptor.

Étude physico-chimique, spectres de vibration et structure du sulfaméthoxazole

Two polymorphic and one solvate forms of sulfamethaxozole have been identified and characterized using various thermal and spectral methods. The crystal structure of form II has been solved and compared with that of form I recently published: the lengths of the intermolecular H bonds mainly differentiate the two polymorphic forms. An assignment of the fundamental vibrations of the amine, amide, and sulfone groups involved in the H intermolecular bonds has been proposed from the analysis of the Raman and infrared spectra.

Esterase activities and soman toxicity in developing rat

The activity of carboxylesterase and cholinesterase in plasma, liver and lung of young rats at different ages (5-31 days old) have been measured. The cholinesterase activity in the tissues of both sexes were almost constant during the development, and were similar to adult male activity. The carboxylesterase activity towards methyl butyrate and 4-nitrophenyl butyrate in plasma of both sexes increased from negligible (5 days old) to adult male value (31 days old). The carboxylesterase activities in liver increased markedly during the period, whereas the lung activities increased only slightly. The toxicity of soman was 6-7 fold higher in 5 days old rats compared to 30 days old rats. The decrease in toxicity correlated well with the increase in plasma carboxylesterase.

Overlapping ionization constants for cefotaxime

The attribution of three ionization constants (2.1, 3.4, and 10.9) for cefotaxime has been made, based on potentiometric titration and UV absorption data simultaneously. Two overlapping constants were found (2.1 and 3.4) and attributed to the carboxyl group in the 4 position and to the aminothiazole nucleus, respectively.

Degradation kinetics in aqueous solution of cefotaxime sodium, a third-generation cephalosporin

The degradation kinetics of a 3- acetoxymethylcephalosporin , cefotaxime sodium salt, in aqueous solution investigated by HPLC under different conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature) and using different buffers. The scheme of degradation involves a cleavage of the beta-lactam nucleus and the deacetylation of the side chain. In highly acidic medium, the deacetylated derivative is easily converted to the lactone. The degradation rate constants were calculated at three pH values (1.9, 4.0, and 9.0) by measuring the residual cephalosporin and the main decomposition products. The degradation pathway is both supported by the results of a primary salt effect and by the agreement between the theoretical pH-rate profile and the experimental values. In the pH range from 3.0 to 7.0, the main process is a slow water-catalyzed or spontaneous cleavage of the beta-lactam nucleus with intramolecular participation of the side chain amido fraction in the 7-position. In alkaline or strongly acidic medium, the hydrolysis is a base- or acid-catalyzed reaction. Of the buffer systems investigated, carbonate buffer (pH 8.5) and borate buffers (pH 9.5 and 10.0) are found to increase the degradation rates, while acetate buffer decreases the degradation rates. The apparent activation energies determined at different pH values are compatible with a solvolysis mechanism and similar to those previously given in the literature for other cephalosporins. Cefotaxime in aqueous solution is slightly less stable than the main cephalosporin derivatives, despite its high resistance to the beta-lactamases and its remarkable biological activity.

Teratogenic effects of the organophosphorus compound fenchlorphos in rabbits

Fenchlorphos was administered orally in doses of 0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg per kg to pregnant rabbits from day 6 to 18 of gestation. No effect on implantation efficacy, number of live fetuses, or fetal weight was observed. The incidence of major malformations such as cardiovascular and brain anomalies was, however, increased in the medicated groups. Major skeletal malformations were more frequent in the medicated groups; minor skeletal variation were about equal in all groups. Dose-relationship was observed for cardiovascular malformations and cerebellar hypoplasia.

Excretion of methoxychlor in cow milk following dermal application

The concentrations of methoxychlor in cow milk and plasma were determined following a cutaneous application of a non-commercial emulsion and an intravenous injection of a solution containing 5 and 1 g methoxychlor, respectively. Furthermore, some pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated and the results were evaluated toxicologically by comparison with the acceptable daily intake.

Maximum concentration of methoxychlor in milk, found 2 days after dermal administration, was 0.062 ppm, decreasing to around 0.005 ppm 30 days later.

From the results, a distribution volume greater than 200 times the body volume, a dermal absorption of around 1/5 of the topically applicated dose, and a half-life of 8–10 days were estimated.

It was concluded that the levels in cow milk, following dermal application with an emulsion of methoxychlor did not represent any threat to human health and methoxychlor was recommended as a pesticide of choice for use on dairy cows.

On the chemistry of EDC-tar and its biological significance in the sea

The composition of EDC-tars originating as waste products in two different processes of vinyl chloride production has been studied. In total, 80 substances have been detected. Most of the chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons identified were found to contain one or two double bonds. 15 out of the 80 substances are aromatics, and most of these are chlorinated as well. Possible chemical or biological conversions of EDC-tar components in the marine environment are discussed. Data on acute toxicity of the EDC-tar to coastal water phytoplankton and some marine animals are given. It is shown that EDC-tar in concentrations as low as 10-100/10 9 may cause acute biological effects. In the light of the chemical data presented and recent medical reports on serious diseases in workers employed in vinyl chloride production plants, the possibility of similar long term effects in marine animals is briefly discussed.