Attitudes of Nurses and Physicians About Clinical Autopsy in Neonatal and Adult Hospital Care: A Survey in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: The rate of autopsies has dropped to low levels in Western countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the experiences and attitudes of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians (MD) toward clinical autopsies in neonatal and adult hospital care in Sweden. METHODS: RNs and MDs in neonatal and adult care specialized clinics at a university-affiliated hospital in Sweden were surveyed. Survey responses were tallied, and free-text comments were assessed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-six surveys were distributed; the response rate was 35%. Most RNs and 14% of the MDs had limited or no experience participating in an autopsy. Notably, few RNs and approximately one third of the MDs were familiar with the autopsy processes and the treatment of the deceased person's body after an autopsy. More than one third of RNs had experience with talking to relatives regarding autopsy. Most agreed that an autopsy could be supportive for relatives during the grieving process and beneficial for the quality of healthcare. Most MDs (70%) thought that autopsies should be performed more frequently. Qualitative results emphasized that RNs and MDs thought that autopsy information supported the grieving process of relatives-especially parents who had lost a child. DISCUSSION: The survey data confirm belief in the value of clinical autopsies in neonatal and adult hospital care. RNs and MDs should receive training about the autopsy process and procedures for obtaining consent for an autopsy. RNs are in a position to support the decision making of relatives about providing consent for autopsy and have an opportunity to take a more active role in the autopsy process.

Antagonistic effects of selenium and lipid peroxides on growth control in early hepatocellular carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: Activation of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor as well as increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-8 predict poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Moreover, HCC patients display reduced selenium levels, which may cause lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress because selenium is an essential component of antioxidative glutathione peroxidases (GPx). We hypothesized that selenium-lipid peroxide antagonism controls the above prognostic markers and tumor growth. (1) In human HCC cell lines (HCC-1.2, HCC-3, and SNU398) linoleic acid peroxide (LOOH) and other prooxidants enhanced the expression of VEGF and IL-8. LOOH up-regulated AP-1 activation. Selenium inhibited these effects. This inhibition was mediated by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), which preferentially degrades lipid peroxides. Selenium enhanced GPx4 expression and total GPx activity, while knock-down of GPx4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased VEGF, and IL-8 expression. (2) These results were confirmed in a rat hepatocarcinogenesis model. Selenium treatment during tumor promotion increased hepatic GPx4 expression and reduced the expression of VEGF and of the AP-1 component c-fos as well as nodule growth. (3) In HCC patients, increased levels of LOOH-related antibodies (LOOH-Ab) were found, suggesting enhanced LOOH formation. LOOH-Ab correlated with serum VEGF and IL-8 and with AP-1 activation in HCC tissue. In contrast, selenium inversely correlated with VEGF, IL-8, and HCC size (the latter only for tumors smaller than 3 cm). CONCLUSION: Reduced selenium levels result in accumulation of lipid peroxides. This leads to enhanced AP-1 activation and consequently to elevated expression of VEGF and IL-8, which accelerate the growth of HCC. Selenium supplementation could be considered for investigation as a strategy for chemoprevention or additional therapy of early HCC in patients with low selenium levels.

Sorafenib prolongs liver regeneration after hepatic resection in rats.

BACKGROUND: The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib inhibits angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. Sorafenib targets signaling pathways involved in liver regeneration. Previous works on regenerating mouse liver show differing results. We asked to which degree different lengths of sorafenib treatment would influence liver regeneration after hepatic resection in rats. METHODS: Fischer-344 rats received intragastric injections of sorafenib (5-15 mg/kg/d), underwent a two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH), and were sacrificed at different time points thereafter. Sorafenib treatment was stopped 0, 3, or 14 d after PH. Serum levels of aminotransferases and labeling indices of S-phase nuclei (bromodeoxyuridine and MIB-5) were analyzed, body and liver weights measured, and levels of phospho-ERK determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Sorafenib increased aminotransferases and the number of S-phase nuclei at baseline, but decreased liver weights and levels of phospho-ERK 24 h after PH. The number of S-phase nuclei and mitotic indices decreased 48 h after PH and increased 7 d after PH in animals on sorafenib treatment. Relative liver weights were restored 5 d after PH in control rats, at 7 d in animals receiving sorafenib prior to surgery, at 10 d in rats where sorafenib was stopped 3 d after surgery, and after 14 d in rats on continuous treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this rat model, the regenerating liver adapted to the proliferation-inhibitory effect of sorafenib during continuous treatment. Sorafenib given after hepatic resection did not completely inhibit liver regeneration, but it prolonged the regenerative phase in proportion to the length of treatment.

The anti-carcinogenic effect of statins in a rat model correlates with levels and synthesis of ubiquinone.

Ubiquinone (Q) is a product in the cholesterol synthesis pathway and is an essential component of the respiratory chain in the mitochondrial membrane. In addition, extra-mitochondrial Q has anti-oxidative properties and this fraction is increased during carcinogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate if extra-mitochondrial level of Q is affected by statin treatment in a rat model for liver cancer, and if this change correlates with inhibited carcinogenesis. To do this we isolated sub-cellular fractions of rat livers from a previous experiment where we have shown anti-carcinogenic effects of statins. The levels of Q(8), Q(9) and Q(10) were analysed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Q(9)-levels, constituting the major part of Q in rats, were not significantly affected in any of the sub-cellular compartments. The levels of Q(10), constituting a minor part of Q in rats but the major part of Q in humans, were significantly decreased by about 60% in the statin treated rats. The decrease was present in all sub-cellular compartments, but was most pronounced in the cytosol. There was a significant correlation between extra-mitochondrial Q(10) levels and inhibited carcinogenesis. No such correlation was observed with extra-mitochondrial Q(9). The reduced Q(10)-levels might be explained by the reduced availability of isoprene units during statin treatment, shifting the synthesis towards isoforms with shorter side-chains. In line with this hypothesis there were increased levels of Q(8)-levels during statin treatment. The results support our previous suggestion that at least part of the anti-carcinogenic effect of statins in our rat model is mediated by effects on synthesis of Q. We also demonstrate a shift in the Q-synthesis pathway towards isoforms with shorter side-chains during statin treatment. The ratio between the different Q-isoforms might be used as a more sensitive marker of statin-induced inhibition of Q than measuring total Q levels.

Statins inhibit expression of thioredoxin reductase 1 in rat and human liver and reduce tumour development.

BACKGROUND: Statins have been reported to have anti-carcinogenic properties in addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, but the mechanism is unknown. Thioredoxin reductases (TrxR) are selenium-containing enzymes of great importance for carcinogenesis and their levels are increased in neoplastic cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate if statin treatment is associated with alterations in the hepatic expression of TrxR. METHODS: Human liver biopsies from a study where patients had been randomised to statin treatment or placebo were analysed. In addition we used liver tissue from a human liver bank where statin treated subjects were compared with non-treated. We also used tissue from a rat liver cancer model in which we have previously shown anti-carcinogenic effects of statins. Real-time PCR and activity assay were used to determine TrxR-levels and activity in tissue extracts. RESULTS: In humans 80 mg atorvastatin treatment for 4 weeks (n = 6) was associated with 85% lower levels of TrxR1 and TrxR2 compared to placebo-treated patients (n = 8) (p = 0.03). In liver biopsies from a human donor liver bank 3 statin treated subjects had 90% lower expression of TrxR1 than 15 non-treated subjects (p = 0.04). Statin treatment was associated with 45% lower expression and activity of TrxR1 in a rat model for liver cancer (p = 0.03). There was a clear correlation between inhibition of carcinogenesis and decreased TrxR1-levels (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Statin treatment decreases the hepatic expression of TrxR1 in humans and rats. Suppression of TrxR1 expression could explain possible anti-carcinogenic effects of statins. In addition, decreased levels of TrxR1 during statin treatment may shed light on the mechanism of other side-effects of statins.

Iron-regulatory gene expression during liver regeneration.

BACKGROUND: In rat, the first 18-24 h after partial hepatectomy (PH) are characterized by an acute-phase reaction, after which liver regeneration predominates. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces the iron hormone hepcidin, which blocks iron uptake and may compromise iron uptake in the growing liver. The expressions of hepcidin and the iron-regulatory pathway of hepcidin gene expression during the late phase of liver regeneration are unknown. AIM: To characterize the expression pattern of hepcidin and the iron-sensing pathway of hepcidin regulation during liver regeneration. METHODS: Rats were subjected to PH or sham operation. Liver weights, number of S-phase nuclei, and serum levels of iron and IL-6 were determined. Messenger-RNA levels of hepcidin, ferritin, hemojuvelin, transferrin receptor 1 and 2, HFE, divalent metal transporter 1, ferroportin, and ceruloplasmin were determined with qPCR at different time points. Protein levels of STAT3 and SMAD4 were determined with western blot. RESULTS: During the acute-phase response, IL-6 release induced STAT3 protein and hepcidin mRNA, whereas mRNA levels of proteins in the iron-sensing pathway (HFE, hemojuvelin, and transferrin receptor 2) decreased. The mRNA levels of proteins involved in cellular iron uptake were increased and cellular iron export unchanged. During liver regeneration >24 h after PH, gene expressions in the iron-sensing pathway were continuously suppressed and hepcidin mRNA levels declined 3-7 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin gene expression peaks during the acute-phase response, but a sustained down-regulation of the iron-sensing pathway of hepcidin regulation gradually reduces hepcidin gene expression until regeneration is complete, thereby promoting iron mobilization to the regenerating liver.

Autopsies and quality of cause of death diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE: The consequences of a low autopsy rate are not considered in determining the cause of death. METHOD: We have analyzed the Cause of Death Register of the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare since it started 1969 to and including 2016 to visualize the decline in the frequency of clinical autopsies over time and evaluated the effect on the quality of the cause of death diagnoses. RESULTS: Over the five decades studied, the frequency of clinical autopsies declined from almost 40% to less than 5%. The rate of decline was not even. Political decisions and changes of healthcare organization in Sweden affected the slope of decline of autopsies superimposed on a linear decline over time reflecting changes in clinical routines. A request of clinical autopsies was highly dependent on the level of care at the time of death, with the lowest number of requests for persons who died in nursing homes. The age at the time of death was a major factor affecting the number of autopsies, resulting in an autopsy rate of less than 1% in the ages where most persons die. Although men were autopsied more often than women, a gender-specific difference was not seen after correction for the age of death. We also found a higher rate of unspecific and irrelevant diagnosis in the cases not autopsied and we know from earlier studies by us and other authors that the cause of death diagnoses were missed in between 30% and 50% of the cases not autopsied. CONCLUSION: The decline in the clinical autopsy rate reduced the value of the death certificate register. An increase in the number of autopsies performed will improve the understanding of disease and cause of death, as well as to better inform next of kin.

The role of thioredoxin reductase activity in selenium-induced cytotoxicity.

The selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase is a key enzyme in selenium metabolism, reducing selenium compounds and thereby providing selenide to synthesis of all selenoproteins. We evaluated the importance of active TrxR1 in selenium-induced cytotoxicity using transfected TrxR1 over-expressing stable Human Embryo Kidney (HEK-293) cells and modulation of activity by pretreatment with low concentration of selenite. Treatment with sodium selenite induced cytotoxity in a dose-dependent manner in both TrxR1 over-expressing and control cells. However, TrxR1 over-expressing cells, which were preincubated for 72h with 0.1 microM selenite, were significantly more resistant to selenite cytotoxicity than control cells. To demonstrate the early effects of selenite on behaviour of HEK-293 cells, we also investigated the influence of this compound on cell motility. We observed inhibition of cell motility by 50 microM selenite immediately after administration. Moreover, TrxR1 over-expressing cells preincubated with a low concentration of selenite were more resistant to the inhibitory effect of 50 microM selenite than those not preincubated. It was also observed that the TrxR over-expressing cells showed higher TrxR1 activity than control cells and the preincubation of over-expressing cells with 0.1 microM selenite induced further significant increase in the activity of TrxR1. On the other hand, we demonstrated that TrxR1 over-expressing cells showed decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared to control cells. These data strongly suggest that TrxR1 may be a crucial enzyme responsible for cell resistance against selenium cytotoxicity.

Drug-resistant human lung cancer cells are more sensitive to selenium cytotoxicity. Effects on thioredoxin reductase and glutathione reductase.

The human U-1285 and GLC(4) cell lines, both derived from small cell carcinoma of the lung, are present in doxorubicin-sensitive (U-1285 and GLC(4)) and doxorubicin-resistant MRP-expressing (U-1285dox and GLC(4)/ADR) variants. These sublines were examined here with respect to their susceptibilities to the toxic effects of selenite and compared to the toxic effects of selenite on the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 and its doxorubicin-resistant P-glycoprotein expressing variant. The drug-resistant U-1285dox and GLC(4)/ADR sublines proved to be 3- and 4-fold, respectively, more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of selenite than the drug-sensitive U-1285 and GLC(4) sublines, whereas no difference was observed between the HL-60 sublines. The presence of doxorubicin at a concentration equal to the IC(10) did not significantly potentiate the toxic effects of selenite. The presence of selenite did not significantly affect the expression of the multi-drug resistant proteins (MRP1, LRP and topoisomerase IIalpha) in the drug-resistant cells. The activities of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) were higher (50 and 25%, respectively) in the drug resistant cell sublines U-1285dox and GLC(4)/ADR compared to the drug-sensitive parental lines. The activity of glutathione reductase (GR) was essentially the same in the drug-sensitive and -resistant cell lines. Exposure to selenite resulted in a 4-fold increase in both TrxR and GR activities in U-1285 cells, an effect, which was less pronounced in the presence of doxorubicin. Under similar conditions the increase in the TrxR activity in the resistant U-1285dox cell line, was only 30% and the activity of GR was unaltered. Different responses in the activity of the key enzymes in selenium metabolism are one possible mechanism explaining the differential cytotoxicity of selenium in these cells.

Selenite-induced apoptosis in doxorubicin-resistant cells and effects on the thioredoxin system.

Selenium treatment of the doxorubicin-resistant cell line, U-1285dox, derived from human small cell carcinoma of the lung, resulted in massive apoptosis. This effect appeared maximal at 2 days after addition of selenite. The apoptosis was caspase-3 independent as revealed by Western blot analysis, activity measurement and by using caspase inhibitors. Induction of apoptosis was significantly more pronounced and occurred after addition of lower concentrations of selenite in the doxorubicin-resistant cells compared to the parental doxorubicin-sensitive cells. High levels of selenite caused necrosis in the doxorubicin-sensitive cells. Analysis of enzymatic activity (insulin reduction) of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and TrxR protein concentration, measured by ELISA, revealed increasing activity and protein levels after treatment with increasing concentrations of selenium. Maximum relative increase was induced up to 1 microM in both sublines and at this selenium level the concentrations of TrxR measured as insulin reducing activity or ELISA immunoreactivity were nearly identical. Increasing concentrations of selenite up to 10 microM resulted in increased activity and concentration of TrxR in the sensitive subline but decreasing levels in the resistant subline. The level of truncated Trx (tTrx) was higher in the resistant U-1285dox cells but the level did not change with increasing selenite concentrations. Our results demonstrate pronounced selective selenium-mediated apoptosis in therapy-resistant cells and suggest that redox regulation through the thioredoxin system is an important target for cancer therapy.

Regeneration of the antioxidant ubiquinol by lipoamide dehydrogenase, thioredoxin reductase and glutathione reductase.

Ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant, which is oxidized in action and needs to be replaced or regenerated to be capable of a sustained effort. This article summarises current knowledge of extramitochondrial reduction of ubiquinone by three flavoenzymes, i.e. lipoamide dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase, belonging to the same pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase family. These three enzymes are the most efficient extramitochondrial ubiquinone reductases so far described. The reduction of ubiquinone by lipoamide dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase is potently stimulated by zinc and the highest rate of reduction is achieved at acidic pH and the rates are equal with either NADPH or NADH as co-factors. The most efficient ubiquinone reductases are mammalian cytosolic thioredoxin reductases, which are selenoenzymes with a number of biological functions. Reduction of ubiquinone by thioredoxin reductase is in contrast to the other two enzymes investigated, inhibited by zinc and shows a sharp physiological pH optimum at pH 7.5. Furthermore, the reaction is selenium dependent as revealed from experiments using truncated and mutant forms of the enzyme and also in a cellular context by selenium treatment of transfected thioredoxin reductase overexpressing stable cell lines. The reduction of ubiquinone by the three enzymes offers a multifunctional system for extramitochondrial regeneration of an important antioxidant.

The effect of sodium selenite on liver growth and thioredoxin reductase expression in regenerative and neoplastic liver cell proliferation.

Selenium in supra-nutritional doses is tumour-preventative in animal models and in humans. In this work, we have compared the effect of sodium selenite on tumour growth in a rat hepatocarcinogenesis model with the effect of sodium selenite on the regeneration of liver mass after partial hepatectomy. In the tumour model, 5 µg/mL sodium selenite in the drinking water reduced the rate of tumour growth for up to 12 months after initiation; the volume fraction of liver cancers was 14±4% with a mean bromodeoxyuridine-index of 19±11% in the treated rats compared to a volume fraction of 26±7% with a mean bromodeoxyuridine-index of 42±27% in the control rats. Despite its efficacy in reducing tumour growth, 5 µg/mL sodium selenite treatment did not affect the gain of liver mass or the rate of cell proliferation after partial hepatectomy. In the regenerating livers, the activity of the cytosolic selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) was briefly and transiently increased, an increase further potentiated by sodium selenite. TrxR1 was selectively over expressed in proliferating liver tumours in relation to the surrounding liver tissue in the tumour model, as shown using immunohistochemistry analyses. We suggest that sodium selenite is a suitable candidate for liver cancer prevention in patients with chronic liver diseases that are dependent on sustained liver regeneration due to its differential effects on neoplastic and regenerative cell proliferation. Furthermore, the over expression of TrxR1 in liver neoplasia can only partly be explained by increased growth.

Review: Exploring anticarcinogenic agents in a rat hepatocarcinogenesis model--focus on selenium and statins.

In this review, we describe a rat model for chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis that can be used for studying the anticarcinogenic effects of different agents. In this model the process of carcinogenesis can be followed through the different stages of initiation, promotion and progression. Mechanistic studies of anticarcinogenic agents can be carried out and two examples are given by studies on selenium and statins as anticarcinogenic agents. These compounds suppress cancer via different mechanisms. In the case of selenium the induction of glutathione peroxidase 4 and inhibition of lipid peroxidation might be a part of the anticarcinogenic effect. In the case of statins, the inhibition of ubiquinone synthesis, as well as of the selenium-containing enzyme thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) might explain their anticarcinogenic properties. Interestingly, also in the case of selenium the inhibited carcinogenesis was associated with reduced TrxR activity, indicating an important role for this enzyme in carcinogenesis.

Selenium homeostasis and induction of thioredoxin reductase during long term selenite supplementation in the rat.

Selenium is a candidate treatment for liver tumour prevention in chronic liver disease. In this study, we have studied selenium uptake, distribution and accumulation in rats provided with water containing tumour-preventive doses of sodium selenite for 10 weeks. Male Fischer 344 rats were given drinking water containing 1 µg/mL or 5 µg/mL sodium selenite. Selenium levels were monitored in serum and liver tissue over the 10-week period, and the kinetics of induction of the redox-active cytosolic selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase were followed. Selenite exposure via drinking water caused a dose-dependent increase in blood and liver selenium levels, with plateaus at 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. These plateaus were reached at the same level of selenium regardless of dose, and no further accumulation was observed. A selenium-dependent increase in the activity of TrxR1 in parallel with the increase in liver selenium levels was also seen, and the induction of TrxR1 mRNA was seen only during the first three days of treatment, when the levels of selenium in the liver were increasing. Sodium selenite at 1 and 5 µg/mL did not affect body weight or relative liver mass. We concluded that long-term treatment with selenite did not cause accumulation of selenium and that the activity of TrxR1 in the liver rose with the selenium levels. We therefore suggest that sodium selenite at doses up to 5 µg/mL could be used for long-term tumour prevention.

Lovastatin prevents carcinogenesis in a rat model for liver cancer. Effects of ubiquinone supplementation.

AIM: This study tests the hypothesis that statins (HMGCoA reductase inhibitors) inhibit carcinogenesis and that this effect may be mediated by the statin-induced inhibition of ubiquinone synthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of lovastatin, with and without addition of ubiquinone, were studied in a rat model for chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Intermediates in the mevalonate pathway were measured. RESULTS: Lovastatin treatment reduced the volume fraction of liver nodules by 50% and the cell proliferation within the liver nodules was reduced to one third. Ubiquinone (Q10) treatment reversed the statin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Lathosterol levels were reduced significantly in the statin-treated rats, indicating inhibition of the mevalonate pathway, but cholesterol levels were not affected. CONCLUSION: Lovastatin inhibits carcinogenesis in a rat model for liver cancer, despite unaffected cholesterol levels. The statin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation may, at least in part, be explained by the inhibition of ubiquinone synthesis.

Selenite is a potent cytotoxic agent for human primary AML cells.

Selenite is a potent inhibitor of malignant cell growth. Although the cytotoxic effects have been extensively investigated in vitro, there are only a limited number of studies using primary tumor cells with concomitant comparison to conventional drugs. An ex vivo model with primary cells from 39 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were exposed to a panel of conventional cytotoxic drugs, and the effects on viability were compared to those of clinically achievable concentrations of selenite. Selenite at 5 microM caused the lowest mean survival of primary tumor cells in the panel of all tested drugs (28.95% CI 18.60-39.30%). The cells showed a significant (p<0.05) correlation in the resistance to all tested conventional AML drugs whereas selenite did not, indicating sensitivity to selenite also in multi drug resistant cells. Exposure to selenite also resulted in an increased mRNA expression of the antioxidant proteins TrxR1 and Grx, while staining for TrxR1 showed decreased protein levels. The results strongly suggest a great potential for selenite in the treatment of multi drug resistant AML.

Expression of iron regulatory genes in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The altered iron metabolism in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), characterized by the iron-deficient phenotype, is suggested to be of importance for tumour growth. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We asked whether these iron perturbations would involve altered expression of genes controlling iron homeostasis. METHODS: HCCs were induced in rats by the Solt and Farber protocol of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis, and to evaluate the effects of iron loading, one group of animals were supplemented with dietary iron during tumour progression. Tissue iron contents were determined, labelling indices of S-phase nuclei were calculated, and mRNA levels of iron-regulatory genes were quantitated. Protein levels of ferroportin1 were determined with Western blot. RESULTS: HCCs displayed reduced amount of tissue iron and lack of histologically stainable iron. HCCs expressed significantly higher mRNA levels of genes involved in iron uptake (transferrin receptor-1, divalent metal ion transporter-1), ferroxidase activity (Ferritin-H), and iron extrusion (ferroportin1). The protein levels of ferroportin1 in iron-deficient HCCs were similar as in control livers, and did not increase in HCCs exposed to iron. Hepcidin mRNA levels were decreased in iron-deficient HCCs, rose in response to iron loading and correlated to the tissue iron content. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the altered expressions of iron-regulatory genes in HCCs possibly reflect an increased demand for bioavailable iron and a high iron turnover in neoplastic cells.

Human sterol 12a-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) is mainly expressed in hepatocytes in a homogenous pattern.

The liver is the only organ where the complete synthesis of bile acids takes place. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether regional differences exist within the individual human hepatic lobuli regarding the pattern of expression of sterol 12alpha-hydroxylase (CYP8B1), a key enzyme in bile acid synthesis. A specific anti-human CYP8B1 peptide antiserum was developed and used for Western blotting and hepatic immunostaining of livers from various patients. CYP8B1 in human liver was expressed in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes with an even nonzonal distribution within the liver lobulus. Pericentral expression was confirmed for CYP2E1. A weak staining was noted in cholangiocytes and Kupffer cells. Previous studies on hepatic CYP27A1 and CYP7A1 in rats have shown a zonal expression, primarily in the pericentral region. Our studies indicate a different pattern for CYP8B1 expression in human liver, which was even rather than zonal.

Adriamycin cytotoxicity may stimulate growth of hepatocellular tumours in an experimental model for adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in liver transplantation.

Adjuvant treatment with adriamycin has been suggested to improve results after liver transplantation for hepatocellular cancer. Here we have applied an animal model for evaluation of treatment with adriamycin and/or cyclosporine A on liver tumour growth. Three chemically induced rat liver tumours with various degree of differentiation were transferred to the spleens of syngenic rats. Each recipient group was divided into four subgroups, treated with adriamycin and/or cyclosporine A or none of the drugs. When the tumour was well differentiated no proliferation was found in any of the subgroups. When the tumour exhibited a more pronounced dysplasia, adriamycin stimulated tumour growth. This effect was further increased by cyclosporine. In the animals transplanted with the most aggressive tumour, adriamycin inhibited tumour growth. When given together with cyclosporine this inhibition was counteracted. These data suggest that adriamycin, especially when given together with cyclosporine, may have a stimulatory effect on liver tumour cell growth.

Selenium prevents tumor development in a rat model for chemical carcinogenesis.

Previous studies in animals and humans have shown that selenium compounds can prevent cancer development. In this work we studied the tumor preventive effect of selenium supplementation, administrated as selenite, in the initiation, promotion and progression phases in a synchronized rat model for chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis, the resistant hepatocyte model. Selenite in supra-nutritional but subtoxic doses (1 and 5 p.p.m.) was administrated to the animals through the drinking water. Such supplementation during the initiation phase did not have a tumor preventive effect. However, selenite treatment during the promotion phase decreased the volume fraction of pre-neoplastic liver nodules from 38% in control animals to 25 (1 p.p.m.) and 14% (5 p.p.m.) in the selenite-supplemented groups. In addition the cell proliferation within the nodules decreased from 42% in the control to 22 (1 p.p.m.) and 17% (5 p.p.m.). Immunohistochemical staining for the selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase 1 revealed an increased expression of the enzyme in liver nodules compared with the surrounding tissue. The activity was reduced to 50% in liver homogenates from selenium-treated animals but the activity of the selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase was essentially unaltered. Selenite treatment (5 p.p.m.) during the progression phase resulted in a significantly lower volume fraction of liver tumors (14 compared with 26%) along with a decrease in cell proliferation within the tumors (34 compared with 63%). Taken together our data indicate that the carcinogenetic process may be prevented by selenium supplementation both during the promotion and the progression phase.