Role of the extracellular matrix in variations of invasive pathways in lung cancers

Among the most common features of highly invasive tumors, such as lung adenocarcinomas (AD) and squamous cell carcinomas (SqCC), is the massive degradation of the extracellular matrix. The remarkable qualitative and quantitative modifications of hyaluronidases (HAases), hyaluronan synthases (HAS), E-cadherin adhesion molecules, and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) may favor invasion, cellular motility, and proliferation. We examined HAase proteins (Hyal), HAS, E-cadherin, and TGF-β profiles in lung AD subtypes and SqCC obtained from smokers and non-smokers. Fifty-six patients, median age 64 years, who underwent lobectomy for AD (N = 31) and SqCC (N = 25) were included in the study. HAS-1, -2 and -3, and Hyal-1 and -3 were significantly more expressed by tumor cells than normal and stroma cells (P < 0.01). When stratified according to histologic types, HAS-3 and Hyal-1 immunoreactivity was significantly increased in tumor cells of AD (P = 0.01) and stroma of SqCC (P = 0.002), respectively. Tobacco history in patients with AD was significantly associated with increased HAS-3 immunoreactivity in tumor cells (P < 0.01). Stroma cells of SqCC from non-smokers presented a significant association with HAS-3 (P < 0.01). Hyal, HAS, E-cadherin, and TGF-β modulate a different tumor-induced invasive pathway in lung AD subgroups and SqCC. HAases in resected AD and SqCC were strongly related to the prognosis. Therefore, our findings suggest that strategies aimed at preventing high HAS-3 and Hyal-1 synthesis, or local responses to low TGF-β and E-cadherin, may have a greater impact in lung cancer prognosis.

Atividade antimicrobiana de bactérias lácticas isoladas de queijo-de-minas artesanal do Serro (MG) frente a microrganismos indicadores

A total of 192 strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from five samples of artisanal minas cheese, from Serro region - Minas Gerais State. The results of direct inhibition test indicated that 48 strains (25%) inhibited the in vitro growth of the indicator microorganisms: Staphylococcusaureus and Listeriamonocytogenes. Those 48 strains were tested by the indirect inhibition test, and 10 strains (20.8%) showed a wide antimicrobial spectrum against Salmonellaenteritidisvar. typhimurium, Staphylococcusaureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua. None of the isolated strains was able to inhibit Escherichia coli.

Isolaram-se 192 cepas de bactérias lácticas de cinco amostras de queijo-de-minas artesanal, oriundos da região do Serro, MG. Os resultados da prova de inibição direta indicaram que 48 cepas isoladas (25%) foram capazes de inibir o crescimento in vitro de microrganismos indicadores, dentre os quais Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria monocytogenes. As 48 cepas foram submetidas à prova de inibição indireta. Verificou-se que 20,8% (10/48) das cepas demonstraram amplo espectro antimicrobiano frente a microrganismos como: Salmonella enteritidis var. typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes e Listeria innocua. Nenhuma das cepas isoladas foi capaz de inibir Escherichia coli.