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Biomedical subjects

A E Friedman-Kien

Publications and source records attributed to A E Friedman-Kien.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of the tumorigenic and angiogenic potential of human fibroblast growth factor FGF3 in nude mice.

Recently, the expression of fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3) was found in 55% of human Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumor tissues examined, while almost no expression of FGF3 was found in normal skin. To further these studies, human FGF3 cDNA were constructed by the overlap-extension method. The proteins translated from two FGF3 cDNA, which differ only in the sequences preceding the AUG presumed to be the initiation codon, were shown to have the same molecular mass. This result suggests that translation of human FGF3, which is different from mouse FGF3, begins only at the AUG site. The human FGF cDNA was transfected into NIH3T3 cells. The NIH 3T3 cells transformed by FGF3 were then injected subcutaneously into athymic nude mice. Nodular lesions developed at the injection sites in all seven mice injected with the F3-1 cell clone, which showed high expression of FGF3, and in two out of six mice injected with the F3-2 cell clone, which expressed a low level of FGF3. Histopathological features of these tumors contained fascicles of spindle-shaped cells surrounding irregular endothelial lined vascular clefts, similar to those observed in human KS lesions. Immunohistochemical staining for factor V111 antigen revealed reactivity in multiple areas, especially in abundant vascular structures of the tumor sections examined. The expression of FGF3 together with the FGF receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3, was detected in the mouse tumors by Northern blot analysis. Our results indicate that tumors induced by FGF3-transformed NIH3T3 cells show some similarities to human KS tumors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential tumorigenic and angiogenic role of human FGF3.

Animals

Update on cutaneous manifestations of HIV infection.

The skin is affected in virtually all patients with HIV infection. Many articles and several books have been published that deal with these disorders for a number of reasons. First, cutaneous disease may serve as the initial or only problem that the patient suffers for much of the course of the HIV infection. Second, serious opportunistic infections may present for the first time in the skin, so that a skin lesion may be a harbinger of the patient's having a life-threatening illness. Third, skin disorders in these patients may appear unusual and hence may not be accurately diagnosed by clinical inspection alone. Furthermore, response to treatment may be poorer than expected. Thus, skin diseases in the HIV-infected patient are important and, in some cases, may be the most debilitating element of the patient's condition.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Herpes virus-like DNA (HHV-8) in immunosuppressive therapy-related, HIV-related and classical Kaposi's sarcoma in Norwegian patients.

The recently discovered human herpes virus 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Using polymerase chain reaction we detected DNA sequences of this herpes virus in 11 of 14 biopsy specimens from Kaposi's sarcoma in Norwegian patients, including the immunosuppressive therapy-related type (3 of 3), the HIV-related type (4 of 5), and the classical type (4 of 6). The results support the hypothesis of a role for human herpes virus 8 in all types of Kaposi's sarcoma independent of geographical area.

Adult

Expression and mutation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

Alteration of the p53 gene is the most frequent event reported in human cancer, and p53 mutations have been observed in various neoplasms, including certain forms of skin cancer. Therefore, we postulated that p53 may also be involved in Kaposi's sarcoma associated with AIDS (AIDS-KS). Expression of the p53 gene was examined in freshly isolated tumor biopsy specimens from 15 patients with AIDS-KS. p53 mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both the AIDS-KS tumors and in normal skin control samples. p53 protein was detected in 4 of the 15 AIDS-KS specimens by immunohistochemical staining. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis PCR-products (PCR-SSCP) was used for detection of mutations of the p53 gene. One of the p53 positive AIDS-KS samples showed mobilized shifts in exon 6 suggestive of a mutation. Sequencing data showed the mutation to be located in codon 210. We examined other mechanisms that could stabilize p53 protein. SV40 large T antigen and adenovirus E1B protein were not found in the AIDS-KS specimens. MDM2, a p53-binding protein, was also detected in five of the AIDS-KS specimens, two of which also contained p53-positive cells. These observations suggest that the tumor suppressor gene p53 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS-KS.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Human herpesvirus 8 encodes a homolog of interleukin-6.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a multifocal lesion that is reported to be greatly influenced by cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and oncostatin M. DNA sequences of a novel human gammaherpesvirus, termed human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) or Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, have been identified in all epidemiological forms of Kaposi's sarcoma with high frequency. The presence of HHV-8 DNA is also clearly associated with certain B-cell lymphomas (body cavity-based lymphomas) and multicentric Castleman's disease. Sequence analysis of a 17-kb fragment revealed that adjacent to a block of conserved herpesvirus genes (major DNA-binding protein, glycoprotein B, and DNA polymerase), the genome of HHV-8 encodes structural homolog of IL-6. This cytokine is involved not only in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma but also in certain B-cell lymphomas and multicentric Castleman's disease. The viral counterpart of IL-6 (vIL-6) has conserved important features such as cysteine residues involved in disulfide bridging or an amino-terminal signal peptide. Most notably, the region known to be involved in receptor binding is highly conserved in vIL-6. This conservation of essential features and the remarkable overlap between diseases associated with HHV-8 and diseases associated with IL-6 disregulation clearly suggest that vIL-6 is involved in HHV-8 pathogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence

Detection of the herpesvirus-like DNA sequences in matched specimens of semen and blood from patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma by polymerase chain reaction in situ hybridization.

The DNA sequences of a novel human gamma-herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) have recently been detected in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions obtained from different populations in whom this neoplasm occurs, suggesting that this virus may be implicated in the etiology and/or pathogenesis of KS. To study the distribution and possible means of transmission of the putative viral agent, specimens of KS skin lesions, matched uninvolved skin, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MCs), and semen were collected from 12 HIV-positive homosexual men with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS (AIDS-KS) and 2 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative homosexual men with KS. HHV-8 virus DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies in all 14 of these KS specimens and in 6 of 14 biopsies of normal-appearing skin distant from any KS lesions including 1 uninvolved skin specimen from an HIV-negative homosexual male with KS. In addition, 3 of 12 PBMC samples and 3 of 12 semen samples from the AIDS-KS patients were positive for HHV-8. The DNA sequences of HHV-8 were not detected in the matched semen and PBMC specimens obtained from 2 HIV-negative homosexual men with KS, 4 HIV-positive homosexual patients without KS, 2 HIV-seronegative healthy homosexual men, 5 HIV-positive heterosexual male intravenous drug users, or 5 healthy HIV-negative heterosexual donors. Using PCR in situ, positive signals for HHV-8 were demonstrated in the B lymphocyte subsets of PBMCs and/or in spermatozoa and mononuclear cells in the semen from some of the PCR-positive specimens from the AIDS-KS patients examined. These data show that HHV-8 is present in and could possibly be transmitted via semen and/or blood from some homosexual men with AIDS-KS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Transcription of human herpesvirus-like agent (HHV-8) in Kaposi's sarcoma.

Recently, DNA sequences of what appear to be a unique human herpesvirus-like agent (HHV-8) have been detected in different types of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tumors (Chang, Y., E.C. Cesarman, M.S. Pessin, F. Lee, J.C. Culpepper, D.M. Knowles, and P.S. Moore. 1994. Science (Wash. DC). 266:1865-1869). To further elucidate the possibility that HHV-8 plays a role in the pathogenesis of KS, the expression of HHV-8 RNA was examined in fresh KS tissue specimens which were found to harbor HHV-8 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The transcription of HHV-8 RNA was detected by RT-PCR in 26 of 29 specimens (89.7%) of the KS tumors including 2 of 3 CKS and 24 of 26 AIDS-KS. No positive signal was detected in eight biopsy specimens of normal skin from healthy donors. By Northern blot analysis, the expression of HHV-8 was detected in 2 of 10 KS tumors examined. Furthermore, the RNA transcripts were observed in endothelial cells lining the irregular vascular spaces and perivascular spindle-shaped cells histologically characteristic of KS in 2 out of 8 different KS specimens examined by in situ hybridization using an antisense probe specific of HHV-8. The detection of RNA expression of HHV-8 in KS tumors further supports the possible etiopathogenic role of this virus in the development of KS.

Base Sequence

Urine-based diagnostic technologies.

The worldwide dissemination of infectious agents has created a demand for simple diagnostic tests. Urine-based testing makes use of non-invasive collection of specimens, and there is no need for expensive facilities and equipment, or for highly trained personnel. As urine antibodies retain activity under normal conditions of transport and storage, such tests appear to have widespread application. Urine-based antibody tests have also indicated a compartmentalized antibody response to HIV-1 infection. Urine studies suggest that antibodies to the products of endogenous viral genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases of suspected viral etiology.

Antibodies

Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 DNA sequences in several patient populations.

We have undertaken a large-scale study of various tissues from normal controls and patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) or other malignancies, both with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection, to determine the prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA. A total of 566 specimens were analyzed by PCR for the presence of HHV-8 DNA. Of the samples tested, 251 were obtained from patients with KS and 315 were obtained from patients without KS. HHV-8 DNA was detected in 103 (41%) of the 251 samples from patients with KS. In particular, 92% of KS tumor specimens were positive. None of the tissues from patients without KS showed evidence of HHV-8 DNA. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses indicate a high degree of conservation (97.5 to 100%) among the HHV-8 strains tested.

DNA, Viral

Localization of human herpes-like virus type 8 in vascular endothelial cells and perivascular spindle-shaped cells of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions by in situ hybridization.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm that develops as multifocal lesions characterized by a histological picture that includes irregularly shaped vascular spaces surrounded by perivascular and interstitial spindle-shaped cells, extravasated erythrocytes, and an inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltrate. Recently, the DNA sequences of a novel human gamma-herpesvirus-like (HHV-8) agent have been detected by polymerase chain reaction in KS associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS-KS), classical KS, and African endemic KS. The present study was done to identify the specific cells within KS tumors that contain the viral DNA. Fourteen skin biopsy specimens, including three classical KSs, six AIDS-KSs, three normal skin specimens, and two common warts from healthy individuals, were examined by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of the HHV-8 DNA sequences. HHV-8 DNA were present in all nine KS specimens but not detectable in the five non-KS tissue samples. Using in situ hybridization, we found the HHV-8 DNA sequences to be predominantly localized to the nuclei of endothelial cells lining the vascular slits and some perivascular spindle-shaped cells, in two of three KS and four of six AIDS-KS tissue sections examined. The HHV-8-positive cells of KS specimens were concurrently shown to also be positive for factor-VIII-related antigen by immunohistochemical staining. The presence of the DNA of HHV-8 in the nuclei of KS cells further supports the possibility that this agent may play a role in the pathogenesis of this tumor.

Cell Nucleus

Human herpesvirus-like nucleic acid in various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma.

The association between a new human herpesvirus-like agent and various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma was examined by PCR. The DNA sequences of this agent were detected in 7 of 8 classic Kaposi's sarcoma specimens, 12 of 12 AIDS-associated specimens from the United States, and 7 of 10 specimens from African endemic Kaposi's sarcoma. Polymorphism of the herpesvirus-like DNA in the Kaposi's tissue from different populations was observed by both single-strand conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing. Furthermore, the presence and expression of the virus was detected in some Kaposi's tumours by Southern and northern blotting. This herpesvirus may be involved in the pathogenesis of different kinds of Kaposi's sarcoma seen among distinct and unrelated populations.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Kaposi's sarcoma. How can epidemiology help find the cause?

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in AIDS patients. Neither the cause nor a cure for AIDS-related KS is known. KS serves as a striking example of how epidemiologists seek the cause of any disease. Epidemiologic analysis of reported KS cases is revealing but not definitive. The leading hypotheses for the cause of AIDS-related KS are an as-yet-unidentified sexually transmitted infectious agent and exposure to inhalant alkyl nitrites, often called poppers. Epidemiology suggests that persons can reduce their risk of KS by avoiding nitrite inhalants and changing behavior to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

AIDS-Related Complex

Rearrangement and expression of MDM2 oncogene in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Since trisomy 12 is the most common chromosome abnormality found in CLL and MDM2 has been mapped to this chromosome, we examined the possible association of MDM2 in the pathogenesis of CLL. A rearrangement of the MDM2 gene was observed in 4 of 11 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with CLL by Southern blot hybridization. Expression of MDM2 was detected in all of the CLL samples examined by Northern blot. However, neither gross amplification nor overexpression of the MDM2 gene was found in CLL. The data suggest that MDM2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of CLL and may help to explain how abnormalities of chromosome 12 are related to CLL.

Blotting, Northern

Cutaneous disease resembling mycosis fungoides in HIV-infected patients whose skin and blood cells also harbor proviral HTLV type I.

Two homosexual HIV-infected patients with lymphocyte counts of < 50 presented with intense pruritus, hyperpigmentation, and skin lesions clinically suggestive of the cutaneous T cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides. On light microscopy, the skin biopsies were difficult to interpret because of the sparseness of the lymphocytic infiltrates. However, electron microscopy revealed typical Sézary cells in the peripheral blood and skin. Cultures of blood mononuclear cells of one of the patients generated HTLV-I-like particles. Although both patients lacked antibodies to HTLV, their blood and skin specimens proved to harbor tax and pol HTLV-I proviral sequences as shown by the polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. Dual infection with HIV and HTLV should be considered in the diagnostic work-up of patients at risk, even in the absence of demonstrable antibodies. Dual infections could result in clinical manifestations and evolution of disease not anticipated in patients who harbor only one of these retroviruses.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Expression of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated Kaposi sarcoma tissue and derived cells.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factors (FGF), such as basic FGF, have been implicated in the development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in vitro. The expression of several genes of the FGF family and their receptors in KS tumor lesions and KS-derived cells were evaluated. METHODS: Cultures of KS-derived cells were established. The expression of FGF family members and their receptors in these cells and in fresh biopsies from KS tumors was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). The RTPCR products were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS: The expression of basic FGF and FGF receptor-1 (flg) was detected in all the samples tested. Acidic FGF (aFGF) and FGF-5 were detected in two of six and four of six KS tumor specimens, respectively, whereas both of these growth factors were expressed in all of the cell cultures, including six KS-derived cell cultures and human endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. FGF-6 was expressed in two of six KS tumor specimens, but was not expressed in any of the cultured KS cells. Like flg, bek was expressed in all tissue samples and KS-derived cell cultures except in one KS specimen obtained from the patient's tongue showing expression of a high level of FGF-6. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the expression of FGF in KS tumors with the coexpression of FGF receptors may provide a basis for autocrine and paracrine mechanisms contributing to the development of KS.

AIDS-Related Complex

HIV-1 infection and modulation of cytokine and growth factor expression in Kaposi's sarcoma-derived cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-1 transcripts have been detected in AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tissues within the factor XIIIa + dermal dendrocytes present in the tumor. Various cytokines and growth factors have been shown to influence the growth of KS-derived cells in vitro. HIV-1 preferentially infects CD4+ cells and has also been found to infect some CD4- cells in vitro. The susceptibility of cultured KS cells in vitro to infection with HIV-1 and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) after exposure to HIV-1 was examined. METHODS: The susceptibility of two different KS-derived cell cultures to HIV-1 infection was examined by the expression of p24 antigen, detection of proviral sequence and electron microscopy. The expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and bFGF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: KS-derived cells can be infected by HIV-1 in vitro. Both KS-derived cells were found to express CD4 mRNA. The expression of IL-1 beta and IL-6 was increased, whereas the expression of bFGF was not stimulated after exposure of KS cells to HIV-1. CONCLUSION: These experiments describe the in vitro infection of KS-derived cells by HIV-1 and the expression of various cytokines and growth factor following infection. The increased production of cytokines observed following such infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS-related KS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome