Loss of annexin II heavy and light chains in prostate cancer and its precursors

Annexin II mRNA coding for a calcium binding protein was found to be absent in prostate cancer by subtractive hybridization and Northern analysis. In contrast to high expression in normal and benign hyperplastic glandular and basal epithelium, Annexin II heavy (p36) and light (p11) chains in 31/31 prostate cancer specimens were lost immunohistochemically. In glands involved by prostate intraepithelial neoplasia, 65% lost both chains in glandular epithelial cells, whereas basal cells were all positively stained. Southern analysis of cancer DNA showed no noticeable deletion in p36 gene. LNCaP cells treated with 5-azacytidine re-expressed p36, suggesting methylation could be responsible for the silencing.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in organ-confined prostate cancer by gene expression array

BACKGROUND

To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer, we have utilized the gene expression array to search for genes whose expression is altered in this disease.

METHODS

RNA quality from manual microdissected tissue was compared with that from microselected tissue by electrophoresis. For array analysis, malignant and normal prostate epithelium was enriched using microselection technique from prostate cancer and the peripheral zone of a normal prostate. Identical array membrane was hybridized to labeled cancer and normal cDNA, respectively. The differentially expressed gene was further evaluated by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Microdissection, but not microselection, causes visible degradation to RNA. Of the 588 genes on the membrane, 87 genes yielded significant signals. Based on a three fold difference relative to normal prostate tissue, 1 gene was overexpressed and 12 genes underexpressed in prostate cancer. Of them, five showed statistically significant reduction in mRNA levels in six prostate cancer specimens compared with seven normal prostate specimens. These five genes are glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-1 (TNFR-1), transforming growth factor beta3 (TGF-beta3), and inhibitor of DNA binding-1 (ID-1).

CONCLUSIONS

GST-based metabolism, cytokine MCP-1 and TNFR-1, and TGF-beta3 signaling pathways, and some helix-loop-helix nuclear proteins could be potentially important in organ-confined prostate cancer and deserve further investigation.

Randomised placebo controlled trial of nebulised corticosteroids in acute respiratory syncytial viral bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short and long term effects of giving nebulised budesonide early in respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) bronchiolitis.

DESIGN

A multicentre randomised double blind placebo controlled trial.

SUBJECTS

Infants admitted to hospital with their first episode of RSV positive bronchiolitis.

INTERVENTION

Randomisation to receive either 1 mg of nebulised budesonide (Bud) or placebo (Pla) twice daily from admission until 2 weeks after discharge. Follow up was for 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Duration of hospital admission, time taken to become symptom free, re-admission rates, general practitioner consultation rates, and use of anti-wheeze medication during follow up.

RESULTS

161 infants were studied. Both arms were similar with respect to initial clinical severity, age, sex, socioeconomic class, and tobacco exposure. Median time from first nebulisation to discharge: Bud and Pla, 2 days. Median number of days for 50% of infants to be symptom free for 48 hours: Bud, 10 days; Pla, 12 days. Respiratory re-admission rates in the 12 month follow up: Bud, 16%; Pla, 18%; median difference (95% confidence interval (CI)), -2 (-14 to 10). Median respiratory related general practitioner attendances: Bud, 4.0; Pla, 4.5; median difference (95% CI), -1 (-2 to 0). Percentage of infants receiving at least one prescription for anti-wheeze medication during follow up, corticosteroids: Bud, 50%; Pla, 60%; difference (95% CI), -10 (-26 to 6); bronchodilators: Bud, 60%; Pla, 67%; difference (95% CI), -7 (-22 to 8).

CONCLUSIONS

There are no short or long term clinical benefits from the administration of nebulised corticosteroids in the acute phase of RSV bronchiolitis.