[Glossopharyngeal neuralgia associated with syncopes and secondary to neck carcinoma]. / Neuralgia glosofaringea asociada a sincopes y secundaria a carcinoma de cuello.

TITLE: Neuralgia glosofaringea asociada a sincopes y secundaria a carcinoma de cuello.

An Update on Src Family of Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinases Biology.

The members of the Src family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are implicated in multiple signaling processes that regulate key cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival. SFKs are activated by a large number of receptors for growth factors, cytokines, steroid hormones, G protein-coupled receptors, and also by adhesion proteins and other signaling partners. Through their common modular kinase an adapter protein domains, SFKs critically contribute to diversify different signal inputs, weaving a complex and dynamic network of cellular responses. Not surprisingly, SFKs are involved in embryo development and in the maintenance of different adult tissues and organs. Conversely, dysfunction of SFKs is associated with different pathologies, including cancer. Despite the continuous research in the field, several aspects of SFKs regulation and function are still not well defined and new roles for these proteins are steadily reported. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the major regulatory mechanisms of SFKs activity, including the emerging redox-dependent pathway. We have also focused on the functional implications of SFKs in Prolactin signaling and breast cancer development, two increasingly important aspects of SFKs biology. Finally, we briefly revisited the role of SFKs during embryo development and provide insights on the involvement of these proteins in the regulation of embryonic, somatic, and breast cancer stem cells.

Optimización de cultivos primarios de células de carcinoma renal de células claras como modelo "in vitro" para estudios metabólicos y determinantes de progresión neoplásica / Optimization of primary cultures of clear cell renal carcinoma cells as an "in vitro" model for metabolic studies and determinants of neoplastic progression

El objetivo del presente estudio fue optimizar la implementación de cultivos primarios a partir de muestras de carcinoma renal de células claras (CRCC) para comprobar la conservación del fenotipo lipogénico contra cortes fijados del mismo origen. Se utilizaron muestras de pacientes con CRCC, evaluándose diversas metodologías y condiciones experimentales de digestión de muestras, adherencia y despegue celular, fenotipo lipogénico, potencial de clonación, proliferación y capacidad de migración. El mayor rendimiento y viabilidad celular se verificó mediante digestión con colagenasa. La adherencia inicial se logró a las 24 hs de incubación, utilizando placas plásticas de cultivo, recubiertas con colágeno comercial y gelatina 0,2% en la mayoría de las muestras analizadas (60% de los casos). Se obtuvieron monocapas, con potencial de migración, en un 40% de los casos, tras 5 ± 1 días de incubación. El promedio de subcultivos fue de 3 ± 1. Este estudio permitió estandarizar cultivos primarios de CRCC comprobándose la conservación de la fenotipia lipogénica, logrando de dicha manera una herramienta importante y útil para el estudio de la biología tumoral y el ensayo de nuevas terapéuticas

The aim of this study was to optimize the implementation of primary cultures from samples of renal clear cell carcinoma (CRCC) to check the conservation of the lipogenic phenotype. CRCC Patient samples were used, in order to evaluate different methodologies and the experimental conditions of sample digestion, cell adhesion and lipogenic phenotype, proliferation and migration ability. The highest yield in cell number and viability was assessed using collagenase digestion. The initial adhesion was achieved after 24 hours of incubation in plastic plates recoverd with commercial collagen or 0.2% gelatin (60% of cases). Monolayers, with migration potential, were obtained in 40% of all cases, after 5 ± 1 days of incubation. The subcultures average was 3 ± 1. This study allowed us to standardize primary cultures of CRCC and check the conservation of the lipogenic phenotyping, achieving in this way an important and useful tool to study the tumor biology.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi otimizar a implementação de culturas primárias de amostras de carcinoma de células claras renal (CRCC) para verificar conservação fenótipo lipogenic contra os cortes previstos a mesma origem. As amostras dos pacientes foram utilizados CRCC, avaliando diferentes metodologias e as condições experimentais da digestão de amostras, adesão celular e fenótipo clonagem potencial take-lipogenic, proliferação e capacidade de migração. O maior rendimento e a viabilidade celular foi avaliada por digestão com colagenase. A adesão inicial foi obtida após 24 horas de incubação com colagénio e gelatina comercial 0,2% em 60% dos casos. As monocamadas foram obtidos em 40% após 5 ± 1 dias de incubação com o potencial de migração. As subculturas média foi de 3 ± 1. Este estudo nos permitiu padronizar culturas primárias de CRCC são verificados quanto à conservação da fenotipagem lipogenic, conseguindo desta forma um importante e útil para o estudo da biologia do tumor e teste de nova ferramenta terapêutica

New experimental models of skin homeostasis and diseases.

Homeostasis, whose regulation at the molecular level is still poorly understood, is intimately related to the functions of epidermal stem cells. Five research groups have been brought together to work on new in vitro and in vivo skin models through the SkinModel-CM program, under the auspices of the Spanish Autonomous Community of Madrid. This project aims to analyze the functions of DNA methyltransferase 1, endoglin, and podoplanin in epidermal stem cell activity, homeostasis, and skin cancer. These new models include 3-dimensional organotypic cultures, immunodeficient skin-humanized mice, and genetically modified mice. Another aim of the program is to use skin-humanized mice to model dermatoses such as Gorlin syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum in order to optimize new protocols for photodynamic therapy.

Epigenetic inactivation of the Wnt antagonist DICKKOPF-1 (DKK-1) gene in human colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide. A number of key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have been proposed to drive progression from healthy colonic epithelia to malignant tumors, including members of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Recently, CpG island promoter hypermethylation was shown to cause inactivation of two extracellular Wnt inhibitors in colon cancer: secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) and Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1). Here, we show for the first time that another extracellular Wnt inhibitor, the DICKKOPF-1 (DKK-1) gene, is transcriptionally silenced by CpG island promoter hypermethylation in colon cancer cell lines (n=9), whereas treatment with the DNA-demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine restored DKK-1 expression. Restoration of DKK-1 function in non-expressing cells bearing a truncated APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) gene had no effect on beta-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent transcription, but induced tumor suppressor-like features such as reduced colony formation density and tumor growth inhibition in nude mice. These results suggest additional functions for DKK-1 other than inhibiting canonical Wnt signaling. In primary colorectal tumors, DKK-1 was found hypermethylated in 17% (nine of 54) of cases. Furthermore, while for both SFRP-1 and WIF-1 methylation-associated silencing occurred across the whole spectrum of colorectal tumorigenesis, DKK-1 promoter was selectively hypermethylated in advanced colorectal neoplasms (Duke's C and D tumors).

Vitamin D(3) promotes the differentiation of colon carcinoma cells by the induction of E-cadherin and the inhibition of beta-catenin signaling.

The beta-catenin signaling pathway is deregulated in nearly all colon cancers. Nonhypercalcemic vitamin D3 (1alpha,25-dehydroxyvitamin D(3)) analogues are candidate drugs to treat this neoplasia. We show that these compounds promote the differentiation of human colon carcinoma SW480 cells expressing vitamin D receptors (VDRs) (SW480-ADH) but not that of a malignant subline (SW480-R) or metastasic derivative (SW620) cells lacking VDR. 1alpha,25(OH)2D(3) induced the expression of E-cadherin and other adhesion proteins (occludin, Zonula occludens [ZO]-1, ZO-2, vinculin) and promoted the translocation of beta-catenin, plakoglobin, and ZO-1 from the nucleus to the plasma membrane. Ligand-activated VDR competed with T cell transcription factor (TCF)-4 for beta-catenin binding. Accordingly, 1alpha,25(OH)2D(3) repressed beta-catenin-TCF-4 transcriptional activity. Moreover, VDR activity was enhanced by ectopic beta-catenin and reduced by TCF-4. Also, 1alpha,25(OH)2D(3) inhibited expression of beta-catenin-TCF-4-responsive genes, c-myc, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta, Tcf-1, and CD44, whereas it induced expression of ZO-1. Our results show that 1alpha,25(OH)2D(3) induces E-cadherin and modulates beta-catenin-TCF-4 target genes in a manner opposite to that of beta-catenin, promoting the differentiation of colon carcinoma cells.

Heparan sulfate, heparin, and heparinase activity detection on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using the fluorochrome tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II).

The paper shows the ability of the fluorochrome tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) (Rubipy) to detect heparan sulfate, heparin, and heparinase activity of M3 murine mammary adenocarcinoma cells as well as bacterial heparinases I, II, and III in native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The technique is based on the electrophoretic mobility of high molecular weight heparins and subsequent staining with Rubipy (50 micrograms/mL). The minimum content of heparin detected by fluorescence in a UV transilluminator was 25-50 ng. The number of Rubipy molecules bound to heparin, determined in relationship to the number of disaccharide units (DU), showed that two to six heparin disaccharide units are bound by each fluorochrome molecule. Scatchard plot analysis showed one Rubipy-binding site (Kd = (8.56 +/- 2.97) x 10(-5) M). Heparinase activity was determined by densitometric analysis of the fluorescence intensity of the heparin-containing band of the gel. While heparinase I (EC 4.2.2.7.) degraded heparin and, to a lower degree, partially N-desulfated N-acetylated heparin (N-des N-Ac), heparinase II (no EC number) could efficiently degrade heparan sulfate (HS) and partially N-des N-Ac heparin. Finally, heparinase III (EC 4.2.2.8.) degraded HS almost exclusively. Only heparin and N-des N-Ac heparin were substrates for M3 tumor cell heparinases. We describe a qualitative, sensitive and simple method to detect heparinase activity and determine its substrate specificity using Rubipy fluorescence with heparin and heparan sulfate in multiple biological samples tested in parallel.

H-Ras activation promotes cytoplasmic accumulation and phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase association of beta-catenin in epidermal keratinocytes.

The mechanisms underlying downregulation of the cadherin/catenin complexes and beta-catenin signaling during tumor progression are not fully understood. We have analyzed the effect of oncogenic H-Ras on E-cadherin/catenin complex formation/stabilization and beta-catenin distribution in epidermal keratinocytes. Microinjection or stable expression of V12Ras into keratinocytes promotes the loss of E-cadherin and alpha-catenin and relocalization of beta-catenin to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Moreover, these effects are dependent on PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase) activity. Interestingly, a strong association of p85alpha and p110alpha subunits of PI3K with beta-catenin is induced in V12Ras-expressing keratinocytes, and in vitro binding assays show a direct interaction between beta-catenin and p85alpha. Overexpression of either V12Ras or constitutively active p110alpha induces metabolic stabilization of beta-catenin and promotes its accumulation in cytoplasmic and nuclear pools. In addition, the interaction of beta-catenin with the adenomatous polyposis coli protein is blocked in V12Ras and p110alpha transformants though no changes in glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta activity could be detected. Nevertheless, in V12Ras transformants the in vivo phosphorylation of beta-catenin in Ser residues is strongly decreased. These results indicate that H-Ras activation induces the relocalization and cytoplasmic stabilization of beta-catenin by a mechanism involving its interaction with PI3K.

Litotricia extracorporea: experiencia inicial con el HT-2000 lithotripter / Extracorporeal shock wave lithrotripsy: initial experience with the HT-2000 lithotripter

Se comunican los 100 primeros casos de pacientes con litiasis de las vias urinarias tratados con el litotriptor HT-2000 Litotripter con generador electrohidráulico y focalizador fluoroscópico, en el esctor de Litrotricia Extracorpórea del servicio de urología del Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, entre los meses de noviembre de 1996 y febrero de 1998. Se evalúan las características de las litiasis en lo que respecta a ubicación, tamaño y densidad radiológica, el número, la duración y demás datos de las seciones de litotricia . Los 100 casos incluyeron 46 litiasis piélicas, 17 litiasis calicilares y 37 litiasis uretrales. El tamaño de las litiasis fue menor a 1 cm de diámetro máximo en 54 casos, entre 1,1 y 2 cm en 34 casos, y mayor de 2 cm en 11 casos. Todos ellos tuvieron seguimiento posterior. La tasa de resultados positivos fue de l 86 por ciento, con 77 pacientes sis evidencia de litiasis residual, 9 con litiasis residual y 14 casos con resultado negativo. El porcentaje de fragmentación obtenido con el litotriptor HT-2000 litotripter se equipara con los resultados publicados en la literatura

[Nutrition and bacterial translocation]. / Nutrición y translocación bacteriana.

The present work is part of a presentation given at the Scientific Meeting of the Association for Surgical Nutrition and Metabolism, during the XX National Congress for Surgery (Madrid, November 1994). The authors, prior to presenting their experiences, define and high light the importance of the phenomenon of "Bacterial Translocation" (BT). Afterwards, and based on several experimental studies performed by them, they attempt to answer two questions: 1) Is the term BT correct? 2) Is BT a physiological or a pathological state? Finally they review the relationship which exists between bacterial translocation and nutrition, both from a causative point of view as from the prevention and therapy of the same.

Cytochemical application of tris (2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II): fluorescence reaction with sulfated polyanions of mast cell granules.

We describe the use of tris (2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) (Rubipy) as a cationic fluorochrome for cytochemical and histochemical studies. After staining with Rubipy, mast cell granules (MCGs) and lymphocyte nuclei (LN) from mouse peritoneal cavity and human breast carcinoma showed intense orange fluorescence and no fading under blue or blue-violet exciting light. Staining at low pH (< 2) or pre-treatment with Al3+ ions strongly diminished the fluorescence of LN, whereas that of MCG was less affected. Ca2+ and Ba2+ ions only diminished MCG fluorescence. Blots of DNA, pectic acid, heparin, and other sulfated polysaccharides stained with Rubipy showed high emission, which was reduced in DNA and pectic acid staining at low pH. Studies with chemically modified heparins suggested that O-sulfates were more important than N-sulfates in Rubipy-heparin interactions. These results are in agreement with an ionic binding mode between Rubipy and heparin. A very suitable method for mast cell detection was found with Mayer's hematoxylin before Rubipy staining, which could be of great value for histopathological studies. This procedure allowed visualization of the mast cells by fluorescence microscopy, and nuclei and tissue morphology were easily visualized under brightfield illumination.

p53 protein expression in viral warts from patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

The p53 protein is the product of a tumour suppressor gene, which is implicated in many human malignancies. p53 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a series of viral warts (n = 12) from five patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), using a monoclonal anti-p53 antibody (DO7). p53 expression was also investigated in a series of common warts (n = 8), flat warts (n = 8), and penile bowenoid papulosis (n = 6) from non-EV patients. Immunostaining was positive in 11 of 12 (92%) EV warts, whereas p53 reactivity was negative in most cases of warts from non-EV patients. Exons 5-8 of the p53 gene were screened by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism technique in four EV warts, which were strongly stained for p53, and p53 mutations were not detected. These results suggest an association between p53 accumulation (probably of wild type) and EV warts.

Anomalous expression of P-cadherin in breast carcinoma. Correlation with E-cadherin expression and pathological features.

Previous studies on the cell-cell adhesion molecules P- and E-cadherin have shown that P-cadherin is not expressed in breast cancer. In contrast, the expression of E-cadherin is a normal event in these tumors, but a reduction in the levels of this molecule in neoplastic cells is associated with the histological type, high histological grade, greater tumor size, and metastasis. The expression pattern of P- and E-cadherin were immunohistochemically studied in tissue sections from normal breast tissue, benign breast lesions, and 57 infiltrating breast carcinomas. Cadherin expression was analyzed in parallel with pathological features and the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast carcinomas. P-cadherin was detected in the myoepithelial cells and E-cadherin in luminal epithelial cells from normal breast and benign breast lesions. P-cadherin expression was detected in 9 of 45 cases (20%) of infiltrating ductal carcinomas of no special type; none of the special histological types that were analyzed (7 infiltrating lobular carcinomas, 3 colloid carcinomas, and 2 infiltrating papillary carcinomas) expressed P-cadherin. In infiltrating ductal carcinomas, P-cadherin expression correlated significantly with a reduction in E-cadherin expression, histological grade (all cases were grade III tumors), and hormone receptor content (8 of 9 cases were estrogen and progesterone receptor negative). Although E-cadherin was not found in the 7 infiltrating lobular carcinomas, it was present in the remaining histological types and was preserved in 15 infiltrating ductal and 3 colloid and 2 papillary carcinomas and was reduced in 30 infiltrating ductal carcinomas. In addition, a reduction in E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with high histological grade and a lack of steroid hormone receptors in infiltrating ductal carcinomas. No apparent relationship was found between P- and E-cadherin expression and tumor size and axillary lymph node metastasis. The distinct patterns of P- and E-cadherin expression observed in this study strongly suggest a differential role for these cadherins in human breast carcinogenesis.

Selective fluorescence of eosinophilic structures in grasshopper and mammalian testis stained with haematoxylin-eosin.

After staining with Mayer's haematoxylin and eosin Y, paraffin sections of grasshopper and mouse testis were analysed by both transmitted light and fluorescence microscopy. Under violet-blue (436 nm) light excitation, a bright green emission was observed in all eosinophilic structures. Meiotic spindles (fibres and poles), mitochondrial aggregates, centriolar adjuncts in grasshopper spermatids, the basal lamina, flagellar bundles and remaining cytoplasmic droplets in the lumen of seminiferous tubules showed the most striking fluorescence induced by eosin Y. No emission was found in these structures after haemalum staining. Fluorescent microtubular components also revealed a positive immunoperoxidase reaction for alpha-tubulin. All fixation and embedding procedures (Bouin, Zenker, formaldehyde alone or followed by dichromate or glutaraldehyde, freeze-substitution) were suitable for observation by fluorescence microscopy. Acetylation, deamination, and prolonged washing of stained sections with water, salt solution or ethanol strongly reduced eosin Y fluorescence, while it slightly increased after methylation. These results show that routine haematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections can be routinely analysed by fluorescence microscopy. The emission of eosin Y allows easy and precise recognition of eosinophilic structures, which are poorly visible under bright field illumination.

In vitro assay of erythropoietin in fetal mouse liver cultures. II. Effects of human transferrin bound iron and of serum on the stimulation of incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA.

Iron bound to human transferrin but not apotransferrin, increases the effect of erythropoietin in stimulating incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA in fetal mouse liver cells in vitro. The effect of erythropoietin, with or without transferrin-iron is blocked by pre-incubation of the erythropoietin with rabbit anti erythropoietin serum. Human sera contain factors in addition to erythropoietin and transferin-iron which may modify the stimulation of incorporation of 3H-thymidine into fetal mouse liver DNA induced by erythropoietin. Heat treatment of sera at 56 degrees C for 30 min does not necessarily destroy these factors. Acid heat treatment of sera (pH 5.5 and 100 degrees C for 5 min) may destroy inhibitory factors and can result in an apparent increase in serum erythropoietin activity assessed in this fetal mouse liver system.