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Biomedical subjects

G Wilding

Publications and source records attributed to G Wilding.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

DNA fluorometric assay in 96-well tissue culture plates using Hoechst 33258 after cell lysis by freezing in distilled water.

A simple assay is described using bisbenzimidazole (Hoechst 33258) to determine cellular DNA content in 96-well tissue cultures plates. At time points of interest, the plates are emptied of media and stored frozen. When the assay is to be performed, cultures are briefly incubated in distilled water and frozen again. This process lyses the cells and allows rapid and thorough mixing of the fluorochrome and cellular DNA. Freezing permits convenient storage of cultures until the time of assay. Experiments can be batched, further reducing processing time and giving better intra- and interexperimental standardization. The assay generates a linear standard curve for DNA fluorescence versus cell number, the range of which is appropriate for microculture wells. This enables the rapid and accurate measurement of cell number involving minimal processing time, making this assay well suited for cell proliferation studies.

Bisbenzimidazole↗

Growth properties and tumorigenesis of MCF-7 cells transfected with isogenic mutants of rasH.

MCF-7 human breast cancer cells are estrogen dependent for maximal in vitro growth and for tumor formation in nude mice, thus providing a useful model system to study mammary tumorigenesis. A clone of MCF-7 cells transfected with the v-rasH oncogene has been shown to form tumors in the absence of estradiol [Kasid et al., 1985, Science (Wash. DC), 228:725-728]. To extend this observation to more clones of v-rasH-expressing MCF-7 cells and to examine the effects of rasH mutation, we transfected MCF-7 cells with a construct encoding the human c-rasH protooncogene protein product and with three isogenic constructs encoding proteins containing point mutations: arg-12, thr-59, and arg-12 + thr-59 (v-rasH). We isolated several cell lines which produced levels of c-rasH and v-rasH p21 at 30- to 50-fold the levels of controls. We also isolated several cell lines producing the various mutants p21s. All of the transfected cell lines were estrogen-responsive for cell growth. Transfected cells containing high levels of rasH p21 had correspondingly high levels of growth in an anchorage-independent growth assay. Tumorigenesis studies in nude mice, however, showed that some, but not all of the cell lines expressing v-rasH, formed tumors in the absence of estradiol. Tumor formation did not correlate with the level of rasH p21 expression in these cell lines. No tumor formation in the absence of estradiol was observed for cell lines expressing single-mutated or unmutated forms of rasH.

Animals↗

Phosphoinositide metabolism in human prostate cancer cells in vitro.

To understand better the mechanism by which 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5-alpha-DHT) influences prostate epithelial cell function, we examined the effects of 5-alpha-DHT on phosphoinositide metabolism in human prostate cancer cell lines. Androgen receptor-positive LN-CaP cells showed dose-responsive, steady-state elevations in phosphoinositide metabolism when treated with 5-alpha-DHT. The intracellular pool of 3H-myoinositol decreased and the incorporation of 3H-myoinositol into cellular lipids increased with increasing concentrations of 5-alpha-DHT. 5-alpha-DHT increased the release of 3H-inositol phosphates into the media. The inactive stereoisomer, 5-beta-DHT, did not increase phosphoinositide metabolism. In androgen receptor-negative cells, phosphoinositide metabolism was not altered by 5-alpha-DHT. The slow induction of phosphoinositide metabolism by 5-alpha-DHT suggests that the effects may be mediated through other factors that serve as intermediates in 5-alpha-DHT modulation of intracellular signalling. We conclude that this modulation involves increased turnover of phosphatidylinositol, incorporation of myoinositol into cellular lipids, and alterations in the aqueous intracellular myoinositol pool size, possibly as a result of altered transport mechanisms.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Transforming growth factors type beta 1 and beta 2 are equipotent growth inhibitors of human breast cancer cell lines.

At least one member of the TGF-beta family, TGF-beta 1, has been previously shown to inhibit the anchorage-independent growth of some human breast cancer cell lines (Knabbe et al., 1987; Arteaga et al., 1988). Members of the TGF-beta family might, therefore, provide new strategies for breast cancer therapy. We have studied the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 on the anchorage-independent growth of the oestrogen receptor-negative cell lines MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, Hs578T, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-468-S4 (an MDA-MB-468 clone not growth inhibited by EGF) and the estrogen receptor-positive cell lines MCF7, ZR-75-1, T-47D. TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 caused a 75-90% growth inhibition of MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, Hs578T, and MDA-MB-468 cells and a 50% growth inhibition of ZR-75-1 and early passage (less than 100) MCF7 cells. T-47D cells responded to TGF-beta only in serum-free conditions in the presence of IGF-1 or EGF. The growth of MDA-MB-468-S4 cells and late passage (greater than 500) MCF7 cells was not inhibited by TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2. TGF-beta-sensitive MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells did not respond to Muellerian inhibiting substance (MIS), a TGF-beta-related polypeptide. TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 were mutually competitive for receptor binding with a similar affinity (Kd 25-130 pM, 1,000-13,000 sites per cell). To determine the time course of the TGF-beta effect, an anchorage-dependent growth assay was carried out using MDA-MB-231 cells. Growth inhibition occurred at 6 days, and cell-cycle changes were seen 12 hr after the addition of TGF-beta. Cells accumulated in the G1 phase and were thus inhibited from entering the S-phase. These data indicate that TGF-beta is a potent growth inhibitor in most breast cancer cell lines and provide a basis for studying TGF-beta effects in vivo.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone↗

Aberrant response in vitro of hormone-responsive prostate cancer cells to antiandrogens.

Antiandrogens are in use alone and in combination with other agents as hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. We conducted studies on the androgen-responsive human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP to determine the direct effects of three antiandrogens (hydroxyflutamide, RU23908, and cyproterone acetate) on hormone-responsive human prostate cancer cells in culture. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulated the growth of LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent fashion. These cells contained approximately 31,000 high-affinity (Kd = 9 x 10(-10) M) androgen binding sites per cell. In the absence of any androgenic stimulation, all three antiandrogens tested showed agonistic properties by increasing the cell number and uptake of [3H]-thymidine. Competitive uptake studies using [3H]-R1881, a nonmetabolized androgen, showed that the three antiandrogens inhibited specific R1881 uptake with IC50s of 0.9 x 10(-7) M for hydroxyflutamide, 2 x 10(-7) M for RU23908, and 1 x 10(-7) M for cyproterone acetate. It is not known whether these unexpected agonistic effects are due to an altered receptor, previously unmasked agonistic properties of the antiandrogens, or emergence of a hypersensitive clone of cells.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Role of transforming growth factor-alpha in human prostate cancer cell growth.

Because of the influence of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) on the cell growth in other cancer cell systems, we investigated the growth-regulatory role of TGF alpha in human prostate cancer cells. TGF alpha (5 ng/ml) stimulated LNCaP cell growth in monolayer to 60% of the level seen with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Both DHT and TGF alpha increased cloning in soft agar twofold above that in controls. Metabolism of thymidine and uridine was also increased as evidenced by increased uptake of these macromolecule precursors. In addition, intracellular signalling as indicated by phosphatidyl inositol turnover was also increased by TGF alpha and DHT. Conditioned media contained TGF alpha by radioimmunoassay (RIA), transforming activity by rat kidney fibroblast (NRK) colony formation, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor competable activity by radioreceptor assay. EGF receptors were present by binding assay and immunoprecipitation. These data demonstrate the presence of an autostimulatory growth loop in hormone-responsive human prostate cancer cells.

Cell Division↗

Differential effects of transforming growth factor beta on human prostate cancer cells in vitro.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) exerts a wide spectrum of activity on many different cell types. Since TGF beta inhibits the growth of a variety of epithelial tumor cells in vitro, we examined the effects of TGF beta on the human prostate cancer cell lines DU145, PC3 and LNCaP for possible inhibitory activity. Growth in monolayer was initially inhibited in a dose-response fashion in the two androgen-independent cell lines, PC3 and DU145 but not in the androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. The rate of growth of the PC3 and DU145 cells treated with TGF beta, however, eventually returned to control levels despite retreatment with TGF beta. Anchorage-independent growth was inhibited to 55% and 16% control levels in PC3 and DU145, respectively. Scatchard analysis showed 1500 and 2900 TGF beta binding sites/cell on DU145 and PC3 cells with Kd = 6.9 and 12 x 10(-12) M, respectively. High-affinity binding could not be demonstrated on LNCaP cells. We also explored the possibility that TGF beta was secreted by these cells. Analysis of conditioned media by immunoprecipitation and a radioreceptor assay showed secretion of TGF beta into the media by DU145 and PC3 but not by LNCaP. Northern analysis showed the presence of TGF beta mRNA in DU145 and PC3, but not in LNCaP. These data indicate that TGF beta might serve as an autocrine inhibitory factor in prostate cancer. In addition, because TGF beta affects a wide range of cell types, TGF beta production by prostate cancer cells may contribute an important paracrine function in the development of tumor stromal tissue and metastases.

Androgens↗

Effects of steroid hormones and peptide growth factors on protooncogene c-fos expression in human breast cancer cells.

To investigate if the estrogen control of the tumorigenic phenotype of breast cancer cells was mediated through activation of the c-fos protooncogene, we examined the expression of this oncogene in MCF-7 cells. In cells synchronized by double thymidine blockade, the peptide growth factors transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor increased c-fos mRNA levels 6-fold above controls after 30 min of treatment. The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, increased c-fos mRNA levels 4- to 5-fold above control. 17 beta-Estradiol, a growth stimulator, increased c-fos mRNA levels less than 2-fold above control levels, while progesterone, vitamin D3, dihydrotestosterone, and dexamethasone had little effect on c-fos mRNA levels. In contrast, 17 beta-estradiol treatment initially diminished the c-myc RNA level after 30 min of treatment and resulted in an elevation of c-myc by 2.5 h after initiation of treatment. We conclude that c-fos induction in these cells is growth related and accompanies stimulation by transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor. 17 beta-Estradiol, on the other hand, induced much smaller increases in c-fos mRNA levels, suggesting an alternative or more complex mechanism of cellular stimulation.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Retinal toxicity after high-dose cisplatin therapy.

Because of increasing complaints of visual dysfunction, 13 patients with refractory or recently diagnosed ovarian carcinoma were evaluated for possible cisplatin-induced ophthalmologic toxicity. All patients had received high-dose cisplatin (200 mg/m2 in five divided daily doses) over two to four cycles. Eight patients (62%) developed symptoms of blurred vision and three (23%) also developed altered color perception. Retinal toxicity in the form of cone dysfunction was documented by electroretinography and color vision testing in 11 patients. Three patients were studied prospectively. Two patients who developed cone dysfunction had normal ophthalmologic exams before the initiation of chemotherapy or after one cycle of cisplatin, suggesting a causal relationship between cisplatin therapy and subsequent retinal abnormalities. Though visual acuity improved off therapy, color vision abnormalities persisted as long as 16 months beyond therapy.

Adult↗

Yersinia enterocolitica endocarditis.

A patient with Yersinia enterocolitica endocarditis was seen with bacteremia, valvular vegetation, new heart murmur, and septic embolism. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Y enterocolitica infectious endocarditis and is yet another clinical manifestation of disease produced by this organism.

Aged↗

Reduced warfarin binding of albumin variants.

Binding studies of albumins A/A and A/Me from human plasma and isolated albumin revealed small, but statistically significant, reductions in warfarin binding of albumin A/Me compared to albumin A/A. Such differences in binding in vitro could result in altered pharmacological responses to warfarin administered to individuals possessing albumin A/Me. To determine if clinically significant differences in warfarin distribution exist, observations should be made in vivo on patients of different albumin phenotype who are receiving warfarin therapeutically.

Genetic Variation↗

A phase I study of gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced, recurrent, and/or metastatic solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION: This was a dose escalation phase I trial designed to establish the MTD (maximum tolerated dose) and toxicity profile of the combination of gemcitabine, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). METHODS: Standard eligibility criteria were required for patients with advanced malignancy to enroll. Gemcitabine was escalated from an initial dose of 800 mg/m2. Gemcitabine was administered prior to leucovorin (25 mg/m2) followed by bolus 5-FU (600 mg/m2) every week for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest. RESULTS: Of 21 patients enrolled, 20 were eligible for MTD determination. Patients received a median of three 4-week cycles of chemotherapy (range: 1 to 8 cycles). Toxicity was predominantly hematologic or gastroenterologic. Four dose levels were studied. At a gemcitabine dose of 1,500 mg/m2 systemic symptoms of fatigue accompanied hematologic toxicity and patients refused further therapy. At 1,250 mg/m2, full dose intensity was not delivered during the first cycle in 7 of 8 patients treated. Therefore, 1,000 mg/m2 was established as the recommended phase II dose for gemcitabine in this study. Antitumor activity was seen at all dose levels. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of gemcitabine, leucovorin and 5-FU was tolerable at full doses of all 3 drugs with an expected toxicity profile. Recommended phase II dose for gemcitabine was 1,000 mg/m2. Initial evidence of clinical activity was seen in a variety of tumor types.

Adult↗