Roles of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in lung metastasis formation in prostate cancer RM9 cells.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is known to correlate with a poor prognosis of prostate cancer and contribute to tumor metastasis. However, the precise mechanism of this phenomenon remains unknown. We have previously reported that host stromal microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) appeared critical for tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here, we tested whether or not mPGES-1 has a critical role in lung metastasis formation of prostate cancer. Murine prostate cancer cells (RM9) were intravenously injected and lung metastasis was estimated by counting colonies in the lungs. Mice treated with a selective COX-2 inhibitor, celocoxib, were suppressed lung metastasis compared to vehicle mice. This lung metastasis formation was also reduced in mPGES-1 knockout (mPGES-1 KO) mice, compared with wild type (WT) mice. This was accompanied with reduced angiogenesis around the metastasized colonies of RM9. Plasma protein levels and metastasized lung tissue mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) were significantly suppressed in mPGES-1 KO mice in comparison with WT mice. In addition, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, and metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 were down-regulated in metastatic lungs in mPGES-1 KO mice. These results suggested that host mPGES-1 was essential for MMP-2 and MMP-9 up-regulation that enhances tumor metastasis. mPGES-1 appears to be critical for tumor metastasis in prostate cancers. mPGES-1 inhibitors may be useful to protect against prostate cancer metastasis.

Recruited bone marrow cells expressing the EP3 prostaglandin E receptor subtype enhance angiogenesis during chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation, which is characterized by the proliferation of granulation tissues, is known to be regulated by angiogenesis. Recent results suggest that bone marrow-derived (BM-derived) hematopoietic cells regulate angiogenesis in vivo. We previously reported that the angiogenesis occurring during chronic inflammation is enhanced in response to the endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) derived from an inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In the present study, we examined the role of BM-derived cells expressing an E-type PG receptor subtype, EP3, in sponge-induced angiogenesis. The replacement of wild-type (WT) BM with BM cells (BMCs) from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice revealed that the formation of granulation tissue around the sponge implants developed via the recruitment of BMCs. This recruitment was enhanced by topical injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and a VEGF-dependent increase in the recruitment of BMCs was inhibited by a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib. FACS analysis of the granulation tissues after treatment with collagenase revealed that the Mac-1-positive macrophage fraction was enhanced by topical injections of VEGF-A, and that this increased recruitment of Mac-1-positive BMCs was inhibited by celecoxib. Selective knockdown of EP3 performed by BM transplantation with BMCs isolated from EP3 knockout (EP3) mice reduced sponge-induced angiogenesis, as estimated by mean vascular number and CD31 expression in the granulation tissues. This reduction in angiogenesis in EP3(-/-) BM chimeric mice was accompanied by reductions in the recruitment of BMCs, especially of Mac-1-positive cells and Gr-1-positive cells. These results indicate that the recruited bone marrow cells that express the EP3 receptor have a significant role in enhancing angiogenesis during chronic proliferative inflammation.

Regulatory expression of lipoxin A4 receptor in physiologically estrus cycle and pathologically endometriosis.

Expression of receptors for prostaglandin (PG) and leukotriene (LT) has been reported to detect in endometrium and smooth muscle of uterus, suggesting involvement of these arachidonic metabolites in endometrial pathology and reproductive biology. Lipoxin (LX), which is produced by lipoxygenases from arachidonic acid, has been characterized as an anti-inflammatory lipid mediator. Biological actions of Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) are mediated through the specific receptor. In order to know roles of LXA4 in female genitalia, expression of LXA4 receptor mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Significantly higher expression of the receptor was detected in endometrium and myometrium than ovary in normal rats. Expression of the receptor in endometrium was increased at stage of proestrus cycle under physiological condition. Exogenous administration of progesterone into female rats significantly reduced the expression, while administration of estradiol or pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) did not. Both, endometrium in experimental endometriosis induced in rats and the tissues from patients with ectopic endometriosis showed a higher expression of LXA4 receptor compared to the normal tissues. In contrast, expressions of BLT1 and BLT2, receptors for leukotriene B4, did not change in the endometriosis. These observations suggest a possible role of LXA4 and the receptor under physiological estrus cycle and pathological condition as endometriosis.

Involvement of calmodulin in glucagon-like peptide 1(7-36) amide-induced inhibition of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel in mouse pancreatic beta-cells.

The present investigation was designed to examine whether calmodulin is involved in the inhibition of the ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel by glucagon-like peptide 1(7-36) amide (GLP-1) in mouse pancreatic beta-cells. Membrane potential, single channel and whole-cell currents through the K(ATP) channels, and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in single mouse pancreatic beta-cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments with amphotericin-perforated patches revealed that membrane conductance at around the resting potential is predominantly supplied by the K(ATP) channels in mouse pancreatic beta-cells. The addition of 20 nM GLP-1 in the presence of 5 mM glucose significantly reduced the membrane K(ATP) conductance, accompanied by membrane depolarization and the generation of electrical activity. A calmodulin inhibitor N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulphonamide (W-7, 20 microM) completely reversed the inhibitory actions of GLP-1 on the membrane K(ATP) conductance and resultant membrane depolarization. Cell-attached patch recordings confirmed the inhibition of the K(ATP) channel activity by 20 nM GLP-1 and its restoration by 20 microM W-7 or 10 microM calmidazolium at the single channel level. Bath application of 20 microM W-7 also consistently abolished the GLP-1-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in the presence of 5 mM glucose. These results strongly suggest that the mechanisms by which GLP-1 inhibits the K(ATP) channel activity accompanied by the initiation of electrical activity in mouse pancreatic beta-cells include a calmodulin-dependent mechanism in addition to the well-documented activation of the cyclic AMP-protein kinase A system.

Activated Ras modifies the proliferative response of rheumatoid synovial cells to TNF-alpha and TGF-alpha.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the proliferative response of rheumatoid synovial fibroblast (RSF) to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha. METHODS: V-Ki-ras gene was introduced into RSF using a retrovirus and the proliferative response of these cells to TNF-alpha or TGF-alpha was estimated by measuring the uptake of 3H-thymidine. The effect of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059, was also investigated. RESULTS: Consistent with previous reports, TNF-alpha and TGF-alpha stimulated the proliferation of RSF. When the v-Ki-ras gene was expressed, the basal growth rate of these cells was increased, but their growth was suppressed by TNF-alpha or TGF-alpha. The latter effect was abolished when the cells were exposed to a relatively low concentration of PD98059. CONCLUSION: Ras modulates the proliferative response of RSF to TNF-alpha and TGF-alpha.

Increases in K+ conductance and Ca2+ influx under high glucose with suppressed Na+/K+-pump activity in rat myelinated nerve fibers.

To test the combined effect of high glucose and decreased Na+/K+-pump activity, a condition which closely mimics the diabetic state, on nerve ionic currents, changes in action potential and membrane current induced by high glucose in the presence of ouabain were investigated using voltage clamp analysis in rat single myelinated nerve fibers. In the presence of 0.1 mM ouabain, 30 mM glucose caused a progressive increase in the delayed K+ current as well as persistent decreases in action potential and Na+ current, suggesting that Na+/K+ pump plays an important role in preventing the increase in the K+ current. The latter increase was suppressed by a blocker of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Two types of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockers (L and N-type) as well as a Na+/Ca2+-exchange blocker diminished the ouabain-induced increase in K+ conductance. These results suggest that high glucose with suppressed Na+/K+ pump activity might induce an increase of Ca2+ influx through either Ca2+ channels or reverse Na+/Ca2+-exchange, possibly leading to the elevation of Ca2+-activated voltage-dependent K+ channels. Both a decrease in inward Na+ current and an increase in K+ conductance may result in decreased nerve conduction. In addition, a possible increase of axoplasmic Ca2+ concentration may lead to axonal degeneration. These results provide a clue for understanding the pathophysiologic mechanism of diabetic neuropathy.

A case of viral warts with particular fibrillar intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies.

A new type of skin wart was observed in a Japanese patient. It was characterized by intracytoplasmic inclusions with a 'fibrillar' structure which were distinct from previously described wart-associated inclusions. The papillomavirus (HPV)-group-specific antigen could be detected, but DNA hybridization and PCR amplification using probes or PCR primers specific for the main skin HPV genotypes (including HPV-63 which is also associated with 'filamentous' inclusions) were negative. We consider that this cytopathic effect could correspond to an HPV genotype which has not yet been characterized.

[Papillomaviruses and human tumors]. / Vztah papillomaviru k lidským nádorum.

The report summarizes the main results obtained in the course of our research project. The results of immunological and epidemiological studies provide further proofs that human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological agents in cervical neoplasia. In addition, they raise hopes that immunological methods may be utilized in diagnostics of cervical cancer and for monitoring the clinical course of this disease in the near future. Since the etiological relationship between HPV and cervical carcinoma seems to be proven beyond reasonable doubt, the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines has become the dominant of the contemporary HPV reseach. For studying immune reactions against HPV-induced tumours we developed a model of HPV16-transformed rodent cells.

DNA vaccine against oncogenic hamster cells transformed by HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes and the activated ras oncogene.

The capability of DNA to elicit anti-tumour immunity was studied using human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-transformed Syrian hamster cells denoted K3/II. These cells had been derived after cotransfection of primary kidney cell cultures with p16HHMo plasmid containing E6/E7 oncogenes of HPV16 and pEJ6.6 plasmid containing the activated human H-ras oncogene; they express both the HPV16 and activated H-ras genes. As a DNA vaccine, the p16HHMo plasmid was used. Three doses of the plasmid (either 100 microg or 10-15 microg per dose) were administered intramuscularly at 3-week intervals. The animals were challenged with four different doses (10(3)-10(6) per animal) of K3/II cells 10 days after the last plasmid injection. In one experiment the lower dose of plasmid DNA was also given in a mixture with the cationic lipid DOTAP. In another experiment, the pEJ6.6 plasmid (100 microg per dose) was used either alone or in combination with p16HHMo. In all experiments animals inoculated with the same doses of pBR322 plasmid served as controls. A moderate protective effect was observed in animals inoculated with the 100-microg doses of p16HHMo, but not in those inoculated with 10-15 microg of the same plasmid, whether given with or without DOTAP. A protective effect was also observed after administration of the pEJ6. 6 plasmid. At the time of challenge a portion of the p16HHMo-immunized, but not the pBR322-treated, animals possessed antibodies reactive in ELISA with peptides derived from the N-terminal portion of HPV16 E7 protein and with one peptide derived from E6 protein, while two other E6 peptides exhibited non-specific reactivity.

Glucagon induces suppression of ATP-sensitive K+ channel activity through a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent pathway in mouse pancreatic beta-cells.

Glucagon is known to increase intracellular cAMP levels and enhance glucose-induced electrical activity and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cell perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution. The present experiments were aimed at evaluation of the hypothesis that changes in beta-cells ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel activity are involved in the glucagon-induced enhancement of electrical activity. Channel activity was recorded using the cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Addition of glucagon (2.9 x 10(-7) m) in the presence of 11.1 mm glucose caused closure of K(ATP) channels followed by an increase in the frequency of biphasic current transients (action currents) due to action potential generation in the cell. Three calmodulin-antagonists (W-7, chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine) restored with similar efficacy K(ATP) channel activity in cells being exposed to glucagon. At 2.8 mm glucose, glucagon did not affect K(ATP) channel activity until Ca2+ was released from Nitr-5 by flash photolysis, at which point channel activity was transiently suppressed. Similar effects were seen when db-cAMP was used instead of glucagon. These results support the view that glucagon and other cAMP-generating agonists enhance glucose-induced beta-cell electrical activity through a Ca2+/calmodulin dependent-closure of K(ATP) channels.

A putative human papillomavirus type 57 new subtype isolated from plantar epidermoid cysts without intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies.

Human papillomavirus type 60 (HPV-60) is the only virus type that has been identified in epidermoid cysts. In this study, HPV-57 DNA was found in three out of 18 plantar epidermoid cysts with different histological features from HPV-60-associated cysts, using PCR and Southern hybridization. The HPV-57-associated cysts had features resembling an HPV-2-specific cytopathic effect. The sequences of two HPV-57 DNA clones isolated from two patients were identical, but differed at some positions from those of HPV-57a and HPV-57b. This putative new subtype was tentatively designated as HPV-57c, and may be associated with plantar epidermoid cysts showing histological features resembling the HPV-2 cytopathic effect.

Induction of anti-tumour immunity by suicide-gene-modified HPV-16-transformed hamster cells.

From K3/II, which is a highly oncogenic HPV16-transformed Syrian hamster cell line, thymidine-kinase(TK)-less cells, denoted B 49, were derived. B49 cells were transfected by a plasmid containing the herpes-simplex-virus TK gene (HSV TK) and several sub-lines expressing this gene were isolated from the transfected cultures. The HSV TK+ cells were highly sensitive to ganciclovir (GCV) and other anti-viral substances whose inhibitory effect is based on their phosphorylation by HSV TK. One of the cell lines, denoted KL1/6, exhibited relatively high stability of the HSV TK+ phenotype and was used in subsequent experiments. When KL1/6 cells were co-cultivated in the presence of GCV with various other cell lines of hamster, mouse or monkey origin, the by-stander effect (BE) was observed. GCV treatment of hamsters prevented development of tumours after the administration of KL1/6 cells but not K3/II cells. The treatment of animals with already established KL1/6-induced tumours resulted in tumour regression in all instances, but complete regression was observed only in animals carrying small tumours. The BE of KL1/6 cells on K3/II cells was also seen in vivo. In addition, concomitant immunity was observed in animals simultaneously inoculated with KL1/6 cells and K3/11 cells at 2 separate sites of the body. This effect was evident not only in animals in which KL1/6 tumours developed, but also in those in which tumour outgrowth was prevented by GCV treatment. In other experiments it was demonstrated that one KL1/6 + GCV treatment resulted in partial resistance, 2 such treatments in complete resistance to the challenge with K3/II cells.

Human papillomavirus 57 identified in a plantar epidermoid cyst.

We report a 23-year-old Japanese man who had plantar warts on the right sole, beneath one of which an epidermoid cyst developed. On microscopic examination, an acanthotic epidermis markedly invaginated into the underlying dermis, resulting in an open epidermoid cyst. Not only the polymerase chain reaction but also an in situ hybridization detected HPV 57 DNA in the cyst. HPV 60 is the only type of HPV that has been identified in epidermoid cysts. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an epidermoid cyst, in which a different type of virus from HPV 60 was identified. Histological features of the cyst were also different those of HPV 60-associated epidermoid cysts.

Cyclic AMP-elevating agents prevent oligodendroglial excitotoxicity.

Previously, we have demonstrated that cells of the oligodendroglial lineage express non-NMDA glutamate receptor genes and are damaged by kainate-induced Ca2+ influx via non-NMDA glutamate receptor channels, representing oligodendroglial excitotoxicity. We find in the present study that agents that elevate intracellular cyclic AMP prevent oligodendroglial excitotoxicity. After oligodendrocyte-like cells, differentiated from the CG-4 cell line established from rat oligodendrocyte type-2 astrocyte progenitor cells, were exposed to 2 mM kainate for 24 h, cell death was evaluated by measuring activity of lactate dehydrogenase released into the culture medium. Released lactate dehydrogenase increased about threefold when exposed to 2 mM kainate. Kainate-induced cell death was prevented by one of the following agents: adenylate cyclase activator (forskolin), cyclic AMP analogues (dibutyryl cyclic AMP and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP), and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, pentoxifylline, propentofylline, and ibudilast). Simultaneous addition of both forskolin and phosphodiesterase inhibitors prevented the kainate-induced cell death in an additive manner. A remarkable increase in Ca2+ influx (approximately 5.5-fold) also was induced by kainate. The cyclic AMP-elevating agents caused a partial suppression of the kainate-induced increase in Ca2+ influx, leading to a less prominent response of intracellular Ca2+ concentration to kainate. The suppressing effect of forskolin on the kainate-induced Ca2+ influx was partially reversed by H-89, an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. In contrast to this, okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, brought about a decrease in the kainate-induced Ca2+ influx. We therefore concluded that cyclic AMP-elevating agents prevented oligodendroglial excitotoxicity by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase-dependent protein phosphorylation, resulting in decreased kainate-induced Ca2+ influx.

Suppressing Na+ influx induces an increase in intracellular ATP concentration in mouse pancreatic beta-cells.

The effects of suppressing Na+ influx on the activity of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP) channel) and intracellular ATP concentration in mouse pancreatic beta-cells were studied. Lowering extracellular Na+ concentration brought about a closing of K(ATP) channels. The activity of K(ATP) channels was markedly inhibited by the addition of amiloride, a blocker of Na+/H+-counter transporter. Mannoheptulose completely eliminated the inhibition otherwise induced by amiloride. Monensin, an electroneutral Na+/H+ antiporter, remarkably increased the activity of K(ATP) channels. Removing extracellular Ca2+ also caused inhibition of the channel activity. ATP measurement experiments using isolated islets revealed that the intracellular ATP concentration of islet cells was significantly increased by incubating either with amiloride or a low Na+ solution. The measurement of fluorescence excited at 360 nm demonstrated that both suppressing Na+ influx and inhibition of Na+/K+-pumps caused a transient increase in the reduced form of pyridine nucleotide. These findings indicate that a decrease in Na+ influx could cause an elevation in intracellular ATP concentration probably through inducing a fall in ATP consumption at the Na+/K+-pump sites.

Putative regulatory sequence in human papillomavirus type 16 E2 open reading frame.

A 114 bp fragment of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E2 open reading frame (nt. 3142-3255) containing a putative estrogen responsive element (ERE) was amplified and cloned into pBLCAT2 plasmid in both sense (p159-4) and anti-sense (p164) orientation. The plasmids were transfected into human breast-cancer cell line MCF-7 containing estrogen receptor and the cultures were kept in the presence or absence of beta-estradiol. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity was not influenced by estrogen. However, a silencer effect was observed both in cultures transfected with p159-4 and p164 plasmids. We prepared and cloned synthetic fragments containing the putative ERE and failed to prove that the palindrome in the putative ERE was responsible for the silencer activity.