Synthesis of a new allelopathic agent from the biotransformation of ent-15α-hydroxy-16-kauren-19-oic acid with Fusarium proliferatum

The use of kaurane diterpenes as substrates in fungal biotransformation to achieve bioactive compounds has been widely reported. In this work, the natural product kaurenoic acid, a diterpene widely distributed in the plant Kingdom, was chemically converted into ent-15α-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1). Substrate 1 was subjected to biotransformation by the fungus Fusarium proliferatum, furnishing a new derivative, ent-2α,15α-dihydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2). The structure of metabolite 2 was deduced on the basis of spectroscopy and MS data. Derivative 2 showed allelopathic activity on germination and growth of root and stem of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), inhibiting 100% of germination and growth of roots and stem, at higher concentration assayed (10-4 mol/L).

Constituents from stem barks of Luehea ochrophylla Mart and evaluation of their antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities

Luehea species are found in almost all Central and South American countries. The present work describes the phytochemical study, isolation, and structural characterisation of friedelin, β-friedelinol, lupeol, pseudotaraxasterol, β-sitosterol, betulinic acid, taraxasterol, (-)-epicatechin, β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and (+)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin from stem barks of Luehea ochrophylla Mart. The structural identification of the isolated compounds was mainly performed by NMR analyses and comparison with the data from literature. These compounds were isolated for the first time in the genus Luehea, except β-sitosterol glucopyranoside, (-)-epicatechin, and lupeol. Hexane extract (HE) and dichloromethane (DF) and ethyl acetate (AF) fractions exhibited antiparasitic activity against amastigote (intracellular) and trypomastigote culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The ethanol extract (EE), DF, and ethanol fraction (EF) exhibited considerable antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Moreover, extracts and fractions exhibited significant percentage of capture free radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) when compared to the standard of ascorbic acid.

Novel agents for enzymatic and fungal hydrolysis of stevioside

A comparative study on the potential of some biological agents to perform the hydrolysis of stevioside was carried out, aiming at establishing an alternative methodology to achieve the aglycon steviol or its rearranged derivative isosteviol, in high yields to be used in the preparation of novel bioactive compounds. Hydrolysis reactions were performed by using filamentous fungi (Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Rhizopus arrhizus), a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and enzymes (pancreatin and lipases PL250 and VFL 8000). Pancreatin showed the best hydrolytic activity, furnishing isosteviol at 93.9% of yield, at pH 4.0, using toluene as a co-solvent. Steviol was produced using both pancreatin at pH 7.0 (20.2% yield) and A. niger at pH 7 (20.8% yield).

Synergic interaction between pomegranate extract and antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus

We evaluated the interaction between Punica granatum (pomegranate) methanolic extract (PGME) and antibiotics against 30 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Susceptibility testing of the isolates to PGME and antibiotics was performed by the broth dilution method. Synergic activity was detected between PGME and the 5 antibiotics tested, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and oxacillin, ranging from 38% to 73%. For some isolates, PGME did not interfere with the action of any of the antibiotics tested. The bactericidal activity of PGME (0.1 x MIC) in combination with ampicillin (0.5 x MIC) was assessed using chosen isolates by time-kill assays, and they confirmed the synergic activity. Using this combination, cell viability was reduced by 99.9% and 72.5% in MSSA and MRSA populations, respectively. PGME increased the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) of ampicillin from 3 to 7 h. In addition, PGME demonstrated the potential to either inhibit the efflux pump NorA or to enhance the influx of the drug. The detection of in vitro variant colonies of S. aureus resistant to PGME was low and they did not survive. In conclusion, PGME dramatically enhanced the activity of all antibiotics tested, and thus, offers an alternative for the extension of the useful lifetime of these antibiotics.

Pomegranate extract inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production

In Brazil, pomegranate (Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae)) is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent. This study evaluates the effect of pomegranate extract on Staphylococcus aureus FRI 722 growth and subsequent enterotoxin production. Bacterial susceptibility was determined by tube dilution method and production of enterotoxin was assessed using membrane-over-agar (MOA) plates. At a low extract concentration (0.01% v/v) bacterial growth was delayed, while a higher concentration (1% v/v) eliminated bacterial growth. Most interestingly, a 0.05% (v/v) concentration of extract was found to inhibit Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A production. These data further implicate pomegranate extracts as potential antibacterial therapeutics with the added ability to inhibit enterotoxin production.

Radical resection for intrinsic midbrain pilocytic astrocytoma: report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Intrinsic midbrain glioma has been one of the most challenging therapeutic tasks in neurosurgery due to its prognosis and risks associated with surgical procedures. It is known that the prognosis of pilocytic astrocytoma is relatively good if radical resection can be achieved without severe complications. In order to remove pilocytic astrocytoma within the midbrain radically, we used microsurgical techniques.

METHOD

Two patients with intrinsic pilocytic astrocytomas located at the midbrain were operated on. The subtemporal approach was used with a point of entry on the lateral surface of the midbrain just behind the cerebral peduncle. Major vessels were preserved, followed by resection of the intrinsic tumor making the cleavage between tumour and midbrain.

FINDINGS

In both patients, intrinsic pilocytic astrocytoma was grossly totally removed with minimal permanent morbidity. They have been able to maintain independent activities in their daily lives without tumor recurrance.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical cure can be accomplished in some cases of midbrain pilocytic astrocytoma, even if the lesions are intrinsic to the midbrain. To remove the tumor totally without further neurological deficits, it is necessary to select a safe access or entrance point to the tumor, and to demarcate the gliotic plane between tumour and midbrain. A long-term follow up with a larger number of patients is needed to establish the significance of radical resection for intrinsic midbrain pilocytic astrocytoma.

Intradural en-bloc removal of the anterior clinoid process

BACKGROUND

Anterior clinoidectomy is useful in the surgical treatment of paraclinoid and parasellar lesions. Previously reported procedures require expertise in drilling, the alternative method reported here reduces the drilling procedure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

En-bloc clinoidectomy is performed intradurally via the standard pterional approach. A 1 to 2 mm-wide narrow drill line is placed with a 1 mm-wide diamond burr through the lesser sphenoid wing. It encircles the medial border of the optic canal and the lateral border of the lesser sphenoid wing over the superior orbital fissure, and is located about 1 cm anterior to the posterior margin of the optic canal. After drilling, one bony piece that includes the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and the optic canal roof remains connected to the basisphenoid bone by the optic strut alone. The optic strut is then fractured easily by applying leverage near its junction with the basisphenoid bone and the piece is removed en bloc with the major part of the optic strut, requiring little or no additional drilling of the residual bony fragments. Of 37 patients who underwent our en-bloc clinoidectomy, only one suffered complications consisting of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through the sphenoid sinus. Our procedure requires an average of 20 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Intradural en-bloc removal of the ACP with fracture of the optic strut requires minimal drilling, resulting in decreased risk of injury to the optic nerve and a shortened time for clinoidectomy.

Biological screening of Annonaceous Brazilian Medicinal Plants using Artemia salina (brine shrimp test)

Eighteen different extracts from five Annona species collected in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were submitted to the brine shrimp lethality test in order to detect potential sources of novel cytotoxic, antitumor, pesticidal and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi compounds. All of the Annonaceous species tested showed good larvicidal activity as compared to a reference compounds and literature data.

Constituents from aerial parts of Wedelia paludosa

Tetrachyrin (1), 3alpha-tigloyloxykaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2) and 3alpha-cinnamoyloxykaur-16-en-19-oic acid (3) have been isolated from the ethanol extract of Wedelia paludosa aerial parts.

Central neurogenic hyperventilation with primary cerebral lymphoma: a case report

We report a case of a bright, alert patient with central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) associated with cerebral malignant lymphoma. CNH is a syndrome comprising normal or elevated arterial oxygen tension, decreased arterial carbon dioxide tension, and respiratory alkalosis in the absence of cardiac or pulmonary disease that stimulates a compensatory hyperpnea. A-72-year-old man with recurrent central nervous system lymphoma presented with hyperpnea. showing a respiratory rate over 30 per minute. He was fully awake and conscious. Routine laboratory studies and chest X-ray were normal, but arterial blood gas examination on room air showed respiratory alkalosis, regardless of wakefulness or sleep. Pulmonary infarction was denied by pulmonary flow scintigram. Rebreathing from a paper bag, intravenous administration of diazepam, and oxygen inhalation failed to alter the respiratory pattern. Brain MRI demonstrated two mildly enhanced lesions within the left side of the medulla oblongata and right side of the pons. CNH is rare in patients with normal consciousness. It seems to be caused by brainstem injury that includes the respiratory center.

Induction of apoptosis in glioma cells: an approach to control tumor growth by blocking basic fibroblast growth factor autocrine loop

Glioma is a group of neoplasms derived from neuroepithelial tissue. High grade glioma is characterized by the presence of mitotic figures and the occurrence of vascular endothelial hyperplasia. This article reviews the effects of growth factors which are secreted by glioma cells on the proliferative activity of both glioma cells and vascular endothelial cells. Among various glioma-derived growth factors, we have found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in determining malignant trait of human glioma via its autocrine loop. Furthermore, we discuss candidate molecular targets for the therapy of high-grade glioma by blocking the autocrine loop of bFGF.

Efficacy of conventional radiotherapy for recurrent meningioma

Results of radiation therapy for 20 patients with recurrent meningioma were analyzed. The patients included 8 men and 12 women, with a median age of 55 years. All of the patients had undergone at least one operation prior to the reoperation preceding radiotherapy. Ten patients had benign meningiomas, while 4 and 6 patients had atypical and malignant meningiomas, respectively, at the time of radiotherapy. The median radiation dose was 59.4 Gy (range: 50-61.2 Gy). The local control rate at 5 years was 36% for all 20 patients (41% for benign meningiomas and 30% for atypical or malignant meningiomas). The 5-year survival rate was 47%. Excluding 2 patients whose follow-up period was shorter than the preradiotherapy interval from the previous operation, the postradiation recurrence-free period was longer than the preradiotherapy interval in 50% (9/18) of the patients. No serious complications of radiotherapy were observed. Radiotherapy seemed to be effective in controlling the tumor or delaying recurrence in at least half of the patients. However, higher doses of radiation, using sophisticated radiation techniques, may be necessary to obtain higher control rates.

Biotransformation of methyl ent-17-hydroxy-16beta-kauran-19-oate by Rhizopus stolonifer

Methyl ent-17-hydroxy-16beta-kauran-19-oate was fed to a 2-day-old culture of the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer, fermenting at room temperature (25 degrees C) in an orbital shaker (21). After 11 days, both broth and mycelia were extracted with ethyl acetate. Two novel compounds were isolated from this experiment: methyl ent-9alpha,17-dihydroxy-16beta-kauran-19-oate and methyl ent-7alpha,17-dihydroxy-16beta-kauran-19-oate. Their structures were fully confirmed by spectroscopic methods.

Tubular aggregates in the skeletal muscle of the senescence-accelerated mouse; SAM

We investigated the skeletal muscles of nine strains of senescence accelerated mouse (SAM), DDD, AKR/J, C57BL/6J, A/J and BALB/c mice. We found that male SAMP8, SAMP7, C57BL/6J, A/J and BALB/c mice expressed tubular aggregates (TAs) in their skeletal muscle. Among these strains, the SAMP8 strain, which exhibits a short life span and various age-associated neurodegenerative disorders plus mitochondrial dysfunction, showed TAs more markedly than the others. Thus, we compared SAMP8 mice against SAMR1 mice, an accelerated senescence-resistant strain. Light- and electron micrographs showed that male SAMP8 mice exhibited an age-dependent aggravation of TA accumulation. There were no significant differences in the serum lactate/pyruvate levels between the SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice. However, the serum creatine kinase (CK) levels of the 3 and 6-month-old SAMP8 mice were higher than that of the corresponding SAMR1 mice. Considering the serum CK levels and the mitochondrial dysfunction of SAMP8 mice, we conclude that the TAs may be involved in the homeostasis of energy metabolism that is not appropriately regulated in the SAMP8 mouse mitochondrion.

Long-term results of radiation therapy for pituitary adenoma

PURPOSE

Local control for pituitary adenomas treated with external beam radiation therapy was retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight patients treated with radiation therapy between 1979 and 1994 were analyzed. The median age was 46. Nineteen newly diagnosed tumors were treated with surgery and radiation therapy, while the others were recurrent cases. Twenty-two tumors were non-functioning, while 10 produced growth hormone (GH) and three each were prolactin-, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing tumors. The median-radiation dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions.

RESULTS

Non-functioning adenomas and prolactin-producing adenomas were completely controlled, judging from the absence of tumor progression on neuroimaging studies and clinical symptoms, and normalization of the serum prolactin level (< 25 ng/ml). On the other hand, local control was obtained in only one of the 3 patients with ACTH-producing adenomas, and the control rate at 10 years was only 46% for GH-producing adenomas. Panhypopituitarism developed in 35% of the patients after radiation therapy. No other serious complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas and prolactin-producing adenomas were well controlled with external radiation therapy combined with surgery. However, dose escalation might be necessary to control GH-or ACTH-producing tumors. It is important to replace corticosteroid hormone and thyroid hormone in many patients.

The biotransformation of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid by Rhizopus stolonifer

Microbial transformation of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid was carried out with R. stolonifer. After seven days of incubation, two metabolites, ent-7 alpha-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and ent-12 beta-hydroxy-kaur-9(11),16-dien-19-oic acid, were isolated as a result of hydroxylation and hydroxylation/dehydrogenation, respectively. Incubation for 15 days also afforded ent-16 beta,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid. The metabolites were identified by spectroscopic methods.

An early stage mechanism of the age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain of SAMP8 mice; an age-associated neurodegeneration animal model

In order to characterize the early stage of mitochondrial dysfunction, we investigated the redox state and oxidative phosphorylation of the brain mitochondria from 2-month-old Senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM)P8 and SAMR1 mice; SAMP8 mice exhibit various signs of age-associated neurodegeneration and rapid mitochondrial dysfunction, although SAMR1 mice do not. The redox state was estimated as the reduction rate of Cu-pyruvaldehyde-bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-PTSM), the reduction of which is closely related to the electron leakage from the mitochondrial electron transport system in the brain, using electron spin resonance spectrometry (ESRS). The oxidative phosphorylation was measured polarographically. The SAMP8 mouse brain mitochondria demonstrated higher redox state and a higher activity of mitochondrial respiration with lower respiration control ratio than the mitochondria of SAMR1 mouse brains. This indicates that an inefficient hyperactive state can exist in the mitochondrial electron transport system before the age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction develops.

[A case report of choroid plexus carcinoma]

Choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis, whose optimal treatment has not yet been established. We report a case of a one-year-old infant who has been treated with successive combined therapy. The therapy involved two operations for partial removal, interrupted radiotherapy up to 12Gy, 2 cycles of salvage chemotherapy, followed by an operation for total removal, and then a further 3 cycles of chemotherapy. CT scan after the preoperative salvage chemotherapy showed remarkable shrinkage of the residual tumor, which made operative procedure easier. The patient was disease-free for ten months after the last operation. Patients with combined preoperative chemotherapy and total resection seem to enjoy prolonged progression-free survival, so preoperative chemotherapy for choroid plexus carcinoma seems to be of benefit, despite the fact that its optimal recipe has not yet been established.

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of basic fibroblast growth factor induces in vitro angiogenesis

To investigate the possibility of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in the treatment of vascular occlusive diseases, we constructed a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vector coding for human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and examined its effect on the proliferation and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells in vitro. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were successfully infected with high efficiency and expressed 18 kD protein which is immunoreactive to anti-bFGF monoclonal antibody. This protein was accumulated mainly in the nuclei of the cells, but was also detected in the culture medium although the complimentary DNA (cDNA) did not contain the classical secreting signal sequence. The proliferation assay of HUVECs infected with bFGF-expressing adenovirus revealed a significant increase in cell number over control. Infection with this virus also enhanced tubular formation of HUVECs on reconstituted basement membrane. Neovascularization and the formation of collateral vessels play important roles in minimizing tissue damage in ischemic disorders. These results imply that the use of bFGF-expressing recombinant adenovirus may be a suitable in vivo gene therapy for ischemic diseases.

[A malignant rhabdoid tumor appearing simultaneously in the kidney and the brain of an infant: case report]

A 6-month-old female was admitted to the hospital with bad temper and decreased sucking power. CT scans revealed tumors in her right kidney and left cerebellum. The patient underwent right radical nephrectomy to excise the kidney tumor. The pathological diagnosis was malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT). Seven days later, the patient underwent left suboccipital craniectomy for total excision of the cerebellar tumor. The cerebellar tumor existed extraaxially, and consisted of a solid mass lesion and a cystic lesion. Histological examination revealed that it was also a malignant rhabdoid tumor. A follow-up CT, 1.5 months after surgery, revealed a recurrence of the kidney tumor and metastasis to the chest wall and lung. The patient received 16.9 Gy radiotherapy to the abdominal tumor and chemotherapy with etoposide, carboplatin, and ifosfamide. However, she died of respiratory insufficiency 4 months after surgery, though neither recurrence nor metastasis was found in the brain. Nor was there evidence of leptomeningeal dissemination. MRT is a highly malignant tumor that occurs most frequently in the kidney. However, it can also occur in other tissues, including the brain. This tumor occurs most commonly in children under 2 years of age. There is a 3:2 male predominance. The median length of overall survival of MRT in the brain is 6 months. MRT contains nests or sheets of rhabdoid cells. A typical rhabdoid cell has an eccentric round nucleus with a prominent nucleolus and a plump cell body. MRT is composed entirely or partly of rhabdoid cells. Many MRTs have other components, such as PNET areas, mesenchymal area, and epithelial areas. For this reason, they are sometimes called atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. MRTs in the brain contain fewer rhabdoid cell areas than MRT in the kidney. This makes diagnosing MRT in the brain more difficult. A careful search of the entire specimen for variations in pattern and cell type, along with application of immunohistochemical methods is the most useful method of obtaining a diagnosis. In our case, the cerebellar tumor consisted of rhabdoid cell areas, mesenchymal areas, and PNET areas. The cerebellar tumor contained fewer rhabdoid cell areas than the kidney tumor. However, the rhabdoid cell areas in the cerebellar tumor were almost the same as those in the kidney tumor. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining was positive for vimentin and keratin in the rhabdoid cell areas. Therefore, we were able to make a diagnosis of MRT. It is possible that some of the previously reported cases diagnosed as CNS PNET were actually MRT in the brain, especially if the cases were associated with MRT in the kidney.

Neurotoxicity testing of a new bioactive bone cement

Bioactive bone cement (BABC) is a novel artificial bone cement. It has some noteworthy characteristics that are applicable to neurological surgery. The toxicity of BABC to the nervous system was tested by implanting BABC and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement as a control at the parietal and the suboccipital regions of the skull in beagles. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) was tested before and after implantation. Sections of the cerebral cortex and the acoustic nerve were examined at 3 and 6 months after implantation. No abnormal ABR was found in any animals. Histological examination of the cerebral cortex and acoustic nerve demonstrated slight gliosis in both the BABC and PMMA cement groups, but no other abnormalities.

Apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo induced by a neutralizing antibody against human basic fibroblast growth factor

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mitogenic to neuroectoderm- and mesoderm-derived cells and is a potent angiogenic factor. Abundant amounts of this factor and its receptor are detected in human glioma tissues and cells, and bFGF in glioma is thought to be involved in autonomous cell growth as an autocrine growth factor. A neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) against bFGF, 3H3 MAb, has been shown to inhibit both in vitro and in vivo growth of human glioma cell lines. This study shows that the human glioma cell lines U-87MG and U-251MG, which express high levels of bFGF and its receptor, can be induced to undergo apoptosis when cultured with 3H3 MAb. It is also demonstrated that 3H3 MAb can cause apoptosis in the same glioma cells that were transplanted into nude mice. Furthermore, enforced overexpression of bcl-2 protein by gene transfection prevented 3H3 MAb-induced apoptosis of glioma cells. It is concluded that induction of apoptosis by the neutralizing antibody is a promising therapeutic strategy for glioma.

Apoptosis induced by selenium in human glioma cell lines

Several studies have shown that selenium can inhibit tumorigenesis in tissues. However, little is known about the mechanism and the effect of selenium on DNA, especially in brain tumor cells. In this study we examined the biological effect of selenium on human glioma cell lines (A172 and T98G). Selenium exhibited an antiproliferative effect on these cell lines (and induced the typical ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation commonly found in apoptosis), which were prevented by catalase. Few effects of selenium on NT14 fibroblasts were found. These findings demonstrate that selenium may induce, by apoptosis, cell death of human glioma cell lines, which are resulting from free radical oxygen forming.

Pathology of cerebral metastases

Important pathologic features of cerebral metastases include the route of spread of tumor cells to the brain, differences among metastases based on location in dura mater, leptomeninges, and brain parenchyma, differences based on primary tumor site, both known and unknown, the means of spread of metastases within the brain, and the brain's reactions to metastases. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy are increasingly used in the pathologic evaluation of cerebral metastasis.

The microbiological transformation of two ent-16 beta,17-epoxykaurane derivatives by Gibberella fujikuroi

The biotransformation of ent-16beta-17-epoxy-7 alpha-hydroxykaurane by Gibberella fujikuroi affords ent-7 alpha,11 alpha,16 beta,17-tetrahydroxykaurane and ent-7 alpha, 9 alpha, 16 beta, 17-tetrahydroxykaurane. These results indicated that the presence of the 16 alpha, 17-diol group, into which the 16 alpha, 17-epoxy is transformed in the medium, inhibits oxidation at C-19 and favours hydroxylation at C-11(beta). Incubation of ent-16 beta, 17-epoxykauran-19-oic acid, via the 16 alpha, 17-diol, gave the 7-aldehyde of 16 alpha, 17-dihydroxy-GA12.

Transcriptional regulation of basic fibroblast growth factor gene by p53 in human glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Mutations of the p53 gene are found in various human cancers. The frequency of its mutation is reported to increase during tumor progression in most tumors. In human gliomas, mutations of the p53 gene are found in about one-third of the malignant forms and in few of the benign ones, indicating their possible involvement in tumor progression. On the other hand, we have recently shown that basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) plays a crucial role in tumor progression as an autocrine growth factor in tissues of human gliomas. Therefore, we hypothesized that p53 might regulate the promoter activity of the basic FGF gene, which has several GC boxes and no typical TATA box. In this study, cotransfection assays using human glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells and establishment of stable cell lines expressing mutant-type p53 were performed. The basic FGF gene promoter was demonstrated to be regulated by p53 at the transcriptional level and its basal core promoter was found to be responsive to p53. Expression of endogenous basic FGF was also demonstrated to be activated by mutant type p53. Wild-type p53 repressed gene expression of the basic FGF and its mutant activated it in vitro, implying one of the possible pathways in tumor progression.

The bio-transformation of ent-19-hydroxykaur-16-en-15-one by Cephalosporium aphidicola

ent-19-Hydroxykaur-16-en-15-one is transformed to ent-3 beta,16 beta,19-trihydroxykauran-15-one by Cephalosporium aphidicola. The structure of this metabolite was established by X-ray crystallography.

bcl-2 gene prevents apoptosis of basic fibroblast growth factor-deprived murine aortic endothelial cells

Growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been found to promote the survival and proliferation of endothelial cells. However, the mechanism by which growth factors control the regeneration and degeneration of the endothelial cells remained poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that apoptosis of murine aortic endothelial (MAE) cells was induced by deprivation of bFGF but required new RNA and protein synthesis. Furthermore, enforced expression of bcl-2 gene in MAE cells using gene transfer techniques decreased apoptosis induced by deprivation of bFGF. These findings suggest that bcl-2 interferes with a pathway for endothelial cell death that is induced by deprivation of bFGF.

Immunohistochemical reactions for fibroblast growth factor receptor in arteries of patients with moyamoya disease

The cause of moyamoya disease remains unknown, and pathophysiological mechanisms remain uncertain. Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a pluripotent polypeptide that has been shown to play roles in angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and many other processes. In a previous study, we demonstrated immunohistochemically that the amount of basic FGF was increased above normal in the superficial temporal artery (STA) of patients with moyamoya disease. To clarify the function of basic FGF in moyamoya disease, we have performed an immunohistochemical study of the STA using a polyclonal antihuman FGF receptor antibody and also have tested immunohistochemical reactions for basic FGF. Twelve surgical specimens of the STA from patients with moyamoya disease were studied. Twelve specimens of the STA from skin flaps of patients with other neurological diseases were also investigated for comparison. The sections of the STA from patients with moyamoya disease showed dense and strong FGF receptor and basic FGF immunoreactivity in endothelial cells, in cells scattered in the thickened intima, and in smooth muscle cells in the media. In contrast, the sections of the STA of control patients showed faint basic FGF immunoreactivity. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference of basic FGF immunoreactivity between moyamoya disease and other neurological diseases (chi 2 = 23; P = 0.0001). Moderately intense FGF receptor immunoreactivity was observed in most control patients. However, the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference of FGF receptor immunoreactivity between moyamoya disease and other neurological diseases (chi 2 = 13.382; P = 0.0012).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunohistochemical study for basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor I in pituitary adenomas

Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and one of its receptors (FGFR-I) were performed in pituitary adenomas. Sixty percent of pituitary adenomas showed strong or moderate immunoreactivity to bFGF. The immunoreactivity for FGFR-I in tumor tissues showed positive correlation to that for bFGF (X2 = 6.176, P = 0.0456). Basic FGF-positive cells consisted of pituitary adenoma cells as well as folliculostellate cells and, their distribution was heterogeneous. Expressions of bFGF and FGFR-I were not related to cell proliferation of pituitary adenomas or hormones produced, suggesting that bFGF plays some role other than progression of pituitary adenomas.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in human glioma and meningioma tissues

We examined the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1), namely FLG, in tissues of 18 human gliomas, 10 human meningiomas, 3 human metastatic brain tumors, and 2 normal human brains by means of immunohistochemistry. All tissues were positively stained for FGFR-1. Primary brain tumors were more abundantly immunoreactive than normal brain tissues (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between the expression level of basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) and that of FGFR-1 in tissues of human glioma (Spearman's test, P < 0.05). The expression level of FGFR-1 of tumor cells increased in correlation with that of endothelial cells in glioma tissues (Spearman's test, P < 0.001). We previously reported that basic FGF is produced in more than 90% of human glioma and meningioma tissues. Together with these data, it is suggested that basic FGF is involved in autonomous cell growth and tumorigenesis of gliomas and meningiomas as an autocrine growth factor in vivo.

Scintigraphic detection of xenografted tumors producing human basic fibroblast growth factor

A murine monoclonal antibody 3H3 recognizes the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and inhibits the growth of human glioblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. We studied the potential of a scintigraphic technique using the 3H3 antibody to detect tumors that produce basic FGF. 125I- and 111In-labeled 3H3 bound to U87MG human glioblastoma cells in vitro. U87MG cells were inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice. After development of the tumor, radiolabeled 3H3 was injected into the subcutaneous space surrounding the tumor. A high level of radioactivity from 3H3 was retained at the tumor, whereas an irrelevant antibody cleared rapidly from the injected site. Radiolabeled 3H3 was not retained in tumors that did not produce basic FGF. Scintigraphic detection of tumors expressing basic FGF would be valuable for the therapeutic application of the antibody.

Correlation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression levels with the degree of malignancy and vascularity in human gliomas

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a mitogen, a differentiation factor for neuroectoderm-derived cells, and a potent angiogenic factor. The authors have previously demonstrated that the messenger ribonucleic acid of basic FGF is expressed in more than 90% of human gliomas. In the present study, they examined the expression of basic FGF in human glioma tissues using immunohistochemical techniques with a mouse monoclonal antibody against human basic FGF. They also correlated the basic FGF level with the histological grades of malignancy assessed by the number of nucleolar organizer regions (NOR's). Basic FGF was detected in 18 of 19 gliomas, whereas it was undetectable in two normal brains. The expression level of basic FGF peptide increased proportionally with the degree of malignancy. There was also a tendency for the number of NOR's in glioma cells to increase in glioma samples with a high level of basic FGF expression. Furthermore, most of the cases with increased vascularity demonstrated on cerebral angiograms showed a relatively high level of basic FGF expression of tumor cells and a large number of NOR's in endothelial cells in tumor tissues. These results suggest that basic FGF is actually produced in most gliomas and is involved in tumorigenesis and malignant progression as an autocrine growth factor. Moreover, basic FGF may play an important role in tumor neovascularization as a paracrine angiogenic factor.

Induction of avascular yolk sac due to reduction of basic fibroblast growth factor by retinoic acid in mice

Vasculogenesis depends on autocrine secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from capillary endothelial cells. Retinoic acid (RA) induced avascular yolk sac (AVY) of mouse embryos of dams given 60 mg/kg of RA orally on Day 8 of gestation and sacrificed 3 days later. We studied the localization and transcriptional expression of bFGF and FGF-receptor (flg), heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) activity, localization of lysosomal enzymes and alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT), and electron microscopy of the normal mouse visceral yolk sac (VYS) and AVY. bFGF, which is normally present in the endoderm of the VYS of 8-day-old embryos and in all components of the VYS by Day 11 of gestation, was reduced in the AVY. However, in the presence of bFGF in vitro capillary nets were restored in the AVY. The mRNA for bFGF was not detectable in either VYS or AVY, while flg mRNA was detected equally in both organs in Northern blotting. The characteristic distribution pattern of lysosomal enzymes, acid phosphatase, lysozyme, and cathepsin D, and AAT was altered in the AVY. The level of acid phosphatase and AAT was reduced to 10% in the AVY. Electron microscopy revealed a partial or total loss of lysosomal membranes where the contents of lysosomes fused with adjacent lysosomes and the external organelles. These results suggest that vitelline blood vessels are not developed by endogenous autocrine bFGF but by exogenous transcellular bFGF from absorptive endodermal cells. Retinoic acid does not affect the angiogenic capacity of the VYS mesenchyme but destroys lysosomes, which release hydrolytic enzymes, leading to degradation of AAT in the endodermal cells and then digestion of endocytosed bFGF.

Inhibition of cell growth and tumorigenesis of human glioblastoma cells by a neutralizing antibody against human basic fibroblast growth factor

We report here that a neutralizing mouse monoclonal antibody against basic FGF inhibited both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth of U-87MG and T98G human glioblastoma cells and HeLa cells, all of which express both the basic FGF and the FGF receptor genes. In addition, the subcutaneous administration of this antibody significantly suppressed the tumor development of these tumor cells in nude mice. Therefore, basic FGF plays an important role in neoplastic growth of these cells. The neutralization of basic FGF will be effective in controlling the growth of tumors, such as glioblastoma and other cancer cells which bear basic FGF and FGF receptors.

Possible roles of basic fibroblast growth factor in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease: an immunohistochemical study

Prominent features of moyamoya disease are fibrocellular thickening of the intima and enhanced angiogenesis. The pathogenesis of moyamoya disease is, however, unknown. Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is an angiogenic factor as well as a potent mitogen for a number of cell types including vascular endothelial and smooth-muscle cells. In order to test the possibility that basic FGF takes part in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease, the authors tested for the presence of this factor using a mouse monoclonal antibody against human recombinant basic FGF. The surgical specimens studied included two sections of the superficial temporal artery (STA) and four samples of dura mater from four patients with moyamoya disease. Surgical specimens were obtained from three patients with other diseases as control tissue. Sections of the STA obtained from the patients with moyamoya disease showed strong basic FGF immunoreactivity in endothelial and smooth-muscle cells, while control sections had only faint and scattered immunoreactivity. All sections of the dura mater obtained from the patients with moyamoya disease also revealed more intense immunohistochemical staining of basic FGF in meningeal and vascular cells than did control sections. These observations indicate that the amount of basic FGF is increased in the tissues of patients with moyamoya disease; thus, basic FGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease.

Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors in the tissues of human gliomas and meningiomas

Northern blot analysis showed transcripts of two types of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor genes, flg and bek, in almost all the tissues samples of 18 human gliomas and 22 human meningiomas, which produced abundant basic and/or acidic FGF. From immunohistochemistry, FGF receptors were expressed in the tumor cells of a glioma and a meningioma. RNA expression of these FGF receptors was also detectable in normal human brains and normal bovine meninges. The expression level of either FGF receptor gene was not significantly different between tumor tissues and normal tissues.

Gene expression of fibroblast growth factors in human gliomas and meningiomas: demonstration of cellular source of basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA and peptide in tumor tissues

The growth autonomy of human tumor cells is considered due to the endogenous production of growth factors. Transcriptional expression of candidates for autocrine stimulatory factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), acidic FGF, and transforming growth factor type beta were determined in human brain tumors. Basic FGF was expressed abundantly in 17 of 18 gliomas, 20 of 22 meninglomas, and 0 of 5 metastatic brain tumors. The level of mRNA expression of acidic FGF in gliomas was significant. In contrast, transforming growth factor type beta 1 was expressed in all the samples investigated. The mRNA for basic FGF and its peptide were localized in tumor cells in vivo by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, showing that basic FGF is actually produced in tumor cells. Our results suggest that tumor-derived basic FGF is involved in the progression of gliomas and meningiomas in vivo, whereas acidic FGF is expressed in a tumor origin-specific manner, suggesting that acidic FGF works in tandem with basic FGF in glioma tumorigenesis.