Experimental Oncology, 2011, № 2

Quantitative analysis of SLC34A2 expression in different types of ovarian tumors

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Quantitative analysis of SLC34A2 expression in different types of ovarian tumors Shyian, M.; Gryshkova, V.; Kostianets, O.; Gorshkov, V.; Goloev, Yu.; Goncharuk, I.; Nespryadko, S.; Vorobjova, L.; Filonenko, V.; Kiyamova, R. Aim: The main purpose of this study was to estimate the SLC34A2 gene expression in normal ovary and different types of ovarian tumors. Methods: We have investigated SLC34A2 gene expression level in papillary serous, endometrioid, unspecified adenocarcinomas, benign tumors, and normal ovarian tissues using real-time PCR analysis. Differences in gene expression were calculated as fold changes in gene expression in ovarian carcinomas and benign tumors compared to normal ovary. Results: We have found that SLC34A2 gene was highly expressed in well-differentiated endometrioid and papillary serous ovarian carcinomas compared to low-differentiated endometrioid carcinomas, benign serous cystoadenomas and normal ovary. Analysis of SLC34A2 gene expression according to tumor differentiation level (poor- and well-differentiated) showed that SLC34A2 is up-regulated in well differentiated tumors. Conclusion: Upregulation of SLC34A2 gene expression in well-differentiated tumors may reflect cell differentiation processes during ovarian cancerogenesis and could serve as potential marker for ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Efficacy of natural L-asparagine in the complex therapy for malignant tumors in experimental studies

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Efficacy of natural L-asparagine in the complex therapy for malignant tumors in experimental studies Urazova, L.N.; Kuznetsova, T.I.; Boev, R.S.; Burkova, V.N. Aim: To study the influence of natural L-asparagine on the efficacy of cytostatic therapy for malignant tumors in experimental investigations. Materials and Methods: Female C57B1/6 mice weighing 18–20 g were selected for the experiments. Lewis’ lung carcinoma (LLC) and melanoma B16 cells were used in the study. Animals were inoculated with tumor cells intramuscularly. Solution of L-asparagine in a volume of 0.2 ml per mouse (in appropriate doses) was administered to the animals using gastric probe, daily, for 14 days. Cyclophosphane was administered intraperitoneally in total doses of 180 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg on days 3 and 7 after tumor implantation. The percentage of tumor growth inhibition was calculated and inhibition index and frequency of metastasis were assessed. Results: It has been shown that despite low activity of L-asparagine with regard to primary tumor, the level of metastasis inhibition is rather high (up to 91% depending on experimental model, therapy regimen and follow-up period). The analysis of previously obtained data and our studies indicate that L-asparagine derived from burdock (Arctium lappa) root has not only its own antimetastatic activity but it is also able to increase antimetastatic activity of cyclophosphane partially reducing toxic effect of cyclophosphane on the organism without decreasing its antitumor and antimetastatic activities. Conclusion: L-asparagine derived from burdock (Arctium lappa) root can be effective in the complex anticancer therapy with the use of appropriate chemotherapy doses and regimens.

In vivo and in vitro antitumor effects of nutrient mixture in murine leukemia cell line P-388

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In vivo and in vitro antitumor effects of nutrient mixture in murine leukemia cell line P-388 Roomi, M.W.; Roomi, N.W.; Bhanap, B.; Rath, M.; Niedzwiecki, A. Aim: Leukemia is characterized by uncontrolled marrow cell proliferation and metastatic foci. We investigated the antitumor potential of a nutrient mixture on malignant leukemia P-388 cells. Methods: The nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, green tea extract and other nutrients is formulated to target key pathways in cancer progression. The cells were treated with the mixture, and tested at doses 0, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/ml in triplicates. The effects were evaluated by cell proliferation, Matrigel invasion, cell morphology and apoptosis. The in vivo effect was measured in male nude mice (n = 12) inoculated with P-388 cells. After randomly dividing in two groups, each group was fed regular and the nutrient mixture supplemented diet and the mice were sacrificed after four weeks. Results: The nutrient mixture decreased P-388 cell proliferation at 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Only 10% cells were viable at 1000 μg/ml. Matrigel invasion was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner with virtually total inhibition at 1000 μg/ml. Cell morphological features notably changed with dose increase to 1000 μg/ml. Analysis of apoptotic cells on live green caspase kit exhibited gradual increase with the increasing dose of the nutrient mixture, and at 1000 μg/ml 92% of P-388 cells were in late apoptosis. Tumors in the group of mice supplemented with the nutrient mixture had 50% lower weight compared to the tumors in control group (p = 0.0105). Histopathologically, both the groups of tumors were similar, yet size of tumors in the group treated with the nutrient mixture was considerably smaller. Conclusion: These results indicate that the nutrient mixture exhibited significant action against multiple targets in P-388 leukemia and may have potential in human leukemia.

Identifying the stage of new CLL patients using TK, ZAP-70, CD38 levels

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Identifying the stage of new CLL patients using TK, ZAP-70, CD38 levels Rivkina, A.; Vitols, G.; Murovska, M.; Lejniece, S. Serum thymidine kinase (TK), zeta-associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70) and CD38 levels have been shown to be correlated with survival in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Aim: To investigate the possible correlations between TK, ZAP-70 and CD38 levels as prognostic markers in new diagnosed Rai stages of CLL patients. Methods: 120 CLL patients were enrolled. ELISA was used to measure serum TK level, flow cytomerty — to determine ZAP-70 and CD38 expression applying ZAP-70 Kit and monoclonal antibody to CD38, respectively. Results: Significantly higher levels of TK were found in the high progression group of CLL patients that corresponded to stage II (Rai classification). An elevated level of TK, CD38 and ZAP-70 together was also found in the II stage. The coefficient of correlation between CD38 and ZAP-70 is reliable (p < 0.001). There is also a correlation between the level of TK and the disease stage (p < 0.05). Other parameters do not show this correlation. Conclusion: The determination of TK, ZAP-70 and CD38 together allows patients susceptible to a possible stage of the disease, to be identified. Estimation of the factors at an early stage of the disease may allow an earlier commencement of treatment.