Regulatory T Cells with Additional COX-2 Expression Are Independent Negative Prognosticators for Vulvar Cancer Patients

Vulvar cancer incidence numbers have been steadily rising over the past decades. In particular, the number of young patients with vulvar cancer has recently increased. Therefore, the need to identify new prognostic factors and, in addition, therapeutic options for vulvar carcinoma is more apparent. The aim of this study was to analyze the influx of COX-2 positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and monocytes and their influence on prognosis. Using subtyping by immunofluorescence, the majority of COX-2 expressing immune cells were identified as FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells. In addition, peri- and intra-tumoral macrophages in the same tumor tissue were detected simultaneously as M2-polarized macrophages. COX-2 positive immune cells were independent negative prognostic markers in long-term overall survival of patients with vulvar cancer. These results show an influence of immune cell infiltration for vulvar carcinoma patients. Immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression may, therefore, become interesting targets for further research on new vulvar cancer treatment strategies.

[Mitoxantrone-related acute leukemia by multiple sclerosis. Case report and practical approach by unclear cytopenia]

BACKGROUND

Mitoxantrone is highly efficacious in the treatment of severe multiple sclerosis (MS). Mitoxantrone therapy-related acute leukemia (TRAL) has recently become the focus of interest.

METHODS

A case report of fatal TRAL following mitoxantrone therapy is presented with a discussion on the differential diagnosis and risk factors. The interdisciplinary development of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms is presented from a haematological and neurological point of view.

RESULTS

We describe the case of a 34-year-old MS patient who developed TRAL following mitoxantrone therapy (cumulative dose 45 mg/m(2) body surface). The patient died from endocarditis. TRAL is a rare but potentially fatal complication of mitoxantrone therapy with a wide variation of reported incidence. Thus far, no specific risk factors relating for example to preceding therapy and treatment regimens have been identified. Frequent laboratory controls and early bone marrow aspiration are mandatory for suspected TRAL as the condition is potentially curable.

CONCLUSIONS

TRAL needs to be considered in the risk-benefit assessment of mitoxantrone therapy, however, the exact incidence and risk factors (e.g. dosage, treatment regimen) are still unclear. The risks are controllable under close surveillance and early diagnosis is important for prognosis. Future investigations need to concentrate on identification of potential risk factors.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF164) ameliorates intestinal epithelial injury in vitro in IEC-18 and Caco-2 monolayers via induction of TGF-beta release from epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

VEGF is a glycoprotein with various (e.g. angiogenic) activities. So far, research has focused on its angiogenic properties. VEGF receptors are localized on epithelial cells of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and also on Caco-2 and IEC-18 cells. Our aim was to evaluate the role of VEGF on intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) migration and proliferation by utilizing an established in vitro model.

METHODS

IEC-18 and Caco-2 monolayers were wounded with a razor blade as described previously. Cells were incubated in medium w/o rat VEGF(164). After 24 h, migration was assessed by counting cells across the wound edge. Migration was blocked with neutralizing TGF-beta(1) antibodies. IEC proliferation was assessed using the MTT (3-[4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) test. Semi-quantitative changes of the TGF-beta(1) mRNA expression were evaluated before and after stimulation of the cells with VEGF(164) by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

VEGF(164) significantly induced epithelial cell migration in Caco-2 and IEC-18 cells compared to control. TGF-beta(1) antibodies completely abolished this VEGF-induced cell migration. TGF-beta(1) mRNA significantly increased in IEC-18 and Caco-2 cells after stimulation with VEGF. VEGF significantly inhibited epithelial cell proliferation in IEC-18 and in Caco-2 cells, indicating that the observed effects on cell migration were not due to any proliferate effects.

CONCLUSION

VEGF effects on epithelial cell migration play an important part in epithelial cell restitution by maintaining mucosal homeostasis after mucosal injury. This effect is mediated by TGF-beta(1). Our results obtain another possible role for increased VEGF levels in the intestinal mucosa of patients with IBD as reported recently by others.

Mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor: a new genetic risk factor for chronic pancreatitis?

OBJECTIVE

In 2003 we identified a family with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) (heterozygous CASR gene mutation L173P) and a mutation in the pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor gene (SPINK1) (N34S). While family members with an isolated calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) mutation remained healthy, a combination of the CASR and SPINK1 gene mutation caused chronic pancreatitis (CP). We thus speculate that the combination of two genetic defects affecting calcium homeostasis and pancreatic enzyme activation might represent a novel approach in chronic inherited pancreatic disease. We therefore sought to explore whether CASR gene mutations were prevalent in a cohort of patients with CP and confirmed SPINK1 mutations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 19 families (n=170) with a history of idiopathic CP (ICP) was screened for mutations within the CASR gene; 104 members of that cohort had a mutation (N34S) within the SPINK1 gene and 66 of those were suffering from CP. The entire CASR gene was screened for single strand conformation polymorphism under varying polyacrylamide gel conditions and subjected to direct dideoxy nucleotide sequencing of amplified cDNA.

RESULTS

Single-strand conformation polymorphisms were observed in 59 samples, clustering of exons 3, 4 and 7. DNA sequence analysis revealed a yet unreported missense mutation in exon 7 (R896H) and two conservative mutations in exon 4 (F391F) and exon 7 (E790E). Furthermore, an intronic polymorphism in nucleotide position 493-19 G>A was detected in 19 out of 170 members of that cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified three novel calcium-sensing receptor gene mutations (1 missense mutation, 2 silent mutations and 1 intronic polymorphism) in a cohort of 19 families with ICP. In particular, the kindred with the R896H mutation presenting with a similar pedigree to the family described above may indicate a role for CASR gene mutations in SPINK1-related CP. Again, only the patient with the combination of both CASR and N34S SPINK1 gene mutation developed pancreatitis, whereas in the healthy parents and children only an isolated CASR or N34S SPINK1 gene mutation could be detected. We suggest that the CASR gene is a novel yet undetected co-factor in a multifactorial genetic setting of SPINK1-related pancreatitis that alters the susceptibility for pancreatitis in these patients.

Identification of a Novel Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene Mutation Causing Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia by Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis

Calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) mutations that alter the function of the G protein coupled Ca (2+)-sensing receptor are reported in patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH), and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT). In search for novel disease causing mutations in the CASR gene, we screened exons 2 - 7 of the CASR gene of a family with FHH using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. We identified a novel CASR mutation (c.518 T > C; L173 P) in exon 4 encoding for the extracellular domain of the Ca (2+)-sensing receptor. This region seems to represent a hot spot within the CASR gene with at least 13 reported disease causing mutations thus far.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 improves intestinal wound healing through induction of epithelial cell migration in vitro—evidence for a TGF-β-mediated effect

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In vitro studies suggest that glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), secreted from enteroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract after food intake, is able to ameliorate mucosal injury in settings of human disease characterized by injury and dysfunction of the intestinal mucosal epithelium. We evaluated this potential of GLP-2 after epithelial trauma by using two in vitro models measuring intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and cell migration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Injuries were induced in confluent monolayers of the small intestinal cells lines IEC-6 and IEC-18, as well as in the colonic cell lines Caco-2 and Colo 320. GLP-2 (50-500 nM) or other peptides were added to the media. Wound healing was investigated after 24 h by quantification of the number of cells migrating across the wound edge. Proliferation of cells was assessed by using photometric mitochondrial incorporation measurement of MTT (3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide). Monoclonal TGF-beta antibodies were added to wounded monolayers to examine whether the GLP-2-induced wound healing was TGF-beta-mediated.

RESULTS

Migration assessments revealed a significant stimulation of GLP-2-induced migration in IEC-6 and IEC-18 monolayers compared to the placebo group. No effect was observed in the colon cancer cell lines Caco-2 and Colo 320. Results of the proliferation assays show a significant inhibition of proliferation by GLP-2 in small intestinal cell lines whereas a dose-dependent stimulation of proliferation in colonic epithelial cells was observed. Addition of neutralizing TGF-beta1 antibodies to wounded IEC-6 and IEC-18 monolayers incubated with GLP-2 significantly reduced the number of migrating cells to the level of the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our in vitro model, it was shown that the GLP-2-induced improvement of intestinal wound healing is TGF-beta-mediated. These effects were predominant in the epithelium of the small intestine compared to colonic epithelium. Our findings provide further insight into mechanisms leading to GLP-2-induced mucosal wound healing. These results suggest that GLP-2 or analogues of this peptide may potentially be useful for the treatment of intestinal disorders characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa.

Exogenous and Endogenous Nitric Oxide Donors Improve Post-Ischemic Tissue Oxygenation in Early Pancreatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Rat

INTRODUCTION

In pancreatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI) the role of nitric oxide (NO) is not completely understood. Using a rat model of normothermic in situ IRI, the effect of endogenous and exogenous NO donors on post-ischemic tissue oxygenation and tissue damage was investigated.

METHODS

IR was induced by 2-hour normothermic in situ ischemia of a pancreatic tail segment pedunculated on the splenic vessels with 2 h of reperfusion in an untreated, an L-arginine- and a sodium-nitroprusside-treated group (Wistar rats, n = 7/group). Animals without ischemia served as controls. Tissue oxygenation (pO(2ti)) was monitored using a pO2-sensitive Clark-type electrode. Histological investigation was performed following a semiquantitative score (edema, vacuolization, PMN infiltration, necrosis). Plasma lipase was another marker of organ damage.

RESULTS

The administration of L-arginine and sodium nitroprusside caused a significant amelioration of the decrease in pO2i) after reperfusion compared to IR animals (p < 0.05). Histological damage was also reduced in the NO donor groups (p < 0.05). After reperfusion, plasma lipase in the L-arginine-treated animals was significantly lower compared to IR and sodium nitroprusside (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of both endogenous and exogenous NO donors is protective in IRI of the rat pancreas which can be seen by an improvement in post-ischemic tissue oxygenation which indicates better nutritive tissue perfusion, amelioration of the histological tissue injury and, in L-arginine animals, lower lipase levels. NO donors could be useful in the prevention and reduction of the pancreatic IRI.

Acquired pure megakaryocytic aplasia: a separate haematological disease entity or a syndrome with multiple causes?

We report the case of a patient with acquired pure megakaryocytic aplasia. Until today, less than 20 cases of acquired pure megakaryocytic aplasia have been reported and the disease aetiology still seems to be unclear. This report summarizes the published data concerning possible aetiologies, treatment options and outcome of patients with acquired pure megakaryocytic aplasia. Furthermore, this case report presents an example for a possible disease progression.

Ischemia/reperfusion-induced pancreatitis in rats: a new model of complete normothermic in situ ischemia of a pancreatic tail-segment

Ischemia/reperfusion injury plays an important role in the development of graft pancreatitis and thrombosis after pancreas transplantation. Up to now there are few therapeutic options for this severe complication because very little is known about pancreatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. The same pathomechanisms may also be involved in the induction and determination of the course of acute pancreatitis. We observed the effect of 2 h of warm in situ ischemia on the postischemic tissue oxygenation, histological organ damage, and pancreatic enzymes. Experiments were performed in 21 male Wistar rats. In sham-operated animals without ischemia, the pancreas was not dissected. In the ischemia/reperfusion group a pancreatic tail-segment was carefully separated from the head, and ischemia was induced by clamping the splenic vessels for 2 h, after flushing the pancreatic tail-segment with heparinized saline. Animals treated similarly, but with opening of the clamps some seconds after induction of ischemia, served as controls. The animals were observed for 2 h after reperfusion. Tissue oxygenation was monitored by a PO2-sensitive probe (LICOX, GMS, Kiel, Germany) which was implanted into the pancreatic tissue. Blood samples were taken before, 5 min, 60 min, and 120 min after reperfusion. At the end of the experiment the pancreatic tail was excised for histological examination; biopsies froin the non-ischemic pancreatic head served as intraindividual control to exclude side effects on the nonischemic pancreatic head. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, PO2ti was significantly lower 1 h (18.0+/-1.7 mmHg) and 2 h (16.4+/-1.6 mmHg) after reperfusion compared with baseline conditions (32.8+/-5.2 mmHg) and the control group (1 h 30.6+/-1.9 mmHg, 2 h 32.4+/-2.4 mmHg). Histological injury score and plasma lipase activity were significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group compared with the control group. Thus we describe a new experimental model of complete normothermic in situ ischemia of a pancreatic tail-segment with the possibility of flushing the pancreatic tail-segment and selective local application of drugs to the pancreas.

The G protein beta3 subunit splice variant Gbeta3-s causes enhanced chemotaxis of human neutrophils in response to interleukin-8

A C825T polymorphism was recently described in GNB3, the gene encoding the Gbeta3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. The 825T allele is associated with the expression of a shorter splice variant (Gbeta3-s) and enhanced signal transduction via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. Given the pivotal role of G protein betagamma dimers in chemotaxis, we related the genotype at the GNB3 locus as a marker for Gbeta3-s expression to chemotaxis of human neutrophils in response to stimulation with interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-8, which activates a CXC receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G proteins, induced at 10 nM an enhanced maximum chemotaxis of neutrophils from individuals with TC/TT genotype compared to CC genotype. Furthermore, migration of neutrophils from 825T allele carriers was 2.5-fold higher at 0.1 nM and 1 nM IL-8. At these concentrations of IL-8, no significant chemotaxis was observed in neutrophils from homozygous C825 allele carriers, indicating a genotype-dependent, different potency of IL-8 to chemoattract neutrophils. In contrast, IL-8-induced Ca2+ signals and O2- generation were independent of genotype. The role of Gbeta3-s in enhanced chemotaxis could be confirmed by determination of chemotaxis of COS-7 cells following transfection with either Gbeta3-s or "wild-type" Gbeta3. Upon stimulation of the transfected cells with the chemoattractant lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), we observed an enhanced chemotactic response of Gbeta3-s-transfected compared to Gbeta3-transfected COS-7 cells, confirming that Gbeta3-s actually causes enhanced chemotaxis.

Enhanced fMLP-stimulated chemotaxis in human neutrophils from individuals carrying the G protein beta3 subunit 825 T-allele

We have recently described a C825T polymorphism in the gene encoding for the Gbeta3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins. The 825T allele is associated with a novel splice variant (Gbeta3-s) and enhanced signal transduction via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. fMLP-induced chemotaxis, but not O2- generation, was increased in neutrophils with the TC/TT (EC50 = 1.5 +/- 1.3 nM) genotypes compared to the CC genotype (EC50 = 5.9 +/- 1.5 nM). Maximal fMLP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly reduced in neutrophils from individuals with TC/TT genotype vs. CC genotype (212.9 +/- 10.1 nM vs. 146.4 +/- 24.2 nM). Gbeta3-s appears to be associated with enhanced immune cell function in humans.