Oxygen atoms are critical in rendering THP-1 leukaemia cells susceptible to cold physical plasma-induced apoptosis

Cold physical plasma has been suggested as a powerful new tool in oncology. However, some cancer cells such as THP-1 leukaemia cells have been shown to be resistant towards plasma-induced cell death, thereby serving as a good model for optimizing plasmas in order to foster pro-apoptotic anticancer effects. A helium/oxygen radio frequency driven atmospheric plasma profoundly induced apoptosis in THP-1 cells whereas helium, humidified helium, and humidified helium/oxygen plasmas were inefficient. Hydrogen peroxide – previously shown as central plasma-derived agent – did not participate in the killing reaction but our results suggest hypochlorous acid to be responsible for the effect observed. Proteomic analysis of THP-1 cells exposed to He/O₂ plasma emphasized a prominent growth retardation, cell stress, apoptosis, and a pro-immunogenic profile. Altogether, a plasma setting that inactivates previously unresponsive leukaemia cells is presented. Crucial reactive species in the plasma and liquid environment were identified and discussed, deciphering the complexity of plasma from the gas phase into the liquid down to the cellular response mechanism. These results may help tailoring plasmas for clinical applications such as oxidation-insensitive types of cancer.

Toxicity and Immunogenicity in Murine Melanoma following Exposure to Physical Plasma-Derived Oxidants

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive and deadly disease. Therapeutic advance has been achieved by antitumor chemo- and radiotherapy. These modalities involve the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, affecting cellular viability, migration, and immunogenicity. Such species are also created by cold physical plasma, an ionized gas capable of redox modulating cells and tissues without thermal damage. Cold plasma has been suggested for anticancer therapy. Here, melanoma cell toxicity, motility, and immunogenicity of murine metastatic melanoma cells were investigated following plasma exposure in vitro. Cells were oxidized by plasma, leading to decreased metabolic activity and cell death. Moreover, plasma decelerated melanoma cell growth, viability, and cell cycling. This was accompanied by increased cellular stiffness and upregulation of zonula occludens 1 protein in the cell membrane. Importantly, expression levels of immunogenic cell surface molecules such as major histocompatibility complex I, calreticulin, and melanocortin receptor 1 were significantly increased in response to plasma. Finally, plasma treatment significantly decreased the release of vascular endothelial growth factor, a molecule with importance in angiogenesis. Altogether, these results suggest beneficial toxicity of cold plasma in murine melanomas with a concomitant immunogenicity of potential interest in oncology.

[Urethral strictures--operative strategy]

Urethral strictures are very commonly encountered in urologists' day-to-day work. Many specific therapeutic and reconstructive procedures are available for treatment of the different types of urethral stricture, all of which can be recommended when the indications for each are carefully observed. This paper highlights operative concepts that allow a surgical therapy that is tailored to the localisation and length of the stricture and the severity of spongiofibrosis.

[Bladder injury. Diagnostics and treatment]

Bladder injuries are caused by high-energy blunt trauma that disrupt the bony pelvis, a direct blow to a distended bladder, penetrating injuries, or various iatrogenic causes. When diagnosis is prompt and treatment adequate respecting the other possible injuries, complications from bladder injuries are rare. Problems may occur when the diagnosis is delayed. A systematic approach following the prescribed guidelines will help to successfully manage these cases.

[Retroperitoneoscopy to extract an amorphous matrix calculus of the right kidney]

The female patient underwent multiple extracorporal shockwave treatments and an ureterorenoscopy during which an amorphous renal mass was found. A retroperitoneoscopy was performed with extraction of a large amorphous matrix calculus. Today, the prevalence of matrix calculi is very low. They are associated with and caused by urinal-infections. Delayed diagnosis in radiological-imaging procedures is typical for these stones. The minimal-invasive approach via retroperitoneoscopy seems to be an intriguing alternative to the established procedures like percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy.

[Solitary tumor of the spermatic cord]

A 4.5-cm elastic, non-dolent mass in the left spermatic cord was diagnosed in a 57-year-old man and totally excised by a scrotal access. Histologically a cellular angiofibroma was diagnosed. These benign tumours are very rare. In women the most common sites are the vulvovaginal, in men the inguinoscrotal region.

[Infected upper renal pole in a duplex system with paravaginal abscess]

INTRODUCTION

Diagnosis of afunctional duplex systems may be delayed as they are often associated with misleading and atypical symptoms. A 40-year-old female with no history of urological disease exemplifies this thesis.

CASE REPORT

Symptoms at admission were fever with pain in the right flank and lower abdomen. Sonography showed a large unclear structure at the upper pole of the right kidney and a paravaginal abscess, which was drained primarily. Rising temperature led to examination by CT-scan, which revealed a renal abscess of the upper pole, suggesting a right extopic ureter. After percutaneous drainage, further examinations (antegrade pyelography and IVP) confirmed an ectopic, blind-ending duplex ureter with a hydropyonephrotic upper renal system on the right side. Upper poole resection with ureterectomy was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unclear abscesses in the area of the external genitalia, congenital anomalies of the urinary tract should be considered as an underlying disease.