Relations of osteoporosis and follow-up duration to recurrent falls in older men and women.

SUMMARY: There were differences in risk factors between men and women and between two follow-up time lengths. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with recurrent falls for women but not for men. The relationship of osteoporosis with falls in the past year decreased during follow-up, while those of sedatives and hypnotics remained. INTRODUCTION: A prospective study to investigate relationships between osteoporosis and recurrent falls at two follow-up lengths of 6 and 12 months in older men and women. METHODS: In total, 204 men and 447 women who visited an emergency department due to a fall were recruited. RESULTS: For men, the risk of falling was not significantly associated with osteoporosis at 6 or 12 months. Men with a fall history were 127 and 100 %, respectively, more likely to have a fall at 6 and 12 months than those without. Men who did not use walking aids were 97 % more likely to have a fall at 12 months than those who did. Women with osteoporosis were 246 and 104 %, respectively, more likely to have a fall at 6 and 12 months than those without. Women with a fall history were 129 and 66 %, respectively, more likely to have a fall at 6 and 12 months than those without. Women taking sedatives and hypnotics were 75 and 102 %, respectively, more likely to have a fall at 6 and 12 months than their counterparts. Women with depression were 138 % more likely to have a fall at 6 months and those using walking aids were 59 % more likely to have a fall at 12 months, compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is association with falls for older women but not for older men. Identifying risk factors for recurrent falls in older people may be affected by the follow-up length, as their associations are reduced over time.

Genomic analyses of germline and somatic variation in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 557 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations (SCNA). RESULTS: Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function (LOF) germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM, and PALB2. LOF germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP, and NF1. In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of LOF variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536, and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 557 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.

Genomic Analyses of Germline and Somatic Variation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

Background High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 577 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations. Results Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM , and PALB2 . Loss-of-function germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP , and NF1 . In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of loss-of-function variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536 , and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival. Conclusions From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 577 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.

Effect of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the cytotoxicity, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostanoids production in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of TEGDMA on cell cycle progression as well as alterations of cell cycle-related gene and protein expression. METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp cells were exposed to 0-5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell cycle progression was analysed by propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry. Cell death pathway was surveyed by annexin V/PI dual-staining flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of cell cycle-related genes (cdc2, cyclinB1 and p21) and COX-2 was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and their protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. The production of PGE(2) and PGF(2α) in the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate inhibited cellular growth and induced cell cycle deregulation in dental pulp cells. High-dose exposure provoked both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. The gene and protein expression of cdc2, cyclin B1 and cdc25C declined obviously whilst cells treated with 2.5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA concurrent with the elevated expression of p21. The mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, along with production of PGE(2) and PGF(2α), are drastically raised by 2.5-5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA. CONCLUSIONS: Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate induced cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in dental pulp cells, which was associated with the decline of cdc2, cyclin B1, cdc25C expression and elevation of p21 expression. Concomitantly, COX-2 expression, PGE(2) and PGF(2α) production increased. These effects may contribute to explain the pulpal damage and inflammation induced by TEGDMA after operative procedures.

Human-human hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to the Mr 195,000 Plasmodium falciparum blood stage antigen.

Using the human lymphoblastoid cell line, GM 4672, and PBL of Gambian adults immune to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria, we have produced human-human hybridomas and selected those that produce mAb against Pf antigens. The fusion frequency, using PWM-stimulated donor lymphocytes was between 6.8 X 10(-5) and 1.5 X 10(-6). Using immune fluorescence, immune precipitation, and Pf in vitro growth inhibition, we cloned four hybridomas that reacted with the Pf Mr 195,000 schizont/merozoite protein. The differences in proteins immune precipitated and in growth inhibition indicate that, during development of protective immunity against Pf malaria, a spectrum of antibodies is produced reacting with different epitopes on the same antigen. Only a portion of these antibodies exhibits biological activity, suggesting that the recognition of certain epitopes is required for the development of a protective immune response.

Surface modification of T-lymphocytes observed during rosetting.

Scanning electron microscopy has been used to characterize alterations of lymphocyte surface topology that occur on contact with erythrocytes during the rosetting reaction. Molt-4 cells, a line of leukemic human lymphocytes, defined as T-cells through their ability to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes, were used for this. Unreacted Molt-4 cells exhibit surfaces that are virtually smooth and carry few microvilli. In contrast, Molt-4 cells in rosettes display a time-dependent modification of surface topology, characterized by the emergence of numerous, long microvilli, particularly in areas of red cell contact.

Proliferative rates of cloned malignant mammary epithelial cells as a measure of clonal heterogeneity in human breast carcinomas.

Malignant mammary epithelial cells (MMECs) were isolated from 8 human breast carcinomas and 1 adenoma as single cells or organoids and established in vitro. Depending on the cellularity of the tumor, between 9 X 10(4) and 4 X 10(6) cells were released per gram of tumor tissue. With the use of conditioned media and growth-promoting agents, a high proportion of cells (ranging from 0.5 to 11.4%) could be established in culture. A high degree of tumor cell heterogeneity in breast carcinomas was suggested by the observation that significantly different proliferative rates were found for 50 mammary epithelial cells cloned from 2 different tumors during the first subpassage in vitro prior to significant expansion of the cell colonies. The computed doubling times of these clones varied between 16 hours and more than 48 hours. The mammary epithelial nature of the cells was confirmed by their surface reactivity with monoclonal antibodies specific for MMECs. Studies on clones from 2 tumors revealed a positive correlation between proliferative rates of MMECs, their lactate production, and specific proteins synthesized as analyzed by two-dimensional macromolecular protein maps.

Epidermal growth factor receptor as a genetic therapy target for carcinoma cell radiosensitization.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of human cancer cells to ionizing radiation activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which, in turn, mediates a cytoprotective response that reduces the cells' sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Overexpression of a dominant-negative EGFR mutant, EGFR-CD533, disrupts the cytoprotective response by preventing radiation-induced activation of the receptor and its downstream effectors. To investigate whether gene therapy with EGFR-CD533 has the potential to increase tumor cell radiosensitivity, we introduced an adenoviral vector containing EGFR-CD533 into xenograft tumors in nude mice and evaluated the tumor response to ionizing radiation. METHODS: Xenograft tumors established from the human mammary carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-231 were transduced via infusion with the adenoviral vector Ad-EGFR-CD533 or a control vector containing the beta-galactosidase gene, Ad-LacZ. The transduced tumors were then exposed to radiation in the therapeutic dose range, and radiation-induced EGFR activation was assessed by examining the tyrosine phosphorylation of immunoprecipitated EGFR. Radiosensitization was determined in vitro by colony-formation assays. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: The transduction efficiency of MDA-MB-231 tumors by Ad-LacZ was 44%. Expression of EGFR-CD533 in tumors reduced radiation-induced EGFR activation by 2.94-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.23 to 4.14). The radiosensitivity of Ad-EGFR-CD533-transduced tumors was statistically significantly higher (46%; P<.001) than that of Ad-LacZ-transduced tumors, yielding a dose-enhancement ratio of 1.85 (95% CI = 1.54 to 2.51). CONCLUSIONS: Transduction of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors with Ad-EGFR-CD533 conferred a dominant-negative EGFR phenotype and induced tumor radiosensitization. Therefore, disruption of EGFR function through overexpression of EGFR-CD533 may hold promise as a gene therapeutic approach to enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to ionizing radiation.

Hyperthermia and bleomycin schedules on V79 Chinese hamster cell cytotoxicity in vitro.

The effect of sequence and timing of hyperthermia (43 degrees) and bleomycin on Chinese hamster cells (V79) has been investigated. Hyperthermia preceding bleomycin treatment produced a greater cytotoxic effect than bleomycin treatment preceding hyperthermia. Furthermore, it appears that the combination of hyperthermia and bleomycin becomes less effective if the application of bleomycin is delayed. The enhancement of cytotoxicity with hyperthermia first may be related to the effect of heat on the intracellular bleomycin degradation ability and protein synthesis. V79 cells treated with a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, before bleomycin (but not in the reversed sequence) also showed a markedly lower level of survival. As for hyperthermia treatment, pretreatment with cycloheximide did not change the uptake of bleomycin. These results suggest that hyperthermia and cycloheximide have increased the effectiveness of bleomycin and are consistent with the observation on chromosome damage induced by hyperthermia-bleomycin and cycloheximide-bleomycin treatments reported in the literature.

Effects of iron, copper, cobalt, and their chelators on the cytotoxicity of bleomycin.

Bleomycin is widely used for treating several types of human tumors as well as a variety of experimental tumors. The ability of this antibiotic to bind and to damage DNA has been proposed to be responsible for its antitumor effect. Bleomycin is also a good chelator for several metals, e.g., iron, copper, and others. Bleomycin:metal complexes have been investigated in detail particularly for their action on isolated DNA. The conclusions from these studies indicate that metal-chelated bleomycin either is ineffective or more effective in damaging DNA. In this paper, we tested the effect of iron, copper, cobalt, and their chelators on bleomycin cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that chelating bleomycin with copper or adding an iron chelator (deferoxamine), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, and a copper chelator (penicillamine) shows no effect on bleomycin cytotoxicity. On the other hand, iron dextran and a metal chelator, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), with bleomycin show enhanced cytotoxicity. Cobalt-chelated bleomycin is not cytotoxic but is cytotoxic when combined with DDC. We suggest that different mechanisms are contributing to the enhanced toxicity of bleomycin with iron dextran and DDC. Bleomycin acts as a ferrous oxidase which promotes the iron toxicity. In the case of DDC, it can act as a reducing agent or it can help to maintain the bleomycin:metal complex in the reduced form which can generate radicals.

Modification of membrane function, protein synthesis, and heat killing effect in cultured Chinese hamster cells by glycerol and D2O1.

Glycerol and D2O can provide a protective effect to Chinese hamster V79 cells receiving heat treatment. The mechanism for this effect is assumed to be the ability of these agents to stabilize proteins which implies that one of the possible heat-killing mechanisms is the inactivation of a heat-sensitive molecule (protein?). In addition, we observed that heat can alter the membrane permeability rapidly, and glycerol can reduce the initial heat-induced membrane permeability changes (determined by aminoisobutyric acid uptake). Although not as effective as cycloheximide, glycerol and D2O can retard protein synthesis. These two processes can add to the protective effect of stabilizing cellular protein against heat killing. Since glycerol and D2O added during the heat-conditioning period can interfere with the appearance of thermotolerance, the mechanisms for the protective effect of glycerol and D2O are likely to be different from heat-induced thermotolerance. We propose that the heat-sensitive molecule protected by D2O or glycerol may also play a role in the triggering process of the thermotolerance phenomenon. If the conditioning heat treatment is sufficient to affect this molecule but not other cellular targets, thus allowing the cell to survive, thermotolerance may be observed in surviving cells in response to second or continued heat treatment. Depending on the severity of the heat effect, this heat-sensitive molecule may continue to exist after a conditioning heat treatment in medium containing glycerol or D2O, and therefore, the response of the cells to the challenging heat is altered little. This proposed mechanism is capable of explaining several thermotolerance experimental protocols. Since glycerol can also reduce the toxicity of vincristine, microtubule-related protein is probably one of the proteins stabilized by this agent. D2O also probably affects microtubule protein, because the cells heated in medium containing D2O show little topological changes.

Impairment of Na+-dependent amino acid transport in a cultured human T-cell line by hyperthermia and irradiation.

We have examined the effects of hyperthermia and radiation on the ability of a human T-leukemic lymphocyte line (Molt-4) to transport the Na+-dependent amino acid, 2-aminoisobutyrate (AIB). Heating Molt-4 at 43 degrees for 1 to 4 hr damages the ability of these cells to accumulate AIB. The damage to the transport system at 43 degrees impairs only the maximal rate of AIB uptake, i.e., Vmax. The thermal effect on AIB transport parallels the radiation effects observed for this system. Preliminary data indicate that heat and radiation may induce irreversible transitions in the tertiary or quaternary structure of a plasma membrane protein involved in regulating Na+-dependent amino acid transport. However, the mechanism by which heat and radiation damage this protein is different.

Ionizing radiation-induced, mitochondria-dependent generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen.

Transient generation of reactive oxygen or nitrogen (ROS/RNS), detected with dihydrodichlorofluoroscein by fluorescence microscopy, occurs within minutes of exposing cells to ionizing radiation. In the 1-10 Gy dose range, the amount of ROS/RNS produced/cell is constant, but the percentage of producing cells increases with dose (20 to 80%). Reversible depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential () and decrease in fluorescence of a mitochondria-entrapped dye, calcein, are observed coincidentally. Radiation-induced ROS/RNS, depolarization, and calcein fluorescence decrease are inhibited by the mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor, cyclosporin A, but not the structural analogue, cyclosporin H. Radiation-stimulated ROS/RNS is also inhibited by overexpressing the Ca(2+)-binding protein, calbindin 28K, or treating cells with an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator. Radiation-induced ROS/RNS is observed in several cell types with the exception of rho(o) cells deficient in mitochondrial electron transport. rho(o) cells show neither radiation-induced ROS/RNS production nor depolarization. We propose that radiation damage in a few mitochondria is transmitted via a reversible, Ca(2+)-dependent mitochondrial permeability transition to adjacent mitochondria with resulting enhanced ROS/RNS generation. Measurements of radiation-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activity indicate that this sensing/amplification mechanism is necessary for activation of some cytoplasmic signaling pathways by low doses of radiation.

Potentiation of the activity of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine by the protein kinase C activator bryostatin 1 in HL-60 cells: association with enhanced fragmentation of mature DNA.

We have examined the interaction between 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and the macrocyclic lactone protein kinase C activator bryostatin 1 in the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. Preexposure of cells to 10 nM bryostatin 1 for 24 h, followed by an additional 24-h incubation with 10 microM ara-C, resulted in greater than additive inhibitory effects toward clonogenic HL-60 cells. In a series of alkaline elution assays, cells preincubated with bryostatin 1 and prelabeled with [3H]thymidine exhibited a significant increase in DNA fragmentation following exposure to ara-C in comparison to cells exposed to ara-C alone. This increase in DNA damage was apparent at both neutral and alkaline pH and was not protein associated. In contrast, studies using cells pulse-labeled with [3H]thymidine immediately before analysis suggested that bryostatin 1 pretreatment did not increase the ability of ara-C to interfere with DNA replicative intermediates. Additional studies demonstrated that the increase in DNA fragmentation induced by bryostatin 1 and ara-C preceded both loss of cell membrane integrity (as determined by trypan blue exclusion) as well as depletion of intracellular ATP and NAD pools. Furthermore, the enhanced inhibitory effects of bryostatin 1 and ara-C toward clonogenic HL-60 cells did not appear to result from the induction of cellular differentiation. Finally, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA obtained from cells exposed to both bryostatin 1 and ara-C revealed a pattern of integer multiples of 180- to 200-base pair fragments commonly associated with endonucleolytic cleavage; the extent of this fragmentation was considerably greater than that observed in cells exposed to ara-C alone. Taken together, these findings suggest that exposure of HL-60 cells to bryostatin 1 renders them more susceptible to ara-C-related DNA damage and that this phenomenon contributes to the cytotoxic effects of this drug combination. They also raise the possibility that bryostatin 1, perhaps through modulation of intracellular signaling events in leukemic cells, has the capacity to potentiate ara-C-related apoptosis or programmed cell death.

Altered surface topology and membrane functions of rat thymocytes eluted from nylon wool columns.

(1) Following incubation of thymocytes with nylon wool at 37 degrees C, the eluted cells showed an increase in the number of microvilli per cell and a concominant elongation of the microvilli (0.22 mum versus 1.15 mum. (2) Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cylic AMP) levels were lowered by 30-50% in nylon wool-treated thymocytes. (3) Nylon wool-treated cells showed an impaired Na+-dependent amino acid transport system (2-aminoisobutyrate) whereas the Na+-independent amino acid transport system (1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylate) was unaffected.

Action of halothane on human erythrocytes. Mechanisms of cell lysis and production of sealed ghosts.

1. Suspension of human erythrocytes in halothane-saturated physiological media induces major cell deformation. 2. Release of halothane from erythrocyte suspensions after equilibrium with the anaesthetic produces complete hemolysis. 3. The membrane fragments isolated after halothane release are in the form of biconcave ghosts, impermeable to macromolecules (lactoperoxidase) and small molecules (ATP). 4. The protein composition of the membranes differs from that of ghosts produced by hypotonic lysis in the lack of components previously shown to be adsorbed at low ionic strength. 5. A hypothesis is presented explaining the action of halothane in terms of both its action on membranes and its capacity to modify water structure. 6. Halothane-induced hemolysis constitutes a simple method for the large-scale production of hemoglobin-depleted, sealed erythrocyte ghosts under physiological ionic conditions.

An endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase regulates endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) inhibits nitric oxide (NO) elaboration in cultured human endothelial cells and whether this is associated with the activation of oxidant-sensitive signaling mediating endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes. BACKGROUND: Endothelial NO elaboration is impaired in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, which may be due to elevated concentrations of ADMA, an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV 304) and human monocytoid cells (THP-1) were studied in a functional binding assay. Nitric oxide and superoxide anion (O2-) were measured by chemiluminescence; ADMA by high pressure liquid chromatography; monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) by ELISA and NF-KB by electromobility gel shift assay. RESULTS: Incubation of endothelial cells with ADMA (0.1 microM to 100 microM) inhibited NO formation, which was reversed by coincubation with L-arginine (1 mM). The biologically inactive stereoisomer symmetric dimethylarginine did not inhibit NO release. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (10 microM) or native low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (100 mg/dL) increased endothelial O2- to the same degree. Asymmetric dimethylarginine also stimulated MCP-1 formation by endothelial cells. This effect was paralleled by activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-KB. Preincubation of endothelial cells with ADMA increased the adhesiveness of endothelial cells for THP-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Asymmetric dimethylarginine-induced monocyte binding was diminished by L-arginine or by a neutralizing anti-MCP-1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the endogenous NO synthase inhibitor ADMA is synthesized in human endothelial cells. Asymmetric dimethylarginine increases endothelial oxidative stress and potentiates monocyte binding. Asymmetric dimethylarginine may be an endogenous proatherogenic molecule.

Radiation-induced enhanced proliferation of human squamous cancer cells in vitro: a release from inhibition by epidermal growth factor.

Ionizing radiation is believed to stimulate the repopulation of squamous carcinoma cells that survive the early portion of a fractionated course of radiotherapy. To characterize any intrinsic radiation-induced adaptive response and to examine whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) influences this response, A431 and 183A cells were irradiated with repeated daily exposures of 0.5-0.75 Gy and then grown in monolayer culture for 7 days with or without EGF at a 1 ng/ml concentration. Cell numbers were quantified using a microtiter dye-reduction assay. EGF alone caused approximately 70% and 30% growth inhibition of human SC A431 and 183A cells, respectively. Although radiation alone did not affect proliferative rates in these conditions, radiation eliminated the EGF-related growth inhibition in both cell lines. This effect was dose dependent in single radiation exposure experiments. Cell cycle analyses indicated that EGF initially promoted entry into S-phase 3 days after treatment but caused a G1-S block after 7 days. Treatment with radiation recruited cells into S-phase and G2-M, an effect which was sustained 7 days after treatment, overriding the influence of EGF. Radiation-induced modulation of the response of human squamous carcinoma cells to EGF in vitro after single and repeated radiation exposures suggests a proliferation response that may underlie enhanced repopulation of tumor clonogens in vivo.

Radiosensitization of malignant glioma cells through overexpression of dominant-negative epidermal growth factor receptor.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in neoplastic growth control of malignant gliomas. We have demonstrated that radiation activates EGFR Tyr-phosphorylation (EGFR Tyr-P) and the proliferation of surviving human carcinoma cells, a likely mechanism of accelerated cellular repopulation, a major cytoprotective response after radiation. We now investigate the importance of radiation-induced activation of EGFR on the radiosensitivity of the human malignant glioma cells U-87 MG and U-373 MG. The function of EGFR was inhibited through a genetic approach of transducing cells with an Adenovirus (Ad) vector containing dominant-negative (DN) EGFR-CD533 (Ad-EGFR-CD533) at efficiencies of 85-90%. The resulting cells are referred to as U-87-EGFR-CD533 and U-373-EGFR-CD533. After irradiation at 2 Gy, both of the cell lines exhibited a mean 3-fold increase in EGFR Tyr-P. The expression of EGFR-CD533 completely inhibited the radiation-induced activation of EGFR. In clonogenic survival assays after a single radiation exposure, the radiation dose for a survival of 37% (D37) for U-87-EGFR-CD533 cells was 1.4- to 1.5-fold lower, relative to cells transduced with AdLacZ or untransduced U-87 MG cells. This effect was amplified with repeated radiation exposures (3 x 2 Gy) yielding a D37 ratio of 1.8-2.0. In clonogenic survival studies with U-373 MG cells, the radiosensitizing effect of EGFR-CD533 was similar. Furthermore, in vivo studies with U-87 MG xenografts confirmed the effect of EGFR-CD533 on tumor radiosensitization (dose enhancement ratio, 1.8). We conclude that inhibition of EGFR function via Ad-mediated gene transfer of EGFR-CD533 results in significant radiosensitization. As underlying mechanism, we suggest the disruption of a major cytoprotective response involving EGFR and its downstream effectors, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase. The experiments demonstrate for the first time that radiosensitization of malignant glioma cells through disruption of EGFR function may be achieved by genetic therapy approaches.

Temperature effects on shape and function of human granulocytes.

Scanning microscopic and functional studies were made of granulocytes isolated from CPD anticoagulated whole blood by counterflow centrifugation in a Beckman JE-6 rotor. The collection buffer was phosphate (20 mM) buffered saline (280 mOsM) with glucose (29 mM) and human serum albumin (1.2% w/v). The final suspension contained less than 2% mononuclear cells and 5% red cells. Incubation and fixation at various temperatures revealed two distinct temperature dependent shape transformations. At 22, 37, 40 and 45 degrees C granulocytes were ameboid with extensive highly textured veils. These smoothed progressively, bullae and blebs formed, and membranes peeled finally leaving nonfunctional spheres with smooth surfaces. At 4 degrees C, granulocytes were irregular spheres, less rugose but with numerous microvilli and nodules. Veiling was absent. Phagocytosis, initially low, progressively declined over 48 h while cell surfaces become smooth. Some formed blebs, but all terminated as nonfunctional spheres with untextured surfaces containing occasional large single holes. Cellular stability estimated from changes in volume distributions, and phagocytosis by microfluorescence measurements of yeast and latex particle ingestion were also temperature dependent and paralleled the shape progressions. It is concluded that at body (37 degrees C) or fever (40 degrees C) temperatures, granulocytes have dynamic membrane surfaces characterized by extensive veiling and high function. At 4 degrees C they are relatively inactive spheres devoid of pseudopodia or veils, yet functional at slow rates.