1
|
Arey RN, Stein GM, Kaletsky R, Kauffman A, Murphy CT. Activation of G αq Signaling Enhances Memory Consolidation and Slows Cognitive Decline. Neuron 2018; 98:562-574.e5. [PMID: 29656871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Perhaps the most devastating decline with age is the loss of memory. Therefore, identifying mechanisms to restore memory function with age is critical. Using C. elegans associative learning and memory assays, we identified a gain-of-function Gαq signaling pathway mutant that forms a long-term (cAMP response element binding protein [CREB]-dependent) memory following one conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) pairing, which usually requires seven CS-US pairings. Increased CREB activity in AIM interneurons reduces the threshold for memory consolidation through transcription of a set of previously identified "long-term memory" genes. Enhanced Gαq signaling in the AWC sensory neuron is both necessary and sufficient for improved memory and increased AIM CREB activity, and activation of Gαq specifically in aged animals rescues the ability to form memory. Activation of Gαq in AWC sensory neurons non-cell autonomously induces consolidation after one CS-US pairing, enabling both cognitive function maintenance with age and restoration of memory function in animals with impaired memory performance without decreased longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Arey
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Geneva M Stein
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rachel Kaletsky
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Amanda Kauffman
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stein GM, Murphy CT. C. elegans positive olfactory associative memory is a molecularly conserved behavioral paradigm. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 115:86-94. [PMID: 25108196 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While it is thought that short-term memory arises from changes in protein dynamics that increase the strength of synaptic signaling, many of the underlying fundamental molecular mechanisms remain unknown.Our lab developed a Caenorhabditis elegans assay of positive olfactory short-term associative memory (STAM), in which worms learn to associate food with an odor and can remember this association for over 1h. Here we use this massed olfactory associative assay to identify regulators of C. elegans short-term and intermediate-term associative memory (ITAM) processes. We show that there are unique molecular characteristics for different temporal phases of STAM, which include: learning, which is tested immediately after training, short-term memory, tested 30min after training, intermediate-term memory, tested 1h after training, and forgetting, tested 2h after training. We find that, as in higher organisms, C. elegans STAM requires calcium and cAMP signaling, and ITAM requires protein translation. Additionally, we found that STAM and ITAM are distinct from olfactory adaptation, an associative paradigm in which worms learn to disregard an inherently attractive odor after starvation in the presence of that odor. Adaptation mutants show variable responses to short-term associative memory training. Our data distinguish between shorter forms of a positive associative memory in C. elegans that require canonical memory pathways. Study of STAM and ITAM in C. elegans could lead to a more general understanding of the distinctions between these important processes and also to the discovery of novel conserved memory regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneva M Stein
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular and genetic regulation of aging and longevity has been greatly augmented through studies using the small model system, C. elegans. It is important to test whether mutations that result in a longer life span also extend the health span of the organism, rather than simply prolonging an aged state. C. elegans can learn and remember both associated and non-associated stimuli, and many of these learning and memory paradigms are subject to regulation by longevity pathways. One of the more distressing results of aging is cognitive decline, and while no gross physical defects in C. elegans sensory neurons have been identified, the organism does lose the ability to perform both simple and complex learned behaviors with age. Here we review what is known about the effects of longevity pathways and the decline of these complex learned behaviors with age, and we highlight outstanding questions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneva M. Stein
- Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ, USA
| | - Coleen T. Murphy
- Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tuttle AH, Rankin MM, Teta M, Sartori DJ, Stein GM, Kim GJ, Virgilio C, Granger A, Zhou D, Long SH, Schiffman AB, Kushner JA. Immunofluorescent detection of two thymidine analogues (CldU and IdU) in primary tissue. J Vis Exp 2010:2166. [PMID: 21178965 PMCID: PMC3159664 DOI: 10.3791/2166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate measurement of cell division is a fundamental challenge in experimental biology that becomes increasingly complex when slowly dividing cells are analyzed. Established methods to detect cell division include direct visualization by continuous microscopy in cell culture, dilution of vital dyes such as carboxyfluorescein di-aetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), immuno-detection of mitogenic antigens such as ki67 or PCNA, and thymidine analogues. Thymidine analogues can be detected by a variety of methods including radio-detection for tritiated thymidine, immuno-detection for bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU), chloro-deoxyuridine (CldU) and iodo-deoxyuridine (IdU), and chemical detection for ethinyl-deoxyuridine (EdU). We have derived a strategy to detect sequential incorporation of different thymidine analogues (CldU and IdU) into tissues of adult mice. Our method allows investigators to accurately quantify two successive rounds of cell division. By optimizing immunostaining protocols our approach can detect very low dose thymidine analogues administered via the drinking water, safe to administer to mice for prolonged periods of time. Consequently, our technique can be used to detect cell turnover in very long-lived tissues. Optimal immunofluoresent staining results can be achieved in multiple tissue types, including pancreas, skin, gut, liver, adrenal, testis, ovary, thyroid, lymph node, and brain. We have also applied this technique to identify oncogenic transformation within tissues. We have further applied this technique to determine if transit-amplifying cells contribute to growth or renewal of tissues. In this sense, sequential administration of thymidine analogues represents a novel approach for studying the origins and survival of cells involved in tissue homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex H Tuttle
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Institute of Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania-School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perl S, Kushner JA, Buchholz BA, Meeker AK, Stein GM, Hsieh M, Kirby M, Pechhold S, Liu EH, Harlan DM, Tisdale JF. Significant human beta-cell turnover is limited to the first three decades of life as determined by in vivo thymidine analog incorporation and radiocarbon dating. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:E234-9. [PMID: 20660050 PMCID: PMC3050099 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetes mellitus results from an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. The turnover rate of adult human β-cells remains unknown. We employed two techniques to examine adult human islet β-cell turnover and longevity in vivo. METHODS Subjects enrolled in National Institutes of Health clinical trials received thymidine analogs [iododeoxyuridine (IdU) or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)] 8 d to 4 yr prior to death. Archival autopsy samples from 10 patients (aged 17-74 yr) were employed to assess β-cell turnover by scoring nuclear analog labeling within insulin-staining cells. Human adult β-cell longevity was determined by estimating the cells' genomic DNA integration of atmospheric (14)C. DNA was purified from pancreatic islets isolated from cadaveric donors; whole islet prep DNA was obtained from a 15-yr-old donor, and purified β-cell DNA was obtained from two donors (ages 48 and 80 yr). (14)C levels were then determined using accelerator mass spectrometry. Cellular "birth date" was determined by comparing the subject's DNA (14)C content relative to a well-established (14)C atmospheric prevalence curve. RESULTS In the two subjects less than 20 yr of age, 1-2% of the β-cell nuclei costained for BrdU/IdU. No β-cell nuclei costained in the eight patients more than 30 yr old. Consistent with the BrdU/IdU turnover data, β-cell DNA (14)C content indicated that the "birth date" of cells occurred within the subject's first 30 yr of life. CONCLUSIONS Under typical circumstances, human β-cells and their cellular precursors are established by young adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Perl
- Diabetes Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teta M, Rankin MM, Long SY, Stein GM, Kushner JA. Growth and regeneration of adult beta cells does not involve specialized progenitors. Dev Cell 2007; 12:817-26. [PMID: 17488631 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2007.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Revised: 04/18/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular progenitors remain poorly characterized in many adult tissues, limited in part by the lack of unbiased techniques to identify progenitors and their progeny. To address this fundamental problem, we developed a novel DNA analog-based lineage-tracing technique to detect multiple rounds of cell division in vivo. Here, we apply this technique to determine the adult lineage mechanism of the insulin-secreting beta cells of pancreatic islets, an important unresolved question in diabetes research. As expected, gastrointestinal and skin epithelia involve specialized progenitors that repeatedly divide to give rise to postmitotic cells. In contrast, specialized progenitors do not contribute to adult beta cells, not even during acute beta cell regeneration. Instead, beta cells are the products of uniform self-renewal, slowed by a replication refractory period that prevents beta cells from immediately redividing. Our approach provides unbiased resolution of previously inaccessible developmental niches and can elucidate lineage mechanisms without candidate markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Teta
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stumpf C, Rosenberger A, Rieger S, Tröger W, Schietzel M, Stein GM. Retrospektive Untersuchung von Patienten mit malignem Melanom unter einer Misteltherapie. Complement Med Res 2003; 10:248-55. [PMID: 14605481 DOI: 10.1159/000074779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present investigation was to analyze survival time and survival rate of all patients with malignant melanoma who had been counseled at the Tumorambulanz Herdecke of the Community Hospital Herdecke. PATIENTS AND METHODS 284 melanoma patients were included in a retrospective questionnaire study. Only those patients were considered for analysis in whom the prognostic factors histology, tumor localization, and Clark level were known. The data of the study population were compared with patient data obtained from the literature. RESULTS 94 patients were included in the analysis. 66 of whom had received and 7 had not received mistletoe treatment, in the remaining 21 patients there was no information whether or not mistletoe treatment had been given. Thus, we did our study without a clearly defined internal control group. The median survival time among patients treated with mistletoe had been 14.1 years. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 80 and 68% for the mistletoe-treated patients, respectively. DISCUSSION The 5-year survival rate of the mistletoe-treated patients is comparable to that of patients without mistletoe therapy while the 10-year survival rate is a little bit lower. This may be due to the fact that, in contrast to the patients from the relevant literature, 33.3% of the patients suffered from lymph node and/or distant metastases already before counseling the Tumorambulanz Herdecke. Moreover, 50% of our patients had melanoma of Clark level IV in contrast to 22.2% or 31% in the relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS In spite of the theoretical reservations against mistletoe treatment in melanoma patients, our retrospective analysis did not show any clues about disadvantages of mistletoe treatment in melanoma patients. A controlled prospective study therefore should prove the efficacy of a mistletoe therapy in patients with malignant melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Stumpf
- Krebsforschung Herdecke e.V., Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Klein R, Classen K, Fischer S, Errenst M, Scheffler A, Stein GM, Scheer R, von Laue HB. Induction of antibodies to viscotoxins A1, A2, A3, and B in tumour patients during therapy with an aqueous mistletoe extract. Eur J Med Res 2002; 7:359-67. [PMID: 12204844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe extracts exert immunomodulatory properties on immunocompetent cells of the innate as well as the specific immune system. These effects have been mainly ascribed to mistletoe lectin 1 (ML-1) present in most of the extracts. However, it became evident that also other components of these extracts may induce immunological reactions, and especially viscotoxins (VT) may be of relevance. Aim of the study was, therefore, to evaluate whether VT like ML-1 could activate B-cells and lead to the production of VT-specific antibodies. Sera from 26 patients with different tumours who were treated with the mistletoe extract ABNOBAviscum Mali (AM) 4 for at least 18 weeks were analysed before therapy and after 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 weeks. Sera were tested by ELISA against the four viscotoxins A1, A2, A3, B, as well as against ML-1. Within the observation period twenty-four (92%) of the 26 patients developed antibodies to at least one of the four VT and 25 (96%) to ML-1. In most instances, anti-VT antibodies appeared after 6-9 weeks of treatment. The antibodies were predominantly of the IgG type belonging preferentially to the IgG1 and IgG3 subclass. IgE antibodies were found only to VT-B and to ML-1. There was no relation between the development of antibodies to VT and ML-1, and also cross-reactivity could be excluded with high probability. These data indicate that not only ML-1 but also VT induce immunological responses in patients treated with mistletoe extracts. Whether there is any relationship to the postulated anti-tumour effect of mistletoe extracts has, however, still to be evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reinhild Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stein GM. [Oncologic mistletoe therapy--physicians' use and estimation of efficiency]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2001; 126:833-4. [PMID: 11499270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- P A Berg
- Abteilung für Innere Medizin II der Universität Tübingen, Immunpathologisches Labor
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Expression of interleukin-4 in apoptotic cells: stimulation of the type-2 cytokine by different toxins in human peripheral blood mononuclear and tumor cells. Cytometry 2000; 41:261-70. [PMID: 11084611 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0320(20001201)41:4<261::aid-cyto4>3.0.co;2-s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunological reactivity is regulated by T-cell populations (type-1 and type-2 cells) via cytokine secretion, but their influence on apoptosis remains unclear. METHODS Intracellular expression of type-1 (interferon [IFN]-gamma) and type-2 (interleukin [IL]-4) cytokines and apoptosis-related molecules (Apo2. 7, Bcl-2 protein) was studied by flow cytometry in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), myeloma (U-266), monocytic (THP-1), and T-leukemia cells (MOLT-4) in response to toxins, which act on different intracellular targets (actinomycin D, cycloheximide, the mistletoe lectins [ML]-1 and ML-3, brefeldin A, staurosporine). RESULTS The apoptosis-inducing toxins stimulated intracellular IL-4 expression mainly in PBMC with high expression of the mitochondrial apoptosis marker, Apo2.7, but with decreased level of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Up-regulation of IL-4 coincided with a significant down-regulation of IFN-gamma in CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells. The inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation, oligomycin, and the caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, abolished IL-4 expression and DNA fragmentation in the PBMC. Also in the myeloma, monocytic, and T-leukemia cells, IL-4 was mainly observed in the Apo2.7(+) apoptotic cells in response to the toxins. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the different apoptotic toxins activate a common pathway in which IL-4 production plays a yet unknown intracellular role further downstream during apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Intracellular expression of IL-4 and inhibition of IFN-gamma by extracts from European mistletoe is related to induction of apoptosis. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:2987-94. [PMID: 11062712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracts from European mistletoe are used for adjuvant cancer treatment. Their influence on the intracellular expression of cytokines of the T-helper cells type-1 (Th1; IFN-gamma) or type-2 (Th2; IL-4) is still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lymphocytes from controls were incubated with mistletoe extracts (ME) and mistletoe lectins (ML) for 24 hours and co-stimulated with PMA/Ca-ionophore/monensin during the last 6 hours. Apoptosis and intracellular cytokine expression were detected by flow cytometry, the cytokine release into the supernatants by ELISA. RESULTS ME and ML significantly inhibited intracellular expression of IFN-gamma but stimulated IL-4. Thereby, IL-4 was mainly expressed in apoptotic (Apo2.7+) cells. However, IFN-gamma secretion into the supernatants of the cells was dose-dependently inhibited by ME and ML, while IL-4 was not detected at all. CONCLUSION The intracellular expression of the 'Th2-cytokine' IL-4 in ME- and ML-exposed cells may not be related to a typical Th2-response but rather to cell death. This effect might be of great relevance e.g. after intratumoural injection of the mistletoe extracts and, in general, for the inhibition of an inflammatory response during apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Toxic proteins from European mistletoe (Viscum album L.): increase of intracellular IL-4 but decrease of IFN-gamma in apoptotic cells. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:1673-8. [PMID: 10928090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mistletoe lectins (ML), the major biologically active components of mistletoe extracts, which are used for adjuvant cancer therapy, induce apoptosis in lymphocytes and tumor cells. In addition, ML at toxic concentrations induce the release of cytokines, but it remains unclear as to whether dying or activated cells are responsible. MATERIALS AND METHODS By flow cytometry, expression of IFN-gamma, IL-4, apoptosis marker Apo2.7 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins were analyzed in response to ML or viscotoxins (VT) in PBMC from controls and plasmocytoma cells (U-266). RESULTS While ML inhibited PMA/Ca-ionophore/monensin co-stimulated IFN-gamma production, they increased IL-4 expression in CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells. Thereby, IL-4 was mainly expressed in apoptotic cells with a low level of Bcl-2 proteins. In contrast, the cell membrane permeabilising VT induced complete loss of Bcl-2 proteins but did not stimulate IL-4 production within 24 hours, indicating that IL-4 expression is related to apoptosis but not to necrosis. CONCLUSION Despite the role of IL-4 during activation of type2 T-helper cells, IL-4 expression may play an important yet undefined role during apoptosis of normal and tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M. Differential binding of toxic lectins from Viscum album L., ML I and ML III, to human lymphocytes. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:5095-9. [PMID: 10697516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The killing capacity of extracts from Viscum album L., widely used as an adjuvant in complementary cancer therapy, is dependent on the content of toxic proteins, especially the mistletoe lectins (ML). Although one may expect a homogeneous distribution of 'receptors' for these proteins on the cell surface, the sensitivity of cells to the ML-mediated cytotoxicity obviously differs, as the galNAc-binding ML III in contrast to the gal-binding ML I selectively killed CD8+ lymphocytes with a 'memory' phenotype (CD62Llo), while CD19+ B cells remained almost unaffected. B cells hardly bind ML III but did bind the gal-specific ML I. In accordance with these observations, in leukaemic B cells from patients with B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and the human IgE-secreting myeloma cell line U-266 a strong induction of apoptosis-associated mitochondrial Apo2.7 molecules was observed after treatment with ML I and less effectively by ML III, while in the leukaemic T cell line Molt-4 both ML were strong inductors of apoptosis. In the light of these findings, the possible impact of ML I- and ML III-rich mistletoe extracts in the treatment of B cell neoplasia has to be carefully investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital Herdecke, University Witten/Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Stumpf C, Schietzel M. Release of interleukin-6 in cultured B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells is associated with both activation and cell death via apoptosis. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:3953-9. [PMID: 10628337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that some cytokines promote B cell survival, while others enhance cell death. Interleukin-6 was reported to induce proliferation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) cells, and to enhance survival of these cells through inhibition of spontaneous apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS To more clearly define the effects of an in vitro stimulation of B-CLL cells, lymphocytes from 13 patients with B-CLL and from 6 healthy individuals were incubated for 7 d with immunomodulators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and extracts from Viscum album L. (VAL; Helixor), which were recognised to induce apoptosis but also to induce a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. RESULTS Although both, IL-6 and PWM induced a release of IL-6 and expression of the activation markers CD25 and CD71 on the surface of B-CLL cells, IL-6 did not increase or accelerate the proliferation of these cells. In contrast, VAL extracts did not result in an upregulation of activation markers or proliferation of B-CLL cells but induced both, cell death via apoptosis and IL-6 release. In response to PWM, only few clones of leukemic B cells incorporated the thymidine-analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. Moreover, a remarkable response of B-CLL cells towards the immunomodulators was observed only in one patient with an advanced stage. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results do not support theoretical objections of a B-CLL stimulation via induction of IL-6 in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Herterich-Akinpelu I, Pfüller U. Apoptosis-associated generation of reactive oxygen intermediates and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human lymphocytes and granulocytes by extracts from the seeds of Acalypha wilkesiana. J Ethnopharmacol 1999; 66:301-309. [PMID: 10473177 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Seeds from Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae) are an essential component of a complex plant mixture used empirically by traditional healers in Southwest Nigeria to treat breast tumours and inflammation. To investigate their biological properties, we incubated human lymphocytes and granulocytes with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. wilkesiana seeds (AWS). In lymphocytes, we observed an induction of apoptosis and generation of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), as measured by the oxidation of hydroethidine, within 2 h, while in granulocytes, an aqueous seed extract induced the oxidative burst and enhanced phagocytosis of Escherichia coli within 10-20 min. In the supernatants of 72-h cultured lymphocytes, AWS induced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, and also T-cell-associated cytokines interleukin-5 and interferon-gamma. These preliminary results encourage further investigations of this drug with both cytotoxic and immunomodulating properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital Herdecke, University Witten/Herdecke, Germany. arbuess@t-online
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stein GM, Edlund U, Pfüller U, Büssing A, Schietzel M. Influence of polysaccharides from Viscum album L. on human lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes in vitro. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:3907-14. [PMID: 10628330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An acidic arabinogalactan from European mistletoe (Viscum album L, VAL; 1.34 x 10(6) Dalton) was studied in detail because its immunological properties are poorly characterised. MATERIALS AND METHODS Flow cytometric studies focussed on PS-activated proliferation of human lymphocytes measured via incorporation of bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU), granulocyte phagocytosis via ingestion of FITC-labelled E.coli, and respiratory burst via oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine 123. Cytokines were detected in the cell culture supernatants by ELISA. RESULTS PS, in contrast to mistletoe lectins (ML), significantly stimulated proliferation of CD4+ T-cells but not CD8+ and CD19+ cells. However, ML influenced PS-mediated stimulation, with a synergistic effect in one and an inhibitory effect in another individual. Furthermore, IFN-gamma release was significantly enhanced by PS, favouring a T-helper cell type-1 cytokine pattern, further IL-6 was significantly stimulated, while granulocyte activity was not affected. CONCLUSIONS VAL-PS exert yet unknown stimulatory activities, especially on specific CD4+ T-cells which may be influenced by other extract components like the ML. These components may contribute to the anti-tumour effect of VAL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M. Viscotoxin-free aqueous extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) stimulate activity of human granulocytes. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:2925-8. [PMID: 10652574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album L., VAL) are used for complementary cancer treatment. Viscotoxins (VT) and whole plant extracts with high amounts of the VT have been shown to stimulate functional activity of granulocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We stimulated neutrophils from healthy donors in vitro with aqueous VT-free VAL extracts and mistletoe lectins (ML) in the presence of E.coli and studied phagocytosis (via incorporation of FITC-labelled E.coli) and respiratory burst (via oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine 123) by flow cytometry. RESULTS The VT-free VAL extract significantly stimulated granulocyte activity, and this effect correlated with the content of the ML, although the ML exerted no influence at relevant concentrations. Co-incubation of the cells with VAL in the presence of VT further increased granulocyte response. CONCLUSIONS From these data it is suggested that (1) a non-VT non-ML component of the VAL extracts activated granulocytes and (2) different activation pathways may be involved in the stimulation by the whole plant extract and the VT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, University Witten/Herdecke, Dept. of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stein GM, Berg PA. Characterisation of immunological reactivity of patients with adverse effects during therapy with an aqueous mistletoe extract. Eur J Med Res 1999; 4:169-77. [PMID: 10336405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs, which are effective are also bond to exert adverse effects. This is also true for mistletoe extracts. Extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album, VAL) belong to the complementary therapeutic regimens and are used for adjuvant cancer therapy. This study was performed to characterise immunological reactivity of patients with adverse effects during treatment with an aqueous VAL extract (Helixor). VAL-stimulated proliferation and cytokine release of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and anti-mistletoe lectin (ML)-1 antibody production were investigated. 34 patients with proven adverse effects due to VAL therapy (group 1) and 9 patients with unproven relation (group 2) were studied and compared to 14 tumour patients treated with VAL for more than 2 years without side effects (TTP). VAL-stimulated proliferation of PBMC of group 1 was significantly enhanced as compared to group 2 patients and TTP. PBMC from patients with local manifestations proliferated significantly stronger than those from patients with systemic symptoms. Anti-ML-1 antibodies of the IgE type were produced in patients with proven adverse effects but not in patients without adverse effects. Production of Th1 and Th2 specific cytokines varied considerably, indicating that different mechanisms were involved in the induction of adverse effects. In conclusion, our study provide evidence that adverse effects towards VAL (Helixor) are seldom and are dominated by an application site reaction suggesting the involvement of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Dept. of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, University Witten/Herdecke, Gerhard-Kienle Weg 4, D-58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Büssing A, Wagner M, Wagner B, Stein GM, Schietzel M, Schaller G, Pfüller U. Induction of mitochondrial Apo2.7 molecules and generation of reactive oxygen-intermediates in cultured lymphocytes by the toxic proteins from Viscum album L. Cancer Lett 1999; 139:79-88. [PMID: 10408913 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(99)00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We analysed mitochondrial alterations in human lymphocytes incubated with toxins exerting RNA and/or protein synthesis/transport inhibitory activity. We found that all toxins known to affect macromolecule synthesis, such as ricin from Ricinus communis, mistletoe lectin I (ML I) from Viscum album, cycloheximide, actinomycin D, and brefeldin A but also the thionins from Viscum album (viscotoxins; VT) generated reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and induced expression of newly described mitochondrial membrane proteins Apo2.7, however, with different kinetics. Apart from a rapid permeabilisation of cell membranes by the VT with swelling of mitochondria, loss of their cristae and ROI generation within 2-4 h, the majority of the cells may have received a distinct 'death signal' resulting in an induction of Apo2.7 molecules within 24 h. In contrast, protein synthesis/transport inhibition may signal for apoptosis within 24 h by decreasing distinct 'survival promotors' which remain to be characterised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Pfüller U, Schietzel M. Induction of Fas ligand (CD95L) by the toxic mistletoe lectins in human lymphocytes. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:1785-90. [PMID: 10470116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fas ligand (FasL, CD95L) predominantly expressed on activated cytotoxic T cells and NK cells triggers apoptosis in Fas receptor (Apo-1, CD95) positive target cells. We investigated the expression of FasL, Fas and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 (TNF-R1, CD120a) on cultured human lymphocytes and leukemic T and B cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lymphocytes from six healthy individuals, from four patients with chronic lymphocytic T or B cell leukaemia, and leukemic Molt-4 cells were incubated with the apoptosis- inducing mistletoe lectins (ML I and ML III). RESULTS Incubation of differentiated lymphocytes with the ML resulted in a significant upregulation of FasL in the surviving CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ cells and CD19+ B cells. Similarly, the TNF receptor expression increased, while the Fas molecule decreased. In contrast, FasL was not induced in leukemic cells. CONCLUSIONS Apart from a direct induction of apoptosis in response to an inhibition of protein synthesis by the enzymic ML A chain, ML treatment may indirectly induce apoptosis in Fas+ tumour cells through activated FasL+ lymphocytes.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD19/analysis
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Fas Ligand Protein
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, T-Cell/pathology
- Lymphocyte Subsets/drug effects
- Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Membrane Glycoproteins/biosynthesis
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Plant Preparations
- Plant Proteins
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I
- Ribosome Inactivating Proteins
- Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 2
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Toxins, Biological/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- fas Receptor/biosynthesis
- fas Receptor/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Wagner M, Wagner B, Schaller G, Pfüller U, Schietzel M. Accidental cell death and generation of reactive oxygen intermediates in human lymphocytes induced by thionins from Viscum album L. Eur J Biochem 1999; 262:79-87. [PMID: 10231367 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxic mechanisms of thionins from Viscum album L., the viscotoxins, were investigated in human granulocytes and lymphocytes. The time course of viscotoxin effects indicate accidental cell death, i.e. membrane permeabilization, degradation of cytoplasm and chromatin, swelling of mitochondria with loss of their cristae, and generation of reactive oxygen intermediates within 1-2 h, followed by secondary apoptosis-associated events. The viscotoxin homologue purothionin from whole-wheat flour and viscotoxin B, however, did not induce cell death in cultured lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity of cationic and amphipathic viscotoxin was prevented only by cleavage of its disulphide bridges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Stein GM, Schaller G, Pfüller U, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Thionins from Viscum album L: influence of the viscotoxins on the activation of granulocytes. Anticancer Res 1999; 19:1037-42. [PMID: 10368652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) are applied in adjuvant cancer treatment, and some components, especially the mistletoe lectins (ML) have been immunologically characterised, but not the thionins, termed viscotoxins (VT). MATERIALS AND METHODS The influence of the VT on human granulocytes was studied by flow cytometry: E.coli co-stimulated respiratory burst by oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine 123 and phagocytosis by ingestion of FITC-labelled E.coli. RESULTS VT (25 and 250 micrograms/ml), in contrast to ML, significantly enhanced phagocytosis and burst activity. VT-rich mistletoe extracts also exerted significant effects. In addition, E.coli-activated granulocytes positively stain with Annexin-V and propidium iodide only due to 250 micrograms/ml VT incubation, suggesting that at this concentration burst activity was induced by the physiological activity of granulocytes after microbial ingestion and also by cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION Viscotoxins exert yet unknown strong immunomodulatory effects on human granulocytes, which might be of benefit for tumour patients, in addition to their cytotoxic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- University Witten/Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Anti-mistletoe lectin-1 (ML-1) antibodies are produced during treatment of cancer patients with mistletoe extracts. However, little is known about their ability to recognise distinct epitopes present in mistletoe extracts. To estimate this, ML-1, ML-2 and ML-3 were analysed by Western blot analysis using high titred anti-ML antibody positive sera from cancer patients treated with different mistletoe extracts. In these experiments we could clearly demonstrate that anti-ML antibodies bind to ML-1 A- and B-chains and, in addition, that they recognised a spectrum of other antigens. This kind of immunological response varied from one individual to another and was not influenced by the different mistletoe extracts. Elution studies showed that anti-ML-1 A-chain or B-chain specific antibodies cross-reacted with A- or B-chains of the other lectins indicating homologies between these molecules (probably in the glycosylated side chain). However, the unglycosylated ML-3 A-chain was only detectable by antibodies specific for the ML-3 A-chain. From our data it has to be concluded that different epitopes of the mistletoe extracts are involved in the induction of the humoral immune response during mistletoe therapy and also that cross-reactivity between the different ML exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Stein GM, Schaller G, Pfüller U, Wagner M, Wagner B, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Characterisation of granulocyte stimulation by thionins from European mistletoe and from wheat. Biochim Biophys Acta 1999; 1426:80-90. [PMID: 9878694 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4165(98)00139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Thionins are small basic peptides found in different plant species, which are known to exert cytotoxic properties. In addition, previous data indicated an activation of human granulocytes by thionins from European mistletoe (viscotoxins, VT). To extend these latter findings, we investigated the influence of VT and from thionins from wheat flour (purothionin) on human granulocytes by flow cytometry and tried to characterise the involved molecular structures and mechanisms. Phagocytosis was determined by incorporation of FITC-labelled Escherichia coli and respiratory burst by oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine 123. VT and purothionin significantly enhanced E. coli-stimulated phagocytosis and respiratory burst at 25 and 250 microgram/ml. Phagocytosis of damaged lymphocytes by granulocytes was detected by electron microscopy in the VT-stimulated (100 microgram/ml) but not in the control cultures. The poly-cationic structure of the intact molecule seems to be crucial, as evidenced by comparison of the burst and phagocytosis-enhancing effects induced by other poly-cationic (protamine sulphate, histone, poly-l-arginine, poly-l-lysine) and poly-anionic (poly-l-glutamic acid) peptides, while pore forming due to amphipathic properties seems to be less important. Ca2+ and Mg2+ could not inhibit VT-enhanced phagocytosis and, thus, could not inhibit binding of VT to granulocytes. In addition, verapamil at low concentrations inhibited VT activity, suggesting the involvement of Ca2+ channels for granulocyte activation by the VT. Similarly, thionins and histones in contrast to protamine sulphate induced cell death of granulocytes at 250 microgram/ml as demonstrated by an enhanced release of reactive oxygen intermediates in unstimulated granulocytes. From these data one may suggest that activity of VT is induced by strong unspecific ionic binding, probably followed by specific receptor binding, and thionins exhibit stimulatory and cytotoxic effects on immune cells, which have to be further characterised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Communal Hospital, Beckweg 4, 58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Stein GM. Increase your awareness of potential violence. Northwest Dent 1998; 77:29-30. [PMID: 9872098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Sand Creek Group, Ltd., Stillwater, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Stein GM, Schietzel M, Büssing A. Mistletoe in immunology and the clinic (short review). Anticancer Res 1998; 18:3247-9. [PMID: 9858890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent meeting of the AGMIF (Working Group for Mistletoe Therapy and Immunological Research) held in Herdecke, Germany, on October, 3rd, 1997, covered recent developments in the field of immunological and biological properties of Viscum album L., the European mistletoe, which is used for adjuvant cancer treatment. So far, one extract component, the mistletoe lectin (ML)-1, was propagated by some researchers to be the only relevant substance within the extracts. However, immunological activities of other extract components such as polysaccharides, vesicles, chitin-binding lectin and their interactions discussed in the first part, underline the significance of the other components as well. In the second part, clinical evidence for the beneficial effects of subcutaneous and intratumoral application of mistletoe therapy was presented by different working groups. However, further research is of great importance to carefully analyse and characterize the involved molecules and exact mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects reported in this meeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Dept of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hinze-Selch D, Becker EW, Stein GM, Berg PA, Mullington J, Holsboer F, Pollmächer T. Effects of clozapine on in vitro immune parameters: a longitudinal study in clozapine-treated schizophrenic patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 1998; 19:114-22. [PMID: 9629565 DOI: 10.1016/s0893-133x(98)00006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent with immunomodulatory properties. We hypothesized that in vitro immune parameters of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are affected in the course of clozapine treatment and that clozapine per se, added in vitro to PBMC cultures of clozapine-treated patients, exerts differential effects in the timecourse of treatment in vivo. We measured proliferation and cytokine secretion of PBMC, serum autoantibodies, and immunoglobulin levels in 17 patients before and during the first 6 weeks of clozapine treatment. Independent of clozapine dosage and rectal temperature, clozapine treatment in vivo suppressed proliferation and shedding of sIL-2r by PBMC, and the addition of clozapine in vitro induced, relative to unstimulated conditions, PBMC proliferation and secretion of IL-6 and sIL-2r. Serum IgG levels were increased; whereas, autoantibody pattern was unaffected. Thus, clozapine treatment and the addition of clozapine in vitro exert differential effects on various in vitro immune parameters independent of clozapine dosage and rectal temperature in the course of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hinze-Selch
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Stein GM, Berg PA. Modulation of cellular and humoral immune responses during exposure of healthy individuals to an aqueous mistletoe extract. Eur J Med Res 1998; 3:307-14. [PMID: 9620894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mistletoe extracts have been shown to exert immunomodulatory properties. However, little is known about changes in different immunological parameters during therapy. Aim of our study was, therefore, to investigate the influence of subcutaneous treatment in 8 volunteers who were exposed to an aqueous mistletoe extract (Viscum album Mali; VM) for 8 weeks. During in vivo exposure, VM induced the production of anti-ML-1 antibodies of the IgG-type. A pronounced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could be observed in 6 volunteers. However, the activity and time of maximal response varied from one individual to the other. There was no correlation between the cellular and the humoral reactivity and different antigens present in this mistletoe extract may be operative at different levels of the immune system. In order to define more precisely the type of immune response, cytokines were measured in the supernatants of VM-stimulated cell cultures. VM induced the secretion of Th1- (IFN-gamma) or Th2- (IL-4) related cytokines and also the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6. All these different immunological phenomena can be best explained by presentation of mistletoe-related antigens to T- and B-cells via antigen presenting cells in the draining lymph nodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Dept. of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, Beckweg 4, D-58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stein GM, Berg PA. Flow cytometric analyses of the specific activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors after in vitro stimulation with a fermented mistletoe extract and mistletoe lectins. Eur J Cancer 1998; 34:1105-10. [PMID: 9849462 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(98)00044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunostimulatory properties of mistletoe extracts derived from Viscum album L. (VAL) are well described, demonstrating activation especially of T, T-helper cells and monocytes/macrophages. In order to characterise in detail the communication between different cell populations, we studied mistletoe-induced expression of co-stimulatory signals and their ligands by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 healthy controls were incubated for 7 days with a fermented VAL extract. VAL significantly upregulated the expression of the co-stimulatory molecule B7.1 (CD80) on monocytes/macrophages, but not B7.2 (CD86). No significant changes in the expression of either molecules on B cells could be found, suggesting that only monocytes/macrophages act as antigen presenting cells (APCs) in this in vitro system. Purified mistletoe lectins, components of most VAL extracts were also analysed, but did not induce similar responses of monocytes/macrophages. The receptor for B7 molecules, CD28, but not CTLA-4 (CD152), was also found to be significantly enhanced on CD4+ cells after VAL simulation. There was no evidence for activation of a B cell response via the CD40/CD40L pathway. Our data support the concept that stimulation by VAL extracts induces a specific T-helper cell reaction with monocytes/macrophages acting as APCs and purified lectins do not exert the same effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Büssing A, Stein GM, Pfüller U. Selective killing of CD8+ cells with a 'memory' phenotype (CD62Llo) by the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-specific lectin from Viscum album L. Cell Death Differ 1998; 5:231-40. [PMID: 10200469 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4400343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As reported previously by our group, among the toxic proteins from Viscum album L. only the mistletoe lectins (MLs) induce the apoptotic killing pathway in human lymphocytes. Although one may expect a homogenous distribution of carbohydrate domains on cell surface receptors for the carbohydrate binding B chains of the toxic protein, the sensitivity of cells to these B chains obviously differ. Here we report a selective killing of CD8+ CD62Llo cells from healthy individuals by the galNAc-specific ML III (and RCA60, which binds to gal and galNAc), while the gal-specific ML I was less effective. This selective killing is not sufficiently explained by protein synthesis inhibition alone, since this subset was not affected by other ribosome inhibiting proteins such as the lectin from Ricinus communis (RCA120), lectin from Abrus precatorus (APA), abrin A, and inhibitors of RNA, DNA and/or protein synthesis such as actinomycin D, mitomycin C, and cycloheximide. We conclude that CD8+ cells with 'memory' phenotype (CD62Llo) are more sensitive to the ML III-mediated killing than their CD8+ CD62Lhi counterparts, CD4+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells. These cells probably express a distinct receptor with galNAc domains that is missing or not active on CD8+ cells with a 'naive' phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Büssing
- Krebsforschung Herdecke, Department of Applied Immunology, Communal Hospital Herdecke, D-58313 Herdecke, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Cytotoxic as well as immunomodulatory effects of mistletoe extracts and their components have been described and seem to depend upon the host tree, the manufacturing process and the composition of the different components present in the extracts. In vitro studies showed that a fermented mistletoe extract derived from Viscum album L. grown on pine trees was less cytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) than other preparations. This finding could be related to its very low content of mistletoe lectins. Furthermore, this extract stimulated PBMC from healthy and especially allergic donors who had never received any mistletoe treatment. By analysing these in vitro reactions, an involvement of CD4+ T helper cells and CD14+ monocytes/macrophages was observed, suggesting an interaction of the specific and nonspecific immune system. In the supernatants of stimulated PBMC from healthy individuals, type-1 (interferon-gamma and interleukin-2) and type-2 (interleukin-4 and interleukin-5) associated cytokines were detected in about 20%. In patients with colorectal tumours, however, reduced frequency, suggesting a functional impairment of certain immunocompetent cells in these patients. These studies may help to evaluate properties of the natural and the specific immune system.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD/analysis
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunocompetence/drug effects
- Lectins/pharmacology
- Leukocyte Common Antigens/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Mistletoe
- Oligosaccharides/pharmacology
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plant Lectins
- Plant Preparations
- Plant Proteins
- Plants, Medicinal
- Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1
- Ribosome Inactivating Proteins, Type 2
- Toxins, Biological/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Mistletoe extracts are frequently applied in adjuvant cancer treatment. The mistletoe lectins are especially suggested to mediate an antitumorous effect. During treatment with mistletoe lectin-rich extracts, anti-mistletoe lectin antibodies preferentially of the immunoglobulin G type are produced against mistletoe lectin (ML)-1. Interestingly, after application of mistletoe extracts containing natural micelles, anti-mistletoe lectin antibodies of the immunoglobulin G as well as one of the immunoglobulin E type were induced in parallel, suggesting that the nature and preparation of the antigens within the extract modifies immune responses. Anti-mistletoe lectin antibodies were shown to neutralize the cytotoxic effect of mistletoe lectin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Thus, the mode of application of these extracts seems to be of importance with respect to the therapeutic effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stein GM, Berg PA. Evaluation of the stimulatory activity of a fermented mistletoe lectin-1 free mistletoe extract on T-helper cells and monocytes in healthy individuals in vitro. Arzneimittelforschung 1996; 46:635-9. [PMID: 8767357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Previously, a strong stimulatory response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to a fermented mistletoe extract (Iscador Pini, i.p.) could be observed in normal and allergic individuals. Aim of this study was therefore to analyse the cell subtypes involved in this in vitro reactivity. PBMC from 11 non-mistletoe treated healthy and allergic individuals were therefore investigated. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that this mistletoe extract stimulated T-cells (CD3+), especially T-helper cells (CD4+), as well as monocytes at concentrations of 100 or 1,000 micrograms/ml. Furthermore, an increased proportion of T- and T-helper cells expressing the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor (CD25) and monocytes expressing HLA-DR molecules, respectively, could be demonstrated. There was no evidence for a major involvement of B- (CD19+), natural killer- (NK-; CD56+) and T-suppressor cells/cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+). To get more insights whether the T-cell proliferation induced by i.p. was the consequence of a primary or a secondary type of immune response, kinetic studies (n = 5) were performed hereby comparing the reactivity of the non-recall antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) as well as the recall antigen purified protein derivative (PPD) derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis with that of i.p. I.p. at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml always exhibited the kinetics of a primary immune reaction. These findings were further substantiated by additional flow cytometric studies analysing changes in the proportions of naive (CD45RA+) and memory/effector cells (CD45RO+) during the exposure to i.p. It could be shown that the proportion of naive cells decreased and that of the transition stage increased, which could indicate that there was a change towards memory/effector cells. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that i.p.-related antigens act like "non-recall"-antigens, and the in vitro immune response involves T-cells as well as monocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Stein GM, Meink H, Durst J, Berg PA. Release of cytokines by a fermented lectin-1 (ML-1) free mistletoe extract reflects differences in the reactivity of PBMC in healthy and allergic individuals and tumour patients. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1996; 51:247-52. [PMID: 9010693 DOI: 10.1007/s002280050192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mistletoe extracts are used in adjuvant cancer treatment, but little is known concerning their mode of action. There is, however, evidence that antigens in these extracts may stimulate cells of the immune system, thereby modifying the altered immunological reactivity in tumour patients. METHODS In order to find out whether the postulated immunomodulatory properties of mistletoe extracts are mediated by cytokines, a spectrum of different cytokines was analysed in the supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy (n = 23) and allergic (n = 16) individuals after stimulation with the fermented mistletoe lectin-1 (ML-1) free mistletoe extract Iscador Pini (IP) in vitro, and their cytokine patterns were compared to those from tumour patients with either breast cancer (n = 20) or colorectal tumours (n = 22). RESULTS PBMC from healthy and allergic individuals produced high levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and to a lesser extent Th1- and Th2-related cytokines. This finding was in contrast to data obtained in tumour patients. Thus, the concentration of TNF-alpha was significantly lower in the cell cultures from breast cancer patients than in controls, and patients with colorectal tumours released IFN-gamma/IL-2 (5%) in the supernatants significantly less frequently than PBMC from healthy controls (26%). Similar results were obtained when the Th1- and monocyte/macrophage-related cytokines were analysed in the unstimulated cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS These in vitro studies provide evidence that there is a reduced immunological reactivity to the fermented ML-1 free mistletoe extract in tumour patients and may give some clues as to how mistletoe-derived antigens could act on immune cells involved in the tumour defence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G M Stein
- Department of Surgery, Städtisches Krankenhaus Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Stein GM, Mathein JD. Encouraging a balanced style of living. Occup Health Saf 1981; 50:36-9, 50. [PMID: 7219932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Personnel Management System, as with any good business plan, assists employees in establishing ways to measure progress or completion of chosen goals.
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Evidence is presented which suggests that learning disability is related to lateral asymmetry. Significant differences were found in lateral eye movement and handedness between a learning disabled group and a control group of normal learners. Left lateral eye movement and right handedness was the predominant pattern exhibited in learning disability. These results support Day's notion that left lateral eye movement is associated with educational difficulties. They also provide evidence concerning Orton's hypothesis that mixed cerebral dominance characterizes the learning disabled.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Melges et al. (1971) presented evidence that a client's sense of self-worth is highly correlated with his degree of optimism about his personal future. In the present study, the cross-lagged panel correlation (CLPC) technique was used to test their hypothesis that changes in personal future outlook lead to changes in self-esteem. Ninety-four outpatients in the private psychiatric practice of the senior author filled out the Decision-Making Evaluation Instrument used by Melges et al. to assess these two constructs as well as decision-making and outcome. Results did not support their implication that personal future outlook is causally predominant over self-esteem, nor did the results support their assumption that they were measuring a distinct construct of self-esteem.
Collapse
|
39
|
Stein GM, Cribbs RW, Lannon GJ. Experiences in establishing a "toothkeeper" preventive dentistry program for elementary school students. J Am Soc Prev Dent 1974; 4:46-8. [PMID: 4527798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
40
|
|
41
|
Stein GM, Bryan JH. The effect of a television model upon rule adoption behavor of children. Child Dev 1972; 43:268-73. [PMID: 5027667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
42
|
Stein GM. Current thinking on the relationship of diabetes mellitus to oral disease. J Am Dent Hyg Assoc 1971; 45:100-6. [PMID: 5282012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
43
|
|
44
|
Stein GM. An interesting artifact in the mandible. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1970; 30:220-1. [PMID: 5270925 DOI: 10.1016/0030-4220(70)90365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
45
|
Stein GM. A clinical evaluation of patients with periodontosis. Pa Dent J (Harrisb) 1969; 36:301-7. [PMID: 4188170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
46
|
Stein GM, Wahl H. Partial anodontia of both the deciduous and permanent dentitions in a case of Crouzon's disease. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1969; 28:808-12. [PMID: 5260651 DOI: 10.1016/0030-4220(69)90331-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
47
|
|
48
|
|