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Biomedical subjects

Kresimir Pavelić

Publications and source records attributed to Kresimir Pavelić.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interleukin-6 gene promoter, tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene promoter, and transforming growth factor-beta1 gene signal sequence as predictors of time to onset of aseptic loosening after total hip arthroplasty: preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening resulting from inflammatory response to the implant wear debris is the major cause of late total hip arthroplasty (THA) failure. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding for three involved cytokines--interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)--as potential predictors of time to onset of aseptic instability. METHODS: A total of 41 patients/45 total hip endoprostheses (same type, same surgeon) were followed up for as long as 18 years. They were genotyped for the IL-6 promoter (-597G-->A) and (-572G-->C), TNF-alpha promoter (-308G-->A), and TGF-beta1 signal sequence (29T-->C) transitions. Cox regression was performed on the prosthesis survival. RESULTS: Overall, 22 of 45 prostheses developed aseptic instability. Cumulative survivals at 10 and 15 years after THA were 95.6% and 66.6%, respectively. The effect of a particular polymorphic site was estimated with adjustment for sex, age at THA, reason for THA, and the effects of other analyzed sites. The hazard ratio (HR) for genotype T/T versus "C-allele carriage" at the TGF-beta1 site was 8.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-46.8] (P=0.017) or 5.70 (1.39-23.4) (P=0.016) when the IL-6 promoter sites were considered as a "combination of genotypes (-597)|(-572)." The most prevalent combination of genotypes at IL-6 sites was G/A (-597)|C/C (-572). HR for this combination (versus other combinations) was 5.43 (1.73-17.0) (P=0.004) when "TGF-beta1 (29T-->C)" was considered as a three-level factor (three possible genotypes), and 4.92 (1.71-14.1) (P=0.003) when TGF-beta1 site was considered as a two-level factor (T/T and "C-allele carriage"). The HR for the "A-allele carriage" at TNF-alpha (-308G-->A) could not be determined (only two patients had the G/G genotype). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study is the first to suggest that the TGF-beta1 signal sequence (29T-->C) and IL-6 promoter (-597G-->A)|(-572G-->C) transitions are predictive for the time to onset of aseptic instability after THA.

Adult↗

The novel C-5 aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl substituted uracil derivatives of L-ascorbic acid: synthesis, cytostatic, and antiviral activity evaluations.

The novel C-5 substituted uracil derivatives of l-ascorbic acid were synthesized by coupling of 5-iodouracil-4,5-didehydro-5,6-dideoxy-l-ascorbic acid with unsaturated stannanes under Stille reaction conditions. The new compounds were evaluated for their antitumoral and antiviral activities. Among all compounds evaluated the 5-propynyl substituted uracil derivative of l-ascorbic acid (7) exhibited the most pronounced cytostatic activities against all examined tumor cell lines (IC(50): 0.2-0.78 microM). However, this compound was also cytotoxic to human normal fibroblasts WI 38. The 5-(phenylethynyl)uracil-2,3-di-O-benzylated l-ascorbic acid derivative (4) exhibited an albeit slight (IC(50): 55-108 microM), but selective inhibitory effect toward all tumor cell lines except for cervical carcinoma (HeLa), pancreatic carcinoma (MiaPaCa-2), laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2), and colon carcinoma (SW 620), and no cytotoxicity to normal human fibroblast (WI 38). Compound 7 showed some, not highly specific, inhibitory potential against vesicular stomatitis virus, Coxsackie B4 virus, and Sindbis viruses (EC(50): 1.6 microM).

Animals↗

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structural study, antiviral and cytostatic evaluations of the novel unsaturated acyclic and epoxide nucleoside analogues.

A series of the novel purine and pyrimidine nucleoside analogues were synthesised in which the sugar moiety was replaced by the 4-amino-2-butenyl (2-6 and 10-18) and oxiranyl (8 and 20) spacer. The Z- (2-6) and E-isomers (10-18) of unsaturated acyclic nucleoside analogues were synthesized by condensation of 2- and 6-substituted purine and 5-substituted uracil bases with Z- (1) or E-phthalimide (9) precursors. The oxiranyl nucleoside analogues (8 and 20) were obtained by epoxidation of 1 and 9 with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid and subsequent coupling with adenine. The new compounds were evaluated for their antiviral and antitumor cell activities. Among the olefinic nucleoside analogues, Z-isomer of adenine containing 4-amino-2-butenyl side chain (6) exhibited the best cytostatic activities, particularly against colon carcinoma (SW 620, IC50 = 26 microM). Its E-isomer 15 did not show any antiproliferative activity against malignant tumor cell lines, except for a slight inhibition of colon carcinoma (SW 620, IC50 = 56.5 microM) cells. In general, Z-isomers showed better cytostatic activities than the corresponding E-isomers. (Z)-4-Amino-2-butenyl-adenine nucleoside analogue 6 showed albeit modest but selective activity against HIV-1 (EC50 = 4.83 microg mL(-1)).

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Molecular genetic alterations of FHIT and p53 genes in benign and malignant thyroid gland lesions.

Several oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes are involved either as early or late event in thyroid gland carcinogenesis. Human FHIT (fragile histidine triad) gene is highly conserved gene whose loss of function may be important in the development and/or progression of various types of cancer. We undertook this study to analyze FHIT and p53 gene status in different benignant and malignant thyroid tumors. Status of these genes as well as intensity of apoptosis was analyzed in tumor tissues by molecular genetic methods, immunohistochemistry, and FACS-scan analysis. The majority of the malignant thyroid cancers displayed aberrant expression of FHIT gene, concominant with p53 gene inactivation. This is followed by low rate of apoptosis, which may be important in the development and/or progression of thyroid cancer. We found higher incidence of p53 mutation and aberrant processing of FHIT mRNA in malignant tumors (papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic carcinomas) and in those tumors with distant metastasis. The growth of p53(-)/FHIT(-) follicular carcinoma of human origin was much faster in nude mice than p53(+)/FHIT(+) follicular carcinoma, and mice had shorter survival rate. Our results show a correlation between aberrant FHIT and p53 expression, low rate of apoptosis, and malignancy. Concomitant aberration of FHIT gene and p53 could be responsible for development of highly malignant types of thyroid cancer and may be considered as a prognostic marker for these tumors.

Acid Anhydride Hydrolases↗

Synthesis, photochemical synthesis, DNA binding and antitumor evaluation of novel cyano- and amidino-substituted derivatives of naphtho-furans, naphtho-thiophenes, thieno-benzofurans, benzo-dithiophenes and their acyclic precursors.

As a part of the research on the improvement of an alternative to conventional photodynamic therapy by light-induced formation of intercalators, we synthesized a series of novel heterocyclic compounds and their acyclic precursors. We now report details about their synthesis/characterization in respect to their potential of photoinduced cyclization, interactions with DNA and inhibition of the tumor cell growth in vitro. Among studied compounds only amidino-furyl-substituted phenyl acrylates were efficiently converted to the corresponding naphthofuranes, while their thiophene analogues, all non-charged derivatives and amidino-phenyl-substituted analogues didn't show acceptable photoconversion. The significantly stronger antiproliferative activity of cyclic analogues could be correlated to the property of these molecules to intercalate into DNA. The acyclic molecules did not show any interaction with DNA, correlating with the inferior biological activity, except for one cyano-bearing molecule.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Synthesis, structural studies, and cytostatic evaluation of 5,6-di-O-modified L-ascorbic acid derivatives.

The 5,6-di-O-tosylated derivative of l-ascorbic acid was synthesized by selective protection and deprotection of 2,3- and 5,6-dihydroxy functional groups involving 5,6-ditosylation in the final step, while the novel 6-acetoxy, 6-hydroxy, and 6-chloro derivatives of 4,5-didehydro-l-ascorbic acid were obtained by reaction of ditosylated compound with nucleophilic reagents. The analysis of 3JH-4-H-5 homonuclear coupling constants shows that all l-ascorbic acid derivatives except for epoxy and 4,5-didehydro compounds exist in high population as gauche conformers across C-4-C-5 bonds, while 3JC-3-H-5 heteronuclear coupling constants in 4,5-didehydro derivatives indicate cis geometry along C-4-C-5 double bond. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of 2,3-di-O-benzyl-5,6-epoxy- and 5,6-isopropylidene-l-ascorbic acid shows that the oxygen atoms attached at positions 2 and 3 of the lactone ring are disposed in a synperiplanar fashion. Besides that, the dioxolane ring adopts half-chair conformation. The molecules of epoxy derivative are joined into infinite chains by one weak hydrogen bond of C-H...O type. Two O-H...O, and C-H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules of 5,6-di-O-isopropylidene compound into two-dimensional network. 6-Chloro derivative of 2,3-di-O-benzyl-l-ascorbic acid showed the best cytostatic effects against all tested malignant tumor cells (IC50: approximately 18 microM).

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Novel cyano- and amidino-substituted derivatives of thieno[2,3-b]- and thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2-carboxanilides and thieno[3',2':4,5]thieno- and thieno[2',3':4,5]thieno [2,3-c]quinolones: synthesis, photochemical synthesis, DNA binding, and antitumor evaluation.

A series of cyano- and amidino-substituted derivatives of thieno[2,3-b]- and thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2-carboxanilides and their 'cyclic' derivatives (quinolones) were synthesized. 'Cyclic' compounds displayed a rather strong and differential antiproliferative effect on various cell lines, while the 'acyclic' amidino-substituted compounds were much more active, but showing mostly non-differential cytotoxicity, whereas cyano-substituted compounds (2a,b) produced a strikingly strong effect selectively on HeLa and Hep-2 cell lines. Antiproliferative activity of 'cyclic' derivatives is very likely caused by intercalation into DNA, while their 'acyclic' analogues use other target(s) and/or mechanisms of action.

Amidines↗

Loss of heterozygosity testing using real-time PCR analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms.

PURPOSE: Colon cancer is a genetic disease, caused by mutations in different oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of real-time PCR SNP analysis as a new technique in the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis at the E-cadherin gene locus in sporadic colon cancer. METHODS: One-hundred cases of human sporadic colon cancer and corresponding normal tissue samples were analyzed using two flanking polymorphic markers commonly used in the LOH analysis at the E-cadherin gene locus by conventional VNTR-LOH analysis. Two intragenic E-cadherin SNP markers were analyzed using real-time PCR SNP analysis. RESULTS: LOH (17.6%) was detected using flanking markers, however, no LOH was detected when the intragenic E-cadherin SNP markers were introduced into our study. Since these markers are intragenic they more accurately represent the status of the E-cadherin gene than the previously used flanking markers. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, real-time PCR SNP analysis was found to be more accurate, faster, simpler, and a more high-throughput method than the conventional VNTR-LOH analysis.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

A novel bis-phenanthridine triamine with pH controlled binding to nucleotides and nucleic acids.

The new bis-phenanthridine triamine is characterised by three pK(a) values: 3.65; 6.0 and >7.5. A significant difference in the protonation state of at pH = 5 (four positive charges) and at pH = 7 (less than two positive charges) accounts for the strong dependence of -nucleotide binding constants on nucleotide charge under acidic conditions, whereas at neutral pH all -nucleotide complexes are of comparable stability. All experimental data point at intercalation as the dominant binding mode of to polynucleotides. However, there is no indication of bis-intercalation of the two phenanthridine subunits in binding to double stranded polynucleotides, the respective complexes being most likely mono-intercalative. Thermal stabilisation of calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) and poly A-poly U duplexes upon addition of is significantly higher at pH = 5 than at neutral conditions. This is not the case with poly dA-poly dT, indicating that the specific secondary structure of the latter, most likely the shape of the minor groove, plays a key role in complex stability. At pH = 5 acts as a fluorimetric probe for poly G (emission quenching) as opposed to other ss-polynucleotides (emission increase), while at neutral conditions this specificity is lost. One order of magnitude higher cytotoxicity of compared to its "monomer" can be accounted for by cooperative action of two phenanthridinium units and the charged triamine linker. The results presented here are of interest to the development of e.g. sequence-selective cytostatic drugs, and in particular for the possibility to control the drug activity properties over binding to DNA and/or RNA by variation of the pH of its surrounding.

Amination↗

Effect of indomethacin on E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression in HT-29 colon cancer cells.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) lower the incidence of and mortality from colon cancer. Although there is much evidence from epidemiological and laboratory studies that NSAIDs have antitumor activity and reduce the incidence of colon cancer, the mechanism of action remains unknown. In this paper, we present the effect of indomethacin on growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis, and alterations in the expression of several genes involved in Wnt signaling in HT-29 colon cancer cells. We have shown that indomethacin reduces the proliferation rate of HT-29 colon cancer cells and induces apoptosis. Concentrations of indomethacin from 10(-4) to 10(-3) M strongly inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells. The inhibition of growth, as well as induction of apoptosis was dose and time dependent. The treatment of cells with 4 x 10(-4) M indomethacin caused strong inhibition of cell growth (about 70%), enhanced expression of APC, decreased expression of beta-catenin and induced expression of E-cadherin proteins. Expression of beta-catenin was not markedly reduced instead, beta-catenin was translocated from the nucleus and cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. These results were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR analysis on mRNA level. At a concentration of 4 x 10(-4) M indomethacin there was increased expression of APC gene (10.9-fold induction; DeltaDeltaCt = 3.43) and E-cadherin gene (3.5-fold induction; DeltaDeltaCt = 1.79). These results suggest the antiproliferative effect of indomethacin may contribute to enhanced cell adhesion through increased expression of E-cadherin and translocation of beta-catenin from the nucleus to the cell membrane.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Novel cyano- and N-isopropylamidino-substituted derivatives of benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxanilides and benzo[b]thieno[2,3-c]quinolones: synthesis, photochemical synthesis, crystal structure determination, and antitumor evaluation. 2.

Derivatives of 3-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxanilides and their "cyclic" analogues benzo[b]thieno[2,3-c]quinolones were synthesized. Spectroscopic study of the interactions of some representatives of "cyclic" derivatives and their "acyclic" precursors with ds-DNA/RNA supported strong intercalative binding of the former and weak nonintercalative binding of the latter group of compounds. All tested compounds showed a certain antiproliferative effect on a series of human tumor cells and on a normal cell line. Among the compounds, those with one amidino-substituent have shown the best effect. The most active benzo[b]thieno[2,3-c]quinolones induced apparent S and G2/M arrests of the cell cycle, which resulted in apoptosis. These results strongly suggest that the compounds may act as topoisimerase "poisons", which is in good agreement with their intercalative mode of binding to ds-DNA/RNA, in contrast to the studied "acyclic"group of derivatives. 6a and 6d showed the best selectivity by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells but not of normal fibroblasts.

Amidines↗

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure study, and cytostatic and antiviral evaluation of the novel cycloalkyl-N-aryl-hydroxamic acids.

In vitro evaluation of the novel cycloalkyl-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-hydroxamic acids (2a-g) demonstrated that 2b,d,e exhibited rather marked inhibitory activity (IC50 = 7-10 microM) against pancreatic carcinoma, 2b-d against colon carcinoma, 2d against laryngeal carcinoma, and 2b,d against breast carcinoma. 2e showed the most pronounced anti-cytomegalovirus activity (EC50 = 1.5 and 0.8 microg mL(-1)) only at > or = 5-fold lower than the cytotoxic concentration. 2d and 2f showed modest, albeit selective, activity against cytomegalovirus (2d, EC50 = 7.3-8.9 microg mL(-1), selectivity index 7-10; 2f, EC50 = 7-13 microg mL(-1), selectivity index 10).

Acetamides↗

The novel L- and D-amino acid derivatives of hydroxyurea and hydantoins: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure study, and cytostatic and antiviral activity evaluations.

The novel L- and D-amino acid derivatives of hydroxyurea 5a-o were prepared by aminolysis of N-(1-benzotriazolecarbonyl)amino acid amides 4a-o with hydroxylamine. The hydantoin derivatives 6a-e,m,p were synthesized by base-catalyzed cyclization of amides 4, common precursors for 5 and 6. X-ray crystal structure analysis shows that the C5 atom in 6e possesses the S configuration, which is consistent with the configuration of the starting reagent, l-leucine. Among L-amino acid derivatives of hydroxyurea, 5h and 5i inhibited specifically murine leukemia and human T-lymphocytes (IC(50) = 10-19 microM) and showed selectivity with respect to normal human fibroblasts (WI 38). d-Amino acid derivatives of hydroxyurea 5m and 5o inhibited the growth of all tumor cell lines (IC(50) = 4.8-83.9 microM), but not the growth of normal fibroblasts (WI 38; IC(50) > 100 microM). Results on antiviral evaluations showed that N-(1-benzotriazolecarbonyl)amino acid amide 4m and hydantoin 6m had marked activity against the Davis strain of CMV (4m, EC(50) = 3.2 microg/mL; 6m, EC(50) = 4.0 microg/mL). However, these compounds showed also rather expressed cytotoxicity (4m, CC(50) = 43.4 microg/mL; 6m, CC(50) = 12.5 microg/mL(-1)).

Amino Acids↗

The novel pyrimidine and purine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid: synthesis, one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR study, cytostatic and antiviral evaluation.

The syntheses of the novel C-5 substituted pyrimidine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid containing free hydroxy groups at C-2' (6-10) or C-2' and C-3' (11-15) positions of the lactone ring are described. Debenzylation of the 6-chloro- and 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine derivatives of 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-l-ascorbic acid (16 and 17) gave the new compounds containing hydroxy groups at C-2' (18) and C-2' and C-3' (19 and 20). Z- and E-configuration of the C4'C5' double bond and position of the lactone ring of the compounds 6-9 were deduced from their one- and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and connectivities in NOESY and HMBC spectra. Compounds 15 and 18 showed the best inhibitory activities of all evaluated compounds in the series. The compound 15 containing 5-(trifluoromethyl)uracil showed marked inhibitory activity against all human malignant cell lines (IC(50): 5.6-12.8 microM) except on human T-lymphocytes. Besides, this compound influenced the cell cycle by increasing the cell population in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in SW 620 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. The compound 18 containing 6-chloropurine ring expressed the most pronounced inhibitory activities against HeLa (IC(50): 6.8 microM) and MiaPaCa-2 cells (IC(50): 6.5 microM). The compound 20 with 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine moiety showed the best differential inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells (IC(50): 35.9 microM).

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Antiviral and cytostatic evaluation of the novel 6-acyclic chain substituted thymine derivatives.

A series of the novel 5-methyl pyrimidine derivatives with an acyclic side chain at the C-6 position were synthesized using lithiation of a 2,4-dimethoxy-5,6-dimethyl pyrimidine and subsequent nucleophilic addition or substitution reactions of the organolithium intermediate thus obtained with acetaldehyde, epichlorhydrine, fluorinated ketones and fluorinated ester. The novel compounds were evaluated for their cytostatic and antiviral activities. Among all the compounds evaluated, two fluorinated acyclic pyrimidine derivatives showed the highest cytostatic activities. The compound containing a 2-hydroxy-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl side chain exhibited a pronounced effect against breast carcinoma (MCF-7, IC50=8.38 micorg/ml), while the compound with a 2-fluoromethyl-2-acetoxypropyl chain exhibited moderate effect against cervical carcinoma (HeLa, IC50=19.73 microg/ml).

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Global approach to perinatal medicine: functional genomics and proteomics.

Functional genomics (transcriptomics and proteomics) is a global, systematic and comprehensive approach to the identification and description of the processes and pathways involved in normal and abnormal physiological states. The functional genomics methods most applied today are DNA microarrays and proteomics methods, primarily two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. To date, interesting research has been carried out, representing milestones for future implementation of functional genomics/proteomics in perinatal medicine. For instance, possible biomarkers of pre-eclampsia, preterm labor and gestational trophoblastic diseases have been discovered. Further systematic examination of differentially regulated genes and proteins in maternal and fetal tissues and fluids will be required. However, high-throughput technologies reflect biological fluctuations and methodological errors. Large amounts of such different data challenge the performance and capacity of the statistical tools and software available at present. Further major developments in this field are pending and the intellectual investment will certainly result in clinical advances.

Female↗

Infrequent alteration of the DPC4 tumor suppressor gene in renal cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in the DPC4 tumor suppressor gene in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study included 32 tumor specimens from Croatian patients with a diagnosis of RCC. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was investigated using three specific oligonucleotide primers for the three DPC4 polymorphic markers. Our investigation of mutations in the DPC4 gene was focused on exons 2, 8, 10 and 11. These exons belong to the mad homology domains 1 (exon 2) and 2 (exons 8-11). The presence of previously documented mutation in exons 2 (codon 100), 8 (codon 358), 10 (codon 412), and 11 (codon 493) was investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, as a first screening method. Finally, the study was extended to search for any other type of mutation in the four selected exons by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay. To increase heterozygosity, all 32 tumor specimens were tested with primers for three polymorphic markers. A total of 30 (94%) were heterozygous (informative). LOH at any of these markers was only revealed in four (13%) of the 30 informative samples. No tumor samples were positive for mutation in the four investigated exons analyzed by RFLP. In addition, no samples showed other types of mutation in denaturing conditions. Genetic alterations were shown only in a minority of patients, probably because mutation analysis of the DPC4 gene has only been partially covered by our work. It seems that exon 2 (belonging to the MH1 domain) and exons 8, 10, 11 (belonging to the MH2 domain) are not altered in RCC. This investigation must be extended on other exons of DPC4 for a better understanding a role of this gene in renal cell carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗