Neurobio-logy of multiple myeloma and its therapeutical use - results of the pilot study with a control arm.

BACKGROUND: Myeloma cells, occupying a bone marrow niche, are influenced not only by neighbouring stroma cells but also by signals from the axons of sympathetic nervous system. The nervous system is directly involved in the process of myeloma progression. Among other cancers, patients with myeloma suffer the most difficult distress generating intensive adrenergic signals, causing its further progression. There is a question arising from these facts regarding whether psychological interventions, modulating a function of the nervous system, can further improve outcomes of myeloma treatments. We focus on interactions between myeloma cells and the nervous system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with monoclonal gamapathy of indetermined significance (MGUS) or myeloma have participated in this study; eight in the interventional arm with the intervention of forgiveness therapy and four in the control arm. The patients were in various phases of their treatment, from active observation to immuno-chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. Two major types of parameters were measured during the intervention: parameters of the activity of the disease (MGUS or myeloma) and psycho-neuro-immunological parameters of the patient, such as psychological depression, anxiety, and anger by the validated test PROMIS), as well as activity of the autonomic nervous system by heart rate variability, and immune profile by flow cytometry of peripheral blood. RESULTS: Patients who completed the forgiveness intervention showed improvement of depression, anxiety, and anger measured by PROMIS above population average, significant expansion of physiological plasma cells CD138+38+ (P = 0.04), B memory lymphocytes CD27+ (P = 0.02), and dendritic plasmacytoid cells CD123+ (P = 0.03). Parameters of heart rate variability such as parasympatic nervous system (PNS) index, sympatic nervous system (SNS) index, stress index, standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) had improved in a majority of patients. CONCLUSION: An intervention centered on forgiveness therapy was able to improve distress, reduce adrenergic signals in the autonomic nervous system, and restore parameters of the immune profile of patients with plasma cell dyscrasia who suffered from chronic stress caused by repressed anger and unforgiveness. Integrative treatment of myeloma can improve the quality of life of patients and thus affect the efficiency of immuno-chemotherapy. New randomised trials are warranted to test the integrative treatment of myeloma that might be able to improve overall survival.

BCR/ABL preleukemic fusion gene in subpopulations of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from human UCB.

The BCR/ABL preleukemic fusion gene (PFG) is one of the most frequent fusion genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was also detected in hematopoietic cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) of healthy newborns. Since hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) are considered to be a critical cellular target for origination of leukemia, we have studied the presence of BCR/ABL PFG in expanded subpopulations of HSPC and differentiated cells from UCB of those healthy newborns, who have previously been tested positive for BCR/ABL by screening of their UCB mononuclear cells using RT-qPCR and FISH methods. We isolated cells from human UCB samples positive for BCR/ABL and negative controls. The isolated cells were sorted into 5 hematopoietic and progenitor cell subpopulations. We analyzed BCR/ABL in sorted and expanded subpopulations of UCB using FISH and RT-qPCR. We found that the number of BCR/ABL positive cells was similar in each studied subpopulation and the same as in differentiated lymphocytes. Our data showed that there is no specific subpopulation of hematopoietic and progenitor stem cells with an increased leukemogenic potential due to the presence of higher copies of BCR/ABL.

Rational combination treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs in multiple myeloma.

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) thalidomide, lenalidomide (Len) and pomalidomide trigger anti-tumor activities in multiple myeloma (MM) by targetting cereblon and thereby impacting IZF1/3, c-Myc and IRF4. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) also downregulate c-Myc. We therefore determined whether IMiDs with HDACi trigger significant MM cell growth inhibition by inhibiting or downregulating c-Myc. Combination treatment of Len with non-selective HDACi suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid or class-I HDAC-selective inhibitor MS275 induces synergic cytotoxicity, associated with downregulation of c-Myc. Unexpectedly, we observed that decreased levels of cereblon (CRBN), a primary target protein of IMiDs, was triggered by these agents. Indeed, sequential treatment of MM cells with MS275 followed by Len shows less efficacy than simultaneous treatment with this combination. Importantly ACY1215, an HDAC6 inhibitor with minimal effects on class-I HDACs, together with Len induces synergistic MM cytotoxicity without alteration of CRBN expression. Our results showed that only modest class-I HDAC inhibition is able to induce synergistic MM cytotoxicity in combination with Len. These studies may provide the framework for utilizing HDACi in combination with Len to both avoid CRBN downregulation and enhance anti-MM activities.

Class IIa HDAC inhibition enhances ER stress-mediated cell death in multiple myeloma.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been extensively investigated as therapeutic agents in cancer. However, the biological role of class IIa HDACs (HDAC4, 5, 7 and 9) in cancer cells, including multiple myeloma (MM), remains unclear. Recent studies show HDAC4 interacts with activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and inhibits activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated proapoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In this study, we hypothesized that HDAC4 knockdown and/or inhibition could enhance apoptosis in MM cells under ER stress condition by upregulating ATF4, followed by CHOP. HDAC4 knockdown showed modest cell growth inhibition; however, it markedly enhanced cytotoxicity induced by either tunicamycin or carfilzomib (CFZ), associated with upregulating ATF4 and CHOP. For pharmacological inhibition of HDAC4, we employed a novel and selective class IIa HDAC inhibitor TMP269, alone and in combination with CFZ. As with HDAC4 knockdown, TMP269 significantly enhanced cytotoxicity induced by CFZ in MM cell lines, upregulating ATF4 and CHOP and inducing apoptosis. Conversely, enhanced cytotoxicity was abrogated by ATF4 knockdown, confirming that ATF4 has a pivotal role mediating cytotoxicity in this setting. These results provide the rationale for novel treatment strategies combining class IIa HDAC inhibitors with ER stressors, including proteasome inhibitors, to improve patient outcome in MM.

Histone deacetylase 3 as a novel therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) represent novel molecular targets for the treatment of various types of cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). Many HDAC inhibitors have already shown remarkable antitumor activities in the preclinical setting; however, their clinical utility is limited because of unfavorable toxicities associated with their broad range HDAC inhibitory effects. Isoform-selective HDAC inhibition may allow for MM cytotoxicity without attendant side effects. In this study, we demonstrated that HDAC3 knockdown and a small-molecule HDAC3 inhibitor BG45 trigger significant MM cell growth inhibition via apoptosis, evidenced by caspase and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Importantly, HDAC3 inhibition downregulates phosphorylation (tyrosine 705 and serine 727) of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Neither interleukin-6 nor bone marrow stromal cells overcome this inhibitory effect of HDAC3 inhibition on phospho-STAT3 and MM cell growth. Moreover, HDAC3 inhibition also triggers hyperacetylation of STAT3, suggesting crosstalk signaling between phosphorylation and acetylation of STAT3. Importantly, inhibition of HDAC3, but not HDAC1 or 2, significantly enhances bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity. Finally, we confirm that BG45 alone and in combination with bortezomib trigger significant tumor growth inhibition in vivo in a murine xenograft model of human MM. Our results indicate that HDAC3 represents a promising therapeutic target, and validate a prototype novel HDAC3 inhibitor BG45 in MM.

The immune status in situ of recurrent tonsillitis and idiopathic tonsillar hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the immune status in situ of tonsils of patients with recurrent tonsillitis (RT) and idiopathic tonsillar hypertrophy (ITH) with the aim to discuss the indications of tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT) in young children. METHODS: The histological and immunohistological study of tonsillar tissue of RT and ITH in correlation with immunological parameters in peripheral blood in 13 patients with RT and 16 patients with ITH. RESULTS: In the RT group, we found a higher degree of fibrosis with a higher density of memory lymphocytes (CD45R0+), B-lymphocytes (CD20+) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+) in surface epithelium of tonsils compared to the ITH group (NS). The density of immunoglobulin IgG in the crypt epithelium in RT was significantly higher than in the ITH group (p = 0.041). We also measured a higher sera concentration of immunoglobulines (IgG, IgM, IgA) and TNF-α in RT compared to the ITH group (NS) and TH-1 immune response in tonsillar tissue based on differences between local cytokine concentration TNF-α and IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: RT has a higher inflammatory reaction in tonsillar tissue as a result of persistent bacterial antigenic stimulation. In patients with RT, the tonsillectomy might be the only option for surgical treatment. In patients with ITH with mild symptoms, the tonsillotomy should be preferred (Tab. 3, Ref. 24).

Risk posed to children by stationery items in the upper airways.

AIM: The aim of the present study is to characterize the risk of complications and prolonged hospitalization due to stationery items according to age and gender of patients, FB characteristics and foreign body (FB) location, circumstances of the accident, as emerging from the ESFBI study. METHODS: A retrospective study in major hospitals of 19 European countries was realized on children aged 0-14 having inhaled/aspired or ingested a stationery item. In the years 2000-2003 a total of 2094 FB injuries occurred in children aged 0-14 years. The characteristics of the child, the FB consistency and the occurrence of complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Among FB injuries, 62 (3%) were due to a stationery item: 32 were due to objects insertion in the ears while 30 occurred in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Objects most frequently involved are parts of pens in children younger than 3 years and eraser in older. 39% of children needed hospitalization. The most documented complication was inflammation of external ear. Almost 24% of injuries happened under adults' supervision. CONCLUSION: Injuries are events that in many cases can be prevented with appropriate strategies. Passive environmental strategies, including product modification by manufacturers, are the most effective. Our study testifies that stationary is involved in a non negligible percentage of FB injuries. This results confirm the fact that when passive preventive strategies are not practical, active strategies that promote behaviour change are necessary and information about this issue should be included in all visits to family pediatricians.

A case of Klippel-Feil syndrome with congenital enlarged Eustachian tube.

The Klippel-Feil syndrome is a congenital anomaly characterized by fusion of the cervical vertebrae. It is often associated with serious congenital anomalies of the nervous, cardiovascular and urogenital systems. One of the anomalies which have not been thoroughly investigated to date are that accompanying Klippel-Feil syndrome and enlarged Eustachian tube. We report a case of type III Klippel-Feil syndrome with associated rib anomalies such as hypoplastic and bifid ribs, scoliosis and elevated scapula (Sprengel's disease). The patient also presented hemifacial microsomia and central facial palsy of the lower right side of the face, urogenital and cardiovascular anomaly, congenital anorectal atresia and right-sided congenital aural atresia with microtia. Computer tomography of temporal bone showed abnormal extension of the right Eustachian tube with anomalies of the middle and inner ear on this particular side. In this case report we discuss the associated anomalies of the patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to very rare case of patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome and enlarged pharyngotympanic tube.

Pilomatrixoma of the head and neck in children.

Pilomatrixoma is a slow-growing hard mass found beneath the skin. It is most common on the face and neck but sometimes it can be found on the scalp, eyelids and arms. Most cases of pilomatrixoma occur in children under the age of seven and the condition is twice as common in females as in males. The treatment consists of surgical excision. Six patients with confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of pilomatrixoma involving the head and neck areas are reported. Presenting signs and symptoms, lesion characteristics, and treatment rendered are described. The authors review the literature and discuss the guidelines for the diagnosis and surgical management of pilomatrixoma involving the head and neck in children (Fig. 5, Ref. 24).

Administration of isothiocyanate (E-4IB) and cisplatin leads to altered signalling and lysosomal export in human ovarian carcinoma sensitive- and cisplatin-resistant cells.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a new synthetic isothiocyanate derivative, ethyl 4-isothiocyanatobutanoate (E-4IB) and cisplatin (CDDP) in CDDP-sensitive human ovarian carcinoma cell line (A2780) and its resistant subline (A2780/CP). In parental cells, in comparison to untreated cells, sequential administration of both compounds led to higher exosomal dye (LysoTracker Green DND-26) retention and to alterations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), JNK, ERK and p38, or Akt kinase accompanied by changes in several anti- and pro-apoptotic molecules and lysosomal protein LAMP-1, as detected by Western blotting. On the contrary, variant A2780/CP cells were resistant to CDDP- or to combined sensitizer (E-4IB)/inducer (CDDP)-related apoptosis induction and exerted minor changes in the levels of these molecules.

BioBran-augmented maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

UNLABELLED: BioBran, enzymatically modified arabinoxylan from rice bran was tested for its possible effects on in vitro maturation of human dendritic cells (DC). Immature DC (iDC) derived from plastic-adhered, IL-4 and GM-CSF treated peripheral monocytes (Mo) were further cultured with cytokine maturation mix 1 (CMM1; TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6) or CMM2 (LPS and IFN-gamma) to induce their maturation into mature DC (matDC1 or matDC2, respectively). Different concentrations of BioBran (10, 100, 400 and 1000 microg/ml) were applied in the presence or absence of relevant CMM to assess the effects of BioBran on DC maturation processes. BioBran induced maturation of iDC, as these cells cultured with IL-4/GM-CSF/BioBran down-regulated CD14 and CD1a antigens on cell surface and significantly increased expression of maturation marker CD83. The increase of surface density of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on iDC in the presence of BioBran was also observed. In addition, BioBran induced functional maturation of iDC, confirmed by decreased endocytic activity of iDC. Further emore, BioBran enhanced maturation potential of cytokine mixes, as both matDC1 and matDC2 exposed to BioBran completely lost CD14 and upregulated CD83, CD80 and CD86 antigens, in comparison to DC matured with the relevant CMM alone. BioBran also increased CD123 antigen expression on all DC subsets. Interestingly, matDC2 matured in the presence of BioBran (400microg/ml) expressed higher levels of CD123 and lower levels of CD11c cell surface antigens, the phenotype represented by CD11cdim CD123bright plasmacytoid DC population. These data demonstrate that BioBran is a potent enhancer of DC maturation and suggest that BioBran might be a useful agent to create the environment that favours DC maturation. KEYWORDS: Dendritic cell, maturation, BioBran, buffy coat.

Severe acute otitis media in children.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common infections in children. Recently it was noticed that there is a marked increase in relapse of severe acute otitis media in children. There is also an increase in number of hospitalized children due to severe AOM, with etiological agent resistant to antibiotics. There is a rise of infections, caused by highly resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, too. Authors retrospectively reviewed children hospitalized at the Children's ENT Department in Children's University Hospital in Bratislava, from January 2005 to December 2006, due to severe acute otitis media. They mainly focused on etiological agent, antibiotics resistance as well as alternatives of treatment and prevention of severe AOM. During 2 years, there were 76 children aged from 4 months to 14 years hospitalized with severe AOM. The most frequent etiological agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae in 37 cases; this was almost in 70% of cases resistant to routine antibiotics. In 7 cases there was mastoiditis, and mastoidectomy or antrotomy had to be done in 6 cases. To establish a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment it is necessary to identify etiological agent and its sensitivity. An increasing bacterial resistance is forcing us to prescribe antibiotics rationally. When severe AOM occurs, tympanotomy and insertion of ventilation tubes, exceptionally mastoidectomy, is often required (Fig. 13, Tab. 3, Ref. 18). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Comparison of inhibition of murine leukaemia cell growth by 9-isothiocyanatoacridine and its cytosine adduct: involvement of thiols.

Cytotoxicity of two fluorescent acridine derivatives - 9-isothiocyanatoacridine (AcITC) and N-(9-acridinylthiocarbamoyl) cytosine (AcTCC) - a novel acridine compound, were investigated. Both substances have cytotoxic activity against the L1210 cellular line, IC50 values were in the micromolar range. Despite the high reactivity of AcITC towards thiols, its effects on leukemia cells were similar to naturally occurring isothiocyanates. AcITC changed the intracellular level of glutathione (GSH), and induced apoptosis. Arrest of cell cycle (G2/M-phase) was also observed. AcITC primarily reacted with -SH groups on cellular surface, and the study of the interaction of the isotiocyanate with human erythrocyte ghosts confirmed that the plasma membrane was the first place where AcITC bound. AcTCC does not react with cellular thiols; images obtained with fluorescent microscopy confirmed interaction of AcTCC with chromatine. Although AcTCC induced cellular arrest in the G2/M phase, apoptosis was not confirmed.

Isothiocyanate E-4IB induces MAPK activation, delayed cell cycle transition and apoptosis.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies point towards a significant correlation between the dietary intake of isothiocyanate-containing foods and the reduced risk for cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the current investigation, we examined the consequence of activating of signalling pathways during the release the cells from the block at G(1)/S boundary by synthetic isothiocyanate E-4IB. Using synchronized leukaemic HL60 cells, we show that activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 signalling pathways by E-4IB are coupled with delayed transition through the cell cycle and rapid cell cycle arrest resulted in diminished mitochondrial membrane potential culminating in apoptosis. These events were accompanied by histone deacetylase inhibition, increase of double strand DNA breaks detected by histone H2AX phosphorylation and up-regulation of cell cycle regulatory protein p21 and phosphorylation of CDC25C phosphatase. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathways, followed by the induction cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, might be responsible for anticancer activities of E-4IB.

Bilateral pseudocyst of the auricle.

Pseudocyst of the auricle is characterized by asymptomatic swelling caused by an intracartilaginous fluid accumulation. If left untreated, permanent deformity of the pinna may occur. Many modalities of treatment have been reported. This article summarizes a 2 year retrospective study (2005-2007) performed in the Children Teaching Hospital in Bratislava. This study presents two children who had bilateral pseudocyst of the auricle, and who were treated with different types of surgical treatment and reviews the literature. Purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the two different methods of surgical treatment. The recognition of the ideal way of surgical method of treatment may lead to standardized approach, which can result in successful repair of the auricle with no recurrence (Fig. 4, Ref 16). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk

Isothiocyanate iberin modulates phase II enzymes, posttranslational modification of histones and inhibits growth of Caco-2 cells by inducing apoptosis.

The aim of presented study was to further investigate the concentration-dependent changes induced by isothiocyanate iberin (IBN) in human colon carcinoma Caco-2 cells. The concentrations of IBN below IC(50) value (18 microM, 72 h) triggered the augmentation of mRNA levels for phase II detoxification GSTA1 and UGT1A1 enzymes and antioxidant thioredoxin reductase 1 gene in cells treated for 24 h. In addition a significant increase of acetylated H4 histone was detected. The mRNA induction peaked at IC(50) value and returned to level of control cells at 40 microM concentration of IBN. The cell cycle changes, gamma-H2AX stainability and the increase of phospho-H3 mitotic marker were induced at concentrations above IC(50) value. Appearance of Annexin V positive apoptotic cells and sub-G1 fragmented DNA as well as decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential confirmed cytotoxic effect of IBN observed in MTT assay. The predominance of necrotic cells and profound positivity of gamma-H2AX took place at the highest concentration of IBN. Thus, IBN represents the effective member of natural chemopreventive isothiocyanate family with which apoptotic potential can by employed to eliminate tumor cells.

Sensitisation for cisplatin-induced apoptosis by isothiocyanate E-4IB leads to signalling pathways alterations.

A new synthetic isothiocyanate (ITC) derivative, ethyl 4-isothiocyanatobutanoate (E-4IB), appeared to be an effective modulator of cellular proliferation and potent inducer of apoptosis. In cooperation with cisplatin, this compound exerted synergistic effects in human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells. In the present study we investigated in more detail E4IB-sensitisation for cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Sequential administration of both cytostatic agents led to increased intracellular platinum accumulation, glutathione level depletion and mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation. These events were accompanied with poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase cleavage, stimulation of caspase-3 activity, upregulation of p53, FasL and Gadd45alpha, cyclin B1 downregulation and an increase in mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK, ERK and p38 phosphorylation as well as PI3K level alterations. The presented results might have implications for developing new strategies aimed at therapeutic benefit of natural or synthetic ITCs in cooperation with various anticancer drugs.

Combine cancer gene therapy harnessing plasmids expressing human tumor necrosis factor alpha and Herpes simplex thymidine kinase suicide gene.

We have assessed the effect of combine cancer gene therapy with exogenous human tumor necrosis factor alpha (hTNFalpha) and suicide gene therapy on three human cancer cell lines MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), U-118MGand 42-MG-BA (human gliomas). Transfection of a plasmid containing hTNFalpha under the control of a hybrid promoter resulted in expression of hTNFalpha gene in vitro. Transduction of retroviral plasmid containing Herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSVtk) led to the expression of thymidine kinase in all three cell lines. MTT cell proliferation assay and flow cytometric analysis showed a significant increase in apoptotic and necrotic cells and decrease of proliferation in all cell lines after combine therapy with hTNFalpha expression plus thymidine kinase/GCV suicide system. The presence of these two genes after transduction of retroviral vector containing thymidine kinase and hTNFalpha was confirmed by PCR. The expression of HSVtk gene was proved by Western blot analysis, and the expression of both genes was confirmed by RT-PCR. Additive cell killing effect due to presence of HSVtk and hTNFalpha therapeutic genes after activation of non-toxic prodrug was observed. Whether the bicistronic plasmid containing both genes would improve the therapeutic effect need to be assessed in the future.

Garlic-derived organosulfides induce cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and oxidative stress in human colon carcinoma cell lines.

Organosulfur compounds (OSC) from garlic, especially allicin (ALI), diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) are recognized as a group of potential chemopreventive agents. In this study, we examined the effects of OSC on human Caco-2 and HT-29 colon carcinoma cell lines. Apoptosis induction (Annexin-V-FITC/PI, fluorescein diacetate/PI, sub-G1 fraction), modulation of DNA cell cycle (G2/M arrest, phospho-H3 mitotic marker), transmembrane mitochondrial potential (JC-1) and intracellular GSH amount (monochlorobimane assay) were measured by flow cytometry and fluorimetry. Our results showed that order of OSC-induced cell death in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells increased in the range as follows: ALI < DAS = DADS < DATS and ALI = DAS < DADS < DATS, respectively. Both cell lines used are relatively resistant to OSC induced cytotoxicity, because compound concentrations required to obtain significant effect are in high micromolar range. ALI was less toxic than equimolar doses of other OSC tested with the exception of GSH modulation and G2/M arrest in Caco-2 cells. DADS-treated HT-29 cells and both DATS-treated cell lines exhibit inverse correlation between p-H3 positivity and compound concentration due to higher apoptotic rate. These results show the correlation of sulfur atoms number in OSC with their capacity in apoptosis induction and support the role of redox-sensitive "sulfhydryl switches" in maintaining intracellular redox milieu.