Effects of myelotoxic agents on cytokine production in murine long-term bone marrow cultures

In long-term bone marrow cultures we studied the effect of the addition of the myelotoxic agents methotrexate (MTX) and ceftazidime (CEF) on the kinetics of cytokine production in the supernatant (SN) and on mRNA expression in the adherent stromal layer. In response to a medium change, a prompt and significant increase in colony-stimulating activity (CSA) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations in the SN occurred, peaking 12 h later. Two macrophage colony-stimulating factors (M-CSF) mRNA of 23 kb and 4 kb were identified. In response to the medium change, the 4.0-kb transcript increased significantly six h later. The 2.3-kb transcript expression was stronger than the 4-kb mRNA but did not cycle with medium change. At medium change, IL-6 mRNA was only minimally expressed; then a prompt increase occurred, which peaked six h later. The addition of 500 mg/ml (=915 microM) CEF to the culture caused a dose-dependent suppression of CSA and IL-6 supernatant concentrations and IL-6 and M-CSF mRNA expression. By contrast, 1 microM MTX had minimal effect on cytokine concentrations in the SN following medium change. mRNA expression was, however, suppressed. These results provide insights into the possible mechanisms whereby cytokines lead to increased myeloid cell proliferation following medium change. We also demonstrate that two myelotoxic agents have different effects on cytokine production. This information could be of value in developing rational approaches to the therapeutic use of cytokines in drug-induced neutropenia.

[JOMOL--immunostimulation and rejection of tumor cells?]

Jomol contains cell wall fragments of the bacterium Nocardia opaca composed of 40% oligopeptides, 40% lipids, 10-15% polysaccharides, and 5-10% peptidoglycans. Technetium labeled--Jomo tech--and Indium-labeled--Jomo in--preparations are used for diagnosing cancer. Jomol is promoted to cure any cancer, except Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and ovarian cancer. It is claimed that Jomol has no side effects, however chills and high fever have been observed. Following initial intensive therapy with daily injections of Jomol, a maintenance therapy is recommended to prevent relapses. One vial of Jomol or Jomo-tech costs 450.--DM. Dr. U. Ehrenfeld, an oral surgeon, developed the aqueous extract of Nocardia opaca and patented it in 1983 under the name of Jomol. Ehrenfeld is promoting Jomo-tech and Jomo-in for qualitative and semi-quantitative cancer diagnosis with whole body scintigraphy. The following action of mechanisms of Jomol are claimed: 1. Unspecific stimulation of cellular immune mechanisms, 2. xenogenization of tumor cells towards a bacterial surface by adhesion of Jomol and then attraction and activation of macrophages. Despite the positive claims of the promoters the preclinical and clinical investigations are insufficient or missing, therefore a routine treatment of malignancies with Jomol is not justified except in study protocols. Jomol is not registered at the Intercantonal Office for Drug Control in Switzerland and is not approved by the Public Health Department in Germany and is not reimbursed by most of the state health insurances.

[Neytumorin as biomodular onco-therapy--allegations without documentation]

NeyTumorin is a combination of peptides and proteins of 15 different organs from fetal and young pigs and cows. The list of indications ranges from cancer prevention to long-term treatment of malignancies. One vial of NeyTumorin-Sol costs DM 122.34. The therapy for a patient with a T1-2N0M0 cancer costs about DM 16,500 and an advanced stage up to over DM 100,000. The inventor of the Cytoplasmatic Therapy is K.E. Theurer. About 40 years ago, he founded the Vitorgan-Pharmaceutical Company which produces and distributes NeyTumorin. It is claimed that "physiological repair aids" from the cytoplasm of healthy animal organs induce a "hygiogenization" of the disturbed metabolism and NeyTumorin has immunogenic and immuno-modulatory effects which are important for the efficacy. The promotors classify NeyTumorin as a biological response modifier. The components of NeyTumorin are not defined. Preclinical investigations showing direct cytostatic and immunomodulatory effects are not sufficiently documented. Often extremely high concentrations of NeyTumorin were used. Clinical studies including prospective randomized trials are not conclusive because of false or insufficient documentation. There is no proof for either the claimed mechanism of action nor for a clinical efficacy.

[Regazell-Energen: bioactivator in tumor treatment? Documentation No. 26 D]

Regazell-Energen (RE) is a combination of drinking vials which contain gelée royale, ginseng, hawthorn, wheatgerm extract solved in mead, and capsules filled with mixed pollen. RE is recommended for revitalization and regeneration, regulation and stimulation of the immune system and in the early metaphylaxis of treated cancer patients. Two courses during 40 days per year should be taken. RE has practically no side effects. Only individuals with pollen allergy or alcohol intolerance should be cautious. A package for a 14-day course costs 170 Swiss francs. RE is produced by Bio-Naturkraft in Poing, Munich, and research is supported by the German Society for Matrix Research. The president is Prof. H. Heine from the Institute of Anatomy of the anthroposophic University Witten-Herdecke. The bioactivator RE ist claimed to be a 'new, autonomous therapeutic system' to 'increase physical and mental well-being ... helping to overcome stress and immune defects'. Heine claims that RE acts decisively on the 'regulation of the matrix' and fights cancer by activating the fibroblast-macrophage system via the healthy tissue. The three clinical investigations on the effect of RE in the oncological aftercare contain severe flaws in the collection of data and interpretation.