Occult residual ovarian tissue at the time of minimally invasive risk reducing surgery in women with BRCA mutations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe extension of ovarian tissue beyond visible and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended margins among patients with BRCA mutations undergoing minimally invasive risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. METHODS: A prospective study of patients with BRCA mutations who underwent minimally invasive risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was conducted. Patient enrollment occurred between October 2021 and 2023. Tissue specimens were analyzed according to the Sectioning and Extensively Examining the Fimbriated End protocol. RESULTS: Twenty women with BRCA mutations were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent minimally invasive surgery with 70% undergoing concurrent hysterectomy (n = 14). Approximately half of these procedures were performed with robotic assistance (n = 9, 45%). One patient was admitted overnight (5%); the other nineteen were discharged on the day of surgery (95%). One patient experienced a major complication and required readmission (5%). Extension of ovarian tissue beyond the visible ovary was noted on pathologic examination of six specimens (30%). In one patient this was observed on the left (17%), in three on the right (50%), and in two bilateral extension (33%) was noted. The distance ovarian stroma extended microscopically beyond the visible ovary was between 2 and 14 mm, with a median of 5 mm. Among patients with microscopic extension of ovarian tissue, the majority (n = 5, 83%) had a BRCA2 mutation. CONCLUSION: In women with BRCA mutations undergoing risk-reducing minimally invasive surgery, approximately one third had microscopic extension of ovarian stroma beyond the visible ovary. Current guidelines which recommend resection of at least 20 mm of tissue beyond the visible ovary are likely adequate in this population.

Monomeric myeloperoxidase is a specific biomarker for early-stage ovarian cancer.

Background: Ovarian cancer cells are known to express myeloperoxidase (MPO), an oxidant-producing enzyme with a 150 kDa homodimer, consisting of two identical monomers connected by a disulfide bond. Here, we aim to validate monomeric MPO (mMPO) as a biomarker for the early detection of ovarian cancer.Methods: Human ovarian cancer cells, sera from patients at various stages, sera from non-cancer inflammatory gynecological diseases, and healthy volunteers were used. Monomeric and dimeric MPO were measured by ELISA. Receiver operating curves were used to compare the predictive powers of serum dimeric and monomeric MPO to discriminate between samples.Results: The expression of MPO was unique to ovarian cancer cells. Specifically, mMPO was found to be the only form of MPO in all ovarian cancer cell lines. Intriguingly, mMPO was detected in the sera from all patients with ovarian cancer at various stages, but not from healthy individuals. Serum mMPO discriminated between early-stage ovarian cancer, healthy controls, and benign inflammatory gynecologic disorders. In addition, mMPO discriminated between the early and late stages of the disease.Conclusion: This work highlights mMPO as a potential biomarker for early detection of ovarian cancer, which is critically needed.

Talcum powder induces malignant transformation in normal human primary ovarian epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have linked perineal use of talcum powder to increased risk of ovarian cancer (OC). Here, we determined that exposure to talcum powder induces malignant transformation in human normal ovarian cells. METHODS: Human primary ovarian epithelial cells (HPOE), ovarian epithelial cells (HOSEpiC), and primary fibroblasts (NF) were treated with either 100 or 500 µg/mL of talcum powder or titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a particulate control for 72 hours before assessment with a cell transformation assay and p53 and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Treatment with talcum powder resulted in formation of colonies, indicating cell malignant transformation in a dose dependent manner in ovarian cell lines. No colonies formed in the untreated ovarian cells or control ovarian cells (TiO2 treated) at either dose. There were no colonies formed in talc treated NF cells. Transformed ovarian cells were increased by 11% and 20% in HPOE and 24% and 40% in HOSEpic cells for talcum powder 100 and 500 µg/mL doses, respectively (P<0.05). There were no detectible transformed cells when cells were treated with TiO2. Importantly, p53 mutant type as well as increased expression of Ki-67 were detected in HPOE and HOSEpic cells when exposed to talcum powder. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to talcum powder induces malignant transformation in ovarian epithelial cells but not in NF cells. These findings represent a direct effect of talcum powder exposure that is specific to normal ovarian cells and further supports previous studies demonstrating an association between the genital use of talcum powder and an increased risk of OC.

Binding of Intracellular Myeloperoxidase to αV/ß1 Integrin Serves as a Mechanism of Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

We were the first to report that epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and tissues express myeloperoxidase (MPO) that is known to play a role in immune surveillance and inflammation by myeloid cells. Additionally, we reported that MPO is colocalized with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a key pro-oxidant enzyme, and plays a key role in regulating apoptosis in EOC cells. Whereas myeloid cells express MPO in a dimeric form, intriguingly, here we report the unique expression of only the monomeric form of MPO in EOC cells, tissues, and blood of an ovarian cancer patient. Additionally, we have identified a cell membrane receptor, αV/ß1 integrin, that is uniquely expressed by both chemosensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells with significantly higher expression in chemoresistant EOC cells. More importantly, we have demonstrated that monoclonal antibodies against αV/ß1 integrin induced cytotoxicity in EOC cells, but not in normal cells, that is also synergistic with conventional chemotherapies. Cytotoxicity of αV/ß1 antibodies is due to conformational changes in αV/ß1 integrin which prevents monomeric MPO binding to αV/ß1 integrin inhibiting the activation of MPO, leading to increased apoptosis. Since normal epithelial cells and macrophages lack monomeric MPO and αV/ß1 integrin system, targeting this unique MPO-dependent survival mechanism will selectively eliminate EOC cells and will be the target for developing specific ovarian cancer therapies.

Decreased incidence of febrile neutropenia in Michigan following masking and social distancing orders for the COVID-19 pandemic: A population based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It has been theorized that 75%-80% of febrile neutropenia (FN) is caused by endogenous pathogens, while up to 20% of cases are thought to be caused by a viral infection. It is unknown if precautions such as masking and social distancing reduce the risk of FN in susceptible populations. AIM: To determine whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection mitigation efforts, namely masking and social distancing, were associated with a reduction in the incidence of FN. METHODS: This was a retrospective population based cohort study comparing the incidence of FN in the 13 mo prior to (Year 0) and 13 mo following (Year 1) the public health executive orders (PHEO) in Michigan. Data was queried for all emergency department (ED) visits from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program, a program which collects data that is voluntarily submitted by approximately 89% of Michigan EDs. The primary study outcome was the incidence of FN as a proportion of ED visits in the 13-mo before and 13-mo after COVID-19 mitigations efforts, namely masking and social distancing. We hypothesized that there would be a significant decrease in the incidence of FN in the period following the PHEO aimed at reducing the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. RESULTS: There was a total of 8979221 total ED visits captured during the study period. In Year 0 there were 5073081 recorded ED visits and 3906140 in Year 1. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total ED visits with a diagnosis of FN, decreasing 13.3% across periods (0.15% vs 0.13%, P = 0.036). In patients with a hematologic malignancy a more impressive reduction in the incidence of FN was evident following PHEO (22% vs 17%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between social distancing and mask guidelines implemented on a large public scale with decreased rates of FN, particularly in those with a hematologic malignancy. These findings may be useful in the design of future research and recommendations regarding the prevention of FN.

Targeted therapy of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates in a syngeneic mouse model of high grade serous ovarian cancer and the impact on the tumor microenvironment.

Novel therapies are urgently needed for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. In addition, therapies that target unique vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of EOC have largely been unrealized. One strategy to achieve selective drug delivery for EOC therapy involves use of targeted antifolates via their uptake by folate receptor (FR) proteins, resulting in inhibition of essential one-carbon (C1) metabolic pathways. FRα is highly expressed in EOCs, along with the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT); FRß is expressed on activated macrophages, a major infiltrating immune population in EOC. Thus, there is great potential for targeting both the tumor and the TME with agents delivered via selective transport by FRs and PCFT. In this report, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel cytosolic C1 6-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine inhibitor AGF94, with selectivity for uptake by FRs and PCFT and inhibition of de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis, against a syngeneic model of ovarian cancer (BR-Luc) which recapitulates high-grade serous ovarian cancer in patients. In vitro activity of AGF94 was extended in vivo against orthotopic BR-Luc tumors. With late-stage subcutaneous BR-Luc xenografts, AGF94 treatment resulted in substantial anti-tumor efficacy, accompanied by significantly decreased M2-like FRß-expressing macrophages and increased CD3+ T cells, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were unaffected. Our studies demonstrate potent anti-tumor efficacy of AGF94 in the therapy of EOC in the context of an intact immune system, and provide a framework for targeting the immunosuppressive TME as an essential component of therapy.

Phase III Randomized Trial of Maintenance Taxanes Versus Surveillance in Women With Advanced Ovarian/Tubal/Peritoneal Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group 0212:NRG Oncology Study.

PURPOSE: To compare taxane maintenance chemotherapy, paclitaxel (P) and paclitaxel poliglumex (PP), with surveillance (S) in women with ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube (O/PC/FT) cancer who attained clinical complete response after first-line platinum-taxane therapy. METHODS: Women diagnosed with O/PC/FT cancer who attained clinical complete response after first-line platinum-taxane-based chemotherapy were randomly allocated 1:1:1 to S or maintenance, P 135 mg/m2 once every 28 days for 12 cycles, or PP at the same dose and schedule. Overall survival (OS) was the primary efficacy end point. RESULTS: Between March 2005 and January 2014, 1,157 individuals were enrolled. Grade 2 or worse GI adverse events were more frequent among those treated with taxane (PP: 20%, P: 27% v S: 11%). Grade 2 or worse neurologic adverse events occurred more often with taxane treatment (PP: 46%, P: 36% v S: 14%). At the fourth scheduled interim analysis, both taxane regimens passed the OS futility boundary and the Data Monitoring Committee approved an early release of results. With a median follow-up of 8.1 years, 653 deaths were reported; none were attributed to the study treatment. Median survival durations were 58.3, 56.8, and 60.0 months for S, P, and PP, respectively. Relative to S, the hazard of death for P was 1.091 (95% CI, 0.911 to 1.31; P = .343) and for PP, it was 1.033 (95% CI, 0.862 to 1.24; P = .725). The median times to first progression or death (PFS) were 13.4, 18.9, and 16.3 months for S, P, and PP, respectively. Hazard ratio = 0.801; 95% CI, 0.684 to 0.938; P = .006 for P and hazard ratio = 0.854; 95% CI, 0.729 to 1.00; P = .055 for PP. CONCLUSION: Maintenance therapy with P and PP did not improve OS among patients with newly diagnosed O/tubal/peritoneal cancer, but may modestly increase PFS. GI and neurologic toxicities were more frequent in the taxane treatment arms.

Patient-reported outcome changes at the end of life in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: An NRG oncology/GOG study.

OBJECTIVES: In a prospective study of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients, we examined whether the Disease-related Symptoms-Physical (DRS--P) scale of the NCCN/FACT-Ovarian Cancer Symptom Index-18 (NFOSI-18) is responsive to clinical change in patients estimated by their provider to survive at least six months. METHODS: The NFOSI-18, and other FACT measures, was collected at study entry and 3 and 6 months post-enrollment. Measures were compared for those who died or dropped off study prior to 3 months or prior to 6 months (assumed as health deterioration over time), or those who stayed on study through 6 months (presumed as stable disease over time). Statistical analyses included a fitted linear mixed model for estimating the group differences over time, Cox regression to assess the probability of survival with patient-reported outcomes, and effect size. RESULTS: DRS-P scores of patients who completed only one assessment were significantly lower compared to patients who were able to complete two assessments [5.9 points lower (2.0-9.8); p < 0.01], or three assessments [8.1 points lower (4.8-11.5); p < 0.01]. Measures of abdominal discomfort, functional well-being, emotional well-being, and quality of life were also significant, but treatment side effects were not. Further, in every scale except for neurotoxicity, higher (better) baseline scores were associated with a decreased likelihood of death, after adjusting for age, performance and disease status. CONCLUSION: The NFOSI-18 DRS-P scale is responsive to clinical change. It has potential as an indicator of changing health status with ovarian cancer disease progression, distinct from treatment side effects.

Comparing mutation frequencies for homologous recombination genes in uterine serous and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas: A case for homologous recombination deficiency testing in uterine serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequencies of somatic homologous recombination (HR) gene mutations identified in next-generation sequencing (NGS) genomic profiling of uterine serous carcinomas (USCs) and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOCs). METHODS: Data for this analysis was obtained from AACR Project GENIE, a multi-institutional dataset of clinical-grade NGS genomic profiling results for many cancer sites and histologic subtypes, through cBioPortal. Patient/specimen groups used for analysis were USC and HGSOC. 14 HR genes were queried for each group with respect to mutation frequency. For each HR gene, the difference in mutation frequency between the two groups was evaluated using Fisher's exact test. The threshold for statistical significance was p-value < .05. RESULTS: In the USC group, there were 457 samples from 451 patients. In the HGSOC group, there were 1537 samples from 1515 patients. The most frequently mutated HR gene for USC was BRCA2 (4.84%) and for HGSOC was BRCA1 (9.07%). Mutation frequency was significantly different between USC and HGSOC for BRCA 1 (p < .001) and BRCA2 (p = .0379). For the 12 non-BRCA HR genes, mutation frequency was not significantly different between USC and HGSOC. The rate of patients with at least one HR gene mutation in their profiled tumor was 16.85% for USC and 25.21% of HGSOC. Most USC patients with a somatic HR mutation had only one HR gene mutated. CONCLUSIONS: Somatic HR gene mutations were commonly identified in NGS genomic profiling of USC. Mutation frequencies for non-BRCA HR genes were not significantly different between USC and HGSOC. These data add to the growing rationale for HR deficiency tumor testing and targeting (e.g., with PARP inhibitors) in future clinical trial development for women with USC.

Glyphosate Induces Metaphase II Oocyte Deterioration and Embryo Damage by Zinc Depletion and Overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species.

Glyphosate is the most popular herbicide used in modern agriculture, and its use has been increasing substantially since its introduction. Accordingly, glyphosate exposure from food and water, the environment, and accidental and occupational venues has also increased. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between glyphosate exposure and a number of disorders such as cancer, immune and metabolic disorders, endocrine disruption, imbalance of intestinal flora, cardiovascular disease, and infertility; these results have given glyphosate a considerable amount of media and scientific attention. Notably, glyphosate is a powerful metal chelator, which could help explain some of its effects. Recently, our findings on 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, another metal chelator, showed deterioration of oocyte quality. Here, to generalize, we investigated the effects of glyphosate (0 - 300 µM) on metaphase II mouse oocyte quality and embryo damage to obtain insight on its mechanisms of cellular action and the tolerance of oocytes and embryos towards this chemical. Our work shows for the first time that glyphosate exposure impairs metaphase II mouse oocyte quality via two mechanisms: 1) disruption of the microtubule organizing center and chromosomes such as anomalous pericentrin formation, spindle fiber destruction and disappearance, and defective chromosomal alignment and 2) substantial depletion of intracellular zinc bioavailability and enhancement of reactive oxygen species accumulation. Similar effects were found in embryos. These results may help clarify the effects of glyphosate exposure on female fertility and provide counseling and preventative steps for excessive glyphosate intake and resulting oxidative stress and reduced zinc bioavailability.

Heat Shock Protein 60 (HSP60) Serves as a Potential Target for the Sensitization of Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Cells.

HSP60 is a mitochondrial chaperone protein that is associated with decreased overall survival of ovarian cancer patients. We determined whether targeting HSP60 with its monoclonal antibody would induce cytotoxicity in sensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells and whether it is synergistic when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells and their docetaxel- or cisplatin-resistant counterparts were utilized. HSP60 mRNA levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Cytotoxicity of HSP60 antibody (0.5 or 1.5 µg/ml) alone and in combination with chemotherapy were assessed by MTT Cell Proliferation Assay. Unpaired t tests were used to compare groups for real-time RT-PCR. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction was performed for cytotoxicity comparisons. Significant synergistic effects of the antibody combined with chemotherapy were determined by the CompuSyn Software. Basal HSP60 mRNA levels were increased in chemoresistant EOC cells as compared with their sensitive counterparts (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cytotoxicity between EOC cell types; however, treatment with the HSP60 antibody for 24 h showed a dose response (0.5 and 1.5 µg/ml) cytotoxic effect to both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells as compared with the isotype control (p < 0.05). Importantly, treatment with both doses of HSP60 antibody was not cytotoxic to normal macrophages. Combination of the HSP60 antibody with docetaxel or cisplatin was significantly synergistic in both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells. Here, we identify a novel target that may serve not only for ovarian cancer treatment but also for sensitization of patients to chemotherapy. The cytotoxic effect of HSP60 monoclonal antibody and its synergism with chemotherapeutic agents highlight HSP60 as a promising target for therapy and chemosensitization in ovarian cancer treatment.

Hypochlorous acid reversibly inhibits caspase-3: a potential regulator of apoptosis.

Caspase-3 is involved in apoptosis. Here, we examine whether hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a final product of myeloperoxidase (MPO), is a modulator of caspase-3 at relatively low concentrations and also its application on metaphase II mouse oocytes. We utilised caspase-3 activity assay, TUNEL assay, the CellEvent caspase 3/7 fluorescent assay, and the MPO/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) system on mouse oocytes with and without cumulus cells to examine whether low concentrations of HOCl mediate apoptosis by inhibition of caspase-3. A UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to study caspase-3 activity. To determine whether HOCl mediates apoptosis in mouse oocytes, two different concentrations (10 and 100 µM) of HOCl generated by the MPO/H2O2 system were used as treatments (10 µM had little effect on oocyte quality, while 100 µM showed significant deterioration). Induction of apoptotic cell death was determined by TUNEL Assay and the CellEvent caspase 3/7. HOCl mediates caspase-3 inactivation in a dose dependent manner. Subsequent addition of dithiothreitol caused recovery of caspase-3 activity indicating involvement of the oxidation of the Cys-thiol group. Accumulation of HOCl generated by MPO in the presence of caspase-3 also inhibits MPO but requires higher HOCl concentrations, indicating specificity of lower HOCl concentrations to inhibition of caspase-3. Exposure of oocytes to lower HOCl concentrations generated by MPO-H2O2 system prevents MPO-mediated apoptosis whereas exposure to higher HOCl (100 µM) showed apoptosis. Similar results were observed by using the CellEvent caspase 3/7 assay. Low concentrations of HOCl inhibit caspase-3 activity, and may play a role in regulating apoptosis, thus affecting oocyte quality.HighlightsCaspase-3 is involved in apoptosis pathway and loss of this regulation is seen in several diseases.These conditions are associated with inflammation and higher myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.We examined whether hypochlorous acid (HOCl), generated by MPO, is a modulator of caspase-3.Caspase-3 activity showed a dose dependent decrease with HOCl and this reaction was reversible.HOCl modulates caspase-3 activity and may play a physiological role in regulating apoptosis.

The inhibition of lactoperoxidase catalytic activity through mesna (2-mercaptoethane sodium sulfonate).

Here, we show that mesna (sodium-2-mercaptoethane sulfonate), primarily used to prevent nephrotoxicity and urinary tract toxicity caused by chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, modulates the catalytic activity of lactoperoxidase (LPO) by binding tightly to the enzyme, functioning either as a one electron substrate for LPO Compounds I and II, destabilizing Compound III. Lactoperoxidase is a hemoprotein that utilizes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiocyanate (SCN-) to produce hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN), an antimicrobial agent also thought to be associated with carcinogenesis. Our results revealed that mesna binds stably to LPO within the SCN- binding site, dependent of the heme iron moiety, and its combination with LPO-Fe(III) is associated with a disturbance in the water molecule network in the heme cavity. At low concentrations, mesna accelerated the formation and decay of LPO compound II via its ability to serve as a one electron substrate for LPO compounds I and II. At higher concentrations, mesna also accelerated the formation of Compound II but it decays to LPO-Fe(III) directly or through the formation of an intermediate, Compound I*, that displays characteristic spectrum similar to that of LPO Compound I. Mesna inhibits LPO's halogenation activity (IC50 value of 9.08 µM) by switching the reaction from a 2e- to a 1e- pathway, allowing the enzyme to function with significant peroxidase activity (conversion of H2O2 to H2O without generation of HOSCN). Collectively, mesna interaction with LPO may serve as a potential mechanism for modulating its steady-state catalysis, impacting the regulation of local inflammatory and infectious events.

The addition of paclitaxel to doxorubicin and cisplatin and volume-directed radiation does not improve overall survival (OS) or long-term recurrence-free survival (RFS) in advanced endometrial cancer (EC): A randomized phase III NRG/Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the addition of paclitaxel (P) to cisplatin and doxorubicin (CD) following surgical debulking and volume-directed radiation therapy improved long-term, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced-stage endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: Prospective, randomized GOG trial comparing (CD) (50 mg/m2)/(45 mg/m2) +/- (P) (160 mg/m2) following volume-directed radiation and surgery in advanced EC. A Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis characterized the relationship between treatment arms and the OS outcome, a log-rank test assessed the independence of treatment with the OS outcome, and the treatment effect on estimated OS was determined using a Cox proportional hazards (PH) model stratified by stage. The PH assumption was assessed using a test of interaction between treatment variable and the natural logarithm of survival time. Adverse events, regardless of attribution, were graded. RESULTS: Since initial publication, 60 deaths occurred, leaving 311 patients alive with 290 (93.8%) recurrence- free. There was no significant decrease in the risk of recurrence or death associated with the CDP treatment regimen stratified for stage (p = 0.14, one-tail). The exploratory analysis for OS and the corresponding homogeneity tests for different effects across subgroups revealed only EFRT and EFRT & GRD status to have significantly different treatment effects (p = 0.027 and p = 0.017, respectively). Second primary malignancies were identified in 17/253 (6.4%) and 19/263 (7.0%) of patients treated with CD and CDP respectively. Breast (2.4%) followed by colon (1%) were the two cancers most frequently diagnosed in this setting. CONCLUSION: No significant difference between treatment arms was identified. Subgroup analysis both in the initial and current reports demonstrated a trend towards improved RFS and OS in patients treated with CDP and EFRT. This long-term analysis of outcomes also identified the necessity of providing on-going cancer screening to patients enrolled in trials.

Molecular Basis Supporting the Association of Talcum Powder Use With Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer.

Genital use of talcum powder and its associated risk of ovarian cancer is an important controversial topic. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells are known to manifest a persistent prooxidant state. Here we demonstrated that talc induces significant changes in key redox enzymes and enhances the prooxidant state in normal and EOC cells. Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, levels of CA-125, caspase-3, nitrate/nitrite, and selected key redox enzymes, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR), were determined. TaqMan genotype analysis utilizing the QuantStudio 12K Flex was used to assess single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes corresponding to target enzymes. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT proliferation assay. In all talc-treated cells, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in prooxidant iNOS, nitrate/nitrite, and MPO with a concomitant decrease in antioxidants CAT, SOD, GSR, and GPX (P < .05). Remarkably, talc exposure induced specific point mutations that are known to alter the activity in some of these key enzymes. Talc exposure also resulted in a significant increase in inflammation as determined by increased tumor marker CA-125 (P < .05). More importantly, talc exposure significantly induced cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis in cancer cells and to a greater degree in normal cells (P < .05). These findings are the first to confirm the cellular effect of talc and provide a molecular mechanism to previous reports linking genital use to increased ovarian cancer risk.

Acrolein, a commonly found environmental toxin, causes oocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and negatively affects embryo development.

Recent studies have revealed that acrolein, a commonly found toxin and a potent metabolite of cyclophosphamide (CTX), can cause deterioration of mouse oocyte quality through a mechanism involving the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We extend these studies to evaluate the effects of acrolein, in varying concentrations, on the oocyte mitochondrial membrane and oocyte apoptosis and its effect on embryo development in vitro. Metaphase II mouse oocytes were exposed for 45 minutes to acrolein and CTX (10 & 25 µM) and mitochondrial dysfunction, a major source of ROS overproduction, was evaluated by the 5,5,6,6-tetrachloro-1,1,3,3-tetraethyl-ß-benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-10) mitochondrial membrane potential assay. Treatment with acrolein led to mitochondrial membrane damage as well as induction of apoptosis compared to untreated control (p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained when oocytes were exposed to CTX (p < .05). Subsequently, the effect of acrolein exposure was evaluated by observing in vitro development of embryos after exposure. Acrolein treatment caused higher proportions of arrested and poor-quality embryos, evidenced by irregular cleavage, severe asymmetry of blastomeres, presence of large percentage of anuclear fragments, and dark granularity of the cytoplasm. Development at various durations in culture revealed that optimal embryo growth was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner, when compared to control (p < .05). A global model that links acrolein accumulation, generation of ROS, and mitochondrial dysfunction and their effect on oocyte and embryo quality is discussed further. Collectively, understanding the mechanism by which CTX and acrolein impact fertility is helpful in finding potential alternative or supplemental treatment options.

Quality of life, symptoms and care needs in patients with persistent or recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of treating recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are palliative, aimed at reducing symptoms and improving progression free survival. A prospective trial was conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of symptoms, and associated care needs. METHODS: Eligible women included those with persistent or recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with an estimated life expectancy of at least 6 months. The Needs at the End-of-Life Screening Tool (NEST), FACIT-Fatigue (FACIT-F), NCCN-FACT Ovarian Symptom Index [NFOSI-18]; Disease Related Symptoms (DRS), Treatment Side Effects (TSE), and Function/Well Being (F/WB) were collected at study entry, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: We enrolled 102 evaluable patients. Initiation of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) discussions increased over time from 28% at study entry to 37% at 6 months. At study entry, the most common disease-related symptoms were fatigue (92%), worry (89%), and trouble sleeping (76%); 73% reported being "bothered by treatment side effects", which included nausea (41%) and hair loss (51%) neither of which changed over time. The most common NEST unmet needs were in the symptom dimension. The social dimension was associated with F/WB (p = 0.002) and FACIT-F (p = 0.006); symptoms were associated with DRS (p = 0.04), TSE (p = 0.03), and FACIT-F (p = 0.04); existential was not associated with any of the patient-reported symptoms; therapeutic was associated with F/WB (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients nearing the end of life, there are significant associations between disease and treatment related symptoms and unmet patient needs, which do not change substantially over time. Careful exploration of specific end-of-life care needs can improve patient-centered care and QOL.

Novel expression of CD11b in epithelial ovarian cancer: Potential therapeutic target.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the expression, and effect of targeting CD11b with a monoclonal antibody in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: CD11b expression was determined in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell lines and tissues by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity of the CD11b antibody and synergism with chemothearapeutic drugs were determined by the MTT Cell Proliferation Assay in human macrophages, normal ovarian epithelial cells, and in both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cell lines. Cell migration was assessed with a scratch assay and in vivo effects of the CD11b antibody was assessed with a nude mouse ovarian cancer xenograft model. Data was analyzed with either t-tests or one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: CD11b was unexpectedly expressed in several EOC lines and tissues, but not normal tissues. Targeting CD11b with its monoclonal antibody resulted in intriguing cytotoxic effects in sensitive and chemoresistant EOC lines, while surprisingly not affecting normal cells. More importantly, the cytotoxicity of the CD11b antibody when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin or docetaxel) was significantly synergistic, in both sensitive and chemoresistant EOC cells. The anti-tumorigenic effect of the CD11b antibody was confirmed in an ovarian cancer nude mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSION: Here we identify CD11b as a novel target, which selectively induces cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.

Melatonin prevents hypochlorous acid-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and cyanogen chloride generation.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a potent cytotoxic oxidant generated by the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and chloride (Cl- ). Elevated levels of HOCl play an important role in various pathological conditions through oxidative modification of several biomolecules. Recently, we have highlighted the ability of HOCl to mediate the destruction of the metal-ion derivatives of tetrapyrrole macrocyclic rings such as hemoproteins and vitamin B12 (VB12 ) derivatives. Destruction of cyanocobalamin, a common pharmacological form of VB12 mediated by HOCl, results in the generation of toxic molecular products such as chlorinated derivatives, corrin ring cleavage products, the toxic blood agents cyanide (CN- ) and cyanogen chloride (CNCl), and redox-active free cobalt. Here, we show that melatonin prevents HOCl-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction, using a combination of UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, and colorimetric CNCl assay. Identification of several melatonin oxidation products suggests that the protective role of melatonin against HOCl-mediated cyanocobalamin destruction and subsequent CNCl generation is at the expense of melatonin oxidation. Collectively, this work highlights that, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and as a MPO inhibitor, melatonin can also prevent VB12 deficiency in inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, among many others.