NIH/3T3 cells transfected with human tumor DNA containing activated ras oncogenes express the metastatic phenotype in nude mice.

NIH/3T3 cells transfected with DNA from malignant human tumors produced experimental and spontaneous metastases in nude mice. In contrast, parent or spontaneously transformed NIH/3T3 cells failed to metastasize. The transfected clones contained either activated c-Harvey-ras or N-ras oncogenes. A representative clone (T71-17SA2) which was used to assess selected cellular and host factors relevant to the metastatic process produced lung metastases in 100% of the NIH nude mice recipients, secreted augmented levels of type IV collagenase, and invaded human amnion basement membrane in vitro. Expression of the metastatic phenotype was not related to decreased sensitivity to natural killer cells or macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity. Analysis of the cellular DNA from the T71-17SA2 transfectant and its corresponding metastases, both of which contained activated N-ras oncogenes, revealed a twofold increase in the N-ras-specific DNA sequences in the metastatic cells. Thus, transfection with human tumor DNA containing activated ras oncogenes can induce the complete metastatic phenotype in NIH/3T3 cells by a mechanism apparently unrelated to immune cell killing.

Expression of collagenase IV (basement membrane collagenase) activity in murine tumor cell hybrids that differ in metastatic potential.

Expression of a basement membrane collagen-degrading metalloprotease activity (collagenase IV) was studied in a series of murine cell hybrids derived from fusions between highly metastatic cells (B16-F10RR) or moderately metastatic cells (UV-2237RR) and tumorigenic cells (K-1735 clone 16) or normal cells [peritoneal macrophages (PEC) or C3H mouse embryo fibroblasts (C3H-F)]. The collagenase IV activity of the parent cells and the hybrids was assayed in vitro and compared to the metastatic propensity of the same cells evaluated in both syngeneic (C57BL/6 X C3H/HeN)F1 mice and BALB/c nude mice. The level of collagenase IV activity secreted by the parent lines correlated with their metastatic capacity. The highly metastatic B16-F10RR line secreted the highest enzyme activity, whereas the tumorigenic but nonmetastatic K-1735 clone 16 and the normal parents PEC and C3H-F secreted the lowest enzyme activity. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited with EDTA. The hybrid derived from fusion of cells from two metastatic cell lines as well as hybrids derived from a metastatic and a nonmetastatic tumor cell line expressed higher levels of collagenase IV activity than either parent, and this expression was associated with a high ability to produce metastases in both nude and syngeneic mice. Fusion of metastatic cells with normal cells produced hybrid cells that exhibited suppression of both collagenase IV activity and metastatic capacity. Collagenase IV activity and metastatic propensity can, therefore, be altered by somatic cell hybridization; in the series of hybrids examined in these experiments the expression of type IV collagen-degrading metalloprotease activity and the metastatic ability were closely correlated, which suggests that collagenase IV activity and other properties required for metastasis are genetically linked.

Evidence for a novel gene associated with low tumor metastatic potential.

We describe a gene, NM23, that is associated with the tumor metastatic process. NM23 RNA levels were highest in cells and tumors of relatively low metastatic potential in two experimental systems: (1) murine K-1735 melanoma cell lines, in which the gene was identified, and (2) N-nitroso-N-methylurea-induced rat mammary carcinomas. NM23 RNA levels did not correlate with cell sensitivity to host immunological responses and may, therefore, be associated with intrinsic aggressiveness. The predicted carboxy-terminal protein sequence encoded by the pNM23 cDNA clone is novel compared with Genebank animal, bacterial, and viral sequences.

Long-term feeding of sodium saccharin to nonhuman primates: implications for urinary tract cancer.

BACKGROUND: It was observed in the early 1970s that saccharin produced bladder cancer in rats. However, it has been unclear whether sodium saccharin when consumed by humans poses a substantial carcinogenic hazard. Numerous epidemiologic studies have not shown any evidence of increased urothelial proliferation associated with ingestion of sodium saccharin. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to determine the effects of long-term feeding of sodium saccharin to three species of nonhuman primates. METHODS: Twenty monkeys of three species (six African green, seven rhesus, six cynomolgus, and one hybrid [of rhesus male and cynomolgus female parentage]) were treated with sodium saccharin (25 mg in the diet/kg body weight daily for 5 days a week) beginning within 24 hours after birth and continuing for up to 24 years. Sixteen monkeys (seven rhesus and nine cynomolgus) served as controls. During their last 2 years of life, urine was collected from selected treated and control animals and evaluated for various urinary chemistries and for the presence of calculi, microcrystalluria, and precipitate. Urinary bladders were examined by light microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Sodium saccharin treatment had no effect on the urine or urothelium in any of these monkeys. There was no evidence of increased urothelial cell proliferation, and there was no evidence of formation of solid material in the urine. CONCLUSION: Although the dose of sodium saccharin administered to these monkeys was only five to 10 times the allowable daily intake for humans, the results provide additional evidence that sodium saccharin is without a carcinogenic effect on the primate urinary tract.

Effect of natural protease inhibitors and a chemoattractant on tumor cell invasion in vitro.

The effect of natural protease inhibitors and a chemoattractant on tumor cell invasion were studied with the use of a new in vitro quantitative assay of tumor cell penetration of native connective tissue. Human amnion membrane denuded of its epithelium is composed of a continuous basement membrane (BM) attached to a dense avascular collagenous stroma. M5076 reticulum sarcoma cells, known to be highly invasive in vivo, were placed on the BM side of the amnion connective tissue. Tumor cells penetrating the full thickness of the connective tissue barrier were collected on the stromal side with a Millipore filter. N-Formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) at an optimal concentration of 10(-7) M stimulated the penetration of up to 600% more tumor cells into the connective tissue after 20 hours in comparison to the number of tumor cells spontaneously penetrating in serum-free media. Natural protease inhibitors blocked both FMLP-stimulated and spontaneous invasion. A bovine cartilage extract containing inhibitors of both serine proteinases and metalloproteinases caused a 500% decrease in invasion. Furthermore, a 500% inhibition of invasion was produced by a purified collagenase (metalloproteinase) inhibitor. In contrast, soybean trypsin inhibitor and bovine serum albumin did not significantly alter the invasion rate. The protease inhibitors were nontoxic and did not reduce tumor cell proliferation, attachment to the amnion, and the rate of tumor cell migration through Nuclepore filters. These data support the hypothesis that collagenolytic metalloproteinases play a necessary role in tumor cell invasion of native connective tissue.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is essential for initial but not continued in vivo growth of human breast carcinoma cells.

In this study, we used a self-contained tetracycline-regulated retroviral vector system to elucidate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in controlling s.c. growth of human T-47D breast carcinoma cells. VEGF expression was tightly regulated by this system, both in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. A 2.4-fold increase in tumor volume was associated with VEGF overexpression. Tumor growth was almost completely inhibited when VEGF was suppressed from the time of T-47D cell inoculation, and a 6-fold reduction in tumor volume was observed when VEGF suppression was started in 175-mm3 tumors. However, no growth inhibition was observed when VEGF suppression was started in 820-mm3 tumors. In these tumors, basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha RNA expression was detected after VEGF was switched off. These findings demonstrate that VEGF is critical for the initial s.c. growth of T-47D breast carcinoma cells, whereas other angiogenic factors can compensate for the loss of VEGF after the tumors have reached a certain size.

Basement membrane type IV collagen degradation: evidence for the involvement of a proteolytic cascade independent of metalloproteinases.

Current hypotheses suggest that both the plasmin system and metalloproteinases are involved in tumor invasion of basement membrane. In this study, we demonstrate that plasmin can directly degrade native and denatured type IV collagen in solution as well as in tissue sections. Tumor cell lines secreted plasminogen activators into culture supernatants that activated exogenous plasminogen to degrade type IV collagen in zymograms and to remove collagen IV immunoreactivity from tissue sections. Inhibition of metalloproteinase activity in culture supernatants by EDTA did not interfere with plasminogen-mediated type IV collagen degradation. We propose that tumor cells possess a mechanism for the degradation of basement membrane type IV collagen, independent of metalloproteinases but dependent on plasminogen conversion to plasmin.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, its receptor, and other angiogenic factors in human breast cancer.

Angiogenesis is essential for the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. In this study, we examined gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); its receptor, flt-1; basic fibroblast growth factor; and transforming growth factors (TGFs) alpha and beta in 18 paired cases of human breast carcinomas and the adjacent nonneoplastic tissues. In all of the paired cases, VEGF expression was markedly increased in the carcinomas. In contrast, an insignificant difference was observed in the expression of flt-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, TGF-alpha, and TGF-beta between the malignant breast tissue and the nonneoplastic counterpart. Immunostaining showed variable VEGF positivity of the malignant cells, whereas the nonneoplastic breast epithelial cells were negative. The findings of this study suggest that VEGF is an important angiogenic factor in human breast cancer.

Metabolic activation and genotoxicity of heterocyclic arylamines.

Because of the potential for human exposure to mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic arylamines in the diet, the carcinogenicity of three HAAs, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline, 2-amino-3,8-dimethyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline, and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, is being evaluated in nonhuman primates, especially cynomolgus monkeys. Concomitant with the carcinogenicity studies, the metabolic processing, disposition, and DNA-adduct formation of these compounds are being examined in these monkeys. This report highlights the results from studies in monkeys and from in vitro models examining metabolic activation and genotoxicity of HAAs. The extent of in vivo activation of HAAs in monkeys was assessed by measuring DNA adducts in various tissues. Both 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine form high levels of DNA adducts in a number of organs, particularly the liver, kidney, and heart. The implications of metabolic activation and DNA-adduct formation to the carcinogenicity of HAAs are discussed.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases: structure, regulation and biological functions.

Four members of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) family have been characterized so far, designated as TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are capable of inhibiting the activities of all known matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and as such play a key role in maintaining the balance between extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and degradation in different physiological processes. Accelerated breakdown of ECM occurs in various pathological processes, including inflammation, chronic degenerative diseases and tumor invasion. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 can inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis in experimental models which has been associated with their MMP inhibitory activity. Recent developments in TIMP research suggest that TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are multifunctional proteins with diverse actions. Both inhibitors exhibit growth factor-like activity and can inhibit angiogenesis. Structure-function studies have separated the MMP inhibitory activity of TIMP-1 from its growth promoting effect. TIMP-1 has also been implicated in gonadal steroidogenesis and as a cellular elongation factor. TIMP-3 is the only member of the TIMP family which is found exclusively in the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent fashion in certain cell types and may serve as a marker for terminal differentiation. The most recently discovered TIMP, TIMP-4, may function in a tissue-specific fashion in extracellular matrix hemostasis. The main aim of this article is to review recent literature on TIMPs with special emphasis on their biological activities and the possibility that they may have paradoxical roles in tumor progression.

Increased incidence of isoniazid hepatitis in rapid acetylators: possible relation to hydranize metabolites.

Approximately 10% to 20% of isoniazid recipients manifest biochemical evidence of liver injury. A smaller number of patients develop clinically overt hepatitis. Isoniazid is metabolized in man at extremely variable rates, and the rate is under genetic control. Two separate clinical studies have noted a possible relation between susceptibility of patients to isoniazid liver injury and rapid metabolism (acetylation) of the drug. For this reason, 21 patients who had recovered from probable isoniazid hepatitis and 5 patients who previously had manifested biochemical evidence of mild isoniazid liver injury were genetically phenotyped as rapid or slow isoniazid acetylators by the sulfamethazine method. The rapid phenotype was found in 86% of patients with probable hepatitis and in 60% of the possible ones, whereas the expected frequency was 45%. Eximination of isoniazid metabolites revealed that rapid acetylators hydrolze much more isoniazid to isonic otinic hydrazine moiety than do slow acetylators. The hydrazine moiety liberated from isoniazed is primarily acetylhydrazine, and studies in animals show this metabolite to be converted to a potent acylating agent that produces liver necrosis. We suggest that release of the hepatotoxic hydrazino moiety of isoniazid in man is responsible for isoniazid liver injury.

Localization of messenger RNA for tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and type IV collagenases/gelatinases in monkey hepatocellular carcinomas.

Studies of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) suggest that one of their main functions is to inhibit metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and thus prevent tumor invasion by preserving extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity. In the present study we examined the distribution of transcripts for TIMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in monkey hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. In situ hybridization demonstrated elevated levels of TIMP-1 transcripts in fibrous tissue septa, tumor inflammatory infiltrate, tumor blood vessels and in expanded portal areas. However, elevated transcripts for MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found only in tumor inflammatory infiltrate. In lung metastasis high levels of TIMP-1 transcripts were found in the stromal cells surrounding necrotic tumor nodules, in tumor blood vessels, and in mesothelial cells. MMP-9 transcripts were elevated at the periphery of the necrotic tumor nodules. These findings suggest that TIMP-1 and type IV collagenases/gelatinases can be independently regulated in vivo and that TIMP-1 may have functions in ECM remodeling which are unrelated to inhibition of MMP activity.

Ras levels and metalloproteinase activity in normal versus neoplastic rat mammary tissues.

We have previously reported that activated ras oncogenes can simultaneously switch on the metastatic phenotype and increased capability to degrade type IV collagen. Here the relationship between c-H-ras, metalloproteinase expression and metastatic behavior was studied in N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU)-induced rat mammary carcinomas, which are known to possess activated c-H-ras. When comparing normal rat breast tissue to mammary carcinomas there was no direct relationship between ras DNA levels and neoplastic changes. Furthermore, there were no consistent differences between metastatic and non-metastatic carcinomas, or between primary tumors and metastases. The NMU-induced rat mammary carcinomas expressed two major gelatinolytic metalloproteinases (gelatinases) of 65 and 92 kD, but only the 65 kD gelatinase was detected in normal breast tissue and a rat fibroma. Type IV collagenolytic activity per 5 micrograms of protein was two to three times higher in the mammary carcinomas than in the normal breasts, whereas the primary tumors did not differ from the corresponding metastases. This study shows that ras amplification is not necessary for development of the malignant or metastatic phenotype in the NMU-induced rat mammary carcinoma model. We have also found that induction of p21 ras protein synthesis in a v-H-ras transfected NIH/3T3 (433) cell line, containing a glucocorticoid promoter, does not lead to an increase in metastatic capacity.

Identification of the 72-kDa (MMP-2) and 92-kDa (MMP-9) gelatinase/type IV collagenase in preparations of laminin and Matrigel.

EDTA inhibitable type IV collagenolytic activity copurified with laminin preparations from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumor. Several gelatinolytic and type IV collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) species were visualized in EHS laminin from three different sources by gelatin and type IV collagen substrate gel electrophoresis. Incubation with 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate and trypsin suggested that laminin contained both active and latent MMPs. EHS-derived reconstituted basement membrane, Matrigel, was found to possess an MMP profile identical to that of laminin. The presence of 72-kDa (MMP-2) and 92-kDa (MMP-9) gelatinases/type IV collagenases was demonstrated in laminin and Matrigel preparations by Western blot analysis. A rough quantitation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 30 micrograms of laminin and 100 micrograms of Matrigel was between 0.3 and 0.6 ng. The presence of these contaminants must be considered in experiments addressing the effects of EHS laminin or Matrigel on cell behavior and, in particular, stimulation of cellular proteolytic activity.

Induction of hepatocellular carcinoma in nonhuman primates by the food mutagen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline.

The heterocyclic aromatic amine 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) was evaluated for carcinogenic effects in macaques, primarily cynomolgus monkeys. IQ was administered by gavage five times a week at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg. IQ induced hepatocellular carcinoma in 55% of the animals at the low dose and in 95% of the animals at 20 mg/kg. The average latent period at the high dose level was 43 months and that at the low dose was 60 months. Generally, the tumor nodules exhibited a well- to moderately well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, and a trabecular pattern was most frequently seen. Pulmonary metastases were also found in several of the monkeys. Thus, IQ is a potent carcinogen in nonhuman primates and is a potential carcinogen for humans.

Cardiac damage induced by 2-amino-3-methyl-imidazo[4,5-f]quinoline in nonhuman primates.

The heterocyclic aromatic amine 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) is a potent hepatocarcinogen in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The finding of high cardiac IQ-DNA adduct levels prompted a histopathological study of perfusion-fixed hearts from 10 tumor-bearing monkeys chronically dosed with IQ at 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg 5 days per week for 48-80 months. Two monkeys dosed only with the vehicle for IQ, hydroxypropylcellulose, served as controls. All the monkeys had normal heart weights, and no abnormalities were observed upon gross inspection of the hearts. Microscopically, focal myocardial lesions were observed in 8 of 10 monkeys dosed with IQ. Light microscopic abnormalities included myocyte necrosis with or without chronic inflammatory infiltrates, interstitial fibrosis with myocyte hypertrophy or atrophy, and vasculitis. Electron microscopic findings included disruption of the mitochondrial architecture (i.e., mitochondrial swelling and clearing of matrix densities), myofibrillar loss, disorganization of the normal alignment of sarcomeres, and occasional myocytes showing nuclear hypertrophy or peripheral clumping of the nuclear chromatin. There was some correlation between the cumulative dose of IQ and the extent of the myocardial abnormalities. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to IQ can lead to myocardial damage in monkeys. Although focal and not associated with clinical evidence of heart failure, these abnormalities may represent the initial stages of IQ-induced toxic cardiomyopathy.

Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and type IV collagenase/gelatinase messenger RNAs in human breast cancer.

The relationship between malignant epithelial cell growth and the formation of tumor stroma is poorly understood. To investigate the roles of type IV collagenases/gelatinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in human breast cancer, we localized their messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in normal and malignant breast tissue. Type IV collagenase/gelatinase mRNAs were expressed at low levels by some tumor cells. High levels of TIMP-1 mRNA were found in all areas where tissue remodeling was evident, particularly in cells at the tumor-stromal interface. Small blood vessels in both the tumor and stroma were often outlined by high levels of TIMP-1 mRNA. These results indicate that TIMP-1 and type IV collagenases/gelatinases are expressed independently in breast cancer.

Acetylation rates and monthly liver function tests during one year of isoniazid preventive therapy.

A blind, prospective evaluation of the incidence and course of isoniazid-associated liver injury was made in 358 hospitalized men. The men were psychiatric patients during one year of tuberculosis preventive therapy. Blood samples were obtained at monthly intervals from the patients, the majority of whom were taking isoniazid. When the data were analyzed at the end of the year, a strikingly increased incidence of abnormal serum transaminase (SGOT) and bilirubin values was found among the isoniazid recipients. However, most subjects demonstrating biochemical evidence of hepatic injury recovered completely while continuing to take isoniazid and did not progress to clinically overt hepatitis. The mechanism underlying this adaptation to isoniazid injury is unknown. No serum antibodies against isoniazid could be demonstrated, and no correlation was found between the presence of antinuclear antibodies or elevated isoniazid plasma concentrations and the occurrence of hepatic injury. These data support the view that hepatotoxic metabolities of isoniazid may be responsible for the liver injury.

Effects of long-term oral administration of DDT on nonhuman primates.

Because of reports on tumorigenic activity in different animal species exposed to DDT a decision was made in 1969 to evaluate the long-term effects of DDT on 24 cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. DDT (20 mg/kg) was given in the diet for 130 months, followed by an observation period that ended in 1994. The two cases of malignant tumor detected in the DDT group included a metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in a 233-month-old male and a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate in a 212-month-old monkey. Benign tumors detected in the DDT group included three cases of leiomyoma, two of which were uterine and one, esophageal. No tumor was detected in the control group of 17 monkeys. Fatty changes in the liver were observed in 52.9% of the DDT group and 29.4% of the control group. More specific signs of hepatotoxicity were documented microscopically in seven DDT monkeys. Severe tremors and histological evidence of CNS and spinal cord abnormalities were observed in six DDT monkeys. The present findings show clear evidence of hepatic and CNS toxicity following long-term DDT administration to cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. However, the two cases involving malignant tumors of different types are inconclusive with respect to a carcinogenic effect of DDT in nonhuman primates.

Long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity study of cyclamate in nonhuman primates.

Twenty-one monkeys (cynomolgus, rhesus, African green) were fed cyclamate (100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) in the diet five times per week from a few days after birth and continuing for up to 24 years. Malignant tumors were diagnosed in three 24-year-old cyclamate monkeys; these were metastatic colon carcinoma (rhesus; 500 mg/kg), metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (cynomolgus; 500 mg/kg), and a small, well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate (cynomolgus; 100 mg/kg). Benign tumors were found at necropsy in three females; these were adenoma of the thyroid gland (rhesus; 100 mg/kg) and two cases of leiomyoma of the uterus (rhesus; 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). No tumors were detected in an age-matched control group of 16 monkeys. Examination of the testes revealed complete testicular atrophy in one of the old cyclamate monkeys, and focal germ cell aplasia (Sertoli-only tubules) in two other cyclamate monkeys. Focal spermatogenic interruption (maturation arrest) at various germ cell levels mixed with normal spermatogenesis was observed in both the cyclamate-treated and the control monkeys, all of which were over 20 years old. Measurements of terminal cyclohexylamine concentrations showed that three of the males dosed with cyclamate at 500 mg/kg were high converters, with plasma concentrations comparable to the levels that produce testicular atrophy in rats. However, only one of the three high converters showed histologic evidence of irregular spermatogenesis. The overall conclusion is that the testicular abnormalities and the sporadic cases of different malignancies found after more than 20 years of dosing do not provide clear evidence of a toxic or carcinogenic effect of sodium cyclamate in monkeys.