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Biomedical subjects

Bo Nilsson

Publications and source records attributed to Bo Nilsson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Prothrombotic effect of prostasomes of metastatic cell and seminal origin.

BACKGROUND: Prostasomes are secretory granules produced by the glandular epithelial cells of the prostate. Seminal prostasomes contain high amounts of Tissue Factor (TF) but no studies of TF on malignant cell prostasomes have been made. Here we compare the expression, phosphorylation, and function of TF on prostasomes of different origin. METHODS: TF was detected on prostasomes isolated from seminal fluid and human prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, DU145, and LNCaP) using FACS and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Incubation of prostasomes with radioactive ATP under conditions favoring protein kinase A activity led to phosphorylation of TF as detected by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE. The prothrombotic effect of prostasomes was investigated in whole blood and recalcified plasma. Blocking experiments were performed using anti-TF antibodies and corn trypsin inhibitor. RESULTS: TF was expressed on all tested prostasome preparations with lowest values found for seminal ones. Prostasomal TF was the main endogenous substrate for prostasomal protein kinase A. All tested prostasome preparations greatly enhanced the rate of clot formation in a dose-dependent fashion, that is, the clotting capability of prostasomes seemed to be related to the extent of their expression of TF. In addition, the density of the clot varied between different prostasome preparations. When incubated in whole blood, prostasomes were found to associate to WBC thereby inducing them to express and release TF. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that TF is overexpressed and also subjected to phosphorylation by malignant cell prostasomes. This suggests major roles for prostasomes in thrombotic events that occur in some advanced cases of prostate cancer.

Calcium↗

The role of whole blood in thrombin generation in contact with various titanium surfaces.

Understanding of the thrombotic response (activation of the intrinsic coagulation system followed by platelet activation) from blood components upon contact with a titanium dental implant is important and not fully understood. The aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the thrombogenic response of whole blood, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) in contact with a highly thrombogenic surface as titanium, (2) the thrombogenic response of clinically used surfaces as hydroxyapatite (HA), machined titanium (mTi), TiO2 grit-blasted titanium (TiOB) and fluoride ion-modified grit-blasted titanium (TiOB-F). An in vitro slide chamber model, furnished with heparin, was used in which whole blood, PRP or PPP came in contact with slides of the test surfaces. After incubation (60 min rotation at 22 rpm in a 37 degrees C water bath), blood/plasma was mixed with EDTA or citrate, further centrifuged at +4 degrees C (2200 g at 10 min). Finally, plasma was collected pending analysis. Whole blood in contact with Ti alloy resulted in the binding of platelets to the material surface and in the generation of thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. With whole blood TAT levels increased 1000-fold compared with PRP and PPP, in which both almost no increase of TAT could be detected. In addition, the platelet activation showed a similar pattern with a 15-fold higher release of beta-TG in whole blood. In the in vitro chamber model with the clinically relevant materials, the fluoride-modified surface (TiOB-F) showed pronounced TAT generation compared with TiOB, mTi and HA. Similar results were achieved for platelet consumption and activation markers of the intrinsic coagulation system. Taken together these results implicate first that whole blood is necessary for sufficient thrombin generation and platelet activation during placement of implants. Second, a fluoride ion modification seems to augment the thrombogenic properties of titanium.

Biocompatible Materials↗

The role of complement in biomaterial-induced inflammation.

Biomaterials are regularly used in various types of artificial tissues and organs, such as oxygenators, plasmapheresis equipment, hemodialysers, catheters, prostheses, stents, vascular grafts, miniature pumps, sensors and heart aids. Although progress has been made regarding bioincompatibility, many materials and procedures are associated with side effects, in particular bioincompatibility-induced inflammation, infections and subsequent loss of function. After cardiopulmonary bypass, coagulopathies can occur and lead to cognitive disturbances, stroke and extended hospitalization. Hemodialysis is associated with anaphylatoid reactions that cause whole-body inflammation and may contribute to accelerated arteriosclerosis. Stents cause restenosis and, in severe cases, thrombotic reactions. This situation indicates that there is still a need to try to understand the mechanisms involved in these incompatibility reactions in order to be able to improve the biomaterials and to develop treatments that attenuate the reactions and thereby reduce patients' discomfort, treatment time and cost. This overview deals with the role of complement in the incompatibility reactions that occur when biomaterials come in contact with blood and other body fluids.

Animals↗

Overexpression of ecto-protein kinases in prostasomes of metastatic cell origin.

BACKGROUND: Prostasomes are secretory granules produced, stored, and released by the glandular epithelial cells of the prostate. They express numerous enzymes whose physiological roles have so far not been fully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of prostasomal protein kinases and ATPase. METHODS: The protein kinase activities of prostasomes isolated from seminal fluid and malignant prostate cell lines (PC-3, DU145, and LNCaP) were investigated using the model phosphorylation substrates histone and casein, as well as the plasma proteins C3 and fibrinogen, in combination with specific protein kinase inhibitors. The prostasomal ATPase activity was also evaluated. The expression of protein kinases and ATPase on prostasomes was verified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Prostasomes (intact or solubilized with octylglucoside or saponin) from prostate cancer cells had higher expression of protein kinases A, C, and casein kinase II compared to prostasomes isolated from seminal plasma, resulting in higher phosphorylation of both exogenous and endogenous substrates. Using intact prostasomes, it was found that prostasomes of metastatic origin had lower ATPase activity, resulting in higher residual ATP available for the phosphorylation reaction. Finally, complement component C3 and fibrinogen (two proteins whose activities are modulated by phosphorylation) were identified as physiologically relevant phosphorylation substrates. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that prostasomes are capable of modifying proteins possibly involved in the innate response by extracellular phosphorylation mediated by ecto-kinases. This is a novel mechanism by which prostatic malignant cells may interact with their environment.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Improved leukemia-free survival after postconsolidation immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride and interleukin-2 in acute myeloid leukemia: results of a randomized phase 3 trial.

The primary objective of this phase 3 study was to determine whether postconsolidation immunotherapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) improved the leukemia-free survival (LFS) of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission (CR). Three hundred twenty patients with AML (median age, 57 years; range, 18-84 years) were stratified by CR1 or subsequent CR (CR > 1) and randomly assigned to treatment with HDC/IL-2 or no treatment (control). Treatment comprised 10 21-day cycles with IL-2 (16 400 U/kg) plus HDC (0.5 mg); both compounds were administered by subcutaneous injection twice daily. Study arms were balanced for age, sex, previous treatment, leukemic karyotypes, time from CR to inclusion, and frequency of secondary leukemia. Three years after enrollment of the last patient, treatment with HDC/IL-2 was found to improve LFS over control in the study population (CR1 + CR > 1, n = 320; P < .01, log-rank test). For patients in CR1 (n = 261), treatment significantly improved LFS (P = .01) with 3-year LFS estimates of 40% (HDC/IL-2) compared with 26% (control). Side effects were typically mild to moderate. These results indicate that HDC/IL-2 treatment offers an efficacious and tolerable treatment for patients with AML in remission.

Acute Disease↗

Surface-attached PEO in the form of activated Pluronic with immobilized factor H reduces both coagulation and complement activation in a whole-blood model.

In the present work we have bound Pluronic, a class of triblock copolymers consisting of a block of polypropylene oxide (PPO) surrounded on each side by polyethylene oxide (PEO) blocks, to polystyrene surfaces and investigated the thrombogenicity and complement activation of this construct upon exposure to whole blood. The surface was highly inert towards coagulation, unfortunately at the expense of increased complement activation. We, therefore, as an alternative approach, used End-Group Activated Pluronic to conjugate factor H, a regulator of complement activation (RCA), to the surface. The bound factor H did not detach from the surface upon incubation with human serum. Furthermore, factor H bound in a physiological conformation could to a significant degree attenuate complement activation at the Pluronic surface. Thus, we have created a hybrid surface in which the coagulation-inert properties of the original Pluronic are supplemented with a specific complement-inhibitory effect. Medical device technology includes numerous potential applications for crosslinkers that are capable of specifically binding biomolecules to surfaces with retained activity. These applications include coupling of functional biomolecules to biomedical devices such as stents and grafts. The biomolecule may be an RCA, antibody, or other beneficial ligand.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Transesophageal echocardiographic acquisition of mitral annulus motion during monitoring of left ventricular function in anesthetized patients.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the feasibility and reproducibility of transesophageal (TE) recordings of displacements and velocities of 4 sites of the mitral annulus in anesthetized patients. Correlations to transthoracic measures and influence of the respiratory cycle were also investigated. METHODS: A total of 24 patients without heart disease were included. Another 10 patients were enrolled for the reproducibility study. Systolic and diastolic velocities and amplitude of motion were extracted from color-coded Doppler tissue recordings. RESULTS: The reproducibility was not acceptable for the anterior site or for late diastolic velocities. Transthoracic values were higher than TE values. A somewhat higher displacement during inspiration in spontaneous respiration and during expiration in positive pressure ventilation was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior site should be omitted when TE recordings of the mitral annulus are used. TE values are about 15% lower than transthoracic values. There is no need to take the respiratory cycle into account.

Anesthesia↗

Pancreatic cancer in sweden 1980-2000: a population-based study of hospitalized patients concerning time trends in curative surgery and other interventional therapies.

Progress has been made during the last few decades in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. In this population-based study, the time trends in curative surgery and the choice of palliative invasive therapies in Sweden over two decades are analyzed. Patients treated for pancreatic carcinoma in Sweden during 1980-2000 were identified in the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register and the Cancer Register. These data were matched with those in the Register of Causes of Death in Sweden. Data were identified and analyzed for 16,758 patients for three periods: 1980-1986 (n = 5775), 1987-1993 (n = 6096), and 1994-2000 (n = 4887). The rate of pancreatic resection increased 7.2%, 10.9%, and 15.1% (P < 0.0001) during the three respective periods. Palliative interventions decreased from 46.8% in the first period to 41.7% in the last period. On comparing the first and the last periods, biliary bypass operations were found to decrease (from 45.9% to 18.1%), as well as gastric bypass procedures (from 33.8% to 22.8%; P < 0.0001). Interventions by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) remained constant (10%-11%). Endoscopic therapy increased from 10.8% to 49.0%, as did the number of procedures per patient, from 1.3 to 1.7 (P < 0.0001) in the first and last periods, respectively. In 1980, the mean hospital stay was 40 days after resection and 30 days after palliative intervention. In 2000, the corresponding numbers were 26 days and 18 days (P < 0.001), respectively. During the past two decades, the rate of pancreatic resections in Sweden increased significantly. There was also a dramatic drop in palliative open surgery and a simultaneous increase in endoscopic interventions. Hospital stays decreased by more than a third.

Adult↗

Prediction of percent Gleason grade 4/5 by multiple core biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether percent Gleason grade 4/5 (i.e. the proportion of a tumor occupied by high-grade cancer) can be predicted by multiple needle biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 115 men, 8-14 (mean 10) biopsies were taken, including eight from standardized positions (apex, mid-medial, mid-lateral and base). Biopsies were reviewed and cancer lengths measured. All men underwent radical prostatectomy. The prostatectomy specimens were totally embedded and tumor volume measured planimetrically. Gleason scores and percent Gleason grade 4/5 were assessed for both biopsy and prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: Percent Gleason grade 4/5 in prostatectomy specimens was predicted correctly in 34% of cases and within 10%, 20% and 30% in 55%, 64% and 73% of cases, respectively. Biopsies had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for Gleason grade 4/5 of 62%, 87% and 69%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 93% and 45%, respectively. The weighted kappa value for agreement was slightly higher for Gleason score (0.685) than for percent Gleason grade 4/5 (0.573). The univariate correlation for percent Gleason grade 4/5 in biopsies and the main tumor was r=0.62, r(2)=0.39 (p<0.001). In univariate logistic regression, percent Gleason grade 4/5 on biopsies predicted the presence of any Gleason grade 4/5 cancer in the main tumor (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Gleason grade 4/5 in prostatectomy specimens correlates with findings in preoperative biopsies. Whether this measure will be used in routine practice remains to be seen.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Alternating chemo-immunotherapy with temozolomide and low-dose interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Temozolomide is a rapidly absorbed chemotherapeutic agent, achieving significant central nervous system penetration. Previous clinical trials suggested that temozolomide in sequence with low-dose recombinant human interleukin-2 might be an efficacious and relatively non-toxic chemo-immunotherapeutic treatment, which may synergistically eliminate tumours. The primary objective was to determine the safety and tolerance of temozolomide administered orally 200 mg/m days 1-5, in sequential combination with subcutaneous injections of 4.5x10 IU recombinant human interleukin-2 on days 8-11, 15-18 and 22-25 in patients with measurable, progressive metastatic malignant melanoma without radiological signs of central nervous system metastases. The secondary objectives were to determine tumour response and time to progression. Twenty-seven patients were included, of which four were non-evaluable for response. Twenty-three patients tolerated the regimen with side effects below grade 3 according to the World Health Organization (WHO) scale. Three patients suspended the treatment because of WHO grade 3 side effects already during the first 3 days of the first course of temozolomide. Seven patients showed no tumour progression during the first four treatment cycles. Two patients had complete responses, three partial responses and two stable disease at the end of the four cycles defined by the protocol and they continued the treatment until signs of relapse or a maximum of 21 courses. Five of these patients are still alive. Thrombocytopenia was significantly more pronounced in patients with objective response and stable disease than in non-responders to therapy. The median time to progression for all patients was 3.1 months and for responding and stable disease patients was 15 months. Five of 23 treated patients (22%) developed brain metastases during follow-up. Temozolomide in combination with recombinant human interleukin-2 is a well-tolerated regimen for outpatient treatment and the bio-chemotherapy combination induced durable clinical responses. Thrombocytopenia might be a positive predictive factor for response to therapy.

Administration, Oral↗

Uveal melanoma: a study on incidence of additional cancers in the Swedish population.

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of other primary malignancies before and after diagnosis of uveal melanoma in a Swedish population. METHODS: In the Swedish Cancer Registry 2995 patients with uveal melanoma were notified during the period 1960 to 1998. In the same registry, a search for additional malignancies among these patients was performed. A matched case-control study with 2,916 patients and 14,577 population control subjects was set up for malignancies before diagnosis of uveal melanoma. Malignancies after diagnosis of uveal melanoma were evaluated in 2,995 patients through standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), based on the expected rates in the Swedish population. RESULTS: Before the diagnosis of uveal melanoma, the odds ratio (OR) for the risk of cancer was 1.25 (95% CI: 0.98-1.59). No significantly increased risk was found for any specific malignancy. The OR for cutaneous melanoma was 1.74 (95% CI: 0.78-3.89). The risk of subsequent cancers was increased, SIR 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02-1.26). After reevaluation of archival specimens, the SIR of a cutaneous melanoma's developing after a uveal melanoma was found to be 1.75 (95% CI: 0.87-3.12). CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of second primary cancers was observed among Swedish patients with uveal melanoma. Metastases from uveal melanoma were found to be misclassified as cutaneous melanoma or as primary liver cancer.

Adult↗

Structures of complement component C3 provide insights into the function and evolution of immunity.

The mammalian complement system is a phylogenetically ancient cascade system that has a major role in innate and adaptive immunity. Activation of component C3 (1,641 residues) is central to the three complement pathways and results in inflammation and elimination of self and non-self targets. Here we present crystal structures of native C3 and its final major proteolytic fragment C3c. The structures reveal thirteen domains, nine of which were unpredicted, and suggest that the proteins of the alpha2-macroglobulin family evolved from a core of eight homologous domains. A double mechanism prevents hydrolysis of the thioester group, essential for covalent attachment of activated C3 to target surfaces. Marked conformational changes in the alpha-chain, including movement of a critical interaction site through a ring formed by the domains of the beta-chain, indicate an unprecedented, conformation-dependent mechanism of activation, regulation and biological function of C3.

Complement Activation↗

Extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy for primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We investigated the results of using stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for 58 patients with renal cell carcinomas (RCC) who were evaluated restrospectively for response rates, local control rates and side effects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1997 to January 2003, 50 patients suffering from metastatic RCC and eight patients with inoperable primary RCC received high-dose fraction SRT while placed in a stereotactic body-frame. The most common dose/fractionation schedules used were 8 Gyx4, 10 Gyx4 and 15 Gyx3 during approximately 1 week. RESULTS: SRT-treated tumor lesions regressed totally in 30% of the patients at 3-36 months, whereas 60% of the patients had a partial volume reduction or no change after a median follow-up of 37 months (SD 17.4) for censored and 13 months (SD 12.9) for uncensored patients. Side effects were generally mild. Of 162 treated tumors, only three recurred, yielding a local control rate of 90-98%, considering the 8% non-evaluable sites as defined here. For patients with one to three metastases, the time to new spread was 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our use of SRT for patients with primary and metastatic RCC yielded a high local control rate with low toxicity. Patients with one to three metastases, local recurrences after nephrectomy or inoperable primary tumors benefited the most, i.e. had fewer distant recurrences (13/23) and longer survival times compared to patients with >3 metastases (24/27 recurrences).

Aged↗

Ezrin expression in prostate cancer and benign prostatic tissue.

BACKGROUND: The membrane-linking protein ezrin is highly expressed in several types of human cancers and correlations between its immunoreactivity and histopathological data as well as patient outcome have previously been shown. However, such studies have not yet been done on human prostate cancer. This study assesses ezrin protein expression in a series of clinical specimens. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to characterize patterns of ezrin expression in prostatic carcinoma and benign epithelium in 103 radical prostatectomy specimens. Ezrin immunoreactivity (IR) was scored 0 to 3 (absent, weak, moderate or strong staining). Agreement between three independent observers was calculated. RESULTS: Ezrin IR in prostate cancers was moderate or strong in 70% of specimens while negative or only weakly positive in benign epithelium. Interobserver agreement of IR score was substantial (mean weighted kappa 0.70, range 0.67-0.73). Ezrin expression correlated with Gleason score (p=0.016) and seminal vesicle invasion (p=0.006) but not with extraprostatic extension or margin status. No correlation with biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy was found (p=0.19). Urothelial and squamous metaplasia invariably showed moderate or strong ezrin expression. Epithelium of seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts was always intensely positive. CONCLUSION: Ezrin was expressed in the majority of prostate cancers and correlated with adverse prognostic factors. Interestingly, high levels of ezrin IR were observed in benign metaplastic epithelium and in seminal vesicles.

Aged↗

Transfer of functional prostasomal CD59 of metastatic prostatic cancer cell origin protects cells against complement attack.

BACKGROUND: Prostasomes are secretory granules produced, stored, and released, by the glandular epithelial cells of the prostate. They express the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored complement regulatory protein CD59, which has been shown to be transferred to spermatozoa and erythrocytes. METHODS: The CD59 content of prostasomes isolated from seminal fluid and malignant prostate cells (PC-3, DU145, and LNCaP) and the transfer of prostasomal CD59 to rabbit erythrocytes (RE) and to PIPLC-treated and unmanipulated cancer cells were investigated using FACS. All prostasomes were also incubated with RE and tested in a hemolytic assay. RESULTS: Prostasomes from cancer cells had higher expression of CD59 than those of normal cells. Prostasomal CD59 of different origin could be transferred to RE, malignant cell lines stripped of CD59 by PIPLC, or unmanipulated LNCaP cells. Malignant cell prostasomes had an increased ability to inhibit complement-mediated lysis compared to those from non-malignant cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to a novel mechanism by which prostasomes can protect prostatic malignant cells from complement attack.

Animals↗

Binding of C3 fragments on top of adsorbed plasma proteins during complement activation on a model biomaterial surface.

In the present study we investigate whether complement activation in blood in contact with a model biomaterial surface (polystyrene) occurs directly on the material surface or on top of an adsorbed plasma protein layer. Quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation analysis (QCM-D) complemented with enzyme immunoassays and Western blotting were used. QCM-D showed that the surface was immediately covered with a plasma protein film of approximately 8 nm. Complement activation that started concomitantly with the adsorption of the protein film was triggered by a self-limiting classical pathway activation. After adsorption of the protein film, alternative pathway activation provided the bulk of the C3b deposition that added 25% more mass to the surface. The build up of alternative pathway convertase complexes using purified C3 and factors B and D on different protein films as monitored by QCM-D showed that only adsorbed albumin, IgG, but not fibrinogen, allowed C3b binding, convertase assembly and amplification. Western blotting of eluted proteins from the material surface demonstrated that the C3 fragments were covalently bound to other proteins. This is consistent with a model in which the activation is triggered by initiating convertases formed by means of the initially adsorbed proteins and the main C3b binding is mediated by the alternative pathway on top of the adsorbed protein film.

Adsorption↗

Material-specific thrombin generation following contact between metal surfaces and whole blood.

Little is known about the blood compatibility of metals used in various medical devices. We have previously shown that titanium and derivatives thereof are among the most thrombogenic materials which may explain its outstanding osteointegrating properties. The aim of the present study was to characterize the thrombogenic and complement-activating properties of various metals used today in medical applications. Polyester chips were coated with 50- to 100-nm thick layers of aluminium, iridium, indium, nickel, tantalum, tin, titanium, or zirconium using magnetron sputtering. The metal-coated chips were then incubated in direct contact with whole blood in an in vitro chamber model, and the blood was then analyzed for platelet counts, thrombin-antithrombin (AT), fXIIa-AT, fXIa-AT and fXIIa-C1INH complexes and the complement parameters C3a and sC5b-9. Titanium, tantalum and indium were found to exhibit pronounced thrombogenic properties, whereas aluminium, nickel and, in particular, iridium were essentially non-thrombogenic. Tin and zirconium were intermediate activators. All metals activated complement to a similar degree, with the exception of aluminium, which had more pronounced activating properties. This study clearly indicates that metals indeed have varying thrombogenic and complement activating properties. These studies have implications for the selection of metals intended for medical applications.

Biocompatible Materials↗